One of the biggest tradeoffs with van life, or simply camping in a van or rv is simple: showers. Historically, campers will either; go without, deal with cold water, or build a complex (and expensive) system into their setup.
After testing the Fogatti InstaShower Go Portable Water Heater, I can confidently say, this is one of the simplest and most effective upgrades you can make to your setup.
We recently pulled up next to a lake, set the system up in about 2 minutes, and took a warm shower before hopping back into the van to cook dinner. No stress, no complicated setup — just a clean, comfortable experience.
Where To Buy
Quick Pros & Cons
✔ Pros
- Super fast setup (~2 minutes)
- Comfortable warm water anywhere
- Compact and easy to store
- Great for van life and overlanding
- Efficient propane usage
- Long battery life (~80 minutes)
- No issues with air temperature, wind, or flame exposure
✖ Cons
- Not extremely hot (but comfortably warm to hot)
- Water pressure is moderate, not like home
- Must drain system before storing
- Requires external water source
Setup & Ease of Use
As a portable hot water heater for camping, this is where the InstaShower Go really shines.
Setup takes just a couple of minutes:
- Connect your propane tank
- Drop the pump into your water source
- Connect the hose and shower head
- Turn the system on
That’s it. No complicated install, no permanent setup required.
The first time I used it, I didn’t even read the instructions, I had it up and running in about 10 minutes. After that, it becomes second nature.
Shower Performance
Let’s set expectations properly: this isn’t a high-pressure home shower.
But for a portable system? It’s excellent.
Water Temperature
The water doesn’t get extremely hot, but it gets to a comfortable warm-to-hot level that makes showering enjoyable, especially compared to cold alternatives.
When you first turn it on, the water starts cold. After a few seconds of continuous flow, it heats up quickly and stabilizes.
One important tip: if you stop the water flow, the heating stops too. When you turn it back on, it takes about a second to heat back up.
Water Pressure
The pressure is moderate, not powerful, but more than enough to clean yourself effectively.
This system isn’t about luxury — it’s about comfort and practicality. And it absolutely delivers on that.
Battery Life & Runtime
The built-in battery provides around 80 minutes of total runtime, which translates to roughly:
- 10–15 showers per charge (short showers with battery drainage in between)
Charging is simple with both wall and car charging options included. I haven’t run out of battery during normal use.
Propane Usage
I’ve been using a standard 16 oz Coleman propane tank, and it lasts for at least 15+ showers.
You can also connect a larger propane tank if you have a larger tank. I simply take 2 16 oz Coleman tanks with me if I am running low.
In most cases, your limiting factor is water, not propane or battery.
Real-World Use in Van Life
This is where the InstaShower Go really proves its value.
It’s compact, easy to store, and doesn’t require a permanent install. For van lifers, this is a huge advantage compared to building out a full shower system.
It’s perfect for:
- Quick rinse-offs after hikes
- Cleaning up before getting back in the van
- Staying comfortable on multi-day trips
Compared to alternatives like solar showers or rooftop systems, this is simply faster, more reliable, and works in all seasons.
Downsides & Considerations
There are a few things to keep in mind:
- You need to drain the system before storing to avoid water spilling everywhere
- You’ll want a bag or storage solution for wet components
- You need access to a water source (lake, container, etc.)
None of these are dealbreakers, but they’re part of using a portable system like this, easy to solve, and completely worth it.
Who This Is For
- Van lifers who want a simple shower solution
- Overlanders and campers
- Anyone who wants hot water without a full buildout
This is not ideal for someone looking for a permanent indoor shower system, but that’s not what it’s designed for.
Value & Alternatives
At first glance, this system may seem expensive.
But when you compare it to:
- Building a full van shower
- Using inconsistent solar showers
- Cold water setups
It becomes clear that this is actually a high-value solution.
It’s easier, faster, more reliable, and far more comfortable.
Specifications
| Heating Power | 19,000 BTU |
| Flow Rate | 0.5 – 0.8 gallons per minute |
| Battery Life | Up to ~80 minutes |
| Fuel Type | Propane (16 oz or larger tanks) |
| Ignition | Automatic ignition |
| Portability | Compact, all-in-one portable system |
| Charging | Wall outlet and car charging included |
| Use Case | Camping, van life, overlanding, outdoor showers |
Final Thoughts
The Fogatti InstaShower Go takes one of the most inconvenient parts of van life, showering, and makes it simple, fast, and comfortable.
It’s not a luxury shower. It’s something better: a reliable, easy-to-use solution that actually works wherever you are.
If you want to stay clean on the road without building out a full shower system, this is one of the best upgrades you can make.
Max DesMarais is the founder of myoutdoorbasecamp.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, completed multiple ultra marathons, including the 100 mile Run Rabbit Run, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about
