Our Hot Tap arrives, after quick stop for propane and batteries it's ready for a test!
With the possible exception of giant bloodsucking insects and poisonous reptiles nothing can spoil a woman's camping experience faster than...Dirt.
As off-roaders we revel in dirt. We roll in it. Play in it. Mix it in our food and if we could get away with it, we would bathe in it. Yup, a big tub o' mud looks just great to us. Dirt balls in our hair and bugs in our teeth suits us just fine. Much like a dog will dive head first into a pile of nature's finest to improve his appearance. We off-roaders will submerge our precious trucks to the windshields all the while spinning the tires frantically in an effort to cover every single square inch of sheet metal with sticky globs of gumbo. Then stand back and admire our creation as if it were some advanced form of artwork.
Many of us are deeply confused by women's lack of interest in embracing dirt as an art form. I for one am amongst them. Must be one of those "Men Are From Mars/Women Are From Venus things I heard about on Oprah a while back. God grant me the courage to change the things I can, the serenity to accept the things I can't, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Now being wise and serene, and in the interest of harmony, compassion and gettin' some. I've learned that bathing regularly is in my best interest. Not to mention the fact that I get to stay out in the woods or desert and play longer if my better half has an uninterrupted supply of fresh, hot water. A nice long shower also insures those cold nights in the double-wide sleeping bag aren't lonely nights as well.
Not to fear! A group of brilliant engineers from the mountains of Utah has heard our pleas for help and responded with one of the most clever outdoor products I've seen in years!
Located in Park City, Utah. Zodi Outback Gear is dedicated to producing the most innovative and unique products for the outdoor and camping industry. They have a complete line of propane hot water heaters/showers as well as a line of air heaters to heat your tent, boat, RV etc. Whether you are an occasional weekend camper or a seasoned expeditionary guide/outfitter, Zodi has the right product to fit your needs!
This month we test their newest product, the Hot Tap Traveler...
Zodi Outback Gear's Hot Tap Traveler
Is the most compact and portable of Zodi's Hot Tap Series of hot water showers, delivering an uninterrupted stream of 100 degree water allowing you to enjoy "endless" hot showers.
Clockwise from left, propane cylinder*, four "D" cell batteries*, heating unit, instruction manual, cylinder base, waterproof battery pack with on/off switch, pump/pickup unit.
*Propane and "D" Cell batteries not included.
The Traveler is easy to use. If you can handle a propane camping lantern you've got what it takes to get showered up! Just put the base on the cylinder, screw it into the heating unit, pop four "D" cells into the waterproof battery case and sink the pump/pickup unit into a water supply and voila! You're ready to light the heater and in seconds be enjoying a soothing 100 degree hot shower... Anywhere!Note: As with any propane appliance follow the manufacturers instructions carefully. Careless or improper operation can result in property damage or personal injury.
We found a bucket was the hot ticket to supply water. This five gallon pail provided water for over 15 minutes. Also the Travelers compact design requires the water supply is at or near the same level as the heating unit for peak performance. If you need to pump water a large vertical distance we would recommend either the Hot Tap EP or Hot Tap Plus. They include a 12v marine bilge pump.
If you want VERY hot water for washing dishes or maybe boiling the neighbors cat...
We found that if you allow the Hot Tap Traveler to recirculate in the bucket for a short while, you can generate some extremely high water temps.
(Handy when starting with water below 65 degrees) Be Careful!Our test pilot Kristen enjoys a toasty shower on the Colorado River near Parker AZ. About the same size as a camping lantern the hot tap is easy to take anywhere!
The only suggestion we have to make is: Since using the Hot Tap we are sure to include it in with our standard camping supplies. A nifty fitted polyethylene carry case would sure be a cool accessory! I understand they now have one available, part #6180. It's not on the website yet, so be sure to ask for one when you place your order!
Construction, materials, fit and finish are all first rate. The heating unit itself is constructed of corrosion resistant steel with a copper heating coil and should last for decades. The battery pack is "O" ring sealed and survived repeated vicious dunkings in the river without any water entering it. The only wear items would be the hoses (easily replaced at any hardware store) and the pump/pickup unit which looks and feels pretty damn tough. The Hot Tap Traveler should be able to withstand years of abuse! Zodi also has a full line of replacement parts and accessories available. We give The Hot Tap Traveler our highest rating. It performs as promised by the manufacturer, is easy to use and is built of the highest quality components.Click Here for our recent test of Zodi's "Extreme SC 8150" expedition shower!
For a local dealer or to order online...
Zodi Outback Gear
PO Box 4687
Park City, Utah 84060
(801) 255-6418
