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Will this high-tech lounge change how you wait at airports?

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Will this high-tech lounge change how you wait at airports?

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You know that feeling. You cleared security, your flight isn’t boarding yet and now you are wandering the airport terminal. You are looking for a seat, an outlet or something to eat that does not feel ridiculously overpriced.

At Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, a new lounge wants to make that dead time feel a lot less dead. Portal Lounge, a new high-tech airport lounge from the founders of Gameway, opened May 28 at MSP.

It blends gaming, dining, music, interactive design and robot-made drinks into a social space built for travelers who want a better way to spend their time before boarding.

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UNUSUAL AIRPORT AMENITY GAINS TRACTION AS PART OF HEALTHY TRAVEL PUSH: ‘MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE’

Portal Lounge’s glowing entrance gives travelers at MSP a first look at its high-tech airport lounge concept. (Portal Lounge)

Portal Lounge brings high-tech travel to MSP

Portal Lounge comes from Jordan and Emma Walbridge, the entrepreneurs behind Gameway. Their airport gaming concept already operates across nine U.S. airports, with plans to reach 11 locations by the end of the year. 

Portal Lounge takes that gaming idea and expands it into a broader hospitality experience. Instead of building another traditional lounge around silence and exclusivity, the founders designed a social space with energy, entertainment and technology at the center.

The lounge spans 3,800 square feet and can hold about 114 people. It features a portal-inspired entrance, cinematic lighting, art deco-inspired interiors, curated music, custom furnishings and social seating areas. 

Gaming stations turn airport waiting into playtime

One of the biggest tech features is the gaming setup. Portal Lounge includes 17 dedicated gaming stations with Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation and custom-built gaming PCs.

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Travelers can choose from nearly 30 titles across casual, multiplayer, streaming and competitive gameplay. Adults ages 30 to 39 now represent the largest gaming demographic in the U.S. That same group also includes many travelers willing to spend on better airport experiences.

Emma said Gameway helped show how travelers respond when airport downtime becomes more interactive.

“Gameway really showed us how much travelers respond to environments that feel interactive and intentional,” Emma told CyberGuy. “When people are traveling, especially during delays or long layovers, they’re looking for ways to decompress and reset instead of just sitting in another generic waiting area.”

That insight helped shape Portal Lounge beyond gaming alone. Emma said the team wanted the space to feel welcoming, energetic and experience-driven while still offering the comfort travelers expect from a premium lounge.

“The gaming and entertainment elements are part of that, but so is the atmosphere, the food and beverage program, the music, and the overall design of the space,” she said.

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RISKY ‘AIRPORT THEORY’ HAS TRAVELERS CUTTING ARRIVAL TIME FOR FLIGHTS ‘WAY TOO CLOSE,’ SAYS EXPERT

Gaming stations inside Portal Lounge let travelers play Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation and PC games before boarding. (Portal Lounge)

A robot bartender adds airport theater

The robotic bartender will probably get the most attention, and for good reason. Portal Lounge says it is introducing the first robotic bartender of its kind inside a U.S. airport lounge. The robot was developed in Italy and works alongside a traditional bar program. It can prepare cocktails and mocktails while giving travelers something highly visual to watch. That makes it part drink service and part entertainment.

This is where the lounge leans fully into tech-enabled hospitality. The robot does not replace the entire bar experience. Instead, it adds a memorable centerpiece that people will likely record, share and talk about before boarding. In other words, the robot bartender is the hook. The bigger story is how airports are starting to turn waiting into an interactive experience.

How Portal Lounge uses tech beyond the wow factor

“For us, the technology is there to enhance the experience, not overpower it,” Jordan told CyberGuy. “We wanted Portal Lounge to feel modern, social, and experiential in a way that traditional airport lounges really haven’t evolved into yet.”

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He said technology touches the full lounge experience, from check-in to entertainment, lighting, music and gaming. “The goal was to create something that feels seamless and immersive from the moment you walk in,” he said.

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Portal Lounge’s robotic bartender works alongside a traditional bar program to prepare cocktails and mocktails for travelers. (Portal Lounge)

Portal Lounge adds food, music and local flavor

Portal Lounge is also trying to move beyond the usual airport food experience. The menu includes chef-driven small plates, regional drinks and cocktails tied to Minnesota. One signature drink, called the “Lag Free,” is a Minnesota-inspired margarita with Honeycrisp apple, maple and citrus notes.

There is also “Prince’s Lemonade,” a zero-proof cocktail inspired by Minnesota music icon Prince. That local touch helps the lounge feel connected to Minneapolis instead of like another airport space that could be anywhere. It also speaks to a bigger travel shift. Many travelers want places that feel memorable, photo-worthy and tied to the city they are passing through.

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Why airport lounges are changing

Airport lounges used to be pretty predictable. You got a quieter seat, a snack, Wi-Fi and maybe a drink before your flight. For years, that felt like enough. Now, many travelers want more from the time they spend inside airports. Some lounges are packed. Gate areas can feel chaotic. And when you have an hour or two before boarding, sitting around and staring at a screen gets old fast.

That is where Portal Lounge is trying something different. It operates as an independent common-use lounge instead of an airline-specific club. Travelers can access it through Priority Pass and participating credit card programs, including Chase, American Express and Capital One. Walk-in access is also expected to cost about $70, depending on availability.

That price may make some people pause. For a quick stop before boarding, it may not make sense. But for a long delay, an extended layover or a family with time to burn, the math changes. Portal Lounge is betting that games, food, music and robot-made drinks can make airport waiting feel a lot less like waiting.

Inside Portal Lounge, travelers can relax in a tech-forward social space with seating, lighting, food, drinks and music. (Portal Lounge)

Why MSP makes sense for Portal Lounge

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport gives Portal Lounge a strong place to launch this concept. MSP welcomed about 36 million passengers in 2025, and many of them begin their trips there. That means plenty of travelers arrive early, clear security and still have time before boarding.

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That extra time is exactly what Portal Lounge is built around. If you are running to your gate, you are probably not stopping for a gaming session or a robot-made mocktail. But if you have 90 minutes to spare, the pitch changes fast. Suddenly, the airport wait does not have to mean sitting shoulder to shoulder at the gate, guarding your bag and watching the minutes crawl by. Portal Lounge is hoping that travelers with time to kill may want something better to do with it.

What this means for you

Portal Lounge could give airport downtime a much-needed upgrade. If you are flying through MSP, it may offer a more entertaining way to wait. You can play games, grab food, listen to curated music and check out a robotic bartender before your flight.

Emma said the goal is for travelers to feel like the lounge changes the way they experience airport time.”We hope travelers walk away feeling like their time at the airport became part of the trip itself, not just time spent waiting for a flight,” she said. “Portal Lounge was designed to create a more immersive, engaging, and entertainment-driven experience, where guests can genuinely relax, connect, and enjoy themselves in a way that feels very different from a traditional airport lounge.”

That sounds appealing, especially if you are facing a delay or traveling with people who get restless before boarding. Still, the coolest lounge in the airport does not help if you miss your flight. Set an alarm, watch the boarding time and do not let one more game turn into a sprint to the gate.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Portal Lounge feels like a sign of where airport travel is headed. Travelers no longer want to sit around and stare at a boarding screen for two hours. They want comfort, entertainment and a better use of their time. The robotic bartender will grab attention. But the bigger tech story is the full experience: gaming stations, interactive design, curated music, social seating and a lounge model built around how people actually spend downtime today. Will every traveler want this? Probably not. Some people still want a quiet corner and a strong cup of coffee. But for travelers who see airport time as dead time, Portal Lounge could make the wait feel more useful and a lot more fun.

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Would you pay for a high-tech airport lounge with gaming stations and robot-made drinks, or would you rather save the money and wait at the gate? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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After years of teasing, the viral Nopia synth is ‘basically finished’

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After years of teasing, the viral Nopia synth is ‘basically finished’

After setting the music gear corner of the internet on fire back in 2023 with the first glimpse at the Nopia, creators Martin Grieco and Rocío Gal are almost ready to bring it to market. The duo brought it to the MusicRadar offices for an in-depth first look and revealed that it will be launching in “a couple of months” for around £550.

Nopia is built around harmonic interplay in a unique way. Rather than a few knobs and a keyboard controlling a single synth patch, it blends multiple modules — keys, bass, arp, and pad — into a single performance, not unlike a drumless groovebox. There’s a one-octave keyboard called the Chord Builder, a 12-button Tonal Selector, and an Extensions Dial that dictate the key and voicing of the chords. The idea is to let you play complex harmonies with just a finger or two.

Additional performance features include a strum plate in the top-right corner for plucking specific notes from a chord and a slider for full chord pitch bends.

In addition to the virtual analog and sample-based synth engines, there are basic effects like delay, reverb, tape emulation, and beat repeat, as well as a ton of connectivity options, including per-module MIDI output for controlling other instruments with Nopia’s harmonic engine.

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Technology

Meta Verified scam threatens Facebook deletion

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Meta Verified scam threatens Facebook deletion

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A message like this can make your stomach drop. It looks like it came from Meta, uses the company logo and threatens your Facebook account. That scary mix is exactly why this scam works.

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Angela wrote to CyberGuy after receiving the warning:

“Forwarding a screenshot of a threat I got on Facebook… It looks suspicious! I tried following the prompts and think it’s a scam. Just reporting to you because you’re the cyber guy!”

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A fake Meta warning can look official at a glance, but urgent deletion threats are a major sign you should stop before clicking. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Angela was right to be suspicious. The screenshot has nearly every warning sign of a Facebook phishing scam, from a misspelled account name to a suspicious PDF attachment. Let’s break down what this message is really trying to do and how you can spot the trap before it steals your login.

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Meta Verified scam uses fear to get your attention

The message claims to be a “Meta Announcement” and says your Facebook account “will be closed in the future.” It then accuses your profile of unusual activity, including fraud and harassment.

That language is meant to scare you into acting fast. Scammers know that losing access to Facebook can feel personal, especially if you use it for family photos, business pages, groups or Marketplace. So, they lead with the biggest threat they can: Your account may disappear.

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However, the message gives no real details. It does not name a specific post. It does not show a case number. It does not explain where the alleged violation happened. Instead, it throws out vague accusations and hopes panic takes over.

Meta Verified scam red flag No. 1: The name is misspelled

Look closely at the chat name. It says “Meta Verrified” with an extra “r.”

That typo is one of the biggest red flags in the screenshot. Scammers often create fake pages with names that look close to official brands. They count on you reading quickly, especially when the message sounds urgent.

The page also uses the Meta logo, which can make the warning feel official. Still, a logo means very little. Anyone can copy a company logo and add it to a profile photo. The name, message quality and delivery method tell you much more.

Meta Verified scam red flag No. 2: It arrives in Messenger

This warning appears inside a Messenger chat. That alone should make you pause.

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If you receive a serious account warning, do not trust a random chat message or attached file. Open Facebook yourself through the app or by typing the address into your browser. Then check your account status, notifications or support inbox from inside your account.

That extra step helps you avoid fake links, fake PDFs and look-alike pages built to steal your password.

Meta Verified scam red flag No. 3: Encryption does not prove anything

The screenshot shows Messenger’s note about end-to-end encryption. Scammers may benefit from that because it can make the chat feel safer.

The encryption note only describes how the chat is protected between participants. It does not confirm that the sender works for Meta.

A scammer can still send you a phishing message inside an encrypted chat. So, do not let that security language lower your guard.

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Meta Verified scam red flag No. 4: The wording sounds off

The message says, “We regret to inform you that your Facebook account will be closed in the future.” That is strange phrasing for an official account enforcement notice.

It also says Meta suspects your account “has been hacked or that you are impersonating someone else.” Those are very different issues. A hacked account means someone may have broken into your profile. Impersonation means someone may be pretending to be another person.

The message combines both claims without evidence. That broad wording helps scammers cast a wider net. No matter what you worry about, the message has a threat that may feel possible.

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Meta Verified scam red flag No. 5: The 24-hour threat

The message says Meta will permanently delete your account “if we do not hear from you within 24 hours.”

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A fake Meta alert may look like a normal phone notification, but misspellings, urgent threats and suspicious attachments are signs to stop before tapping. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

That deadline is the hook. Scammers want you to react before you think. They want you to open the PDF, tap a link, enter your password or share a security code.

Real account problems should still be handled carefully. A legitimate warning does not require you to trust a random attachment inside Messenger.

Meta Verified scam red flag No. 6: The PDF attachment

The attachment is labeled “Facebook Account Support Center.pdf.”

That name sounds official, which is exactly the point. A PDF can contain a phishing link, a fake appeal form or instructions that push you to a scam website. In some cases, files can also lead you toward harmful downloads.

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Do not open attachments from unknown Messenger accounts, even if the file name sounds like customer support. If you already opened it, do not enter any passwords, codes or payment information from anything inside that file.

Why scammers impersonate Meta and Facebook support

A fake Meta warning works because it targets something you may use every day. Your Facebook account can include years of photos, contacts, memories and private messages. If you manage a business page, the stakes feel even higher.

Scammers may be after your Facebook password. They may also want your two-factor authentication code, your page admin access or payment details tied to ads. Once they get in, they can lock you out, message your friends or run scams from your account. That is why one fake warning can create a lot of damage.

What to do if you clicked the Meta Verified scam

If you tapped the attachment, followed the prompts or entered any information, treat it as urgent and secure your account from inside Facebook directly.

1) Change your Facebook password

Open the Facebook app > tap Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Password and security > Change password > choose your Facebook account > enter your current password and create a new one. Use a password manager to create and save a strong, unique password you have not used anywhere else.

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2) Turn on two-factor authentication

In the Facebook app, tap Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Password and security > Two-factor authentication > choose your Facebook account > select an authentication app or security key and follow the prompts. An authenticator app or security key gives you stronger protection than a text message code.

3) Review where your account is logged in

In the Facebook app, tap Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Password and security > Where you’re logged in > choose your Facebook account. Review the devices, browsers and locations listed. Tap any session you do not recognize, then choose Log out. You can also select multiple sessions and log them out at once.

4) Check your Facebook contact details

In the Facebook app, tap Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Personal details > Contact info. Review every email address and phone number listed. Remove anything you do not recognize, then make sure your own email address and phone number are current.

5) Secure the email tied to Facebook

Open the email account connected to Facebook and change that password, too. Then turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for that email account. If a scammer controls your email, they may be able to reset your Facebook password.

6) Protect your bank or card

If you entered payment information, contact your bank or card company right away. Ask them to watch for suspicious charges and replace the card if needed.

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7) Run strong antivirus software

If you downloaded anything, run strong antivirus software on your device. This can help catch malicious files, unsafe downloads and hidden threats that may have come from the PDF. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

8) Report and block the fake Messenger account

Open the Messenger app > open the scam conversation > tap the sender’s name at the top > scroll down > tap Report or Something’s wrong if shown > choose the closest reason, such as scam or impersonation > submit the report. Then go back to the same profile screen > tap Block > choose Block messages and calls or Block on Facebook.

9) Delete the scam chat

In Messenger, go to Chats > press and hold the scam conversation > tap Delete > tap Delete again to confirm. Note: Meta’s Messenger Help Center says deleting a chat removes it from your chats, but it does not remove it from the other person’s inbox.

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Ways to stay safe from a Meta Verified scam

A message like this is meant to rush you, so the safest move is to slow down, verify the warning inside Facebook and protect your account before clicking anything.

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1) Check Facebook directly

Never trust a Facebook account warning that arrives through a random Messenger chat. Open Facebook yourself and check your account from there.

2) Look closely at the sender name

Spelling errors are a major warning sign. In Angela’s screenshot, “Meta Verrified” has two r’s, which immediately makes the message suspicious.

3) Do not trust a logo by itself

A Meta logo can make a fake account look official, but scammers can copy logos easily. Always judge the message by the sender name, wording, attachment and where it asks you to go.

4) Avoid suspicious PDF attachments

A file name can look official while still leading you into a scam. Avoid opening PDF attachments from unknown support accounts, especially when they claim your account will be deleted.

5) Never share login codes

Meta will not need your password or two-factor authentication code through a Messenger chat. If someone asks for a code, treat it as a scam.

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6) Be suspicious of urgent deadlines

A 24-hour deletion threat is designed to make you panic. Scammers use deadlines because they want you to act before you verify the message.

7) Use a password manager

A password manager can help you avoid typing your Facebook password into a fake website. It also makes it easier to use a strong, unique password for every account.

8) Use strong antivirus software

Strong antivirus software can help protect your device from malicious links, unsafe downloads and hidden threats inside suspicious files. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

Scammers count on you checking alerts on your phone and computer, so verify any Facebook warning by opening the app or website yourself. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

9) Use a data removal service

A data removal service can help reduce how much of your personal information is available online. Scammers often use exposed details to make phishing messages feel more believable. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Angela did the right thing by trusting her gut. This message looks official enough to scare someone, but the details fall apart quickly. The misspelled name, vague accusations, 24-hour threat and PDF attachment all point toward a phishing attempt. The goal is to make you panic long enough to hand over access. If a warning ever claims your Facebook account is about to be deleted, do not click on the message. Go straight to Facebook, check your account there and lock things down before a scammer gets a second chance.

Have you ever received a fake Meta, Facebook or Instagram warning that looked official enough to make you click? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Are you filthy enough for a $700 portable shower? 

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Are you filthy enough for a 0 portable shower? 

Hot showers, like electricity, are a luxury that’s easy to take for granted. That all changes after a few nights camping at a music festival, a week toiling at a backcountry job site, or overlanding all summer in the great unknown. An itchy scalp and the vague smell of warm clams suddenly make the idea of spending hundreds on a portable shower seem less absurd.

I’ve been testing the Hottap Go from Australia-based Joolca while vanlifing to shower after surfing and to wash up after cooking. It features a 12L integrated water tank which is an improvement on other portable showers that require an external container and long, cumbersome hose that’s easy to trip over. The Hottap Go also recirculates the water until it reaches your chosen temperature. This slows things down a bit, compared to “instant” portable showers, but it doesn’t waste water since it won’t produce an initial shock of cold water that’s usually sprayed into the ground.

The $554 Hottap Go requires an external 12V power source, but in the US Joolca sells a 12V / 5A $165 power bank that attaches magnetically to the case. In Europe I had to roll my own with an €85 (about $100) power bank found on Amazon. The result is a true, fully self-contained hot water system that can be taken anywhere.

$554

The Good

  • All-in-one solution for hot showers anywhere
  • Water tank large enough for two showers
  • All accessories and attachments store inside the unit
  • No water wasted unlike competitors
  • Temperature remains steady

The Bad

  • Very expensive
  • Battery is optional and attaches to the outside of the case
  • Have to wait a few minutes to heat up
  • Water pressure is just okay

To clear up any confusion right away: the Hottap Go requires electricity to power the integrated water pump and display but it heats the water with propane gas. It works with standard 1lb propane canisters out of the box, and larger tanks with a hose and regulator you must provide.

One thing I love about the Hottap Go is that the hoses, battery, showerhead, and gas canister can all be stored inside the water tank when not in use for easy portability and storage. I also like that the flow-adjustable showerhead comes with a magnetic holder. Taken together with its approach to preheating the water through recirculation, it’s clear that Joolca’s product designers have learned from the shortcomings of the current crop of portable propane showers.

To shower, you first attach the quick-release hoses for the gas and showerhead, plug the shower into a 12V power source (power bank, power station, or the cigarette plug inside your car), set your desired temperature and wait. The unit will begin heating and recirculating the water until a series of beeps indicates that the target temperature is reached. I brought tap water up to a hot 47C / 117F (per the display) in exactly four minutes, which was just enough time to gather everything I needed to shower outside my van with my modesty preserved.

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My makeshift shower stall between the rear doors of my van. The Hottap Go is hot and ready to go by the time I hang the towel.

It also serves as an outdoor cleaning station to keep the messy dishes outside my living space.

The magnetic showerhead holder is super convenient. It attaches to the body of the Hottap Go or pretty much anywhere and any angle on my van.

The on/off button on the showerhead lets you conserve water as you lather. The grey dial adjusts the flow rate.

On one windy day at the beach, I noticed the Hottap Go had to keep reigniting, despite its leeward venting. It failed so often that I saw an E3 error message on the display. Repositioning the shower out of the wind kept the flame lit. The handle on top makes it easy to move, and the seal around the lid ensures that water won’t slosh onto the ground or your power bank. Otherwise, the Hottap Go always lit and stayed lit without issue during my testing.

Joolca says the Hottap Go is good for two “great showers” or a single “long, luxurious one.” I was able to take two functional yet satisfying showers from its full 12L (3.2 gal) water tank, making liberal use of the on/off switch on the showerhead to conserve water while lathering.

1/11

The hoses, gas canister, showerhead, and battery all fit inside for convenient transport and storage.

Water flow is just okay, even at maximum setting. It’s strong enough to penetrate long, thick hair when shampooing but it’s not going to jettison grime from my mountain bike, for example. The magnetic holder is strong and the showerhead feels good in the hand with a nicely positioned on/off switch. Adjusting the flow rate dial is a two-handed operation, but mostly I just left it on max.

If you’ll only use it once or twice a year, then spending over $554 for the Hottap Go portable shower doesn’t make much sense, especially when tankless portable showers like BougeRV’s cost half that. I much prefer the Hottap Go’s recirculating water tank, performance, and overall convenience, though I do wish the optional $165 magnetic power bank was included in that price. Still, for vanlifers like me or anyone who regularly spends days away from plumbing, $719 can be easily justified for what could be the best portable hot water shower available.

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  • Tank: 12L (3.2 gal), ~2 showers
  • Water flow rate: 1.5 – 3.5 L/min (0.4 – 0.9 gal/min)
  • Shower hose: 3m (9.8 ft)
  • Showerhead has an integrated magnetic mount and controls to turn off the water and adjust its flow
  • Two-stage filter lets you use creek water
  • Cigarette socket power cable: 5m (16.4 ft), 12V DC
  • Power draw: 45W
  • Max temp: 60°C (140°F), pre-heats in ~5 min
  • Gas: 0.45 kg (1 lb) canister, ~15 showers
  • Gas flow rate: 20MJ/hr (18,956 BTU/hr)
  • Weight: 9.5 kg (20.9 lb) without water
  • Size: 495 x 359 x 180 mm (19.5 x 14.1 x 7.1 in), designed to fit most jerry can holders

Photos by Thomas Ricker / The Verge

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