It’s important to think about which electronic devices you’ll need when planning a camping trip. For those who love the great outdoors, a portable power station is a must-have item. With a portable power station, you can easily bring a lightweight power source with you to your campsite. But with so many options available, which power stations are the best for camping and other outdoor activities?
Which devices are important for camping trips?
When preparing for a camping adventure, it’s important to think about the electronic gadgets that can make your experience even better.
A portable weather radio is a great tool to have, as it can keep you informed about the weather and any emergency alerts. A waterproof Bluetooth speaker is also a must-have, as it can provide entertainment and set the mood for your trip. Don’t forget to bring a charger for your camera and some string lights to create a magical atmosphere at night.
And last but not least, a portable power station is essential for keeping your electronic devices charged throughout your trip. If you can recharge it with solar panels during the day, you’ll have power for your entire adventure.
Which portable power stations are the best for camping trips?
When searching for the ideal portable power station for your camping trips, it’s crucial to take into account various factors that can influence your decision. These factors encompass the capacity, weight, durability, and compatibility of the power station with different devices.
It’s also important to consider the available charging options, such as solar panels or car chargers. Moreover, having multiple outlets, USB ports, and DC ports can significantly enhance the convenience and versatility of the power station.
By considering these aspects, you’ll be able to make an informed choice and select the finest portable power station for your camping adventures.
Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station
At present, my top pick for the best portable power station for camping is the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus. It can be seen as the upgraded version of the previous, highly popular Jackery Explorer 300. Unlike the lithium-ion battery found in the older Explorer models, the newer Jackery Explorer 300 Plus is equipped with a long-lasting LiFePO4 battery. The durable LiFePO4 (LFP) batteries ensure up to a decade of regular usage and recharging.
I have chosen the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus over the other Explorer models due to its inclusion of USB-C ports: one 15W output port and one 100W input and output port. In today’s world, having USB-C ports is essential for both powering and charging newer devices.
Therefore, the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus portable power station is my preferred choice for camping, thanks to its LFP battery, USB-C ports, lightweight design, and compact size. You may check the current pricing for the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus on Amazon (paid link).
However, there are other alternatives that are nearly as impressive as the Explorer 300 Plus. Hence, in the remainder of this buying guide, I will explore some of the other popular portable power stations that are among the best for camping.
MARBERO M82 Portable Power Station
The MARBERO M82 88Wh portable power station is a versatile device that offers multiple output ports and fast charging options. It is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops with power consumption below 80 watts.
With its battery capacity of 88.8Wh, it is perfect for outdoor use, especially for short camping trips. Weighing only 2.3 lbs, it is incredibly lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry wherever you go.
One of the standout features of the MARBERO M82 power station is its safety system, which protects against voltage issues, short circuits, and overheating. This makes it a reliable backup power supply during emergencies or camping trips.
The power station offers various output options, including USB, USB QC3.0, USB-C, DC, and AC ports. Additionally, it comes with a built-in bright LED light that offers different lighting modes and brightness levels.
Monitoring the battery level is a breeze with the battery level indicator LED. You can easily keep track of how much power is left.
Recharging the MARBERO M82 is simple and convenient. You can use an AC wall outlet adapter or even a solar panel. This makes it an essential tool for night lighting and emergency situations, providing hours of light on a full charge.
Not only that, but it can also be used to charge smartphones and other devices multiple times. It truly is a versatile and reliable power station.
If you want to learn more about the MARBERO M82, feel free to check out my review. It’s a great resource to get more in-depth information about this 88Wh portable power station.
Westinghouse iGen200s Portable Power Station
The Westinghouse iGen200s is a portable power station that’s perfect for camping and outdoor activities. It’s compact and lightweight, weighing only 4 pounds. With a battery capacity of 194Wh, it’s great for charging smartphones and other small devices. However, it’s not suitable for powering CPAP machines or appliances due to its small battery size.
The iGen200s has a USB-C outlet for charging cameras, lights, and speakers. It even has a flashlight with three modes for navigating in the darkness around a campsite. This power station is basically maintenance-free, except for keeping the battery pack charged and ready to use. It emits no noise or fumes, and is safe for both indoor and outdoor use. It’s also solar panel capable, allowing you to charge it with light from the sun.
The control panel includes three USB ports, two household outlets, a 12V DC outlet, and an LED display that shows some useful information. Overall, the Westinghouse iGen200s is a must-have for camping trips and power emergencies.
Jackery Explorer 240 Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 240 is a highly recommended portable power station for camping and other outdoor activities. It is even suitable for powering your astronomy equipment during stargazing trips. This device is perfect for charging or running all your small devices, such as cameras, smartphones, and inflatable mattress pumps, while you are out in the wilderness.
Weighing only 6.6 pounds and featuring a big handle, the Explorer 240 is easy to carry around when camping outside. It has a 240Wh lithium-ion battery pack and can provide a 110V AC Output of 200 running watts, with a peak of up to 400 watts. The Explorer 240 has one 12V DC car port, one 110V AC outlet, and two 5V USB-A ports, making it an ideal choice for constant campers or outdoor enthusiasts.
Although the Explorer 240 is an older model, it is still a reliable choice for camping trips. It can be recharged using Jackery SolarSaga solar panels, a car outlet, or a wall outlet at home. An AC adapter and a car charger cable are included with the portable power station.
Overall, the Jackery Explorer 240 is a great option for those looking for a reliable, compact, and lightweight portable power station for their camping trips.
Anker PowerHouse 521 Portable Power Station
The Anker PowerHouse 521 is a reliable and efficient portable power station that can charge multiple devices simultaneously. It has a 256Wh capacity and can be recharged to 80% in under 2.5 hours via the in-box adapter and a USB-C port. The AC output port can only charge or power devices that operate at less than 200W.
It is built to last over a decade, even with everyday use, and can be fully recharged with solar panels in just 4.1 hours under direct sunlight. The LFP batteries enable hassle-free camping and other adventures. It has six ports for charging devices while camping outdoors over the weekend: 2 AC ports, 2 USB-A ports, a USB-C port, and a car outlet.
In brief, the Anker 521 Portable Power Station with its LiFePO4 battery is a standout product that offers excellent value for money.
BLUETTI EB3A Portable Power Station
The BLUETTI EB3A is a portable power station that comes with a LiFePO4 battery pack, providing a capacity of 268Wh. This power station is highly versatile, offering a total of nine outlets for various charging needs. These outlets include one 100-watt USB-C outlet, one car port, one wireless charging pad, two AC outlets, two DC outlets, and two USB-A outlets.
One of the notable features of the BLUETTI EB3A is its ability to be recharged using solar power. With the built-in MPPT controller, it can support up to 200 watts of solar input. Alternatively, you can also recharge it using an AC wall outlet or a car socket. The package of the BLUETTI EB3A portable power station includes a car charging cable, AC charging cable, and solar charging cable.
Considering its 268Wh LiFePO4 battery pack and the availability of nine power outlets, including a USB-C port, the BLUETTI EB3A appears to be an excellent choice for camping trips.
Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 300 is a perfect companion for camping trips and all of your outdoor adventures. With its lightweight design of just around 7 pounds, it won’t weigh you down. Take it with you on your next camping trip and keep all of your electronic devices charged, including tablets, smartphones, and cameras. It’s not just for camping though – you can also rely on it at home during bad weather when there’s a chance of a power outage.
Equipped with a powerful 293Wh lithium-ion battery pack, the Jackery Explorer 300 offers two AC outlets that deliver 300 watts of pure sine wave power. It also features a USB-A port, USB 3.0 quick charge port, and a convenient USB-C PD port with 60 watts of power. Don’t forget about the DC car port as well!
Recharging the Explorer 300 is easy: use an AC adapter at home, connect it to your car outlet while on the road, or harness the power of the sun with the Jackery SolarSaga 100 solar panel. You can even charge it from a wall outlet and the PD USB-C port simultaneously.
Keep in mind that the Explorer 300 can only charge or power devices that operate at less than 300 watts. Just remember that the total wattage of all connected devices should not exceed 300 watts. If it does, no worries – the Explorer 300 will automatically shut off to protect itself.
Whether you’re camping or facing a temporary power outage, the Jackery Explorer 300 is a reliable portable power station that you can count on. With its versatility and dependability, it’s the perfect companion for all of your outdoor pursuits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I still think that the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus is the best portable power station for camping trips.
Although, you might also get the Jackery Explorer 300, seeing as it has a USB-C port. In that case, you might save a few dollars by buying the older model. You can check today’s price for the Jackery Explorer 300 on Amazon (paid link).
Photo by Dex Ezekiel on Unsplash.