Last Updated on July 13, 2022 by Ecorf
When you are camping in different places, you need a constant supply of power so that you can enjoy using your devices like smartphones and laptops and others. During these days, this can be possible due to the availability of different portable power sources for camping, thanks to the latest technological developments.
There are various portable power sources available on the market. However, many people might struggle to choose the ideal one. As such, here are some of the factors that you should consider to be able to get the best portable power source that you can use for different camping adventures.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Portable Power Supplies for Camping
Portable power supplies are advantageous in that you can enjoy using your electronic devices anywhere without any worry of power outages. The major benefits of these portable gadgets include the following:
Living Off the Grid
A portable power supply device comes in handy in that it enables you to live comfortably off-grid while you can still enjoy power for your devices. During your camping trips, you need power for your devices like smartphones, laptops as well as tablets among others and you can use these in remote places. The other thing is that with this kind of technology, you can work remotely.
Convenience
A portable power supply is convenient and you can use it anywhere, anytime to charge devices like laptops, tablets as well as smartphones. You can also use the power supply for lighting as well as during emergencies. The other thing is that portable power supply gadgets are portable and they are easy to carry to any place.
How to Choose the Best Portable Power Supply?
The following factors can help you to make an informed decision if you want to buy a portable power source for your camping trip.
Type of Power
First and foremost, you need to consider the source of power that can be generated into electric energy that can be used to power various devices. There are different sources of energy that include solar, gasoline, electric as well as propane that you can consider for your portable power supply. Each source has its pros and cons so you must carefully consider these before making a final decision to buy the product.
Portability and Durability
There are important factors that you need to consider when you choose your power supply for camping. If you think that you will be mobile during your camping expedition, then you should choose a portable device that is easy to carry from one place to the other. This also goes along with other elements such as the weight and size of the device that you choose.
The other important thing that you ought to take into consideration is the durability of the device that you choose. You are bound to camp in different types of environments hence it is crucial to make sure that you get a gadget that is made of high quality and durable material.
Features
It is crucial to consider the features of the portable power source for camping such as the number of USB ports, charging time, battery storage and capacity. If you are camping as a family or group, then you should consider a device with many charging ports.
You also need to consider if the device has a battery storage option. There are some gadgets that are designed to charge your device directly and they do not have batteries. You must also consider the power storage capacity of the device so that you know the duration that you can use it without recharging. Other devices have an automatic shutoff feature so you must use devices with appropriate wattage.
Safety of the Device
Is the device safe for the users? This is the other important question that you should ask yourself when you intent to buy a portable power supply. For instance, gadgets that use gasoline require you to take safety precautions when using them to prevent unprecedented outbreaks of fire.
On top of that, you should also consider if the device that you want to buy is eco-friendly.for example, solar devices produce smart power and they do not cause any impact on the environment. You would rather think twice before buying a gadget that emits fumes.
Price of the Power Source
Portable power sources have different designs, features and other specifications which determine their performance. Therefore, the prices of these devices significantly vary since they differ in many ways. When comparing prices, you must also check the features of the gadget to see if it is compatible with your devices.
Review of Best Portable Power Sources for Camping
There are different types of portable power sources for camping that you can consider. The following are some of the gadgets that are viewed as the best but your ultimate choice is a matter of personal preference.
Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Station
Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Station is a reliable energy source that you can use to charge small devices such as tablets, MacBooks, iPhones, Laptops among others. With this battery-powered generator, you will also never run out of light while camping. It can store energy in a rechargeable 12V lead-acid battery.
You can also easily recharge the battery in the car or at home and the charging time depends on the type of power you are using.
Pros
- Eco-friendly (no fumes)
- Silent
- No maintenance
- Can power up to 7 devices
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Gadget is expensive
CHAFON Portable 80W Solar Panel Charger
CHAFON Solarbook H80 solar panel is foldable and it is portable such that you can easily take it to various camping trips including flying overseas. It is perfectly designed for outdoor life and comes handy during periods of unexpected power outages. The device is also easy to use and it can significantly make your life easy.
The solar panel is also compatible with a variety of solar batteries that you can use as storage for power. The solar panel has high efficiency and it consists of chips that can adjust the power according to the size of your gadget.
Pros
- No assembly required
- Made from durable water-resistant PVC and cloth material
- Lightweight
- Convenient
Cons
- Only works during the day if you have no power backup storage
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 160
Jackery portable power station Explorer 160 is your perfect companion when performing off-grid activities such as hunting, camping, fishing or music festivals. The power station provides emergency power backup source and it is convenient since you can use it in different places. It has a solid handle which makes it easy to carry to different places.
The generator is quiet and it is also environmental friendly since it does not produce any fumes and it is also silent. It is lightweight and it comes with a lithium-ion battery pack. The battery can easily recharge using a solar panel. The gadget can also charge many small electronic devices that include tablets, phones, laptops.
Pros
- Eco-friendly clean power
- Silent
- Portable
- Can charge a variety of devices
Cons
- It does not come with a solar panel
- Only powers devices that can operate at less than 100 watt
Goal Zero 11803 Nomad 7 Plus Solar Panel
The Goal Zero solar panel has been re-engineered to be smarter and lighter at the same time. It uses innovative technology and it can charge USB devices directly from the sun. It has a power-flow indicator that helps to provide the best solar charging experience. It also has a detachable kickstand that is used for the right angulation to the sun.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight and portable
- Weatherproof layering to shed snow and rain
- Power-flow indicator to enhance maximum solar efficiency
- Easy to read LED
Cons
- No Internal Battery
- Only one USB Charging Outlet
Aeiusny 400W Solar Generator Portable Power Station
This portable power station is handy and it is ideal for various outdoor activities like fishing, camping, hunting and it can also help you during short blackouts at home. It has larger capacity and you can use it to power many devices at the same time. For instance, you can charge 30W laptops, iPhones, other small home appliances as well as connect a mini-refrigerator. The gadget is easy to carry and it is also convenient.
Pros
- Easy to carry
- Can be used as a backup battery
- Many built-in ports to connect your devices
- Can also be charged using cigarette port or AC wall outlet
Cons
- Long solar charging period (10-15 hours)
Conclusion
From the reviewed portable power sources for camping above, Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Station is the best. It consists of features that include the following: Eco-friendly (no fumes), lightweight and portable, silent can power up many devices and it does not require any maintenance. However, there are various types of gadgets that you can consider and your choice depends on the nature of your trip.
