Going camping is important for overall health and improves social connection. The feeling of being out in the open is not only exhilarating but brings us closer to nature. But does it ever happen to you that you went on a long camping trip and lost the power of your electronics? If that's the case, then, like hundreds of people, you are also wondering about the best portable power supply for camping.
Next time you plan a camping trip with your friends or family, get yourself a Jackery Portable Power Station. Its compact design and high-capacity battery will ensure you have fun and that all your electronic devices are powered up in case of an emergency. Unlike other heavy power stations, which emit gas, these portable power supplies for camping are eco-friendly and 100% safe for your sensitive electronics.
What is Portable Power Supply For Camping?
As the name suggests, a portable power supply for camping is a portable device with a rechargeable battery, pure sine wave inverter, charging ports, various output options for different devices, and sometimes also wireless charging capabilities. Such portable battery-powered devices are convenient for outdoor activities, camping, emergency preparedness, or any other situation where access to an on-grid power supply is unavailable.
The primary power options available in portable power stations for camping include:
AC Outlets
Most portable power stations for camping are equipped with standard AC outlets, which allow you to charge or power devices like laptops, portable fans, CPAP machines, mini refrigerators, and more. The voltage output typically ranges from 110V to 240V, depending on the region.
DC Ports
These ports provide direct current output to devices and are most commonly used to power camping accessories, like air compressors, portable refrigerators, LED lights, etc. The output range varies from 12V to 24V DC. At the same time, the wattage capacity of such portable power stations for camping varies depending on the specific port. For instance, in a Jackery Portable Power Station, you will find output ranging from 5V to 120V, good enough to power 99% of your household or camping appliances.
USB Ports
Modern portable power stations, like the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station, also feature USB ports for quick charging of smartphones, tablets, cameras, GPS devices, and other gadgets. On an advanced portable power station, the USB port provides 5V DC output with varying amperage ratings to accommodate different charging needs.
Benefits of a Portable Power Supply For Camping
When you go on extended camping or even visit some outskirts during the weekend, you always want to have a power source that will easily charge your electronics, like your smartphone, lights, or two-way radio communication devices. Finding an on-grid power outlet would be a hassle, so you always go ahead with a portable power supply for camping.
Here are a few benefits of choosing a portable power supply for camping:
Convenience
A portable power station or supply eliminates the need to rely on an on-grid power supply while camping. If the portable power station is compact, then campers can set it up at remote locations without sacrificing access to essential electrical power for charging devices.
Versatility
A good portable power supply has multiple output options, including DC ports, AC outlets, USB ports, and sometimes even wireless charging capabilities. With such versatility, campers can easily power or charge a range of compatible devices without any hassle.
Comfort
Finding a comfortable spot is necessary when camping in remote locations. At the same time, finding a good power source becomes highly important. Portable power stations provide access to electrical power, enhancing overall comfort during camping trips.
A portable power supply during camping offers freedom, convenience, and peace of mind. Moreover, there are several other reasons to choose a portable unit during your outdoor adventures, like:
Flexibility & Mobility
With a portable power supply in place, you are not dependent on staying at one single place while camping. You can take them to different outskirts as per your luggage space and requirements. There are several small portable power stations in the market that can easily be added to your shoulder backpack. This lets you explore and enjoy outdoor adventures without being tethered to fixed power sources.
Convenience
As mentioned, portable power supplies provide convenient access to electrical power for a wide range of camping needs. You will find different output options that allow you to power various devices concurrently. Such versatility ensures that campers have all the power they require without compromising their comfort level.
Environmental Friendliness
Unlike gas generators, which emit harmful gas and are too heavy to carry around, portable power stations, like Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station, emit no fumes, emissions, or noise. This reduces the environmental impact and creates a more pleasant camping experience for both the campers and nearby wildlife.
How Does a Camping Portable Power Supply Work?
The working principle of a portable power supply for camping involves several key components. In order to understand how a camping portable power supply works, let us take the example of a Jackery Portable Power Station.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how a portable power supply works:
Step 1: Rechargeable Battery
A portable power supply comes with a rechargeable battery. In the case of a Jackery Portable Power Station, you will find it comes with an NMC battery, which serves as the energy storage reservoir. It stores electrical energy obtained from external sources during charging and releases it when needed to power devices.
Step 2: Charging
Portable power supplies can be recharged from various sources, like car sockets, wall outlets, or generators. If carrying a Jackery Portable Power Station, you can charge it with Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels, which comes with a monocrystalline solar cell and has a honeycomb light trapping design. While camping, you can put the Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels under the sun and connect it with a Jackery Portable Power Station to get it charged.
Step 3: Power Output
Once the portable power supply is fully charged, it can provide electrical power to devices through its output ports. These ports include AC outlets, DC ports, and USB ports. Jackery Portable Power Station built-in pure sine wave inverter and voltage regulation circuitry convert the battery's DC voltage to AC voltage to match the requirements of connected devices.
Step 4: Voltage Regulation
Portable power supplies often feature voltage regulation circuitry to ensure stable and consistent power output to connected devices. The built-in circuitry allows one to monitor the battery's voltage level and even adjust it as necessary to maintain a steady output voltage within the required range.
How Big of a Portable Power Supply Do I Need for Camping?
In order to determine the size of a portable power supply needed for camping, you will need to consider various factors, like the type of devices you plan to power and the duration of your camping.
For instance, if you only plan to charge a smartphone and a laptop on a two-day camping trip, you might require a portable power supply. However, if you have several appliances and are looking to camp longer, you would require a portable power supply with a higher battery capacity.
Here's a breakdown of how to estimate your power requirements:
Step 1: Calculate Device Power Consumption
Always start by identifying the devices that you will be using during your camping trip or during extended power cuts at home. The device's power consumption is in watts, and this information can be found in its user manual.
Step 2: Estimate Daily Power Usage
Once you have calculated the power consumption for each device, you should also consider how many hours you will be using them each day. For instance, you will be using LED lights mostly at night for 5-8 hrs. Whereas, you will charge a laptop for 2-3 hours for a day of normal use.
Multiply the power consumption by the number of hours to get the daily energy consumption for each device. The daily consumption is measured in watt-hours or Wh.
Step 3: Total Daily Power Consumption
Add up the daily energy consumption for all devices to get the total daily power requirement for your extended camping trips or household usage.
Step 4: Compatible Portable Power
Once you have estimated your total energy requirement for camping, look for a portable power supply with a capacity that exceeds the calculated watt-hours. For instance, a Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station has a battery capacity of 2160Wh if your daily requirement is 1836Wh or less.
Note: The capacity of the portable power supply should also consider its own efficiency; the total battery capacity is multiplied by 0.85 to account for the initial power loss.
|
Appliances |
Watts |
Hours of Use (per day) |
Watt-Hours (per day) |
|
LED Lantern |
5 |
6 |
30 |
|
Phone Charging |
10 |
2 |
80 |
|
Laptop |
45 |
3 |
135 |
|
Tablet |
10 |
1 |
20 |
|
Bluetooth Speaker |
20 |
3 |
60 |
|
Digital Camera |
50 |
6 |
50 |
Jackery Portable Power Stations for Camping
Jackery is a pioneer in the solar generator industry and a global manufacturer of solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations. Since its inception in 2016, Jackery has sold more than 4 million units globally and has become a top-selling solar generator brand.
A Jackery Portable Power Station is a portable battery-powered unit ideal for extended home emergencies or outdoor adventures. These portable power stations have an ergonomic design that helps campers carry them around while camping. Additionally, with the built-in advanced circuitry system, one can easily charge and power sensitive electronics without worrying about voltage fluctuations.
The working hours of a portable power station can be calculated by the following formula:
Working Hours = Battery Capacity in Wh * 0.85 / Wattage Consumption of the Appliances
Since there will be some power loss while charging the appliances, the total battery capacity of the portable power supply is multiplied by 0.85.
Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station
If you plan to spend considerable time outdoors, where finding a power outlet is very difficult, you can check out the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station. The compact and lightweight portable power station can power up to 8 devices at the same time. If you are camping in the wilderness, you can easily charge your refrigerator, electric drill, coffee maker, and other important appliances with this portable unit.
Appliances Working Hours
- Portable Air Conditioner (1150W): 1.5H
- Coffee Maker (1120W): 1.6H
- Electric Pressure Cooker (1080W): 1.7H
- Electric Kettle (850W): 2.1H
- Microwave Oven (700W): 2.6H
Customer Review
"If you live in an area where power interruptions happen, then you will find that a Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro will just make things a lot better for your family." -- T.E.
Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station
If you carry a lot of appliances when going on camping trips with your family and are looking for a lightweight power supply that is fast charging and provides whisper-quiet operation, then the Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station has your back. This portable power supply for camping lets you charge almost 99% of your appliances, including a CPAP machine, air fryer, coolers, etc.
Appliances Working Hours
- Portable Air Conditioner (1000W): 1.0H
- Portable Coffee Maker (900W): 1.1H
- Electric Cooker (900W): 1.1H
- Portable Projector (100W): 10.7H
- Drone (90W): 11.9H
Customer Review
"If you enjoy the outdoors but can't live without your gadgets, then you need something like this… Took this unit out his weekend and it performed as expected. Charged my Segway scooter, MacBook and a couple of small gadgets." -- Chris.
Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station is yet another best-selling portable unit with multiple charging ports. If you are looking for an ultralight portable power supply for camping that you can even take with you during flights, then this portable power station is your ideal companion. It weighs only 8.27 lbs and can easily be carried in your backpack. Additionally, it comes with a fast charging port.
Appliances Working Hours
- Drone (90W): 2.7H
- Smartphone (29W): 8.4H
- Ventilator (20W): 12.2H
- Smart Speaker (10W): 24.4H
- DSLR Camera (9W): 27.2H
Customer Review
"The unit's well built, lightweight, and very reliable. I have many plans in mind for this unit, from camping to road trips and equipment backup. I highly recommend this unit and plan to invest in more 'plus' backups with higher capacity." -- Stanley Daniel.
How to Choose The Best Portable Power Supply For Camping?
Choosing the best portable power supply for camping can be challenging if you do not consider the appliances, their wattage, and for how long you intend to use them during camping trips. There are several generic tips that can help you choose the best portable supply for your next outdoor adventures:
Capacity
Always consider the capacity of the portable power supply before making the investment. Opt for a portable unit that meets or even exceeds your estimated energy requirements for camping. Go ahead with a higher-capacity model to ensure you have enough power for the entire trip.
Buy Versatile Unit
Do not buy only portable power supplies that are limited to camping. Always consider a unit that you can use even when you are back home and are facing extended power cuts. For instance, a Jackery Portable Power Station is ideal for indoor and outdoor use.
Output Ports
Opt for portable power supply units that offer multiple output ports to accommodate different devices and charging needs. For instance, a Jackery Portable Power Station offers AC outlets, DC ports, and a USB 3.0 port for fast charging.
Portable Power Supply for Camping FAQs
Which is the best portable power station for camping?
The Jackery Portable Power Station is considered the best portable power station for camping. The Explorer series from Jackery is highly recommended for camping due to its reliability, portability, and high battery capacities.
How long does a 200W portable power station last?
The runtime of a 200W portable power station depends on battery capacity and the power consumption of connected devices. For instance, a 200W portable power station can power a 50W device for roughly 10 hours.
How long will a portable power station run?
The ideal runtime of a portable power station varies according to its battery capacity. The duration can be calculated by dividing the power station's total energy capacity by the devices' power consumption.
What is the difference between a power bank and a portable power station?
A portable power bank is a smaller, portable device that is designed to charge small appliances like smartphones, tablets, etc. Portable power stations are larger units that come with higher capacity and can power large appliances like portable air conditioners, refrigerators, etc.
What are the disadvantages of a portable power station?
A handful of disadvantages of a portable power station are charging time, limited capacity, and cost. However, the benefits of owning a portable power station always outweigh its disadvantages.
Wrap up
Camping trips are considered a great way to get in touch with nature and improve social connections. Long camping trips not only help break the daily hustle and bustle but also bring one closer to nature. When planning a camping trip, it is extremely important to consider the source of electricity to power up the appliances.
When you plan a long weekend trip and need a portable power supply for camping, check out Jackery Portable Power Stations. The ergonomic designs and high-capacity batteries of these units make them ideal for camping and household emergencies.
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