Table of Contents
Having a portable power supply when you’re camping can be a lifesaver – literally. It can make your camping trip more comfortable and more fun. Still, depending on the emergencies that arise and the weather conditions that are present during the trip, the portable power supply could save your life.
If you are thinking about investing in a portable power supply for camping, but you aren’t sure where to begin, we can help.
What are the benefits of having a portable power supply when you’re camping?
Not everyone takes a portable power supply with them when camping, but it’s probably a good idea to do so, especially if you’re camping “off the grid.” It makes camping a lot more convenient and allows you to use your phone, your laptop, and any other USB chargeable device when camping.
But the most important reason why you’d use a portable power supply when camping is safety. You never know when you’re going to encounter an emergency, and you want to make sure you are prepared for it. Your portable power supply can allow you to operate GPS and your phone to make emergency calls without concern for running out of battery. Some portable power supplies are even able to jumpstart car batteries.
So if you’ve dismissed the idea of having a portable power supply because you want to rough it and don’t need a fan or heater or microwave when camping, look at it another way: you’ll also be able to protect yourself in emergencies.
What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Power Supply for Camping?
If you’ve decided it’s a good idea to have a portable power supply and you’re ready to buy, there are a few things to consider before making your purchase.
Type of Device and What Power Output is Needed
What do you intend to power, and how much energy does it need? Are you running a laptop or hoping to jumpstart a vehicle. Are you taking a fridge camping with you or do you want to watch television? It’s essential to make sure the power output and type of device is appropriate for what you intend to do with it.
Where do you intend to camp? Are you backpacking? Camping at a beach? Are you heading into the forest? All of these things are important considerations when choosing a portable power supply. You want to make sure you get what you need, but not a lot more than what you need. There’s no reason to lug along a massive power supply if you’re camping 10 miles from your vehicle. Just leave the power supply behind with the car in case there are problems later. But if you’re staying near your campsite and you’re concerned about power, it might be worth investing in a high-powered generator for comfort and convenience.
How frequently do you camp? The more you go, the more it will be worth investing in a high-end backup power supply. It will cost you more initially, but you’ll save money in the long-run. Also, think about how many people camp with you and might need to use the power supply. A portable power supply can be high for one person, but suddenly what you bought for your needs isn’t enough when two or three teens are using it to recharge their cell phones.
Finally, consider if you need the power supply in an emergency and what that means for regular use. Some people invest in an emergency portable power supply only to use it for daily use when they realize how convenient it is. The trouble with that is they don’t have the power they need when an emergency arises. If you think this might happen to you, be realistic about how much power you need. Consider buying something more powerful than you originally intended or invest in a backup emergency power supply that you only use in an emergency.
Types of Portable Power Supplies
There are several options when you’re shopping for a portable power supply for camping. For instance:
- You can opt for a device that utilizes solar power, wind power, gasoline power, or rechargeable electric power.
- You can choose a device that stores a charge or needs to be recharged
- You can opt for something that provides a single emergency charge or several charges throughout use.
It’s also important to consider the size and weight of the charger, its durability, and what features it comes with. There is no “right charger” for every situation. You need to consider your needs and what might arise while camping and determine which of the portable power supplies available is going to work best for you.
Now that you have some idea what you’re looking for in a portable power supply for camping check out a few of our favorite devices:
Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium Portable Power Station
This is a 1425Wh lithium mobile power station. It’s capable of powering up to 10 devices at once. It features a patented AC inverter (output, pure sine wave) and 60W USB-C power delivery ports. It offers WiFi connectivity using the Yeti App. You can charge phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, drones, and more. Powers your refrigerator, blender, TV, lights, power tools, and medical devices with this charger. It retails for just under $1800.
Check it out on AMAZON.
Nekteck 21W Solar Charger
This solar charger offers high-efficiency from its three solar Monocrystalline panels. It features an advanced Smart IC chip technology and a microchip to detect the devices plugged into the USB ports for full charging. It can charge two devices simultaneously. It’s lightweight and very portable and features a durable, rugged design. This retails for about $50.
Check it out on AMAZON.
Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger
This charger features a capacity of 26800mAh, which can charge most phones over six times, tablets at least two times, and any other USB device multiple times. It offers a quick charge (2x as fast as competitors) and comes with a micro USB cable, travel pouch, and welcome guide. It features an 18-month warranty and friendly customer service. This retails for about $65.
Check it out on AMAZON.