Do portable power stations make camping better?

A good portable power station makes camping better. These devices power lights, phones, and small appliances when you’re outdoors. We spent three months testing power stations to find the best portable power stations for camping. We tested 30 portable power stations over 12 camping trips.

Why should you buy a portable power station?

Bring big backup power with you with these expert-recommended portable power stations, which can store enough power to charge electronics, appliances, and more.

What accessories do you need for a portable power station?

One of the most common accessories is going to be a cord to connect to similar power stations in series, often times doubling your power output. Some portable power stations have a light bar built into the housing, which is useful for seeing at night. Anker’s Solix C300 also includes a pop-up camping light.

Which portable power station should I buy?

If you are searching for a compact portable power station for on-the-go activities, the Jackery Explorer 300 is our recommendation. This unit is ideal for charging phones and laptops or running small appliances like lights and fans. Its small form makes it an extremely versatile option.

How much power does a portable power station need?

For portable power stations, capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh), telling you how much energy the unit stores. Weekend adventures typically need 200-300Wh for smartphone charging and LED lighting. Glamping and campground camping with amenities require 500-700Wh units to power fans, portable coolers, and CPAP machines.

How often should a portable power station be re-upped?

While all portable power stations should have their power re-upped on a regular basis (plan for every three months), my testing showed that some portable power stations did a better job of retaining power over that period of time than others.