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Portable power sources for camping become essential outdoor gears, especially for the time when you are out there to enjoy your short stay in the tent. Spending quality time out there in the camp was not so entertaining without power sources and such an activity cut the families and individuals from the whole world. Until they remain away from the grid. But technological advancement and new innovations completely change the scenario. Powerful batteries become compact and innovation in electronics makes it possible to store a large amount of energy in compact portable power sources and get different types of output, like Ac outlet, Different wattage Dc and USD ports as well as carports. 

A portable power source for camping is a rechargeable device that can be charged either from the wall outlet, through the car or from the solar panel and stored energy can be used to charge smart devices and run portable appliances.

For a camper, it is necessary to stay connected with friends and family when he is away from the grid, charging smart devices again and again and running a laptop is necessary to keep doing your normal business, for sharing stories and experiences with the friends and families. While on the side a camper needs an infotainment system to stay entertained and a light to read favorite books in the night as well as a fan to stay cool. 

All this becomes possible when a camper carries a compact and portable power source with him.

Selecting Portable Power sources

Many of portable power solutions are available for campers like:

  • Rechargeable power sources 
  • Gas and fuels Generators 
  • Solar Panels 

All of these are authentic but everyone has some pros and cons and every user/camper select a solution that he is comfortable to use. The compact size and lightweight features of portable power sources convince the campers to drop other sources and depend completely on the portable power stations. These power stations are available in different capacities and sizes so one can select as per his needs. For smaller battery packs you can visit the resource best portable battery pack for camping.

Compact shape, grippy handle, multiple ports, quick charging ports, multiple charging ways, solar generator capabilities and lightweight features of these devices make them convenient to use and highly acceptable. While selecting a portable power source a camper need to concentrate on three major things which are:

  • Capacity 
  • Ports 
  • Size & Weight

To calculate capacity you need to consider all of the devices that you need to run on camping location and type of ports needs to plug-in different devices and size because at the end of the day you have to carry it.

Here we list best available power sources for camping.

1. Goal Zero Yeti Portable Power Station

Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Station, 400Wh Battery Powered Generator Alternative

Goal Zero Yeti Portable Power Stations are considered top of the line in this category, thousands of camping professionals already trusted these devices to get power when they are away from the Grid, available in different models like:

All of these variants are equipped with the USB ports, AC outlets and DC ports which allow charging mobiles and other devices, as well as DC outputs, can be used to power the portable appliances like infotainment systems, lights and fans as well as a refrigerator to chill your beer. Lithium batteries used to store the power which is long-lasting and durable, and all of these variants are equipped with a BMS system that keeps the internal battery safe.

These devices are made and designed in the USA by the experts this is the reason these are the most recommended products in the market. While connecting your costly smart device you can stay sure your devices will remain well protected becuase Yeti will not overcurrent devices.

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2. Jackery Portable Power Station

portable power sources for camping

Jackery is a well-known manufacturer of portable power sources for camping and producing various varients to full the needs of different users with different capacities. These power sources are equipped with a grippy ergonomic handle which makes lifting and carrying easy by providing a comfortable grip. Jackery portable power sources are equipped with various ports that can connect chargeable devices as well as portable and AC devices. 

Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 is its most successful model and equipped with the lithium battery which can charge various devices at the same time and can also run portable devices along with lamps and fans. Its features are:

  • Capacity: 240Wh (16.8Ah, 14.4V)
  • Battery Type: 67000mAh Lithium-ion Battery
  • Input: 8mm DC, 12V~30V (42W max. )
  • AC Output: 110V, 200W (400W peak.)
  • Car Port: DC 12V, 10A , 120 Watt
  • USB Outputs (2): 5V, 2.4A (each)
  • Weight: 6.6 lbs
  • Dimensions: 9.05*5.24*7.87in

The device in the spotlight will improve your mobile living and outdoor life because it is powerful, lightweight and compactness make it highly portable. It has all for outdoor enthusiasts like they can charge and run all the portable devices.

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3. Rockpals 100W Foldable Solar Panel Charger

Rockpals 100W Foldable Solar Panel Charger for Suaoki Portable Generator / 8mm Goal Zero Yeti Power Station/Jackery Explorer 240, Webetop Battery Pack/USB Devices, with 3 USB Ports

Rockpals 100W Foldable Solar Panel Charger is a complete solution that can provide power to charge the portable chargers and power ot USB devices. It folds compact and comes into a briefcase shape that makes it convenient to carry and transport. It’s a high-efficiency solar panel that converts up to 21.5 to 23.5% of solar power into free energy. It’s not toxic, its do not require any of gas or fuel and it does not make any noise.

It’s water-resistant and made with high-quality Oxford Cloth that can be used in any weather condition and an ideal solution for outdoor activities such as camping, climbing, hiking and picnic. 

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4. WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator

portable power sources for camping

WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator is a fuel generator that is extremely quiet and compliant with most of health and human services in the US. CARB compliant means you can use this generator in any state, it’s ideal for campgrounds and construction sites, tailgates and no more power outages with this powerful energy source. Its fuel-efficient and it’s trustworthy as well as require minimum maintenance. It has all that a camper need when he is away from the grid-like 120V receptacles, 12V DC receptacles and one 5V USD Port to connect and charge a smartphone.

What is the Life Expectancy of Portable Power Sources?

When you are buying a portable power source which is a rechargeable generator and equipped with a quality lithium battery, you expect 500 cycles of recharging that is quite normal and standard in the industry, for a professional it can last upto three years. So rechargeable power sources are long life. When buying one just make sure you are selecting one that is equipped with a trustworthy lithium battery. 

While on the other side gas and fuel generators are have a long life that depends on the maintenance and care of these devices, like tuning, filter change and oil change extend their life and a good quality portable solar panel can last for ten to 25 years.

Final Thoughts

Nowadays most families and individuals who enjoy camping in normal routine prefer to carry rechargeable power sources because they do not make any noise and can run devices either it is day or night, they can be charged from three sources that are the biggest advantage and majority of those made to work also as solar generators.

So in case of a portable power source, you have an energy source with you that will charge and run your devices.

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