Once upon a time, camping was an all-natural adventure, and people used few to no gadgets. However, things have rapidly changed in the past few years. Can you imagine spending a day without your smartphone today? Even if you don’t have any obsessions, you probably rely on your smartphone for various essential tasks.
There are also other appliances and gadgets like smartphones which have become an essential part of our lives. These appliances include laptops, cameras (significant for photographers,) and flashlights. No matter how much we love to stay old school, such gadgets are now a part of our lives.
It is evident that we need a source of electricity even when camping, luckily, there are few handy choices available. In light of this, we researched some of the best camping power packs.
Power packs can bring more ease to your life than you realize. Moreover, seasoned campers know that the best memories are made at the most far cut-off places (far away from the population).
Undoubtedly, the time you spend in these places is unmatched, but you don’t have access to any electricity source here. This is where power packs step in. These portable power stations will always keep your GPS, smartphones, and cameras ready for the adventure.
Without any further delay, let’s jump to the most awaited list of best-camping power packs list:
6 Best Camping Power Packs
After vigorous testing and thorough research, we are proud to present you with the best camping power packs in 2021:
- Goal Zero Venture 30 Recharger
- EcoFlow Delta 1300 Generator
- Progeny 300W Power Station
- Goal Zero Yeti 150 Portable Power Station
- Pheonix 90
- Tactical Extreme
1. Goal Zero Venture 30 Recharger – Editors Pick
Venture 30 Recharger sits on the top of our list for multiple reasons. Goal Zero is a company that has made its place in the power pack industry in significantly less time. It is because the company strives to bring exceptional value to its users.
All of the models introduced by this company have offered a great combination of practicality and affordability. Goal Zero Yeti 400 is an iconic model that has won many hearts due to its sturdy body, high battery capacity, and competitive price.
The Venture 30 is also another great powerpack offered by Goal Zero. This is not one of the cheaper models, but indeed it is one of the toughest.
When it comes to camping, a power pack should be more durable than anything else. When we go out, from our body to our stuff, everything is vulnerable. Therefore, we take care of our bodies by wearing safety gear, but what about our belongings? Is it logical to buy protection for the things that are supposed to protect us from bad times?
This is probably why Goal Zero Venture 30 is sitting on the top of our list today.
Features
IPX6 Weather Rating
Are you looking for an entry-level power pack that can stand against the extreme harshness of any weather? If yes, then you are looking for Goal Zero Venture 30. This power pack comes with an IPX6 weather rating.
This power pack is dust-proof, so you don’t have to think twice before jumping into an adventure. Likewise, it is also waterproof, so you don’t have to panic when the rain comes.
This feature may sound less important to you while sitting in the comfort of your home.
Seasoned campers will approve that the biggest challenge while camping is saving your electronic devices from dust and water.
Compact & Lightweight
Carrying a 10, 20 pounds power pack with you doesn’t sound like a viable option. An ideal power pack should be easy to move unless you plan to spend your trip in your car.
Imagine buying a power pack that doesn’t fit in your backpack; what will be your reaction? This will kill the whole charm. That is why we have added Goal Zero Venture 30 at a convenient place.
Is your biggest concern charging your smartphones and cameras? If yes, why should you carry additional weight when 250g heavy Venture 30 can do all this? Amazing, right?
Save yourself some energy for those tiring hikes and adventurous pond swimming.
Decent Battery Capacity
Goal Zero Venture 30 boasts a decent battery capacity of 7800 mAh. It could quickly charge an average smartphone about 2 to 3 times. Don’t worry if you use an iPad because this battery capacity is enough to recharge it at least once. Moreover, you will get your phone fully charged without waiting, even in the wild, due to its fast-charging capability.
- Compact and easy to handle
- Venture 30 Offers both solar and USB charging
- High Endurance
- Ideal for small devices like smartphones, GPS, and cameras
- You can charge two devices at a time
- Comparatively expensive
- Not recommended for large devices like laptops
2. EcoFlow Delta 1300 Generator
The next power pack on this list is the EcoFlow Delta 1300 Generator. This mid-range power pack is loaded with exceptional features and some unconventional power.
There was a time when the only way to enjoy luxuries of appliances like fridge, electric kettle or hairdryer on a camping trip was by setting up noisy petrol or diesel engines or by connecting to the main supply.
Fortunately, power packs like Delta 1300 are revolutionalizing the camping world for good. This power pack will meet or exceed your on-site requirements.
Features
High Power Figures
If you love to enjoy the luxuries of your home, even in the wilderness, then Delta 1300 is for you. In total, this heavy-duty power pack offers 1800W of power which is a lot considering the scenario.
With this amount of power, you get the liberty to operate high-demanding appliances effortlessly. Although there is no need for it, you can press your clothes using an iron. You can dry your hair using a hairdryer to keep the cold away. You can also afford to run a mini-fridge with this fantastic power pack. What else can you wish for?
A Range of Outlets
Another benefit of owning a Delta 1300 is the number of outlets you get with it. You will be amazed to know that 11 outlets are offered in this power pack.
It gives you the liberty to use multiple devices at a time. Out of these 11 outlets, four outlets are for using 240V operated appliances. Additionally, 6 USB ports along with a car-charging port make it unbeatable in terms of practicality.
You can charge your smartphones, cameras, GPS, and other gadgets all at a time without giving a second thought. In addition, you can also use up to four 240V operated appliances at the exact moment.
Decent Battery Storage
The next irresistible feature of EcoFlow Delta is the long-lastingness of its battery. This unparalleled pack offers 1260 Wh in terms of battery storage. On average, a mini-fridge consumes 55 to 85 Watts per hour. Hence, you can run a mini-fridge for good long 15 hours or more with this power pack.
Fast Charging
The biggest problem you face with heavy-duty power packs is that they take an eternity to charge themselves. Fortunately, this doesn’t happen in the case of EcoFlow Delta 1300. This power station charges from zero to 100% in a convenient 90 minutes.
It also supports solar charging which takes only 4 hours to get fully charged.
- Eleven outlets to cater to all your needs at a time
- 1800W of total power
- 1260 Wh full battery storage capacity
- Delta 1300 supports solar charging
- It takes only 90 minutes to charge from 0 to 100%
- Eco-Friendly
- Not very budget-friendly
- Not suitable for solo camping due to its heavyweight
3. Progeny 300W Power Station
For those who got scared of the weight of the EcoFlow Delta 1300, we have come up with Progeny 300W. This power station weighs only 7 pounds, whereas Delta 1300 weighed a whopping 14 pounds. This feature makes the Progeny 300W power station an easy device to handle.
If you think this power station won’t be that impressive in terms of performance, you are wrong. Once fully charged, you can run a 55-volt mini fridge for up to 16 hours.
All of these features of Progeny 300W make it ideal for camping and other outdoor adventures.
Features
Battery Management System
One of the best features offered in Progeny 300W is the battery management system. Although this sounds like one feature, it covers a lot of aspects. Due to this feature, you get extended battery timing through short protection.
Moreover, you won’t have to worry about overheating, overvoltage, overcurrent, or overload. With Progeny 300W, you won’t face such mishaps. In addition, pure Sine Wave technology will keep the batteries of your devices safe too. This management system also helps to reduce the audible electrical sound, which provides you with a noiseless experience.
Powerful Capacity
Buying a low-capacity power station is worse than not having a power pack at all. You spend money, carry an extra load, and still, your needs are not appropriately catered to. To save yourself from such conditions, buy powerful capacity power stations like Progeny 300W.
Having a high-capacity power station will also provide you with peace of mind. It is because you will know that your power station will not run out of battery when you need it most. It will also allow you to run high battery-demanding appliances without worrying about a power outage.
Multiple Charging Options
The options to charge a power station are more critical than most people realize. Especially when it comes to camping and outdoor adventures, you have minimal options.
In this case, a power station with multiple charging options is not less than a blessing. You can charge Progeny 300W anywhere using the solar kit, carport, or directly from the AC wall outlet.
Multiple Output Options
Different appliances and digital devices require different output options to run and charge. It is another reason why Progeny 300W is the best camping power pack. This power station offers a variety of output options.
You will get everything from this power station, from 110V AC for your laptop to 9V voltage for your smartphones and cameras.
- Battery Management System
- Value for money product
- Decent power delivery
- Multiple charging options
- Long charging duration
- You have to buy a solar kit separately
4. Goal Zero Yeti 150 Portable Power Station
If you want a power station that looks cool and can take care of all your small digital devices in one go, then we have a fantastic product for you. Goal Zero is a US-based company bringing innovation in the power pack industry for over a decade.
Yeti series offer the most iconic models of all time. Yeti 150 is an entry-level power pack designed for charging smaller devices. Thus, it is a perfect choice if you need a device to charge your smartphone, camera, tablet, or notebook.
The Yeti 150 is undoubtedly the best camping power pack for smaller devices for so many reasons. First of all it this is manufactured by one of the best power packs manufacturers in the US. Moreover, it offers higher power delivery than most of the models in this category.
Now you might be wondering that why Yeti 150 is not in place of Venture 30? It is because venture 30 is more compact and can endure the harshness that comes with camping.
Features
Travel Friendly
The design of Yeti 150 is not only eye-catching but is also reasonably practical. Moreover, handling Yeti 150 for short distances is pretty easy because it weighs only 12 pounds. Therefore, your movement won’t be disturbed due to the weight of this power station.
This power pack is the result of years of research. Due to its compact design, you won’t feel any hurdle while walking with it.
Another interesting fact about this power station is that you can take it with you during air travel. Most of the power packs come with lithium batteries nowadays, which are prohibited by airlines due to security reasons. Contrarily, this particular model is equipped with a lead-acid battery which is safe to travel with.
Best for Smaller Devices
We don’t recommend this model for running your mini-fridge( although it can), but it offers ample power storage for charging your digital devices like tablets, notebooks, and batteries of DSLR cameras.
Once this 168 Wh power station is fully charged, it can recharge an average smartphone 15 times. It can charge your GoPro 25 times and your DSLR batteries 12 times when it comes to cameras.
If charging a notebook is also your concern, worry not because you can charge it 1-2 times. Do you also have an iPad? Congratulations, because you can also charge it 4-6 times with a fully charged Yeti 150.
Its wide array of features means that even if you forget to charge this power station for one day, you will have sufficient storage to pass the day without worrying.
- Compact design
- Best for smaller devices
- Safe for air travel
- Competitive price point
- Good built quality
- People complained regarding the customer service of Goal Zero
- The solar panel does not come with the product
5. Pheonix 90
If you pay attention to the aesthetics of everything you buy, then Pheonix 90 is made for you. The design of this power station is modern and sleek. As a result, the attractive looks and premium build quality of this power pack will force your folks to ask questions regarding it from you.
It doesn’t only look good, but it’s equally durable too. The casing of this power pack is water and dust-proof, making it ideal for camping. It is the best camping power pack for several other reasons as well.
The intelligent display will keep you informed of the battery status of the power pack so you can prepare accordingly.
When you are going out on a camping trip, you should carry as little weight as possible. If you choose to buy Pheonix 90, you won’t have to worry about the weight because it is only 600g heavy. Pheonix 90 is the ideal choice for those who run away from heavy and bulky power packs.
The battery storage capacity is not the best on the list but is adequate for charging small devices like laptops, camera batteries, and smartphones.
Features
Appealing Design
The first thing you will notice in this device is its sleek design. Manufacturers have paid a lot of attention to the design philosophy of this power pack. Consequently, the high-end finish of the power pack’s casing provides a premium feel to its users.
Ample Charging Capacity
Pheonix 90 provides a great charging capacity to recharge all of your handheld devices. You can recharge your laptop once and your tablet 2-3 times with this power pack.
You can also charge an average satellite phone 5 to 7 times if you have one. It is convincing enough to choose Pheonix 90 as your camping partner.
Battery Indicator
The battery status indicator is also one of the prominent features of this fantastic power pack. We have to take care of multiple things while camping and often forget to charge devices. Fortunately, the battery indicator will keep reminding you of the status of the battery. Once this power pack is charged, it will take care of your other essentials.
Light and Compact
Another feature of Pheonix 90 that contributed to us adding it to this list is its light and compact build. The importance of this feature is realized when you are on foot during a camping adventure.
A carrying strap is also attached to it to make it easier to handle. Do you know what the best part is? You can easily slide it into your backpack due to its sleek, compact design.
- An eye-catching design
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Reasonable storage capacity
- LED battery status indicator
- Few charging outlets
- Slightly more expensive than counterparts
6. Tactical Extreme
The last power pack on our list is Tactical Extreme which made it because of its unconventional design and features. This is a military-grade power pack that is made to operate in the most far-off places.
The company has made a bold move by combining a 12000 mAh power bank with a solar kit. The best part is that despite its unique features, it is very lightweight and compact.
Versatility is the main feature of Tactical Extreme. As the name indicates, this power pack is made for operations in extreme conditions. Hence, if durability is your main concern, then Tactical Extreme is the ideal choice.
Due to its durable shell, you won’t have to worry much about its care. Unlike other cute-looking power packs on the market, this one is made to endure harshness.
This recharger can seamlessly manage dust and water splashes. If you have this power pack in your backpack, you can plan a trip anywhere, from the Sahara desert to the north pole.
Most of the power packs which come in this budget do not offer a solar panel. Some of them don’t even provide solar charging options. This is where Tactical Extreme outperforms them. This sturdy recharger not only provides a solar charging option but also comes with a solar charging kit.
Features
Military Grade Built
If you are into military stuff, this product is undoubtedly a gift for you. Not only does it look like an army device, but it also works like one. In addition, the material used to manufacture this product is very high quality. It is why it gives you a sturdy and premium feel. Therefore, you can take it anywhere around the globe without the worry of malfunctioning.
You will realize the importance of good quality built when you are out in the wild. Mother nature is not always very forgiving, so if you have a power pack with a low-quality build, consider changing it.
Tactical Extreme won’t let you down even in the worst environments.
Good Output
Despite being a military product, Tactical Extreme provides you with the luxury of 1 bi-directional USB C input/output port along with a DC outlet and standard USB port. 44 Wh is ample for charging your phone 3-5 times.
You can charge your iPad or tablet 1-2 times. Moreover, this output is enough to charge a smartwatch 20-22 times.
Solar Kit
Although features offered in Tactical Extreme are pretty simple, the fact that it comes with a solar kit makes it extraordinary. As discussed earlier, most power packs do not come with a solar kit in this range.
The solar kit provided with Tactical Extreme opens up to 220° for capturing maximum sunlight. Moreover, the clamshell design of this solar kit ensures its protection against any potential hazards.
- The company offers Tactical Extreme at a reasonable price
- A very durable product
- Military-grade built
- Tactical Extreme comes with a solar kit
- It is dust and waterproof
- It takes considerable time to charge
- Power storage capacity is limited
Things to Consider While Buying a Company Power Pack
There are various options available on the market, but not all of them are practical. You will probably find a suitable power pack on this list, but we never force you. So, if you look somewhere else, keep these things in mind.
By following these instructions, you won’t end up wasting your hard-earned money and precious time:
W/H
This is one of the most critical points which needs to be discussed more. Understanding the concept of W/h is quite simple. It is the amount of power a generator can deliver in an hour.
On average, your smartphone consumes around 11.1 Wh per day. Similarly, a laptop consumes 150 to 300 kWh of power if used 8 hours a day. That exact amount of energy is needed by these appliances to charge.
The point of discussing these facts is to educate you regarding the importance of the W/h capacity of a recharger. Hence, you should always calculate your usage and then make decisions accordingly. W/h capacity of these power banks can vary a lot.
Durability
Another factor that you shouldn’t compromise on is the durability of the power banks. Camping often involves trekking, hiking and weather conditions are always unpredictable. The power station you are going to buy will save you in bad situations or make them even worse.
To enjoy your next camping trip to its fullest, ensure that you buy a power pack with a sturdy body. This will give you the freedom to relish your trips from Everest’s base camp to Amazon’s rain forests. You won’t have to be worried about your cute-looking power pack even in the harshest weather.
It is worth mentioning here that all durable power packs out there are not necessarily expensive.
Outlets
The next thing you have to look for is the outlets offered in a power pack. First of all, you should list things that you will charge using a power pack. If the list is only comprised of small gadgets like smartphones and cameras, go for packs with USB ports.
The power packs that only offer USB ports are significantly cheaper than those which provide other options like AC and DC outlets. If you take your laptop or appliances like a hairdryer on your camping trip, be prepared to pay more. You will find multiple options on the market that will offer various outlets along with USB ports.
If you plan to use many different devices with different power requirements, then go for high-end models. Needless to say that you will be paying much more than a standard power pack with three outlets. High-end power packs are also called ultra-large power packs and can easily offer up to 10 outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Camping Power Pack
1. How do I choose a power bank for camping?
Choosing a suitable power pack for camping could be tricky, especially if you are a first-time buyer. It would be best if you kept a keen eye on various factors while choosing a power pack.
Some will say that battery storage capacity and the number of outlets should be your biggest concern. Undoubtedly these are essential factors, but we believe that you should prioritize something else.
First of all, the power bank should be lightweight and compact. Camping involves a lot of moving, so carrying the power pack should be easy for you.
The second thing on your priority list should be the durability of the power pack. To check this, you can go through the review section. It is because situations are very unpredictable while camping, so you should always be prepared.
2. How to charge a power pack?
Powerpacks come with several charging options nowadays. Entry-level power packs usually offer 1-2 types of charging options. On the other hand, high-end rechargers can offer up to 5 charging options.
Charging by using a USB port is the most common charging option available in economical power packs. Contrarily, you can charge large power packs using wall sockets, solar kits, carports, and USB ports.
Always check the charging options of a power pack before and try to get as many charging options as possible. This will give you the liberty to charge your power pack anywhere.
One thing worth mentioning here is that many entry-level power packs do not come with solar kits, but they are compatible with solar charging.
3. How long do power packs last?
The answer to this question depends on the battery health of the power pack. New lithium batteries will lose 20% of their battery capacity after 500 cycles.
In the case of lead-acid batteries, they will lose 20% of their battery capacity after 800-900 cycles. The battery life of a power pack gradually decreases every time you recharge it. This decrease is so minute that you won’t even notice it instantly.
However, there is nothing to worry about because power packs usually last for around 5-7 years.
4. What are the ways to increase the efficiency of a power pack?
Here are some of the proven ways to increase the efficiency of a power pack without causing any harm:
- Refrain yourself and others from using devices while they are charging.
- Try to keep the power pack in warm places. This will ensure proper on-time discharge of battery energy. When the power pack is directly exposed to cold air, discharge of battery energy takes longer.
- Always make sure that the power pack is fully charged before unplugging it.
- Keep checking on the devices when they are connected to the power pack. Immediately remove the devices which are fully charged or near to fully charged. Otherwise, continual topping up will take place, which is harmful to the batteries.
- For fast charging, use high amp outlets of the powerpack.
These are some of the most effective ways to get the most out of your power pack.
5. How do I keep my power pack when not in use?
Many new owners ask this question after returning from a camping trip. You have to be very careful regarding the place where you store your power pack. Temperature is also an important factor that you should not ignore.
Place the power pack where the temperature does not exceed 90 degrees or fall below 30. Any temperature above or below this limit is harmful to the batteries of your power pack.
The next thing to ensure is that the place where you store your power pack stays dry.
Conclusion
If you are fond of camping in far-off places, you will also be aware of the importance of an electricity source. The most mesmerizing charm of most natural places is that they are mostly untouched. Due to this fact, they don’t have any electrical connections either.
We don’t suggest that there should be electricity connections because it will kill the whole point of going there. Still, we wish that your cameras are fully charged to capture the beauties of those places. In addition, we also want you to stay connected with your loved ones during the whole adventure.
This is why we have created a list of the best camping power packs that you can’t afford to miss. To make this list, we tested various power packs that are available on the market. Six out of numerous power packs grabbed our attention.
All of the power packs added to this list are unique in their way. You will see that every product in this list provides the ultimate value to its users.
