Camp & Hike
Bike
Having a camping power bank can transform your outdoor experiences. Modern camping sometimes involves a variety of gadgets, including culinary equipment, lanterns, flashlights, drones, and, of course, your phone, so you'll need to bring along a way to charge them. Here's when power banks are useful.
These power banks come in a lot shapes and sizes, and many versions have unique characteristics that make them perfect for certain uses.
Whatever the case, the top power banks for camping always provide robust, weatherproof construction and dependable performance, and we have suggestions for a few exceptional models that you can rely on when you go off the grid.
Who Can Use these Batteries?
Portable power stations are like big batteries in tough boxes, and they have outlets to plug in stuff. They're way bigger, heavier, and stronger than regular power banks or laptop chargers.
Because of that, they're super handy for camping, chilling at a tailgate, working in a far-off part of your home, watching a movie in your backyard, or taking cool pictures.
Since they're kinda big and heavy (some are like carrying a kindergartener!), you won't toss one in your backpack. But you can charge it up overnight at home, toss it in your car with your other stuff, and take it with you.
That way, you can keep your phone, laptop, camera, projector, GPS, or whatever else you have, powered up for a long time – even days!
READ ALSO: Best Portable Hot Water Shower for Camping
The 10 Best RV Batteries for Camping
Here are the best portable power station and RV batteries for 2024. You can use any of this listed batteries for your solo or fa,ily trip to the great outdoors.
1. Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus
This year, Jackery has released a lot of new products, and its top pick naming scheme may be confusing to some. Like the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro, I thought it would be better than the 2000 Pro, but it's clear that this is a completely distinct product. At first sight, the performance and baseline specs seemed the same, but the 2000 Plus is designed for more, weighing about 20 pounds more.
First of all, sturdy wheels and a telescoping handle are included with some weight. Not to mention, a 25A-rated circular RV-style AC output is included.
Additionally, if you want to purchase two of these bad boys, you can connect the two units using the new Jackery expansion connector to have two independent 240-volt outlets (each rated for 30A). Though we have seen a few other manufacturers do this, I'm glad Jackery caught on to this early in the game.
In a similar vein, Jackery entered the modular fray by providing external expansion batteries. As of right now, only the 2000 Plus is compatible with these batteries, but more are probably on the way. As of this writing, you can connect up to 5 batteries to the main unit for a good 12,256.8Wh.
In addition, you can still combine two sets of the six-piece combos together for 240-volt capability and an even bigger space of 24,513.6Wh. Each external deep cycle battery has the same strength as the 2000 Plus unit.
2. Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core
For a number of reasons, the Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core is the perfect power source for dry camping. Most campers' demands will be okay by its 983-watt-hour strength, which can comfortably run small electronics and lighting for an extended weekend without the need for recharging.
If you connect one or more solar panels to this lead acid batteries, the device will run continuously. It is sturdy enough to be transported in a car and to and from your campsite, and it features some of the best styles available. Additionally, its square design and inset handles allow for more portability.
The Yeti 1000 Core has an abundance of plugs for use. Its 1,200-watt output space can power almost anything you could need when camping, and it comes with multiple connector options including dual AC, USB-A, USB-C, and a single 12V car plug.
Although its recharging pace has lagged behind several competitors, it gives enough juice for a long weekend when used with cool devices like drones, phones, lights, etc.
Features:
- Storage: It can store 983Wh of stuff.
- Dimensions: Picture it like this - 9.86 inches wide, 15.25 inches long, and 10.23 inches tall.
- Weight: It's not super heavy but weighs 31.68 pounds.
- Price: If you're thinking about getting it, it's tagged at $1,198.95.
3. BougeRV Flash300
Check out BougeRV's Flash 300 Fast Charging Portable Power Station. It's the best rv battery and quickest charger globally, going from zero to 90% in less than 30 minutes.
It is super handy for emergencies, and it can power up to 10 things at the same time! This much power station has 286 watt-hours, so it's strong enough to run regular stuff and even small home appliances for hours. Cool, right?
An integrated MPPT controller with a 12-45V voltage, a maximum input current of 25A, and compatibility for up to 600W of solar input is included with the Flash300 Fast Charging Portable Power Station.
This helps you to integrate it with more BougeRV solar panels to build a home solar generator that is incredibly efficient.
You can easily follow the battery space, error messages, and remaining charge and not charging time thanks to the readable display LED. You can clearly see the display in a bright display and read it in lower lighting, giving you information about your energy storage space.
The Bougerv Flash300 Solar Generator is super handy for outdoor adventures like RV trips or living off the grid. It's got 600W AC and solar power output, so you can recharge it up to 90% in just 30 minutes.
No matter if you charge it at home or use the sun, it quickly keeps your go-to devices running during a power outage.
With 286Wh storage, this power station has 2 AC outlets, a USB-C charging slot, a USB QC3.0 charging slot, 2 USB-A ports, a car socket, 2 DC ports, and even a wireless charging pad.
You can power up to 10 devices at the same time! Just press the USB button by the usb ports, wait a bit, and you can wirelessly charge your stuff. Cool, right?
4. EcoFlow Delta 1300
The EcoFlow DELTA 1300 Power Station is a good choice, like the latest and greatest battery generator. It works with lots of devices, keeping you powered up for a long time anywhere you are.
It's super fast to recharge from 0% to 80% in just one hour, all thanks to the EcoFlow's cool X-Stream Technology.
With 6 outlets and big storage, it can power most home stuff and heavy tools. Plus, it charges up crazy fast with solar panels (like 4 amp hours) or from your car (less than 10 hours).
You can plug in 13 devices at the same time, making it feel just like home. And if you add the EcoFlow 110W Solar Panel Charger, it keeps everything running smoothly.
The solar panel is the Sol-Go 115W Solar Panel 12V, and you can check out its specs at the end of the page or buy it separately.
Double Kits include two solar panels or more than 200 watts of combined power from rigid or folding solar panels." When purchasing a solar generator with nearly the fewest solar panels price, Double Kits are incredibly popular.
Double Kits include premium and lower-priced solar panels along with all the wires, connectors, supplies, and other things you need to get up and running.
Use our comprehensive solar kits to enjoy dependability, affordability, and simplicity. Take charge of your power requirements and embrace the freedom that comes with renewable energy.
Features:
The EcoFlow DELTA 1300 Power Station has some cool features:
- Full charge up super fast.
- Big inverter with 1800W power.
- Comes with a 2-year warranty.
Outputs it has:
- Inverter (for regular stuff) - 120VAC/60HZ/1800W (can go up to 3300W for a bit)
- USB-A (2 of them)
- Fast charge USB-A (2 of these)
- USB-C (2 of these)
Inputs it works with:
- Regular home plug (AC 100-120VAC 50/60 Hz)
- Solar charging up to 400W (has a built-in Charge Controller with 65VDC /10A)
- Car charger (12VDC, 10A) - Comes with an adapter cord
Here are some details about the EcoFlow DELTA 1300:
- Weight: 30.9 lbs
- Size: 15.7”L x 8.3”W x 10.6”H
- Can store 1260 Watt-hours
- Certifications: UL, CE, FCC, RoHS, PSE
And there's the Sol-Go 115W with these specs:
- Voltage: 20.78 VDC
- Current: 5.55 Amps
- Power: 115W
- Size: Length 49.9"; Width 21.9", Depth 0.7"
- Model: SG-Flex-115-S
5. BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank
Meet the Charge 80 PD – a super nice device for charging up your fancy electronics faster and easier. It works with laptops, tablets, phones, and more. This best battery is small and easy to carry, perfect for when you're on the go and away from plugs.
It's got one USB-C input/output and two USB-A outputs that charge up your devices crazy fast. You can charge up to 3 things simultaneously, like phones and headlamps. The big 20,000 mAh lithium-ion batteries fully charge in just 5 hours, and there's a button that shows you how much battery is left.
It's not heavy either, just 16.4 ounces, and it's about the size of your hand. You can take it on planes too! It charges your smartphone 5 times, a headlamp 16 times, a tablet 2 times, and a 13” laptop.
Plus, it's three times faster than regular chargers. Comes with the Charge 80 PD, a cable, and instructions. Cool, right?
Features:
- The 20000 mAh (74 Wh) storage can charge a 13-inch laptop or several smaller devices.
- USB-C Power Delivery (PD) helps charge compatible devices faster.
- Power bank charges up to 18W in 4 hours. PD USB-C
- 1x USB-C PD; 2x USB-A; total output power of 18W
- This power bank's USB-C PD inputs, up to 18W FAA carry-on compliance, and ultra-packable size make it a good tool for travel.
READ ALSO: Best Overlanding Tent with Roof
6. Oupes Mega 5
categories a bit. Now, we even have an "extra-large" category because some power supply stations are really, really big.
The Mega 5 from Oupes is the first in the extra-large group. It can hold up to 5040Wh of power, and if you add another deep cycle batteries called the B5, you get a total of 10.08kWh!
It can give out 4000 Watts and even 7000W when you need it. That means you can run almost anything you want if it uses a regular plug or the kind in RVs.
Adding another lithium battery may increase Mega 5's space to 10.08kWh. Mega5 has you covered anytime, from tailgate power to long-lasting outages.
The power station can support any device running at full power, from off-grid staples like microwaves and freezers to professional instruments like power drills and high-output lighting, thanks to the latest 4000W sine wave inverter designed by OUPES.
For every purpose, there are up to 16 output ports. Simply put, in anything, you wish to charge and push the button to gain access to endless power. The color LCD panel displays the plant's status, fault code, power left, port report, and so on.
Features:
- 2400W AC | 2232Wh Capacity Inverter with Pure Sine Wave (5000W Surge)
- 5 × 2400W AC Power Outlets
- 3,500+ Life Cycles to 80% LiFePO4 lead-acid batteries
- 14 Outputs for a lot of Devices
- 5 Methods of Charging (AC/Solar/Car/AC+Solar/Dual AC)
- LED Soft Lighting & SOS Signal on Smart HD LCD Display
- Anderson Recharging Input Power of 1000W is okay for 95% of appliances.
7. QiSa Solar Power Bank
woods or having a reliable way to charge your phone in an off-grid emergency—check out the QiSa Solar Power Bank. It's a compact and easy tool with a surprisingly big 194-watt-hour storage power, which is enough to charge your phone about 12 times. It has several ports and a cool wireless feature, letting you charge up to three devices simultaneously.
Plus, it's built to handle different weather conditions. The special thing about it is the four foldout solar panels. They may take a bit of time to charge up—it's better if you leave them in the sun all day—but they're great for keeping your devices powered during your camping trip.
With its big 40,000 MAH power, the power bank can run most cell phones for approximately a week. The LED display shows the remaining power, allowing you to manage better and put an end to concerns about running out of power.
With 5V3A and higher chargers, the Type-C connection on chargers allows for PD30W rapid input and output.
A charger that is 5V3A or higher can produce 22.5W of fast charging output over the USB-A connector. Your phone can be charged fast using mobile power, whether at home or on the go, saving you the hassle of running out of battery life.
8. Dark Energy Poseidon Pro
Dark Energy created the Poseidon Pro specifically for folks who enjoy outdoor adventures and test the limits of equipment durability.
It is said to be able to withstand being shot at with a shotgun, dropped from 50 feet, immersed in water for 45 minutes, exposed to high temperatures, crushed by 1500 pounds, and detonated with 1.5 pounds of explosives in the long run.
To say that it is "all-weather" would be an understatement. It is perfect for charging and then packing in your kit for emergencies because it can hold a charge for more than eight years.
Additionally, the product's bundled accessories—such as a leather strap, 3-foot knitted USB-C cable, and Dark Energy's Carabiner Pro, a carabiner with an integrated bottle opener, screwdriver, knife blade, and window break—bolster its
This cool gadget has 10,000 mAh of portable power – that's a lot! It's super waterproof with the highest rating possible. It's tough too, with the highest durability rating.
You can charge two things at once with its dual-port feature. It comes with a handy Micro-USB paracord charging cable, a carabiner, and a nylon strap.
Plus, it has a built-in LED light and lantern that can even signal for help. It's not too big, just 3.25 x 5.75 x 0.75 inches, and it's pretty light at 9.6 ounces.
The best part? The company guarantees it for life! The model numbers are PS10BKBK and PS10RTOR. Cool, right?
This thing can charge:
- Your phone like 3 to 6 times!
- A walkie-talkie like 4 to 8 times!
- A GPS device like 3 to 5 times!
- A tablet like 1 to 3 times!
- A Bluetooth speaker like 4 to 7 times!
- A trail camera like 4 to 5 times!
- A rangefinder like 6 to 8 times!
9. Bluetti AC200 MAX
We've seen a bunch of Bluetti models winning in this category over the years. At first, the AC200 MAX didn't make it to our winners list when we tested it earlier this year. But guess what? After a $400 price drop and another $200 off on sale, this unit, now priced at $1,399, is a real steal.
Let me break down why it's a good deal. It has 2,048 watt-hours of power (you can make it 8,192Wh), 2,200W output (with a 4800W surge), and 900W of solar charging power (1400W solar plus AC).
That's a lot of power for the price. Similar ones usually cost around $2k, and they might not even have the expandable feature.
This portable power stations is kind of like Bluetti's bigger AC300 and AC500 models. The AC500 has more to offer, with a 50A outlet (still 120V unless you combine two units for a split-phase 240).
The AC300 has more 120V 20A circuits. But here's the catch—the AC200 MAX is the only one with a built-in battery. For the AC300 and AC500, you need an external lead-acid battery. Cool, right?
Features:
- This thingy is a 2,200W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter (with a 4,800W Surge), and it can hold 2,048Wh of power.
- The battery is LiFePO4 type, and it can last through more than 3,500 charge cycles.
- You can add more power, too – up to 6,144Wh with 2 extra B230s or 8,192Wh with 2 extra B300s.
- It's like a power-up station with 7 ways to refill (from the wall, sun, car, generator, other lithium batteries, two types of wall power, and sun + wall power).
- The solar power it can take is up to 900W, and it charges fast with a max of 1,400W using solar and a wall plug together. You can control and check it all out in the BLUETTI App.
10. Universal Battery Sealed, Lead-Acid 12-volt RV Battery
Universal Batteries are like super advanced batteries – the cool kind with a special design called lead-acid valve-regulated AGM & Gel.
They're neat because they're sealed, meaning you don't have to do much to keep them working well. Universal Power Group is a top company that makes these batteries at really good prices.
These batteries are used in lots of things like UPS, Telecom, Deep Cycle, and even motorcycles.
They're reliable and can be charged up again and again without breaking the bank. If you got your Universal AGM & Gel Batteries from BatteryPlex, big thanks! You made a smart choice.
RV campers who may only need to use their sealed, lead-acid 12-volt RV battery for a night or two before recharging it are likely to find great value in the Universal Battery sealed battery.
With a two-battery inline system, campers can anticipate being able to accomplish the essentials and possibly a little bit more during a brief journey thanks to its dependable and steady power.
There is one possible drawback to this device, especially if you camp in a cold climate or go hunting in the late fall: the AGM batteries may not hold up well in really cold temperatures. It won't require a charge if the temperature drops below freezing, even if it can be kept as low as five degrees.
Features:
- 12V 9Ah UPG # 40812 UB1290
- 5.94 inches by 2.56 inches by 4.06 inches in dimensions. 5.17 pounds in weight
- A spill-proof, maintenance-free SLA/AGM battery
- A rechargeable battery pack that is vibration and shock-resistant and can be installed in any location
A Year of Guarantee
-
Meets the majority of an RV's daily energy needs for almost two days 7. Only loses 36% of its power capacity after a year in storage
-
No upkeep
-
Less expensive than the majority of rivals
READ ALSO: Best Camping Air Conditioners for Summer Camping
Why Choose Lithium Batteries for Camping?
So you're wondering which lithium battery will work best in your trip for the great outdoors? Maybe you're shopping for an RV and want to know which type and capacity of batteries will work best in your new trailer.
In this article, we'll check the benefits of lithium batteries for your car and the best battery candidates based on the size and power requirements of your RV.
Weight
Your RV is already large and heavy enough. Lithium batteries are typically one-third the size and weight of standard lead-acid batteries.
Reduce the weight of your car while increasing its speed.Weight is an important consideration whether you're driving a Class A powered coach or towing a small teardrop with your car.
Charging Time
Okay, so regular lead-acid batteries get slower to charge the more you use them, which means waiting longer for them to fill up. But lithium batteries are cool because they have less resistance inside, so they charge way faster.
That means you spend less time with a noisy, pollution-making generator to fill up your batteries. Just to compare, the lead-acid ones might take 6-12 hours, while lithium is like four to six times quicker, getting charged up in just 1-3 hours. Nice, right?
'When it comes to power, lithium batteries unquestionably outperform lead-acid and other types of batteries. On a camping trip, these long-lasting and dependable energy sources provide extended battery life, ensuring that electronics remain powered throughout.
It charges extremely quickly (5x faster than standard choices), allowing you to make the most of your limited time in nature with lithium batteries like Ionic lithium batteries, which can easily last 5,000 cycles and 10+ years.
They're also far more forgiving when fully discharged, whereas their contemporaries require at least 50% capacity or greater to avoid irreversible damage! This makes lithium batteries an excellent choice for powering outdoor activities such as camping trips.