How To Choose The Best Portable Power Station For Camping
If you have a camping trip with family or friends in the works, one of the things you should have in your kit is a portable power station. It’s the easiest, most convenient way to get a continuous energy source. This lets you avoid the nightmare scenarios of all your devices running out of power when you need them most. Whenever you have one ready, you never have to worry about charging wherever you go, especially when you won’t see a power source for hours.
Do you have one? If you’re one of those who don’t, here’s what you need to know.
What Is A Portable Power Station?
Portable power stations have grown in popularity due to their convenience. The average one is a high-capacity portable battery pack capable of charging several devices and even small appliances.
This doesn’t require fuel to run. Instead, portable power stations are built with superior battery technology to ensure continuous storage of energy. It can charge and keep all devices or appliances running wherever you are.
Most models on the market are equipped with AC outlets, USB-C outlets, DC outlets, USB-A outlets, and even car outlets. All these options make it easier to have a source of power wherever you go. As more options become available, choosing a portable power station that suits your needs should be something to think about whenever you’re getting one.
Tips For Choosing A Portable Power Station For Camping
After knowing the benefits, you should get a portable power station if you love camping trips every other time of the year. To make sure you get the right one, here’s what you need to look for:
1. Go For The Right Capacity
The size of a portable power station’s battery determines its capacity. The term refers to the amount of electricity it can supply, measured in watt-hours (Wh). A power station with a large capacity can charge your devices for a longer period.
If you don’t have to do a lot of charging during your travels, you can go for a model with a smaller capacity, ideally between 200 and 300 Wh. For those who go on weekend camping trips that involve cooking and using many devices, a mid-range model with a capacity of 500 Wh would be the ideal choice.
A portable power station with a capacity of 1000 Wh is best for those who go on lengthy camping trips. The high capacity would also come in handy during unexpected power outages in situations like bad weather. It truly is a great addition to your pack, whether you stick to one outdoor spot or go roving in your RV motorhome.
2. Choose Long-Lasting Batteries
To get the most bang for your buck, always choose a model built to last for a long time. This way, it can power all your essentials while camping or during a power outage.
Again, one way you can check this is by taking a look at the battery. Look out for power stations equipped with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. People use these for high-powered applications such as power tools, electric vehicles, and radio-controlled (RC) cars. The reason is that it offers a lot in terms of lifespan and effectiveness.
LFP batteries are also guaranteed to last longer than the typical NMC batteries in most portable power stations, offering up to 3,000 charge cycles. Their improved thermal and structural stability also make them good choices, letting them last for years without a decline in their performance.
3. Check The Durability
A portable power station should be able to endure wear and tear, especially since you’ll use it outdoors. The ideal model should have a unibody structure made of sturdy materials.
The same thing goes with the inside. If all the components feel like they’re clicking or flopping around when you move the power station, you should choose another one. It should feel compact and not come away easily at the seams.
4. Know What Ports It Uses
The number of ports available is another thing to check. See if the power station you pick has the ports you need for your off-grid charging during your trips. The usual ones are good enough for cell phones and small gadgets. But if you need to charge more complex appliances often, go for a model with extra port options. Always compare the ports it has to the things you’ll charge to be sure.
5. Consider Additional Safety Features
Some superior power stations come with high-end safety features that prevent damage to your devices. When getting one, check if the model includes overload protection, an internal temperature gauge, and automatic shutdown.
The overload protection feature automatically stops charging your devices once they’re full. This keeps them from getting damaged if you accidentally leave them charged overnight.
Meanwhile, the automatic shutdown feature detects when the battery capacity reaches the minimum storage level to prevent the deterioration of your devices even after continuous use and charging.
Lastly, an internal temperature gauge works by maintaining a safe temperature for your devices while charging.
Having these features usually makes a portable power station hover on the pricey side. But they’re worth the extra cost.
6. Know The Charging Options
Last but not least, a portable power station should have great charging options. The majority you can find on the market typically offer USB charging. Basically, you can plug into the USB port of your vehicle. You can also get one equipped with AC or solar power charging.
Get Yourself One For Your Next Trip
If you’re convinced, go ahead and start looking for one you can take on your next outing. These tips should make finding the right one much easier for you. Keep in mind that accessibility and reliability are always a must when it comes to power sources. So, take your time, compare your picks, and ask friends and family for suggestions.
Once you get one with great features, you’re practically set to keep your devices running throughout your trip. It’s the perfect addition to your outdoor gear.