Camping is an opportunity to escape the automated world and enjoy the simplicity of nature. Ironically, even as we try to disconnect from work and stay off the grid, we are held back by the insatiable demand for power from our smartphones and various other devices.
Ten years ago, users generally carried a 5000mAh~10000mAh power bank to power their mobile phones. However, when night came, lighting and cooking food became the biggest problems in the dark environment.
So how to solve the need for power supply in remote places? That’s where camping portable power bank come in, and it is important to choose the right one.
To choose the right camping portable power station, you need to find the wattage of your load and choose a power station with 25% more battery capacity.
Sounds complex, right?
As a professional camping portable power station manufacturer we are here to help you. This guide will help you choose the ideal portable power station that meets your camping needs.
Let’s jump in.
Why Do You Need a Portable Power Station?
Before we discuss why you would need a portable power station, let’s do a quick dive into what a portable power station is.
It is a rechargeable battery with in-built inverters, AC/DC ports, controllers, and cooling fans. This powerhouse can safely and efficiently store and deliver a large amount of energy, making it ideal for campers and van lifters.
Portable power stations are durable because they’re well-built. They can be charged via solar, which makes them suitable for outdoor adventures.
Now, why would you need a portable power station?
You need a camping portable power station because power is not guaranteed for the outdoor adventures you are going on. If you are like many others who enjoy engaging in various activities while camping, then a portable power source will ensure the power needs of your devices.
To have an enjoyable experience, having a portable power station is not negotiable.
What Can You Power with a Portable Power Station?
You can power several things with a portable power station, such as light bulbs, AC fans, smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, camping fridges, induction cooker etc. However, what you can power depends on the power capacity of your station.
It’s crucial to assess your total power needs when camping so you have enough power to last you throughout your adventure.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Portable Power Station
How do I know I’m making the right call in choosing a portable power station? The answer depends on your power needs. Everyone’s requirements differ.
Many Various specifications camping power stations are available, but several factors will influence your buying decision. Let’s unravel the essential ones.
Battery Capacity
Every portable power station has a battery capacity written on its body. For example, you may see 600 watts, 1000 watts, 1500 watts, etc. These wattages are a measure of the continuous capacity of the station.
This figure is vital, as it will help influence your choice of a power station, especially if you want to run an appliance with high power consumption like a blender or camping refrigerator.
If you need help calculating the wattage of your appliances, look at their power consumption on their bodies. Combine those figures to give you an approximate quantity of load your power station can handle.
Battery Type
Portable power stations use two types of batteries – lithium-ion and lead-acid. Lithium-ion batteries have a longer lifespan and a higher energy density. Lead-acid batteries, on the other hand, are more affordable.
Another form of lithium battery known as lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) is currently making waves in the market as a better option to the typical Lithium-ion. While lithium-ion batteries have 500 charging cycles, LiFePO4 batteries have more than 2000 charging cycles.
LiFePO4 batteries are more expensive but cost-effective, considering you won’t have to replace your power station often. Plus, they are safer since they aren’t susceptible to overheating.
Finally, these batteries can be safely discharged to 20% degradation, unlike their lithium-ion counterparts, which can only be discharged to 50%.
Charging Options
Consider what you want to charge and how you want to power up your station. The power station should have an AC/DC port to stay powered. For instance, you can charge it using a wall socket (AC) or a car adapter/solar (DC).
To power up your device, ensure the power station has several outlets. Consider the number of devices you want to charge simultaneously and choose the power station that provides such an option.
Safety
A portable charging station is something you’d want to avoid cutting corners on. It carries a tremendous amount of power, and given you’d be carrying it about, you’d need to ensure they have all the safety features.
Overload protection, temperature control, and short circuit protection are just some of the basic safety features you’d want your power station to have.
Portability
We know that camping power stations are portable, but some are more portable than others. You may think the more portable ones will have significantly less power capacity, but that isn’t entirely true. It depends on your total power consumption needs.
There are more compact and lightweight options that don’t compromise on wattage. Since you’ll be carrying many things while camping, you must choose a portable power station that won’t be a burden during your adventure.
How to Use and Maintain a Portable Power Station
Here are a few tips on using and maintaining a portable power station.
- Familiarize yourself with the buttons, outlets, and other station features.
- Charge the power station using the provided cable to 100% before using it for the first time.
- Avoid leaving the battery unused for an extended period of time.
- Avoid draining the power station completely. Regularly check the battery capacity and charge when it is low.
- Keep it away from extreme temperatures to avoid degrading the battery. Store it in a dry environment.
- Turn off the station when it is not in use.
How to Decide the Size of a Portable Power Station
As mentioned, assessing your power needs is the first step in deciding the size of a portable power station that you need.
Consider the appliances you want to use, such as your cameras, smartphones, laptops, Blender, camping refrigerator, induction cooker etc., and their power consumption. Then search the market for a portable power station with enough wattage and capacity to handle the power load comfortably.
Remember, it’s not just about choosing a portable power station that can meet your power needs; you should also consider one that can provide an extended power supply. That is the one that will handle multiple charging cycles before needing to be recharged.
Don’t be fooled by the price
Nowadays, you can search for thousands of camping portable power station product information on major Internet platforms, but the prices are different or even hugely different, which makes it difficult for consumers to make a decision.
But please remember not to be fooled by the low price. As we mentioned earlier, the cost of high-quality lithium iron phosphate batteries is not cheap. When you see a very cheap portable power station, you must think of its safety. Is it quality certified? Avoid the competition from camping equipment suppliers.
In terms of quality and safety, the first thing to choose is safety, because this product with a large-capacity battery is used frequently, and its safety will directly affect the user’s personal safety and property safety.
Conclusion
Camping with portable power stations is crucial for your camping success. The key to an enjoyable adventure is understanding your power requirements. It will ultimately determine the battery capacity, type, and charging option.
Considering all factors, you can choose the ideal portable power station for camping and even stay connected throughout your outdoor activity.
