Power for Camping

Flat phone, warm drinks and a fridge that's given up? Getting reliable power for camping can make life outdoors much easier. From charging essentials to running camp comforts, portable power stations offer a practical way to keep your setup powered when mains electricity is nowhere in sight.

What Can You Run Off Camping Power?

Fridge, Lights And Phones

Fridges, camp lights and phones are common priorities when you are planning power when camping. Check the power draw of each device, then make sure your chosen camping power station can handle the items you expect to use at the same time.

Laptops, Fans And Camp Comforts

Add laptops, fans, cameras and other camp comforts and your total demand can climb quickly. A portable power station for camping should be matched to what you actually use, rather than chosen around a single device.

Adding Up Your Camp Load

List each device, its power draw and roughly how long you expect to run it. Then add up the devices that may operate together.

For a rough runtime estimate, divide battery watt-hours by the watts your device draws. Real-world results will differ, so treat the figure as a guide rather than a guarantee.

Keeping It Charged In The Bush

Your camping power source is only useful if you have a practical way to recharge it during the trip. Think about where you will be camping, how long you will stay and which charging methods suit your setup.

Topping Up With Solar

Solar can be a useful way to top up compatible battery power stations while you are away from mains power. Check the charging input requirements of your chosen unit and the equipment you plan to connect.

Topping Up On The Drive

If your chosen unit supports charging from your vehicle, driving between camps can give you another opportunity to top it up. Check compatibility with your vehicle and power station before relying on this as your main charging method.

Choosing Your Camp Power Source

There is no single best power station for camping. The better choice is the one that fits your total load, trip length and charging options.

Battery Power Stations For Most Camps

Most of this range is made up of rechargeable battery power stations. They use no fuel and produce no exhaust, making them a practical form of portable camping power for many campsite setups.

When comparing camping power solutions, focus on the devices you need to run and how often you can recharge.

Long Stays And Heavy Loads

For longer stays or heavier ongoing loads, compare your expected demand carefully. A petrol generator may also be an option where it suits your needs and campground rules.

Keep any petrol generator outdoors and well away from tents, awnings and vehicles. Never run one inside a tent, and check campground rules before you go.