That said, most units weigh at least 10 pounds, and the weight and size increase quickly with greater capacities. Many campers and overlanding setups have limited space, so the more compact models have a higher appeal. While weight and size don’t directly connect to the technicalities of power banks, they impact the convenience of each model. We listed the watt hours as “wh” in the specs for each model for easier comparison. Keep in mind that solar panels are not usually included with the unit, and we recommend buying both at the same time for maximum efficiency in charging. If you’re looking for a home-powering backup for power outages, look for a model with at least 100 amp-hours and we recommend 200 watts of solar panels for recharging. The price goes up as the capacity increases, but most people heading out for an off-grid weekend will want at least around 40 amp-hours, or 500 watt-hours. Once you figure out what you’ll be charging, you can start comparing capacities per full charge on each unit. From there, consider how much time you’ll be off grid, and how long the solar-powered generator will take to recharge once it is depleted. Consider making a list of the items you’ll need to charge or power, and how much each one needs to run. This can also pertain to generators you keep at home for power outages.įor instance, running a refrigerator will take a lot more power than recharging your phone or powering your lights. Consider the electronics you plan to pack, and how much juice you’ll need for each one. One of the main differences in these models is how much charging capacity they each have. What to Consider How Much Charging Do You Need? My go-to portable power solutions are typically mid-range in size and capacity, as I don’t need a ton of charging on the road like someone powering the lights in a trailer or RV would need. Since I’m usually working while I’m on the road, my main charging needs are personal devices like a phone, laptop, and headlamp. I take multiple extended car-camping trips each year with a portable, convenient setup that includes barely more than a bin of car-camping goods, a piece of memory foam, and the topper on my truck. Show more The Expert: I have been traveling in the outdoors for as long as I can remember, and I’ve spent the past decade reviewing camping gear, overlanding items, and other outdoor equipment. They all have the capability to charge with solar panels, but almost all of them can charge in an AC wall outlet or with a 12-volt car adapter. Lastly, “solar-powered” doesn’t mean you need the sun to charge these power stations. We’ve rounded up the best models on the market, taking into consideration charging capacities, ease of use, weight, and different people’s power needs. Some of the more high-powered units can even run household appliances during a power outage. Once the charging station is juiced up, you can charge battery-powered gadgets on the go, or keep lights running off-grid. Most power stations can be charged in a wall outlet, a car’s 12-volt port, or with solar panels (often sold separately). Each unit holds a certain capacity for charging devices, measured in watt hours, or WH. Think of them as giant versions of battery power banks used to charge phones during travel or when outlets are scarce. The past few years have seen significant advancements in portable charging stations, with units becoming more compact, affordable, and with better charging capabilities than before. Solar-powered generators-also called portable power stations-are a growing sector of the power market and offer clean, efficient charging systems for off-grid adventures and power outages. These days, you have options beyond running a gas-powered generator to keep the lights on and the computer charged. This often means battery-powered items, whether it’s a smartphone, computer, rechargeable lights, or even a powered cooler or fridge. Overlanding, glamping, and van-based remote work have grown in popularity over the past several years, allowing more versatility in the items you bring for comfort and convenience. Though we love our minimalist adventures, off-grid outings don’t just mean an ultralight pack setup and cold-soaked oats in a dew-soaked tent.
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