So, you’re going camping and maybe worried about missing out on modern-day gadgets that we all can’t live without like Laptops, Electric grills, and even your Nintendo Switch? Well, there’s no need to worry as you can buy a battery generator for camping.
Basically these are very powerful battery packs that can even be recharged from your car or truck or even a portable solar charging panel. As long as the sun is out you can get everlasting power!
Unlike smaller cellphone battery packs or power banks these battery generator for camping are high tech and very powerful. They are capable of running all of your electrical camping equipment.
The best part of all… they are silent. Unlike standard portable generators which too be fair are much quieter than before, these battery generators are totally silent and still provide you with over 2000 Watts of power in some cases which is enough to power lights, cooking equipment or even a small heater on those cold camping nights.
Contents
Here are the 7 Battery Generator we tested!
Last update on 2024-03-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Battery Generator VS Portable Generator
When it comes to comparing these two types of Power supplies there is no doubt that noise level is the overriding factor between the two. Simply put the battery generators are SILENT. If you listen very carefully you may hear a slight hum from the fan but that’s it.
Portable Gasoline or Propane generators although much quieter than before, still, run at around 50-70 decibels. Even the quietest portable generators produce around 45 decibels which makes certain situations like the beach or forest/parks are not acceptable.
There for a portable battery powered generator will suit your needs better.
However, the portable generators do often win over power!
Capable of running much larger appliances for long periods of time they are more suited to running larger pieces of equipment like construction tools and powering homes.
Whereas the battery-powered generators are more suited to smaller devices like fans, small heaters, Tv’s Electric stoves, and Camera equipment.
Both types of power generators have their place and both have their pros and cons. It’s all dependant on your needs.
How to choose the right Battery Generator for Camping
The type, make and model you choose will be dependant on your needs. The type of appliances you’d like to run and where you would like to use the battery generator all come into play.
If you’re going out hiking or trekking then you will need one of the lightest battery generators on the market. However, if you want it for a tailgate party then a bigger, heavier and therefore more powerful generator may be better like the Sungzu portable gen.
After all you’re not carrying it anywhere but you’d still like it to be powerful but also silent!
Here are a few things to consider:
Wattage
This is one of the first things you need to check when getting a generator. The starting wattage of the generator is typically higher than the running wattage. The running wattage is the power needed by the generator to run continuously. You need to check the total wattage of the appliances you plan on running against the starting and running wattage of your generator.
Weight
If you’re going to a place that will need you to keep moving around with your generator, weight should be one of the priorities. Heavy-duty generators, especially high-wattage generators, tend to be heavy. When you are faced with such a decision, check how comfortable it feels on your hand when you carry the portable generator.
Number of outlets
Generators can have up to 9 outlets. While the number of outlets is important, you need to check the type of outlet too. Make sure the generator has both AC and DC outlets. Some generators will even have in-built USB outlets.
These outlets determine the usability of the generators. They tell you whether you can plug the generator into the house AC outlet and whether you can use the generator in different locations that have different electrical plug-ins.
Run time
The primary reason you buy a generator is to keep you powered up, right? You need to know whether the investment you put in will be worth it in terms of how long the generator can sustain you.
Generators can sustain you from 5 hours to as much as 12 hours on a single charge. This is determined by the number of appliances you have charging at the same time.
Recharge time
Battery-powered generators need to recharge after running out of power. The recharge time depends on battery capacity. Recharge time can be as little as 8 hours.
The recharging method also affects recharge time. You can recharge the battery to full capacity in those 8 hours if you are using an AC wall power source. Solar recharging can take up to 14 hours. It can be as much as 16 hours from a carport.
Warranty
A warranty is a sign of a brand trusting its product. Most generators will come with warranties of up to 3 years. This covers accidents that damage the machines.
However, you need to check the fine print. Warranty policies sometimes have exclusions that will render the agreement void especially if the damage is caused deliberately by the user.
Price
When you feel like you have found the perfect generator for your power needs, the price is the last barrier. There’s a price bracket for similar power classes of generators.
Price distinctions might be due to other factors such as dual-fuel capability, invertor mechanism, parallel usability, and extras such as handles that improve portability.
Here are some comparisons
Last update on 2024-03-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How long will they run?
A fully charged generator can keep you running for days. However, this is all dependent on how many devices you are charging.
If you charge a generator to its full capacity, it can run a CPAP machine for anything between 3 days to a week depending on the generator’s capacity.
TVs can run for about 10 hours while smaller items such as mini fans will go for 4 hours even with the smallest rechargeable generator.
You can charge a laptop up to 9 times while you can charge smartphones up to 8 times. Avoid draining the generator completely. Monitor your progress on the LED screens to know when to recharge.
Benefits and Key Features
✅ Ready and waiting to provide backup power for your home appliances in case of a power outage. They can run all your key home appliances for a relatively long period of time depending on the wattage of the generator and the size of the appliance.
✅ Size and portability: Much smaller and lighter than fuel generators
✅ Low maintenance: Simple charge ready for use and that’s it
✅ Silent operation. They are so quiet you can use them in a bedroom to power your TV and PS4/Xbox without anyone noticing.
✅ NO fume. Great for indoor use or in environments like public parks and forests where pollution is a factor.
✅ The power output is often very stable and reliable, without the surges that may be dangerous to sensitive electronics like smartphones and laptops.
✅ Available in all sizes and power outputs.
✅ Reliable: No moving parts to break so reliability is far better than diesel or gasoline generators.
✅ No need to bring fuel along. Just charge up, put it in your car/truck and you’re off.
✅ Inexpensive compared to gasoline gens. The average cost for a battery-powered generator is between $200-500
7 Best Battery Generator for Camping
7. Jackery Explorer 500
The Jackery Explorer is a compact power station for its size. At 11.84 x 7.59 x 9.2 inches it is small enough to fit in small spaces. You can drive with it just about anywhere, be it camping, fishing or long RV drives.
The design features rounded edges and a full handle. This design gives it that sleek edge you expect from a power station. The handle makes it easy to ferry around the unit with its 13lbs.
It is designed to power convenient items that do not exceed 500watts. Your laptops, phones, torches and energy-saving lamps are all fair game with this power station. It runs a 144,400mAh battery.
And this battery has impressive staying power too. 500 charging cycles before it drops capacity is impressive by all standards.
It’ll take you about 8 hours to charge it to capacity once it is empty. The LED display on the side lets you monitor how much battery is left. The auto shut off feature is super helpful in conserving energy even though it’s such a low-draw feature.
It’ll take about 9 hours to charge it in the best solar conditions. It even has a solar panel although it is a separate entity. A generator or AC outlet will take you 7 hours to charge.
Key Features
✅ 3 5V, 2.4A USB outputs, 2 DC outputs, one car port output, and one AC output
✅ Pure Sine Wave inverter
✅ 2 inch LCD display
✅ 5W LED lamp
✅ What we liked
- Low voltage LED lamp with SOS blinking mode
- Ergonomic handle
- Electrical surge protection
- Optional solar charging station exclusive to the Jackery Explorer line
❌ What we didn’t like
- It makes an irritating noise while on AC output
- Limited wattage
Read more customer reviews on Amazon ↗️
6. BALDR Power Station 330W
Your outdoor experiences are just about to get lit up with this Baldr Power Station. Designwise, the unit evokes a look of power. It has a rugged look, boosted by the sharp yet smooth edges.
The front panel is an attractive view with a small LED display panel and an array of well-placed outlets. The most noticeable feature is the bright lamp. The rugged design housing packs within its 297wh power capacity.
Need to head out and time is not on your side? You can use the QC 3.0 USB outlet to charge the battery up to 80% in less than an hour. There are 3 USB outlets, one AC outlet for house charging, two DC outlets and one car charger outlet.
It works with any 100w solar panel. It’ll take you between 5 hours to 8 hours to full capacity charge whether it’s on solar, AC or 12V car charger. It packs a respectable 82500mAh.
The Pure Sine Wave inverter will give you cleaner energy for a long time. It also has a bunch of other protection mechanisms such as short circuit protection, overheating protection, and spiking protection.
Key Features
✅ 3 QC 3.0 USB outlets, 2 DC ports 12V / 5A 60W outlets, one 12V / 10A 120W vehicle port and one AC output.
✅ Pure Sine Wave inverter
✅ Backlit LED display
✅ Bright LED lamp
✅ What we liked
- Lightweight at only 7.1lbs
- Battery Management System that ensures multiple protections
- Wireless charger
- Can charge a CPAP machine
❌ What we didn’t like
- Solar charging limitations
- The wireless charging might draw out power even when it’s not charging anything
Read more customer reviews on Amazon ↗️
5. Goal Zero Yeti 400
The Goal Zero Yeti 400 sports a futuristic look and color scheme. The boxy design makes it easy to carry and store in confined spaces for when you need to pack it and head out. At 10.25 by 8 by 8 inches, it weighs in at about 30lbs. It’s not lightweight but it won’t break your back either when you want to load it into your RV or transfer it elsewhere.
It features a 396Wh Lead-Acid battery and Pure Sine inverter that gives you clean efficient power. Its 7 outlets allow you to charge 7 devices at once. You can see the progress and battery level on the sizeable LED screen. One of its most impressive features is that you can daisy chain with other Lead-Acid batteries to make a beast of a power station.
Recharge times vary from 5 hours via the wall outlet to 13 hours with the car charger, and as 8 hours from Goal Zero’s monocrystalline solar panels. The company has included a protection mechanism that auto-shuts the battery before it gets depleted. This keeps your battery running for longer.
Key Features
✅ 2 110V AC outlets, 2 USB outlets, 2 other outlets, and one car port outlet
✅ Lead-Acid battery
✅ Pure-Sine wave inverter
✅ Power Pole Chaining Port: 12V, up to 33A
✅ What we liked
- Hardcore construction
- Auto shut off when it nears depletion
- Overheat and surge protection
- You can chain with other batteries
❌ What we didn’t like
- It can only charge a limited amount of devices
- Limited long-term reliability
Read more customer reviews on Amazon ↗️
4. ROCKPALS 300W Power Station
The Rockpals 300W Power station doesn’t take up much room. However, that doesn’t mean its effect is not felt. This power station will power up most of your usual devices. Any essential device up to 300W is ready to go with this powerhouse. Your phone, laptop, CPAP machine, tablet, and even TV will get enough juice from a single full charge of this machine.
The casing houses a lithium battery. You can see the charge level and output levels on the big easy to read LED display. The outlet panel is clearly marked so you know what needs to be charged in each port.
The USB QC 3.0 ports are clearly marked and sectioned together with the normal USB ports. All 3 DC 12V 4A outlets are neatly arranged. The 2 DC 12V and 24V outputs are also well marked. There are 2 bright lamps on either side of the display panel for when you need a spotlight. And it doesn’t even draw much.
The 280Wh capacity battery weighs 7.3-pounds. That is light enough to carry by hand for short distances. The 110V outlet lets you charge the battery in 5 hours. It will take 6 hours in all-out sunshine to charge via solar. Solar recharge will take more time depending on the weather. 7 hours by car charger is also respectable by all standards.
Key Features
✅ 2 QC USB 3.0 outlets, 2 5V USB outlets, 3 12V 4A outlets, 12V DC, 24DC, one AC 110V
✅ Pure Sine Wave outlet
✅ MC4 Adapter
✅ 75000 mAH battery
✅ LED monitoring screen
✅ What we liked
- Protective film on the LED screen
- Charge up to 10 devices
- Relatively quiet fan in the battery
- Bright lamps
❌ What we didn’t like
- Limited charging options
- It may have quality control issues
Read more customer reviews on Amazon ↗️
3. Energizer Power Station
The Energizer Power Station is a briefcase-size lithium iron phosphate battery packing 50,000MAH. The sleek battery has a premium look to it and it is highly portable. It has about 240 watts starting and 200 Watts running. It is one of the lightest units in this compilation at 6lbs. Its 8″ x 6.1″ x 3.3″ dimensions make it a great carry along even for backpacking.
In addition to the USB QC fast-charge outlet, it also has a USB Type-C charging outlet. That makes it a great charging option for current smartphone users whose phones use Type-C charging. This battery is bound to give you 2000 charging cycles and up to 10 years of battery life.
It has a power-saving function where the unit will automatically sleep after 2 minutes of no activity. If the 2 minutes extend to 5 minutes, it shuts off completely. This prolongs the battery lifespan and battery power.
It will take you 4-5 hours to charge this battery to full capacity in any of the outlets. The solar charge time will depend on the sun’s availability. In addition to the multiple protections of the battery, it sports a bright yet energy-saving 4W Flashlight for night purposes.
Key Features
✅ Lithium-ion phosphate battery
✅ USB-C port, 2 QC USB 3.0 port, 2 2.4A outlets, 3 12V, DC car port
✅ 4W LED light
✅ LED screen
✅ What we liked
- Overcharging, overheating, overcurrent and short circuit protection
- Auto-sleep and auto-shutoff after inactivity
- Siren problem alert
- Advanced heat dissipation
❌ What we didn’t like
- Cannot work with devices exceeding 150W
Read more customer reviews on Amazon ↗️
2. SUAOKI Power Station
This is a small unit whose width can fit the palm of an adult. Yet even at its size, this 150Wh battery packs 13500mAh in it. It powers up your vital essentials such as phones, mini drones, cameras, and laptops. It’s a handy battery for a brief get away from home. It has a 100W limit. Any device beyond that and the protection mechanism kicks in and it shuts off.
Heading out with friends and you don’t want to compete over charging spots? Well, the Suaoki comes with 10 different outlets including a QC USB option. When it’s out of power, you have 3 charging options.
It’ll take you anything between 6 hours and 8 hours to charge from the 110V wall socket. It’ll take about 11 hours to fully charge it from the car charging port. You only need a steady 8 hours of good sun to charge to capacity. At full capacity, this pack will comfortably power your CPAP for 6 hours and some change – if you do not run the humidifier.
The design and handle of this battery make it easy to carry on trips. You can include it on the list of essentials when you go out.
Key Features
✅ 2 x 110V AC Inverter Outlets, 4 x 12v/10A DC outlets, 4 x USB Ports
✅ LED flashlights
✅ Battery management system
✅ Collapsible carry handle
✅ What we liked
- Small size ideal for convenient carry
- Temperature and spike control
- SOS-mode in flashlight
- Lightweight
❌ What we didn’t like
- Limited capacity
- Might have quality control issues
Read more customer reviews on Amazon ↗️
1. Anker Powerhouse 200
Anker is no stranger to convenient power devices. The Powerhouse 200 is another product in the Anker lineup that showcases the brand’s strengths. It is a handy device with a neat carry handle that feels comfortable on the hand when you carry it around. The exterior is cleaned, with curved edges that make it a pleasure to look at. The front panel features an LED screen and 5 charging ports including a USB Fast charging port.
It takes slightly under 7 hours to fully charge the Anker 200 using the AC power adapter. Solar charging depends on weather conditions. We like the buttons indicating which outlets to power up. One push of a button and you can charge up a class of devices at a time. Given Anker’s reputation for clean quiet power, we wouldn’t be surprised if you decided to use this unit in a library during lights out.
Key Features
✅ 1 x 12V DC Outlet, 1 AC Outlet, 1 USB outlet, and 2 USB-A Charging outlets
✅ Large LED display screen
✅ Convenient carry handle
✅ What we liked
- Lightweight at only 6lbs
- Pass-through charging.
❌ What we didn’t like
- Limited compatibility with some devices such as some Dell laptops
- Limited high speed charging compatibility with some devices
Read more customer reviews on Amazon ↗️
F.A.Q
Q. How do I improve the lifespan of my power station?
A. Battery life deteriorates if the battery is left unattended for too long. Check on the battery to make sure it’s not getting depleted. Charge it to full capacity before storing it again. Ideally, once every 3 months is enough.
Q. Does cold or hot weather have any effect on the battery?
A. Extreme heat or cold reduces the health of the battery. If it is left inactive in the cold, warm the battery first to above 32 degrees Fahrenheit before charging. Avoid keeping it in hot areas too.
Q. What’s the average lifespan of a battery?
A. Batteries will typically last for between 500 and 1000 charging cycles. This amounts to roughly 3 years of service if they are well maintained.
Output Socket Options
How many sockets you’ll need will depend on the number of appliances you want to run at any one time. Most battery generators come with 1 or 2 outlets. However, you can use generator extension cords made solely to give you more outlets and options from your generator.
They also come with multiple USB ports depending on the model you purchase. Meaning you can easily run or charge your smartphones and laptops anywhere on the go.
Battery Charging Options
How do you recharge this battery generator? Most battery generators are recharged quickly by plugging them into a mains wall socket before you leave the house.
But many can be recharged by plugging them into a car socket or with a solar charging panel. Different models will take longer or shorter to recharge. You’ll need to check each model before buying it.
Editors choice
The generator landscape is rife with all sorts of devices that claim to be the best. But after reviewing battery solutions from reputable companies, we have come to the conclusion that the Jackery Explorer 500 is the best generator for camping. And for good reason.
The outdoors has surprises at every corner. One of the most essential needs, while you are surrounded by uncertainty, is the need to stay connected and keep your camping area well lit. For that, you need a battery pack that will sustain you for days before you have to recharge.
- LONG LASTING ENDURANCE: The Explorer 500 portable power station is built with the lithium-ion battery pack, in...
- SUPPORT PASS-THROUGH CHARGING: This power station features 1* AC outlet (110V 500W 1000W Peak), 3*USB-A ports,...
- DESIGNED FOR PORTABILITY: Same size as a basketball, this Explorer 500 is easy to carry with its solid handle,...
- WHAT YOU GET: 1* Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station (518Wh Power Station), 1*AC adapter, 1* car...
- Important: Please provide a physical address for orders - products cannot be delivered to just a PO Box...
Last update on 2024-04-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Its high power capacity will power most high power draw essential as long as they don’t surpass the 500W limit. While it’s heavier than some of the other entrants on the list, you will not lack the space to keep it in your tent or when you pack up for your camping trip.
The ability to charge up to 7 appliances or devices on this unit is commendable. You will get a full day of power and still have some juice. After all, it does have up to 144,400mAh of power under that sturdy frame. 9 hours of solar recharging is definitely a great bargain for the power that this brings to the table – or camp.
Final Thoughts
If you are going out camping, a power source is one of the essentials you need to include in your checklist. Make sure you also bring appliances that don’t require too much power. Before you leave, it is important to have your generators charged to full capacity.
