Camping Gear

Best Portable Power Supply for Camping

Keep your phones, lights, and gear charged off-grid. Here are 8 of the best portable power supplies for camping, with pros, cons, and a buying guide.

CampingKnow is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Electricity is the one thing most campers forget to plan for until their phone dies halfway up the trail. Real-time maps, headlamps, a small cooler, a CPAP machine: all of it runs on power you do not have once you leave the grid. A portable power supply solves that problem in a single box you can throw in the trunk.

Think of it as a very large power bank with extra storage and a few tricks a normal battery pack cannot match, such as AC wall outlets, 12V car ports, and solar charging. It stores a bank of watt-hours after charging and then hands that energy back to whatever you plug in, anywhere you happen to be.

Below are eight portable power stations worth a look, covering everything from ultra-light weekend units to full home-backup generators. Each write-up lists what it does well, where it falls short, and who it suits, followed by a buying guide and FAQ to help you match a unit to the way you camp.

Our top pick

Duracell PowerSource Quiet Gasless Portable Power and Solar Generator

Its huge battery, built-in solar controller, and instant-on UPS feature make it the most capable all-rounder for campers who want serious, uninterrupted backup power.

Check price on Amazon

Quick Comparison

RankProductBest forPrice
#1 AIMTOM 300-Watt Portable Power Station Campers who want one box with every output type Check price
#2 Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 Road-trip and car campers charging phones and laptops Check price
#3 JHKJ 296Wh Portable Power Station Campers who want wireless charging and big capacity Check price
#4 Rockpals 250-Watt Portable Generator Light loads and emergency backup at home or camp Check price
#5 X-Doria Raptic Titan Portable Power Station Rugged use where durability and looks both matter Check price
#6 Anker Powerhouse 200 Compact, quiet charging for phones and laptops Check price
#7 Westinghouse iGen160s Portable Power Station and Outdoor Solar Generator Backpackers and minimalists who count every ounce Check price
#8 Duracell PowerSource Quiet Gasless Portable Power and Solar Generator Campers who want home-grade backup power off-grid Check price

The Reviews

Best for Campers who want one box with every output type

The AIMTOM 300-Watt portable power station provides a 280Wh battery-powered generator with 12V, 24V, AC, and USB outputs. The best part is that it can be charged with solar energy, so you no longer need a wall socket to keep your gadgets topped up. On a full charge it covers roughly 40 mobile recharges, 5 laptop recharges, 35 camera recharges, 4 hours of mini-fridge run time, and about 4 hours of a 32-inch TV. You can run up to 10 devices at once across its outputs.

AIMTOM safely powers sensitive electronics so equipment runs cooler and quieter with fewer mysterious shut-downs. In simple terms it delivers 75000mAH of fast charging. Besides the optional solar panel, you can recharge it from an AC wall outlet, a generator, or a car port, and the Battery Management System protects gadgets from short-circuit, over-temperature, over-voltage, over-charging, and over-current. An easy-to-read LED display shows charge level and consumption so you always know when to refill.

Pros

  • Can be charged by solar energy
  • Very high 280Wh capacity, equivalent to 75000mAH of fast charging
  • Full BMS protection keeps sensitive gadgets safe
  • Multiple output types charge up to 10 devices at once

Cons

  • Solar panel is sold separately
  • Not waterproof
  • Can heat up during extended use
Check price on Amazon
Best for Road-trip and car campers charging phones and laptops

The Jackery Explorer 240 is a favorite for outdoor, travel, hunting, and emergency use. With a 240Wh backup lithium battery and a 110V/200W pure sine wave AC outlet, it can charge an iPhone about 24 times, an iPad Air around 7.5 times, and a MacBook Pro 13 twice. The 240 watt-hour (16.8Ah, 14.4V) lithium-ion pack needs no gasoline and makes no clanging, so you can pack light for your next camp trip.

The pure sine wave AC socket lets you power several sensitive devices without damage, including phones, notebooks, and string lights, which makes it ideal for car camping and road trips. It is primarily intended for charging laptops, mini-coolers, drones, and other outdoor electronics. Protection covers over-temperature, short circuit, over-discharge, overpower, overcharge, and voltage, so you can plug in with confidence. It is solar ready as well, which means you can pair it with a compatible panel and stay topped up on longer trips without ever touching a wall outlet.

Pros

  • Quiet and eco-friendly
  • Solar ready generator
  • Pure sine wave outlet is safer than a car inverter
  • Comprehensive built-in protection

Cons

  • Solar panel must be purchased separately
  • Can heat up in use
  • Running many ports at once can stress the unit
Check price on Amazon
Best for Campers who want wireless charging and big capacity

JHKJ has made a name for itself with a portable power station built around a few standout features. It puts out 350W yet stays portable enough for camping, and the headline trick is built-in wireless fast charging. The 296Wh pack, roughly 80000mAH, is enough to charge a phone around 50 times, so it can easily be your best mate for a long weekend off-grid.

JHKJ takes protection seriously. A safe BMS handles temperature and voltage control, and a fireproof enclosure shields the device from any heating cause. That combination makes it a reassuring pick if you worry about running sensitive gear hard in the backcountry. Just keep in mind that it is not waterproof, so it should be kept away from liquids and out of combustible, explosive, or corrosive environments where a short circuit could occur.

Pros

  • Super safe protection with BMS temperature and voltage control
  • High 296Wh (80000mAH) capacity
  • Built-in fireproof enclosure
  • Wireless fast charging on board

Cons

  • Not waterproof and can be damaged by liquids
  • Harsh environments can cause a short circuit
  • Not for use in combustible, explosive, or corrosive areas
Check price on Amazon
Best for Light loads and emergency backup at home or camp

With a 64800mAh capacity, the Rockpals 250W mobile generator can run your gear for a good while, and its 250W output works with most small electrical appliances. In a power outage it makes a solid emergency source for lighting, phones, laptops, and wireless gear to keep daily life going.

The solar generator can be recharged in sunlight with any compatible 60W or 100W panel, topped up in about 8 hours from a wall socket, or charged from a 12V car port. That flexibility makes it easy to keep charged whether you are at home, on the road, or parked at a remote site. It can power your mobile electronics plus any 110V appliance up to 250W. Expect roughly 25 smartphone charges, 3 to 5 laptop charges, 6-plus hours for a car fridge under 40W, and 2 to 3 hours for a 32-inch LCD TV. It stays light enough to carry comfortably, which is part of why it works so well as both a camping companion and a household emergency backup.

Pros

  • Can be charged by solar energy
  • 64800mAH of capacity
  • Easy to recharge and carry
  • Three charging methods including wall, car, and solar

Cons

  • Does not support devices over 250W
  • Solar panel sold separately
  • Not waterproof and can short out if it gets wet
Check price on Amazon
Best for Rugged use where durability and looks both matter

The X-Doria Raptic Titan is the beast of this group, with looks and build that grab attention. Its 225Wh backup lithium battery can run a lantern for 30-plus hours, charge a smartphone 20-plus times, a tablet 6-plus times, a camera around 35 times, and a laptop about five times, so you are unlikely to run dry. The transformer-style design only adds to the appeal, and it handles outdoor adventures, power-outage backup, and even a CPAP machine.

The best part is that it fully recharges from a simple 100W solar panel in just 4 to 5 hours. It stays compact, portable, and powerful, with rubberized protection on all four corners, an active cooling system, and an extruded aluminum body designed for security and comfort. Take it on the trail to run exterior lights and capture your adventures with up to 35 charges on tap.

Pros

  • Aluminum frame design looks and feels rugged
  • High 225Wh lithium battery backup
  • Fully charges from a 100W solar panel in 4 to 5 hours
  • Corner protection and active cooling for tough conditions

Cons

  • Not for devices over 200W
  • Solar panel is not included
  • Not waterproof and can short out from liquid
Check price on Amazon
Best for Compact, quiet charging for phones and laptops

With 213Wh of capacity, the Anker Powerhouse 200 is a quiet, clean portable rechargeable generator. It carries a 110V AC outlet, USB-C Power Delivery, USB-A, and a 12V car outlet, which makes it well suited to camping, fast charging, emergencies, and CPAP use. You can charge or power several devices at once without sacrificing speed, and the dedicated USB-C port pushes a full-speed charge to USB-C machines.

The ultra-compact design lets you power gear anywhere, whether at home, in the yard, or in the garage, and the award-winning build was recognized by iF and Red Dot. Anker's safety systems keep you and your devices protected. Expect roughly 21 to 31 smartphone charges, 3 to 6 laptop charges, and plenty of small-device top-ups. Output is rated at AC 100W max, USB-C 30W max, USB-A 15W max, and car outlet 60W max, with an LED screen showing all the battery info.

Pros

  • Universal compatibility across phones, laptops, and CPAP
  • High-power charging with multiple inputs and outputs
  • 57600mAh, quiet and clean operation
  • Award-winning ultra-compact design

Cons

  • Cannot support devices rated over 100W
  • Solar charger not included
  • Not waterproof, so liquids can cause a short circuit
Check price on Amazon
Best for Backpackers and minimalists who count every ounce

The Westinghouse iGen160s packs two 120V sockets, four USB ports including USB-C and Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, and three 5mm DC outputs. Its three-mode lighting, built-in side reading lamps, and dual front flashlights keep you moving through the evening. At just 3.5 pounds it is genuinely easy to carry and store in a car compartment or clipped onto your gear, and it ships with AC and cigarette-lighter accessories for use with cars, walls, and generators, plus solar input to refill the bank.

Working from home or needing reliable backup, it powers notebooks, phones, routers, and security systems, and it works as a charging station or emergency kit. On the road it is built to be simple and ready as a solar power source. A small, quiet generator for camping, hunting, fishing, surfing, trade shows, or festivals, it keeps drones, GoPros, heated blankets, lights, and small coolers running. It needs no motor maintenance and recharges with a built-in carry handle.

Pros

  • Very portable and lightweight at 3.5 pounds
  • Can be charged by solar power
  • Worry-free dependability with built-in lighting
  • Wide port selection including USB-C and Quick Charge 3.0

Cons

  • Small battery capacity
  • Solar panel is not included
  • Not waterproof
Check price on Amazon
Best for Campers who want home-grade backup power off-grid

Duracell is world-famous for quality batteries, and the PowerSource 660 brings that pedigree to portable power. From inflating an air mattress to recharging a notebook, it can safely run your favorite gear from inside or outside the tent. It is solar equipped with an integrated solar controller and an industry-standard Anderson connector for around 10-hour charging, so you can keep it ready for whatever the trip throws at you.

Leave your gear plugged into the PowerSource and the PowerSource plugged into the wall, and when the power goes out it instantly switches AC wall power over to its internal battery without skipping a beat. It includes 4 AC sockets, two USB ports, and a 12V DC interface. The large battery can run a refrigerator for 5 hours, an LCD for 10 hours, a PC for 3 hours, speakers for 8 hours, string lights for 100 hours, a sump pump for 1.5 hours, and a blender for 0.5 hours. It also delivers about 11 laptop charges, 35 smartphone charges, 12 tablet charges, and 80 action-camera charges.

Pros

  • Incredible battery capacity
  • Built-in solar controller
  • Instant-on UPS feature for continuous power
  • Four AC sockets plus USB and 12V DC outputs

Cons

  • Solar panels must be purchased separately
  • Can overheat in temperatures over 104F
  • Relatively high price for the feature set
Check price on Amazon

What to Look For

Type of Product

First decide which sort of device you want. Do you prefer a generator, a solar panel, or a power bank? If you need to charge laptops, appliances, and other gear, get a portable generator. If you only need to keep a phone charged or run emergency lighting, a power bank or solar charger is enough.

Also think through a few details before you buy. What are the voltage requirements of the devices you plan to charge? Are they USB-compatible? Do you need a BMS to protect them? And if you want AC output, choose a unit with a proper mobile AC power source for camping.

Power Output

How much electricity do you actually need? Most makers quote capacity in mAh (milliamp hours), where roughly 10,000 mAh equals about 3 full smartphone charges. Portable power units also vary in their output sockets, so work out the energy demands of your gadgets and pick a power source that comfortably covers them.

Form of Camping

Are you backpacking, car camping, or boondocking? Backpacking demands a small, lightweight unit, while boondocking gives you a little more room for size and weight. Pick a light power source if you are carrying it on your back. If you have an RV, go for a compatible battery built for camping.

Frequency of Camping

How often do you camp? If you head out regularly, it is worth investing in a powerful device even though it costs more upfront. Most units lose some capacity if left unused for many months, so if you are a frequent camper or plan to use it often, buy a genuinely good one.

Camping Location

Solar power for camping is popular right now, but it is not ideal for every location. In some areas you are better off relying on battery power. If you are a backpacker, choose a lightweight source, and if you have an RV, pick a compatible battery for camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much power output do I need from a portable supply for camping?

It depends on your trip. For short outings you may only need enough to recharge a smartphone or two. For longer trips, a robust power station can keep all your devices and even small appliances running for days. A solar panel is another good option for extended excursions, and pairing a power station with a portable solar panel keeps everything charged for days or weeks on end.

How do you charge a portable power station?

There are several ways. Most of the top models above can be charged through a wall socket, a 12V car port, or a portable solar panel, so you can usually keep them topped up no matter where you are.

Does a portable solar panel work in cloudy weather?

Solar panels work best in bright, sunny conditions, but they still function under cloud cover, just at a reduced rate of roughly 25 percent of full charging output depending on the model.

Do portable chargers damage phone batteries?

No. A good-quality portable rechargeable battery will not damage your phone. Just check that the unit has a BMS and is compatible with your phone model.

How long do portable chargers last, and can I fly with one?

For an average user a quality unit can last up to five years and hold its charge for 4 to 6 weeks, with power typically dropping to about 80 percent after 500 cycles. For flying, a camping battery with a Li-ion cell up to 100Wh is allowed in carry-on luggage, so confirm it is a TSA-approved item before you travel.

What is a good size generator for camping?

If you are a heavy equipment user, a 2000 to 3000W model is appropriate. If you mainly want mobile charging for digital devices like phones, cameras, and laptops, a 1000 to 2000W unit is plenty. Match the rating to the wattage of the appliances you actually plan to run, since most of the camping-focused stations in this guide top out around 250 to 350W.

How many solar panels does it take to charge a 12-volt battery?

One solar panel is enough to charge a 12V battery. The exact charging time depends on the panel's wattage and how much direct sun it gets, so a larger 100W panel will refill a power station noticeably faster than a smaller one, and bright, clear conditions always help.

The Bottom Line

The right portable power supply comes down to how you camp: ultra-light units like the Westinghouse iGen160s suit backpackers, while road trippers will appreciate the Jackery Explorer 240's pure sine wave outlet. For the most capable all-rounder, the Duracell PowerSource Quiet Gasless Portable Power and Solar Generator wins on sheer capacity, its built-in solar controller, and an instant-on UPS feature that keeps your gear running without a hiccup. Match the capacity and output to your devices, factor in solar if you stay out for days, and you will never watch your phone die on the trail again.