Best Portable Power Stations for Camping & Overlanding

When you head into the wild, you don’t leave comfort behind. You bring it with you. That is why we tested the best portable power stations for camping and overlanding to find the models that reliably keep your gear running and your trip on track.

Key Takeaways

We test each unit in real camping conditions.
Capacity and weight are the biggest tradeoffs.
Solar input is essential for multi day trips.
The right model depends on your camping style.
Pure sine wave inverters protect sensitive devices.

Affiliate Disclaimer

We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links. This comes at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we have researched and trust. Your support allows us to keep this site running. Thank you.

What Makes a Power Station Right for Camping?

Camping and overlanding create unique demands. You need something rugged enough to bounce down a dirt road. You need it light enough to lift out of the truck bed. You need it to charge from the sun when you are miles from an outlet.

We spent two weeks testing nine portable power stations in actual camping conditions. We ran coolers. We charged drones. We topped off phones and laptops. We timed solar recharge speeds and measured real world capacity.

Here is what we found.

What to Look for in a Camping Power Station

Capacity and Runtime

Capacity is measured in watt hours. This tells you how much energy the unit stores. A 300 watt hour station will charge a phone about 25 times. It will run a 12 volt car fridge for roughly 10 to 15 hours depending on conditions.

We recommend 300 to 500 watt hours for weekend car camping. Overlanders spending multiple days off grid should look at 1000 watt hours or more.

Weight and Portability

Weight is the compromise. More capacity means more batteries and more pounds. A 300 watt hour unit weighs around 7 pounds. A 1000 watt hour unit weighs closer to 30 pounds.

Ask yourself who will carry it and how far.

Solar Input

This is non negotiable for overlanding. You need a unit that accepts solar panels and includes a charge controller. Look for high solar wattage input limits. That means faster top ups when the sun is out.

We recommend at least 100 watts of solar input capability.

Output Ports

Count your devices. You need AC outlets for laptops and CPAP machines. You need USB C Power Delivery for fast phone charging. You need DC ports for car fridges and 12 volt accessories.

Wireless charging pads are a nice bonus but not required.

Durability

Camping gear takes bumps. Look for sturdy handles, rubberized corners, and IP ratings for water resistance. No power station is fully waterproof. But some handle light rain better than others.

Inverter Type

Pure sine wave inverters are mandatory. They deliver clean power that mimics household electricity. Sensitive electronics require this. Modified sine wave units can damage some devices.

Every unit we recommend uses pure sine wave technology.

• Bluetti AC180 – Best Overall

Some camping gear demands serious wattage. Electric coolers. Induction cooktops. High powered blenders. The AC180 delivers 1800 watts continuous. That is enough to run almost anything you would bring camping.

Key Specs

Capacity: 1152 watt hours
Weight: 37 pounds
AC outlets: 4
USB C: Yes, 100 watts
Solar input: 500 watts max

View Best Price

What We Like
Massive power output. Durable build. Charges from zero to 80 percent in 45 minutes. Supports Bluetti expandable batteries.

What Could Be Better
It is heavy and bulky. The handle is functional but not refined.

Who It’s For
Campers running high draw appliances. Overlanders with electric coolers or portable kitchens.

Verdict
Unmatched power in a relatively portable format.

• Jackery Explorer 300 – Best for Lightweight Camping

This is the unit we grab for quick overnight trips. It weighs just over seven pounds. The handle is comfortable. It fits in a milk crate or a duffel bag with room to spare.

Key Specs

Capacity: 293 watt hours
Weight: 7.1 pounds
AC outlets: 1
USB C: Yes, 60 watts
Solar input: 100 watts max

What We Like
Extremely portable. Charges phones and laptops efficiently. Runs a CPAP machine for one night. The build quality is excellent.

What Could Be Better
Solar input is limited. No wireless charging. Cannot run a 12 volt fridge all day.

Who It’s For
Car campers, tent campers, and weekenders who need basic power for devices.

Verdict
The best lightweight station on the market.

• EcoFlow Delta 2 – Best Overall for Overlanding

This unit hits the sweet spot. It has enough capacity for multi day trips. It recharges faster than anything else we tested. And it supports expandable batteries if you need more power later.

Key Specs

Capacity: 1024 watt hours
Weight: 27 pounds
AC outlets: 4
USB C: Yes, 100 watts
Solar input: 500 watts max

What We Like
Insane recharge speed. Zero to 80 percent in 50 minutes from AC. Solar input is massive. The app is genuinely useful for monitoring.

What Could Be Better
It is heavy. No built in wireless charging. The fan runs louder than some competitors.

Who It’s For
Overlanders, van lifers, and anyone who needs serious power in a portable format.

Verdict
The standard we compare everything else against.

• Anker Solix C300 – Best for Device Charging

This unit prioritizes USB and DC output over AC power. It is designed for the modern camper who needs phones, tablets, cameras, and drones charged simultaneously.

Key Specs

Capacity: 288 watt hours
Weight: 8.3 pounds
AC outlets: 1
USB C: Yes, 100 watts
Solar input: 100 watts max

What We Like
Fantastic USB ecosystem. Charges multiple devices quickly. The form factor is compact and stackable.

What Could Be Better
AC output is limited. Not suitable for fridges or CPAP machines.

Who It’s For
Digital nomads, photographers, and families with many devices.

Verdict
The best charging hub for device heavy trips.

• Goal Zero Yeti 500X – Best for Ecosystem Integration

Goal Zero has been in this space longer than almost anyone. Their ecosystem of solar panels, batteries, and accessories is mature and reliable. The 500X is their sweet spot model for camping.

Key Specs

Capacity: 505 watt hours
Weight: 12.8 pounds
AC outlets: 2
USB C: Yes, 60 watts
Solar input: 120 watts max

What We Like
Excellent build quality. Interchangeable battery architecture. Reliable performance in cold weather.

What Could Be Better
Solar input is lower than competitors. Slower AC charging speeds.

Who It’s For
Campers who want a trusted brand with proven reliability.

Verdict
A dependable workhorse with excellent support.

Oupes 600W – Best Budget Option

You do not need to spend a fortune to get reliable power. The Oupes 600W delivers solid performance at a significantly lower price point. It lacks some refinement but gets the job done.

Key Specs

Capacity: 299 watt hours
Weight: 9.5 pounds
AC outlets: 2
USB C: Yes, 60 watts
Solar input: 200 watts max

What We Like
Aggressive pricing. Two AC outlets. Good solar input for the capacity class.

What Could Be Better
Build quality feels less premium. Interface is basic.

Who It’s For
Budget conscious campers who need reliable power without premium pricing.

Verdict
The best value pick we tested.

Comparison Table

Model	Capacity	Weight	AC Outlets	Solar Input	Best For
Jackery 300	293Wh	7.1 lbs	1	100W	Lightweight camping
EcoFlow Delta 2	1024Wh	27 lbs	4	500W	Overlanding
Bluetti AC180	1152Wh	37 lbs	4	500W	High power devices
Anker Solix C300	288Wh	8.3 lbs	1	100W	Device charging
Goal Zero 500X	505Wh	12.8 lbs	2	120W	Brand reliability
Oupes 600W	299Wh	9.5 lbs	2	200W	Budget value

Frequently Asked Questions

woman gesturing and smiling

Can I run a 12 volt fridge all weekend?
Yes, if you have at least 500 watt hours of capacity and sunny conditions for solar top ups.

How long does a power station hold its charge?
Lithium ion units lose about two to three percent per month in storage.

What size solar panel do I need for camping?
We recommend 100 to 200 watts for weekend trips. Overlanders should consider 200 to 400 watts.

Can I take a power station on an airplane?
No. Units over 100 watt hours are prohibited in carry on and checked baggage.

Do I need pure sine wave?
Yes. Always. It protects your sensitive electronics.

RELATED

• Best RV Solar Panels – click here

Final Thoughts

The best portable power station for camping is the one that matches your specific trip style. Lightweight weekenders should choose the Jackery 300. Serious overlanders need the EcoFlow Delta 2. Budget shoppers will be happy with Oupes.

We update this guide annually as new models arrive. All units we recommend have been tested in the field. We do not recommend products we would not use ourselves.

Best Portable Power Stations for Camping Further Reading

Jackery Official Specifications
EcoFlow Technical Data Sheets
Bluetti Product Documentation
Anker Solix Series Overview
Goal Zero Yeti User Manuals
Oupes Independent Lab Testing Results