There are so many portable power supplies for camping that you might feel overwhelmed. Here is a comprehensive guide on what to look out for in these products so that you can get one that meets all your needs.
Devices and WattageDevices and wattage are some of the most important factors to consider. This is because they affect not only the power capacity but the number of outlets that the battery will need as well. In such a case, consider the number of devices that you will be charging and whether they will be charged simultaneously.After that, determine the amount of charge that each device will draw and go for an option that has the right number of outlets capable of supporting every device that you have and their wattage. When buying a device to support multiple devices, go for one that has more power since the batteries normally struggle when they are close to full charge.
How to Recharge ItBefore you buy a power supply, consider how you will be recharging it. If you will be camping in the wild for instance for a couple of days, you want an item that can be recharged using solar as long as the solar panel has the right wattage and voltage for the battery. If you are traveling, then you can get a product that can be recharged using a carport and you don’t have to go completely off-grid.
Power TypeIf you will be using your device when traveling or during a camping trip, you need something light in weight hence easy to move around with. In such a case, battery pack below 100Wh is the ideal choice since they can be brought directly on plane .
Battery StorageWhen it comes to battery storage, you need to consider whether your product recharges devices or stores the charge itself. With solar chargers, for instance, it is important that an inbuilt battery is included and that way you have a steady supply of power all the time.
CapacityThe capacity matters most. How many devices can the gadget charge? The more the capacity, the longer it will serve you and the better your experience will be. The last thing you want is your camping trip or travel being ruined because the power supply you brought has a low capacity.
Size and WeightThere is a lot that you have to take with you on a camping trip or when traveling and the last thing you want is the power supply weighing you down because it is too bulky. Small and lightweight options are easier to pack and carry but at the same time, larger devices have a higher capacity and power output.
PortabilityThis is closely related to weight and size. Ensure that it is the right size in terms of dimensions to be paced with everything else. The device should also be lightweight so that it doesn’t weigh you down throughout your travel.
DurabilityCamping can end up taking a serious toll on your gear like your world’s best camping table, backpacking saw for survival, comfortable camping air mattresses and your portable power supply. In such a case, ensure that the gadget you get is made of high-quality materials that are highly durable.
DesignThis is just a matter of personal preference. Portable power supplies range in designs from solar to wind-powered gadgets, generators, power inverters as well as battery packs and the one you get will depend on the devices you need a charge and its portability. Today, these devices usually have inbuilt inverters that make it easy for them to charge AC devices and they can be recharged using the car’s battery of solar.
Fast Charging USB-A & USB-C PortThese gadgets come in handy when there is a power outage or you are camping in the jungle. As much as this is the case, the charging speed of the power supply matter. The last thing you want is a device that charges slowly especially when you still have a couple of days to go.
Sine-Wave InverterWhen it comes to inverters, each model has different waveforms. At the end of the day, the waveforms should be smooth and as clear as possible form the wall outlet so that your devices can run efficiently.
FeaturesOther features make a whole lot of difference. For instance, the number of charging ports on a device, whether they are standard power outlets or USB ports. If you are camping alone, you might be comfortable with one portable power outlet but if you are camping as a group, then you need a device that has more than one charging ports.
WarrantyAt the end of the day, just like with every electrical device, your portable power supply may break down at some point. When this happens, you might incur a lot of costs repairing it if you are not forced to buy another one.
