What’s the Best Portable Power Station For Camping?
You’re planning a camping trip and have specific power needs? A portable power station is the perfect solution. But what is the best portable power station for camping?
Portable power stations are becoming increasingly popular as more people seek alternative power sources for outdoor activities, emergency preparedness and off-grid living.
It can be challenging to find the best one that suits your needs with so many options on the market.
In this article, we will review the best portable power stations for camping available today.
Read our other Portable Power Station Reviews or learn what the TOP performers are for different occasions: TOP 10 BEST Portable Power Stations, BEST Portable Power Stations for Camping, BEST Portable Power Stations for Power Outage, BEST Portable Power Station under $200, BEST Portable Power Station for Refrigerator.
What is a portable power station?
A portable power station, or portable solar generator, provides electrical power without a traditional power outlet. It’s a self-contained unit designed to be easily transportable and used both indoors and outdoors.
Portable power stations have a rechargeable battery. In addition they have an inverter that converts DC battery power into AC power as well as various output ports.
It can be used for charging or powering devices like phones, laptops, lights, and small appliances. They can be charged using a wall outlet, car charger, or solar panels. This makes them ideal for remote locations or power outages.
They come in different sizes, capacity, and features. Some can power larger appliances like refrigerators or power tools.
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Top 3 Best Portable Power Stations For Camping
- ZERO BREEZE ElecHive 2200 (2500Wh) power station
- EcoFLOW Delta 2 Max (2000Wh)
- BioLite BaseCharge 1500+ (1500Wh)
1. TOP PICK: ZERO BREEZE ElecHive 2200 (2500Wh)
Review score: 4,5/5 stars
Based on our extensive tests we can recommend the ZERO BREEZE ElecHive as a solid power station for camping due to it’s power, capacity and portability.
Best DealBattery Capacity and Power
The ElecHive 2200 is built to power multiple devices simultaneously across AC, DC, and USB outputs.
It efficiently handles diverse electrical demands. Whether it’s charging phones, running a fridge, or powering a laptop and lights together.
It offers remarkable energy density for its size with a 2500Wh capacity.
It’s difficult to find another product on the market today that combines this level of battery capacity within such a compact design.
It’s capable of powering appliances up to 2200W and even a whopping 4400W in surge.
Charging Time
The ElecHive 2200 offers three charging methods: a 1250W or 600W wall charger, solar charging, or a car charger.
The battery can reach a full charge (100%) in just 2 to 2.5 hours using the 1250W fast charge cable.
Weight and Portability
The ElecHive 2200 is very portable despite having a large battery capacity.
It weighs -20% less and is -30% smaller than other comparable power stations on the market.
Durability
NMC (LiNiMnCoO2) batteries, known for their high energy density and performance under low temperatures, are widely used in premium EVs and energy storage systems.
These same batteries power the ElecHive. This offers long-lasting energy support with up to 2,300 charge cycles while maintaining 80% battery health.
This estimate is based on charging every three days. It makes the ElecHive 2200 a durable and efficient option for those needing reliable, long-term power storage.
Read the full ElecHive ZERO BREEZE Review.
2. RUNNER UP: EcoFLOW Delta 2 Max (2000Wh)
Review Score: 3.8/5 Stars
Based on our extensive tests we can recommend the EcoFlow Delta MAX 2 as a solid power station for camping adventurers or stationary use.
Best Price EcoFlow shopBattery Capacity and Power
The Delta 2 Max features a substantial battery capacity of 2048Wh.
It has six AC output outlets that deliver a total of 2400W with surge protection up to 4800W.
Additionally, its X-Boost capability allows it to power devices requiring up to 3400W by lowering the voltage. This feature enhances its versatility for various applications.
Charging Time
The EcoFlow Delta 2 Max can charge from 0% to 68% in just 1 hour using the X-stream Fast Charge at 1700W.
A full charge takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, with the fastest charge speed occurring early in the process.
This efficient charging capability enhances its practicality for users needing quick power restoration.
A standout capability is its “Pass-Through Charging” feature. This allows the device to charge itself while simultaneously powering other electronics.
This dual functionality enhances convenience and usability during outdoor adventures or emergencies.
Weight and Portability
The portability is a bit of a down side for the Delta 2 Max. It’s on the heavier side and quite large as well.
This is not that much of a big deal if you are going for longer stationary camping trips however.
Durability
The Delta Max 2 features advanced LFP (LiFePO4) battery technology, providing an impressive lifespan of up to 10 years with 3,000 cycles until it retains 80% capacity.
Read the full EcoFlow Delta 2 Max Review.
3. BEST VALUE: BioLite BaseCharge 1500+ (1500Wh)
Review score: 3,5/5 stars
Good for occasional camping adventures and use as backup power at home.
Best DealBattery Capacity
The Biolite BaseCharge 1500 features a large battery capacity of 1521 Wh which is powered by a reliable lithium-ion (NMC) battery.
This high-capacity battery allows for extended off-grid adventures. This makes it ideal for those who require a lot of power for their outdoor activities.
This battery is capable of providing consistent power for a variety of devices with a voltage of 21.6V and an amperage of 70.4Ah.
In addition, the pure sine wave inverter ensures safe and efficient power delivery to sensitive electronics. This makes it a reliable and efficient choice for off-grid power needs.
Power Output
One of the factors that makes the BioLite BaseCharge 1500 the best portable power station on the market is the variety of power outputs. This makes it suitable for all kinds of electronic devices:
- AC outputs: 3x 110V: 1200W 2,400W Surge
- DC outputs: 1x 12V Carport Ouptut: 120 W and 2x 12V DC Barrel Ports: 120W, 5.5 mm OD / 2.1 mm ID
- USB ouputs: 2x USB-A: 5V/3.0A and 2x USB-C: 5 V/3.0 A and 1x USB-C PD: 5V, 9V, 12V, 15 V 20 V /5 A (100 W)
- Wireless outputs: 10W wireless charger
Charging Time
During our lab tests it took approximately 13,5 hours to charge the BaseCharge 1500 to 80% when plugged in to the wall with an AC adapter.
Charging time reduced to 8 hours with the AC adapter and USB-C PD.
Paired with BioLite’s Solar Panel 100 it only takes 4 hours (under perfect conditions).
Weight and Portability
With its 1521 Wh NMC battery, it provides reliable energy in a relatively lightweight form factor (26.5 lbs) compared to other power stations in its class.
The NMC battery used in the BaseCharge 1500+ offers two critical advantages over the more durable LiFePO4: weight and cost-efficiency.
NMC batteries are typically about 30% lighter than LiFePO4 which makes them ideal for users who plan to take their power station on the go.
Durability
The NMC battery has a downside compared to LiFePo4 batteries: fewer life cycles.
The BioLite 1500+ is estimated to last around 1,000 cycles. After this point, its efficiency will be slightly reduced. However, the portable power station remains functional.
Although reaching 80% battery health after 1,000 cycles takes many years, it’s worth noting that other models on the market often provide a longer lifespan than the BioLite 1500+.
Read the full BioLite BaseCharge 1500+ Review.
How we test
We have tested portable power stations using a protocol that includes several important factors. These factors helped us evaluate the quality and performance of the power stations, and enable us to compare different models. Our product tests were either done in the “lab” or in the field to gain real life user experience. Here’s what we did:
- Battery Capacity: We fully charged the power station and then discharged it by running various appliances to determine how long it lasts. This enabled us to measure the battery capacity and how long the power station can last on a single charge.
- Power Output: During our moderate and heavy load tests we connected various appliances to the power station and measured the power output. This helped us determine how much power the station can deliver to devices.
- Charging Time: We connected the power station to various charging sources, such as wall outlets and solar panels, and measured the time it took to fully charge. This helped us determine the charging time of the power station.
- Weight and Portability: We carried the power station for a period and evaluated how easy it is to transport. This helped us determine the weight and portability of the power station.
Overall, by following this testing protocol, we were able to evaluate and compare different portable power stations, and choose the best ones that suited our needs.
Discover all our portable power station reviews.
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