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Written By Laura Lancaster
Updated Aug 1, 2022 10:21 AM
It only takes one dead phone battery to make you realize the importance of a power bank for camping. Whether it’s snapping a picture of the local flora and fauna, setting an alarm for your sunrise hike, or accessing directions for the drive home, it’s essential that you have enough juice to last to the end of your trip. To help make sure you never lose power in the outdoors again, I tested some of the best power banks for camping on the market today:
- Best Overall: Anker 511 Portable Power Station
- Best Features: Scosche PowerUp 32K
- Best for Bad Weather: GoalZero Venture 35
- Best for Smartphones: BioLite Charge 40 PD
- Best for Appliances: Dometic PLB40
- Best Budget: Mophie Powerstation
Things to Consider Before Buying a Power Bank for Camping
Battery Size
The battery size you’ll need for your camping trip depends on the number and type of devices you’ll need to charge, how long you plan to be out for, and whether you have a way to recharge your power bank (such as a solar panel or solar generator).
Outlet Options
If you’re just looking to charge a phone, then a USB-A outlet along with a matching cable is all you’ll need to get going. Not all power banks feature AC outlets, so if you need one for an air pump or laptop, stick with the best overall or best features picks.
Voltage
Before purchasing a power bank, first take a look at what you’re hoping to charge during your camping trip. If you’re just looking to power a phone, you’ll need significantly less voltage, and are likely to go through fewer milliamp hours (mAh), than if you are looking to power a laptop, CPAP machine, or electric cooler.
Portability
The power banks I tested in this roundup were chosen for their portability, as most car campers have limited space in which to store electronics in their vehicles. Since most campers’ power needs are relatively limited compared to what they go through at home, I recommend starting with a smaller power bank at first (unless you need to power a medical device) and then sizing up as you get a better understanding of your needs.
Best Overall: Anker 511 Portable Power Station
Anker
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Key Features
- Weight: 1.9 pounds
- Internal battery: 27,000mAh
- Up to 100W output
- Ports: two USB-A, one USB-C, and one AC outlet
- Included cables: one USB-C to C and one USB-A to C (also includes a 45W USB-C wall charger)
- Built-in flashlight
- Warranty: 18 months
Why It Made the Cut
During my testing trip, the Anker 511 was the power station I reached for again and again to power my devices.
Pros
- AC outlet means this power bank can handle a wider range of devices than USB-A and USB-C ports alone
- Fast charging time with the provided wall charger
- Built-in flashlight
- About the size of a paperback book
Cons
- Display was less intuitive to use than the Scosche PowerUp 32K
Product Description
There can be a fine line with power banks for camping. We’re trying to get off the grid, but we need a bit of the grid to come with us: for camping fans, air pumps, lanterns, and, of course, our phones. And when the smaller, smartphone-sized power banks stop cutting it (try sharing one of those with a loved one for more than three days), it can be tempting to upgrade to a real beast—a power bank that could maybe also serve as a home generator. Which, sometimes, can start to feel like it’s defeating the point of getting off the grid at all.
The Anker 511 Portable Powerstation is the perfect middle ground for your power needs. It’s got enough juice that you’ll never have to worry about your phone charge, but not enough that you’re tempted to stream all of Gray’s Anatomy when you could be sitting around the campfire. It’s big enough to include some extras, like a flashlight (handy) and an AC outlet, which was a feature I didn’t even realize I’d want until I made it to camp. But even with all that it’s still small enough that you won’t have to account for its size when fitting all your gear into your car. It would have been nice if the Anker 511 included a digital display that showed how much power it had left, rather than relying on a kicked-up version of the light bars of the smaller power banks, but it still provided the information I needed—that there was plenty of juice left in this bank for the rest of my trip.
Best Features: Scosche PowerUp 32K
Scoshe
Key Features
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Internal battery: 32,000 mAh
- Up to 100W output
- Ports: two USB-A, one USB-C, and one AC outlet
- Included cables: one USB-C to C (also includes a 20W USB-C wall charger)
- Built-in flashlight
- Warranty: 1 year
Why It Made the Cut
The intuitive design and features of the Scosche PowerUp 32K made up for its slower charging time and higher price point.
Pros
- Easy-to-read display shows how much power is left
- AC outlet
- Impressive flashlight
- Easy-to-use handle
Cons
- Bulkier and more expensive than the Anker 511
- Was only able to power one device at a time during testing
Product Description
The Scosche PowerUp 32K was a close second behind my best overall pick, the Anker 511 Portable Powerstation—if it had been capable of powering two devices at the same time during testing it would have come out on top. That’s because the features on the PowerUp 32K were the most impressive of any power bank in my test. First off, like the Anker 511, it had an AC outlet, which was powered by a simple on/off button that was separate from the USB on/off switch. It also has a digital display, providing an even more accurate and intuitive read of how much power was left.
But where this power bank really stood out was its flashlight. While other products in my test looked like power banks that someone had added a flashlight on to, the PowerUp 32K is more like one of the best flashlights that someone built a battery pack into—it was the brightest in my test, with a side handle that made it easy to carry while looking for my tent after dusk.
Best for Bad Weather: GoalZero Venture 35
Goal Zero
Key Features
- Weight: 10.12 ounces
- Internal battery: 9,600mAh
- Up to 18W output
- Ports: two USB-A and one USB-C
- Included cables: one USB-C to A
- Also available as the 19,200mAh Venture 75 power bank
- Built-in flashlight
- Warranty: one year
Why It Made the Cut
The Venture 35 provided ample power to recharge my phone, even after being submerged in water for twenty minutes.
Pros
- Very water resistant
- Small size is portable
- Fastest charge time in my test
- Includes a flashlight
Cons
- Slightly higher price than other power banks in the 10,000mAh range
- Performed third in my test of power banks in the 10,000mAh range
Product Description
Most car campers will store their power bank in their car, or maybe their tent. But if you anticipate bringing yours along for a hike or having it next to you while cooking up dinner, then the GoalZero Venture 35 might be the better choice for you. In addition to its rubber housing, it also has a silicone plug that seals in the three ports and the four lights indicating how much charge is left in the power bank. I also liked that holding down the power button activated a flashlight, which is always handy when you’re making the trek to your tent after extinguishing that evening’s campfire. While this one didn’t have as much juice in it as the BioLite Charge 40 PD or Mophie Powerstation (even when taking into account its smaller internal battery), if you think there is a chance that your power bank could be exposed to the elements, then this is the better pick for you. (Those concerned about battery size also have the option to level up to the 19,200mAh Venture 75).
Despite the more robust bonafides of this power bank, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s bombproof. The silicone plug is secured to the rest of the power bank by a relatively thin strip that, when pulled during testing, snapped and broke off fairly easily. While the casing still works even when no longer tethered to the power bank, its waterproof capabilities would be severely diminished if it was lost or left unsecured.
Best for Smartphones: BioLite Charge 40 PD
BioLite
Key Features
- Weight: 9.4 ounces
- Internal battery: 10,000mAh
- Up to 18W output
- Ports: two USB-A and one USB-C
- Included cables: one USB-C to A
- Also available as the 6,000mAh Charge 20 PD and the 20,000mAh Charge 80 PD
- Warranty: one year
Why It Made the Cut
The inexpensive BioLite Charge 40 PD was the best power bank in the 10,000mAh range during testing.
Pros
- Provided more power than the Mophie Powerstation or Goal Zero Venture 35
- Inexpensive
- Small size means it can also be used for backpacking
Cons
- Slightly heavier (one ounce) than my best budget pick
Product Description
The vast majority of car campers are using their power bank for just one thing: keeping that phone charged. And even though (at least we hope) you’re off the grid, free from the YouTube autoplay and Facebook algorithm, you’ll probably still need to use your phone for at least a couple of things. Photos. Alarm clock. Offline maps. Getting down to less than 10 percent on a camping trip can be a little stressful.
The BioLite Charge 40 PD is exactly what you need at the right price. It’ll recharge your and your camping partner’s phone (simultaneously, if necessary), it doesn’t take up a lot of space, and it’ll leave you with plenty of spare funds for the rest of your camping outfit. It’s also easy to use, with clearly labeled ports and an easy-to-read charge bar made up of four lights that blink when charging and hold steady when full.
Best for Appliances: Dometic PLB40
Dometic
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Key Features
- Weight: 16.1 pounds
- Internal battery: 40,000mAh
- Up to 180W output
- Ports: two USB-A, 2-pin 12V DC, and 12V DC cigarette plug
- Included cables: ACDC charger, DC cable extension with cigarette plug & Anderson connector
- Warranty: two years
Why It Made the Cut
This battery pack had so much extra oomph than the others that I ended up using it to recharge some of the smaller, more portable units on my testing trip.
Pros
- Large internal battery
- Easy carry handle
- Numerous options to recharge
Cons
- No AC outlet
- Heavy
- Expensive
Product Description
If you’re looking to power something more serious than a phone—say, a CPAP machine or an electric cooler—than a fifty dollar, 10,000mAh internal battery isn’t going to cut it. Neither is an 18W output. In addition to a 40,000mAh internal battery, the largest in our test, the Dometic PLB40 also boasts an 180W output—enough to power up just about any appliance you would take to the outdoors.
If I have any complaint about the Dometic, it’s that you are more limited in what you can hook it up to than I expected. This battery pack was designed to work with the wider range of Dometic appliances, including their electric cooler, and their ports (two USB-A, 2-pin 12V DC, and 12V DC cigarette plug—no AC outlet option) may be less versatile for individuals with a different setup. But this power bank was otherwise easy to use (if a bit heavy), with a clear digital display showing how much juice was left and a retractable handle for moving the battery from your car to your campsite.
Best Budget: Mophie Powerstation
Mophie
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Key Features
- Weight: 8.5 ounces
- Internal battery: 10,000mAh
- Up to 18W output
- Ports: one USB-A and one USB-C
- Included cables: one USB-C to A
- Also available as a 5,000mAh mini and a 20,000mAh XXL
- Warranty: 2 years
Why It Made the Cut
While the Mophie Powerstation can only charge one device at a time, it was just a hair behind the BioLite Charge 40 PD in testing, is an ounce lighter, and can usually be found on sale.
Pros
- Small size means it can also be used for backpacking
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Performed slightly below the BioLite Charge 40 PD in testing
- Only one USB-A port
Product Description
If the BioLite Charge 40 PD is out of stock, then go with the Mophie Powerstation. While the Mophie charged my phone only slightly less than the BioLite, it is about an ounce lighter. More importantly, for the budget-conscious, it can also more often be found on sale.
Unlike the BioLite Charge 40PD, the Mophie Powerstation only has one USB-A port, and can only charge one device at a time: during testing, when two devices were plugged into the USB-A and USB-C, neither charged. The Mophie also took significantly longer to charge during testing than the BioLite, with the final white dot blinking for hours before finally going solid.
FAQs
Q: How much do power banks for camping cost?
Power banks for camping can cost anywhere from $50 to upwards of $1,000, usually depending on the size of the internal battery and the wattage they can support. Another factor that can affect price is additional features, such as waterproofing, flashlights, and electronic displays.
Q: Which is better for camping, 10,000mAh or 20,000mAh?
A spec you’ll often see is mAh, which stands for milliamps hour. The mAh spec is a measurement of power over time—the higher the mAh the more power the battery contains. To fully charge a phone you’ll need 3,000 to 5,000 mAh. There is a big price jump between 10,000mAh and 20,000mAh power banks for camping, so if you’re not sure which one you want to buy, it’s good to consider what your needs are first. Typically, a 10,000mAh battery size will provide enough juice for a couple of phone charges. If you’re heading out for a weekend—and you aren’t planning to watch a movie on your iPad—this is likely sufficient. If you’re heading somewhere out of cellphone range, one way to increase your battery life is to check that your phone is switched to airplane mode.
Q: How do you charge electronics while camping?
A power bank is a great way to charge your electronics while camping, so long as you ensure that you have the right power cords and that the voltage and size of your battery pack is sufficient for the needs of your electronics. This is especially important if you are planning to use a battery pack to power a CPAP machine at night. Many campers pair power banks with solar panels when they plan to power electronics in the outdoors for more than a long weekend.
Methodology
I tested the power banks in my test in several ways. First I took them out on a car camping trip, where they were exposed to sun and wind, with temperatures dropping down into the forties at night. I used the chargers on this trip for a number of purposes, including charging my phone, charging my laptop, and charging/powering the pumps for the best camping mattresses for couples. During this testing, I paid attention to which of the chargers I reached for the most often, and how long they lasted me for.
Next I tested the power banks to see how long they would charge, and for how long they were able to provide power to a variety of different electronics with that charge. All devices were tested to see how well they powered my phone, a Google Pixel 4. I compared like-to-like as much as possible—in terms of price and milliamps—in this review.
Final Thoughts
After testing out a number of the best power banks in a range of sizes, I’m confident that most people will get the power needs they are looking for with the Anker 511 Portable Powerstation or the Scosche PowerUp 32K. If you’re confident that you’ll just need a couple of phone recharges and nothing more, then the BioLite 40PD or Mophie Powerstation are also great choices, while you can get the same power output for only a slight increase in cost with the almost-bombproof Goal Zero Venture 35. Campers looking to power heavier duty electronics, however, should size up to the Dometic PLB40.
FAQs
What is the best portable power for camping? ›
The best portable power station is the Jackery Solar Generator 1000. It has a 1000-watt output, which is enough power to charge your mobile devices, run a mini-fridge, or essential medical equipment during a camping trip or power outage.
Which powerbank has the best AC output? ›Best Power Bank with AC Outlet: RavPower PD Pioneer
This compact power bank is one of few on the market that actually has a built-in AC outlet, which can put out a sustained 80W of power. It also has USB-A (18W) and USB C (30W) ports, making it a versatile option for charging most devices.
If you are a more regular, serious camper, or if weight is an issue, then a lithium battery would be the best choice. These are much lighter than the lead acid batteries and have a greater charging efficiency, charge at a higher current rate and you can safely use up to 80% of the charge.
Which power bank is best? ›- Comparison Table Of The Best Power Bank.
- #1) Mi Power Bank 3i 20000mAh.
- #2) URBN 10000 mAh Li-Polymer.
- #3) Ambrane 15000mAh Li-Polymer Powerbank.
- #4) Syska 20000 mAh Li-Polymer.
- #5) OnePlus 10000mAh Power Bank.
- #6) pTron Dynamo Pro 10000mAh.
- #7) Realme 20000mAh Power Bank.
Generally, a 2000-watt inverter generator is sufficient to power these common camping appliances. However, it pays to be certain, as all appliances are different. The best thing to do is determine the amount of power needed to not only run the appliances you wish to use, but also the power required to start them.
Can a battery pack run a fridge? ›Car batteries and portable power packs are one of the most reliable ways to power your 12v Fridge/Freezer. For many people, the best way to power a camp fridge is battery power.
Which is better 10000mah or 20000mah? ›A 10,000mAh power bank should be able to charge the smartphone up to three times and a 20,000mAh power bank more than six times. You can calculate the approximate number of charges by dividing the power bank's measured capacity against your phone's stated capacity.
What to look for when buying a power bank? ›Basically, you're trying to balance four factors: size, speed, capacity and price. The rules are simple enough: the less you spend, the lower the capacity and the slower the power bank will charge. The cheapest and smallest power banks will have a capacity of between 2,500mAh and 10,000mAh.
How many watts is best for power bank? ›Powerful charging and recharging: For models with USB-C output or input, we preferred those rated for at least 15 watts. That's the minimum wattage needed for full USB-C charging and recharging speeds (though devices that support the even faster USB-C standard—USB Power Delivery, or USB PD—need at least 18 watts).
Which battery is best for long lasting? ›Lithium: Lithium batteries work even better than alkalines. They last much longer, have an epic shelf life, don't discharge as much power when not in use and can cope with extreme temperatures. While normal alkaline AAs struggle below 0°C, lithium batteries will operate down to -40°C.
Which battery is best for long term? ›
- Last up to 4x longer compared to other battery types.
- Light-weight for portable devices.
- Ideal for heavy-use.
- Function well even in extreme temperatures, working well in outdoor devices like flashlights.
Mastervolt Lithium Ion batteries have a lifespan of more than 2000 cycles, which is three times longer than most standard lead-acid batteries. They have an extremely long lifespan due to aspects such as the battery management, very low self-discharge, the lack of memory effect and a discharge of up 20 %.
Is 3500 watts enough for a camper? ›Yes, a 3500 watt will run your RV! In fact, it will run just about any size RV. However, it depends on many appliances you want to run at the same time.
What does 50 amp mean for camping? ›Key Differences Between 30 and 50 Amps
A 50 amp service RV provides a maximum 12,000 watts. Even with an adapter, your 30 amp service RV won't receive more power than the 3,600 watts it can handle. Conversely, if you use an adapter for a 50 amp RV, you'll be limited to 3,600 watts.
For camping, 35-60 lumens should suffice. For a flashlight used at home, 10-30 lumens is common. Some flashlights and headlamps offer over 500 lumens, which usually isn't necessary. If you do opt for something with a high-lumen output, be sure it has a low-light option to save your battery.
What is the difference between a battery pack and a power bank? ›A power bank equals a battery pack. It charges your device on the go, especially when wall outlets are not available. Battery packs can charge cell phones and other devices, such as laptops, speakers, and many others.
Should you store batteries in a Ziplock bag? ›Store your used and new batteries in separate containers or plastic bags and mention the date you bought them. Also, batteries of different types should be kept apart from one another. If they are stored together, they could react and cause short-circuit.
Can you store batteries in ziplock bags? ›Putting masking tape on batteries is one way to prevent them from touching. Ziplock bags are another way. "Putting them in plastic bags with all the negatives up, all the positives up, or however you want to do that," Dill said. "Make sure they're tight, so they don't roll around in that."
How many hours does 20000mAh power bank last? ›20000mAh has the capacity to charge your device for about 15 – 20 hours (5 or more times of your device), Indeed a family size with Dual USB output, 2.1A fast charging and multi-protection.
How many charges does a 50000mAh power bank have? ›50000mAh power bank can charge to multi devices : 12 times for Iphone 13 ,11.5 times for Iphone 11,9 times for Samsung S20 and 4.5 time for iPad Air 2 . It it also working to Macbook Pro (20W Power Delivery ) with USB-C to C cable .
What size is a good power bank? ›
7,500- 14,999 mAh - Medium power bank likely to fit in your jacket pocket that is usually enough to fully charge a smartphone 4-5 times. More than 15,000 mAh - Large power bank that is usually enough to fully charge a smartphone 5 or more times.
What is the price of best power bank? ›| Latest Power Banks | Price |
|---|---|
| Ambrane 10000 mAh Power Bank | Rs 699 |
| realme 10000 mAh Power Bank | Rs 1199 |
| Pomics 30000 mAh Power Bank | Rs 619 |
| Syska 20000 mAh Power Bank | Rs 1399 |
Dominating the position among all the power bank companies on the market, Anker is the best power bank brand in the world in 2022. This is one of the Chinese electronic brands. In terms of overall features, its PowerCore 20100 power bank is regarded as the best.
What is a decent power bank? ›Here's a rough guide: Small power banks with 4,000mAh to 7,500mAh can provide decent backup power but, at most, enough for just one full recharge or so. Mid-range power banks will pack in around 10,000mAh to 15,000mAh and charge up most phones two or three times.
How long do power banks last? ›Also called a power pack or portable battery, battery power banks don't last forever. They last between 1.5 and 3.5 years, or 600 to 1,000 full-cycle charges and depletions.
Which brand battery is the best? ›- Lento Industries Pvt. ltd. - Lento is the best battery manufacturer in India (2022). ...
- Exide Industries Ltd.
- Luminous Power Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
- Amara Raja Batteries Ltd.
- HBL Power Systems Ltd.
- Su-Kam Power Systems Ltd.
- Okaya Power Pvt. Ltd.
- Base Corporation Ltd.
Nickel–Cadmium Batteries
Additionally, they have a long cycle-life (e.g., 2000 cycles), are tolerant of overcharging, and require little maintenance.
Lithium Batteries:
Can last up to 6X longer than an alkaline battery. Performs even in extreme temperatures ranging from -40℉ to 140℉ Can hold power for up to 20 years in storage. Weighs approximately 33% less than an alkaline battery.
The battery life in these two brands differs. Energizer lasts three times longer in clocks than the Duracell, but Duracell takes the crown by lasting two times longer when used in flashlights. To ensure that our environment is not harmed, both brands support the Call2Recycle program.
What brand of lithium battery lasts the longest? ›Nothing outlasts Energizer® Ultimate Lithium™ AA batteries. The Energizer® Ultimate Lithium™ batteries are not only the #1 longest-lasting AA batteries…they are complete with leak resistance and performance in extreme temperatures (-40ºF to 140ºF or -40ºC to 60ºC).
Which is better Energizer or Duracell? ›
When it comes down to the choice between Duracell and Energizer, there's no outright winner. Both brands use the best technologies and aren't significantly different in any other features. Whether you want to go with Duracell or Energizer is a matter of preference.
What is considered the Forever battery? ›Emergence of the Forever Battery
You take the liquid electrolyte solution in conventional batteries and compress it into a solid. That creates a hyper-compact solid battery. And since it has zero wasted space and theoretically infinite energy density, it lasts far longer and charges far faster.
This is because the electrolyte that sits between the electrodes breaks down at elevated temperatures, causing the battery to lose its capacity for Li-ion shuttling.
Are gel batteries better than lithium? ›GEL batteries are the best for testing or less expensive solar projects. Lithium batteries are good for long-time installation and help avoid frequent substitution.
Is it worth buying a portable power station? ›Is a portable power station worth it? The solar power station is a great way to charge your devices in an emergency. They can be an affordable backup power source when you want to charge multiple devices simultaneously. They're helpful for camping, hiking trips, and emergencies when you don't have electricity.
What can a 200W portable power station run? ›The built-in 200W (400W Peak) pure sine wave inverter is strong enough to run appliances like TV, Mini-fridge, CPAP Machine, Laptop, Drone and many other daily essential devices which makes it a perfect travel companion.
Which is better for camping inverter or generator? ›If you are using your power supply in an apartment or campsite, noisy generators are a nuisance; a power inverter is your best bet. In these three main areas power inverters come out on top.
What is the best power source for dry camping? ›To keep your battery bank charged while boondocking, the best option is solar power. Adding solar panels to your rig is affordable and the highest performance charging solution. The best part about using solar panels to charge your batteries while off-grid is they aren't loud like a generator.
What to look for when buying a portable power station? ›- Battery Capacity. When looking for a portable power station, battery capacity is the most important specification you should be looking for. ...
- Battery Technology. ...
- Inverter Technology. ...
- Peak and Continuous Wattage. ...
- Power Input and Output Ports.
When comparing similar-capacity models, EcoFlow is the clear winner over Jackery. The main reason is that many EcoFlow power stations use the newer LFP battery technology, whereas Jackery still uses the older NMC batteries. EcoFlow also beats Jackery regarding warranty, input/output options, and features.
What is the disadvantage of portable power station? ›
Disadvantages of a Portable Power Station
They often have a max-load limitation and can only do 120V AC outlets. This means they cannot run larger appliances such as washing machines or heaters. They are better served to power a few low-consumption devices.
Recharge a typical smartphone up to 30 times on a single charge. Recharge a laptop 2-4 times. Power a mini fridge up to 20 hours. Power a TV up to 4.5 hours.
How many years will a Jackery last? ›All Jackery portable power stations contain lithium batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are typically rated for 500 complete charge cycles and/or 2 - 3 years.
How many years will a portable power station last? ›Lithium iron phosphate batteries, often known as LiFePO4 or LFP batteries, are becoming more common. Their key advantages are a ten-year life expectancy (twice that of lithium-ion) and speedier charging periods.
How many watt inverter do I need for camping? ›In this example, a 2000W Inverter will be adequate as long as nothing else will run at the same time. If you want to make toast and coffee at the same time, you will need a larger unit, like the AllSpark 2500W Pro Series.
What size power inverter do I need for camping? ›Therefore, with the exception of running a number of devices all at once, you should be able to get away with a 1000-watt inverter. Therefore, any device—or combination of devices that require less than 1000 watts—can be operated seamlessly with a 1000-watt power inverter.
What are the disadvantages of an inverter generator? ›- Cost: Inverter generators tend to be more expensive than conventional portable generators. ...
- Lower Power Output: Inverter power generators are not as powerful as larger conventional generators, with outputs ranging in the mid to low thousands of Watts.
- Wear a balaclava whilst you sleep.
- Don't wear wet or damp clothes.
- Construct a wind break outside your tent.
- Drink warm fluids before you go to bed.
- Eat a midnight snack of slow digesting high calorie food before you sleep.