Your Camping Companion: The 5 Best Portable Power Supplies For Camping

You may be using your cell phone for GPS or predicting what the weather situation will be, only to have have the battery die on you. Similarly, other camping appliances you frequently rely on runs out of juice. Instead of walking around the woods blind or getting stuck without any power, purchasing a portable power supply for your camping trip should be every camper’s topmost priority.

You may be overwhelmed by the quantity of portable power supplies available in the market, but fear not! just scroll down and learn about the 5 best portable power supplies for camping.

Portable Power Supply Consumer’s Guide

When you’re going to buy a portable power supply, every product is different. But, one thing’s for sure — all of it can charge your devices.  

Think about your preferences and needs before buying one. Research what to look for in a portable power supply to ensure a high-end product from a trusted brand.

If you already have a portable power supply in mind, skip to our overview of the 5 best portable power supplies for further recommendations. Otherwise, this guide will help you decide what to spend on.

Benefits Of Owning A Portable Power Supply

Why do you need it in the first place?

The clear answer would be convenience. A portable power supply is the best quick fix for keeping your laptops, smartphones, tablets, or other devices up and running during your camping trip.

It’s also necessary for emergency purposes. Relying on the GPS feature in your smartphone for directions? Want to make an SOS phone call? A power supply will make sure your devices are fully charged when you need it the most.

Some portable power supplies can even jump dead car batteries. You no longer have to worry about getting stranded on your camping trip.

Finally, a portable power supply can give you comfort. Not everyone is into roughing it up when camping. Some prefer the home-style camping complete with lights, a heater, fan, or even small appliances like a microwave or fridge.

Questions To Ask Yourself When Looking For A Portable Power Supply

You’ll want to purchase a power supply that is capable of sufficiently powering devices like lighting, music gear, small fans, and other equipments. Some portable power supplies are also great for camping, traveling, or even at work. Some may have bigger cells, allowing you to charge your devices up to a week! Because of this, here are some questions:

Durability

Is it crush-proof? Will sand, grass, or land sediments get into the crevices? Is it going to crack when you accidentally drop it? Certainly, the built and durability of a portable power supply is something to think about.

Price

Everyone always think about the price of a certain product. I know I do. What is your budget? Some portable power supply can cost $5, while others can cost up to $1000 PLUS! That’s a lot of money, so invest wisely people. Tip: the best portable power supply for camping, traveling, hiking, etc. is probably going to cost somewhere between $100-$400.

Charging ports

How many devices are you going to charge at one time? What kind of devices are you going to power? When you’re going to charge a lot of cellphones at one time for instance, the stored energy is going to drain quickly. Before buying, you should ask yourself, “how many devices do I have?”, “Do I really need to buy one portable power supply for each of my devices?”

Size and weight

 How long are you going camping? Will it take you days? Even weeks? How much gear are you going to bring? Some portable power supplies come with bulky and heavy batteries that will add a lot of weight than what you expected. Remember, the larger the power capacity, the heavier it is. A solar-powered power supply is lighter if you want that option.

Charging capacity

 How long will you be camping? Nowadays, portable power supplies are measured in milliamp hours (mAh). Don’t know what a milliamp is? An understandable example is 10,000mAh can bring a full charge to three smart phones. Likewise, 20,000 or more mAh can charge a smartphone 6-10 times.

Type of camping

 Are you rock climbing, car camping, backpacking or boondocking? Some activities will require you to bring your devices because there is no other power supply available, so you’re really going to need a reliable power storage. Conversely, other activities like car camping doesn’t require you to bring your power supply because there is a charging dock.

Regularity of camping:

How often do you go camping? If you do camp frequently, it’s probably worth investing on a portable power supply.

Camping location

 Is it summer time or is it winter? The location and weather can be a factor because some power supplies are solar-powered. But it’s not summer for 365 days so I suggest buying the regular ones.

A Detailed Review of the 5 Best Portable Power Supply For Camping

1. Duracell DRPP600 Powerpack

The Duracell DRPP600 Powerpack is the best portable power supply based on the comments and suggestions from my friends who love to go camping.

It’s one of the most solid backup power sources for camping on the market. It’s perfect for camping, charging at home, or for power storage during emergency situations.

You can charge it at home and in your car’s 12V socket. It can jump start a car and holds enough power to charge multiple devices at a time. It also has a digital alarm clock, small light, and an AM/FM radio.

The Duracell brand is well known for their excellent service and this product is no exception. It performs smoothly while camping, charges quickly, quickly charges all of your devices, and holds its charge for a long period of time.

The only con of the Duracell DRPP600 Powerpack seems to be its bulky, large, and heavy size. It’s not a good option for backpacking.

PROS

• Wonderful durable material
• Has a 600-watt inverter
• Has 1 DC outlet, 3 AC outlets
• Has built-in FM/AM radio
• Has overtemperature/overload protection

CONS

• Heavy and bulky

2. Nekteck 20W Solar Charger

If you’re looking for a portable power supply that charges multiple devices while camping, the Nekteck 20W Solar Charger can be a great option.

Portability for backpacking is not an issue because of the lightweight design. It’s just 18 ounces. It’s dimensions are 6.3 inches by 11.1 inches by 1.06 inches when folded which is literally small.

The Nekteck 20W Solar Charger has two fast-charging USB ports at your disposal. It ensures maximum charging speed. The solar panel is efficient and powerful enough to charge two devices at a time.

Durability is not a problem with this product. High-quality materials were used to make this portable power supply to prevent damages from water, sand, dust, snow, too much heat, etc. The outer layer protects the device from bumps and bruises as well.

Like most portable power supplies, its disadvantage lies on the lack of internal battery. Without sunlit conditions, there is no way to charge your devices.

PROS

• Can charge multiple devices at once
• Waterproof, durable material
• Has a fast-charging feature
• Has 2 USB outlets

CONS

• No internal batter
• Can be heavier compared to other models

3. Anker 21W Solar Charger

If you want a powerful solar charger on the market, you may opt for the Anker 21W Solar Charger.

At 21 watts, the Anker’s pride is its 21.5 to 23.5 percent charging efficiency. The fast charging technology automatically replicates your device’s charging capabilities to increase the speed of charging.

The Anker 21W Solar Charger is only 14.7 ounce. Its dimensions is only 11.1 inches by 6.3 inches by 1.1 inches when folded.

It’s made with industrial-strength solar panels and jagged canvas outer layer, meaning it’s apparently protected from most damages inflicted on the device. Again, like the first two products, it doesn’t have an internal battery so you can only charge when the sun is up.

PROS

• Has an 18-month warranty
• Lightweight design
• Has a powerful charging feature
• Has a fast-charging technology
• Strong solar panels and exterior

CONS

• Tends to be very hot from too much sun exposure
• No internal battery

​4. Xantrex XPower Powerpack 600HD

If you’re not a fan of solar chargers, then the Xantrex Xpower Powerpack 600HD might be just for you.

It has a powerful portable power source compared to the above-mentioned solar chargers. You can charge your devices at anytime with this product. It’s like a gasoline generator, except it’s 100% electric-powered. Charge it at home before going on your camping trip or even in your car’s 12V socket.

The Xantrex Xpower Powerpack can power two devices at a time. Additionally, it can also power small appliances like mini fans, fridge, microwave, etc. Having battery problems with your car? This portable power supply can jump start your car’s dead battery. It also has a built-in radio!

The only downside is it’s weight. At a whopping 27.6 lbs, it will be a good choice for car camping or camping on the outdoors, but for backpacking? You might want to think twice about purchasing it.

PROS

• Rugged design for durability
• Has a 600-watt inverter
• Can jump start your car’s dead battery
• Has built-in FM/AM radio

CONS

• Heavy and bulky

5. Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus

The Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus is one of the best power supply for camping! It’s lightweight, foldable design makes it easy to bring anywhere. At only 12.8 ounces (8 ounces without the stand), it’s even lighter compared to its older version, the Goal Zero Nomad 7.

Its waterproof material provides durability while camping. It’s actually weatherproof as well! Its outer layering not only protects against water but also from wear and tear environments like snow and rain.

Some of the useful features of the Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus include a LED screen that displays the solar strength, a kickstand for excellent solar angle induction, and a slightly vented pocket to regulate temperature while exposed to the sun.

It may not have an internal battery for power storage but the solar charging works so efficiently — it’s not a problem for those carrying a single device when camping.

PROS

• Kickstand for efficient charging angle
• LED screen
• Top notch quality materials
• Waterproof/weatherproof design
• Lightweight construction

CONS

• Can only charge one device at a time
• No internal battery

The Verdict

The best portable power supply for camping is the Duracell DRPP600 Powerpack, period.

It may be a little pricey – but you get what you pay for. Compared to the Xantrex, it’s lighter and relatively cheaper. It’s above and beyond the competition.

Other options on this list maybe cheaper or lighter but it’s only limited to one to two charging of devices at a time. Additionally, it packs more charging power compared to the Goal Zero, Anker, and Nekteck who needs the sun in order for it to work.

Buying a good portable power supply is an investment, if you still have second thoughts go back and read the consumer’s guide. Spend wisely!