Wouldn't you like to use electronics while camping?
It would be nice to have heating and cooling, or if you're not used to it, to be able to cook rice.
Many people have come to deeply appreciate the importance of electricity due to the frequent power outages from natural disasters lately.
With a portable power station, you can use electricity even in places without power.
It can be charged in the car, so you can rest assured even if you need to use it suddenly.
We recommend some portable power stations.
What can you do with a portable power station?
With a portable power station, you can use electricity outside your home, such as during disasters or while outdoors.
Electricity is essential for daily life, including cooking, washing, and lighting.
While camping, where you enjoy the inconveniences, electricity use is kept to a minimum, but in the natural disasters that have been frequent recently, securing electricity is a major problem.
Especially during a disaster, gathering information is crucial.
While information can be obtained online, primary sources like TV and radio are vital during disasters for accurate information.
Having electricity makes it quicker and more convenient to get reliable information.
In winter, electricity also allows for safe heating.
How to choose a portable power station
Battery Capacity
Portable power stations have electrical capacity.
If the electrical capacity is small, the size is smaller; if it's large, it becomes bigger and heavier.
| Electrical Capacity | 250Wh | 400Wh | 700Wh | 1000Wh | 1500Wh |
| Weight | 3.08 kg | 4.1 kg | 6.8 kg | 10.6 kg | 16 kg |
| Recommended Usage | Day camping | Day camping・Camping | Camping | Camping・Disaster | Disaster |
| Estimated Usage Duration | 1-2 days | 1-2 days | 2-3 days | 2-4 days | 3-5 days |
The important thing is the purpose of use.
700Wh is too much for day camping, and 250Wh is too little for a disaster.
A portable power station that is too big does not necessarily serve all smaller purposes, so consider what you will use it for before purchasing.
Weight
Weight also roughly correlates with electrical capacity.
For example, around 250Wh is about 3kg, and 1000Wh is about 10kg.
Types of Outputs
Portable power stations come with multiple power outlets.
- DC cigarette lighter socket (direct current)
- AC 100V outlet
- USB
100V refers to the standard outlets you use every day.
Depending on the wattage, you can use everyday electronic devices.
You can even gather information using a computer.
USB is mainly for charging smartphones and mobile phones.
You can also use fans that connect to a computer, so those who do a lot of desk work might find many ideas.
DC. At first glance, you might wonder what to use it for, but since it's the same as a car cigarette lighter socket, its uses are surprisingly wide depending on your ideas.
You can convert it to USB or use electric cooking appliances suitable for car camping.
Frequency
Frequency, in simple terms, is how many times positive and negative alternate per unit of time.
It's enough to know that Japan has frequencies of 50Hz and 60Hz.
Using electrical equipment with an unmatched frequency can cause malfunctions and, in the worst case, lead to fires, so caution is necessary.
In the past, you would switch it manually, but automatic switching is now the mainstream.
Nevertheless, there's always a chance of something going wrong, so always check the instruction manual thoroughly before use.
Does it meet PSE conformity inspection?
Have you ever seen a mark like this on the back or side of an electrical appliance?
It is affixed to products certified by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as "products that have passed conformity inspections in accordance with technical standards based on the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act."
- Diamond shape: Indicates that a conformity inspection has been conducted, and it is affixed to products that use DC power.
- Circle shape: No conformity inspection is required, and it applies to products with relatively low risk.
This mark serves as proof that "safety is ensured."
The diamond shape provides a higher sense of security as it undergoes stricter inspections, but the circle shape also proves that the product is shipped under high safety standards.
Convenient Features
Being able to use electricity where there is none is already convenient, but additional features can further enhance usability.
Here are some features that would be nice to have.
Solar Charging
You might run out of battery for various reasons: a long evacuation, power not being restored, or wanting to stay an extra night.
You might run out of battery for various reasons.
In such cases, solar charging is convenient.
While it's not as fast as charging from a household outlet, you can charge efficiently if you capture direct sunlight on a clear day.
Jackery Solar Panel product page
Can it be charged in a car?
If it can be charged in the car, it can be used as long as there is gasoline.
It's reassuring because gas stations wouldn't become unusable unless it's a disaster on the scale of an earthquake.
Even if you use it more than expected during camping, if you came by car, you can charge it whenever needed.
Waterproof Performance
Unfortunately, it's vulnerable to water exposure.
Not only will the main unit break if water gets on it, but if water gets into the power supply port, there's a risk of electric shock during operation.
However, when camping, you can put the main unit inside the tent and run the cord outside.
In that case, use a waterproof cord.
Lights
Some portable power station models have a built-in light.
It's very useful for tasks like plugging a cord into the main unit, as it provides a localized beam of light.
It's a helpful emergency feature to have when the battery of your brought-along light runs out.
Portable power stations are reliable companions that can help you out of tough spots.
Recommended High-Capacity Power Banks
We picked out 5 highly recommended models from Amazon's bestseller rankings.
EF EcoFlow Portable Power Station RIVER Max 576Wh Output 600W
- Capacity: 576Wh
- AC Output: 3 (100-120V)
- USB: USB*2, Fast Charge*1, USB-C*1
- Cigarette Lighter Socket: 1 port
- Size: 28.9*18.4*23.5 cm
- Weight: 7.7 kg
Amazon's 2nd best-selling product.
Perhaps to reduce its size, the AC power outlets are located on the side.
Even a small action can be stressful in the outdoors where the ground isn't flat or in cramped evacuation shelters.
The built-in light allows you to work with a bright hands-on area.
It can power an electric hot pot for about 40 minutes, so enjoying a hot pot outdoors sounds fun.
- Capacity: 1260Wh
- AC: *6
- USB Output: *2
- USB-A Fast Charging: *2
- USB-C: x2
- DC: *1
- Size: 40*21*27cm
- Weight: Approx. 14kg
Large capacity of 1260Wh.
It supports use for 2-3 nights.
On the other hand, it's heavy at 14kg and large in size.
The size is ingeniously designed to be long and narrow, lacking stability, but due to its large size, it won't tip over.
With six AC outlets, you can use it to your heart's content.
AC outlets can use household electrical appliances as is, so the range of uses is wide, which is good news for camping beginners.
- Capacity: 720wh
- AC Output: *3
- USB Output: *3 (Fast Charging 1)
- USB-C Output: *1
- DC Output: *1
- Size: 28.8*18.5*25.3cm
- Weight: 7.2kg
This is the 720Wh capacity version of the model introduced earlier.
It weighs 7.2kg, but has a sturdy handle for stability.
On the other hand, it cannot be folded, which may be a matter of preference.
Since it supports remote control via smartphone, a common feature across the series, you can switch output while seated, which is helpful when you're tired.
- Capacity: 285
- AC Output: *1
- USB-A :*2
- Type-C*1
- DC Jack*1
- Size: Approx. 24.6cm*23.8cm*7.8cm
- Weight: Approx. 2.55kg
Just right for day camping.
It's tall and not wide, so caution is needed on unstable surfaces.
It stabilizes when leaned against a table.
Since this size can be charged in a car, you can use it even if you suddenly feel like going day camping.
The light has high and low settings, so you can switch between them according to the remaining battery.
- Capacity: 778Wh
- AC: 2 ports
- USB-A:* 4
- USB-C :*2
- DC:*1
- Size: Approx. 30*18.5*20.4cm
- Weight: 8.3 kg
This is a product from Anker, famous for its mobile batteries.
That's why it has a full range of USB outputs.
The AC and DC output ports have covers, but please note that they are not waterproof.
The exposed USB outputs and the non-waterproof main unit can be bothersome.
The ample USB outputs allow for simultaneous charging of children's game consoles and smartphones, which is a welcome feature for large families.
It supports pass-through charging, meaning it can supply power while being charged, which is helpful when you're in a hurry.
Jackery Portable Power Station 240, 400, 700, 1000
Jackery Portable Power Station 240
- Capacity: 241.9Wh
- AC Output: 100V~2A, 60Hz
- Cigarette Lighter Socket: 12V/10A
- USB Output: 2 x 5V 2.4A, max 24W
- DC Input: 19V/3.42A
- Size: 230*133*167mm
- Weight: 3.08kg
Jackery Portable Power Station, smallest size.
Weighing 3kg, it's perfectly fine to bring for a day camp.
Conversely, there's no other use for it besides day camping.
While it can't power a spot cooler, a fan is fine.
Since it can be charged in the car, you can quickly take it out and enjoy comfortable, light usage.
Jackery Portable Power Station 400
- Capacity: 400Wh
- AC Output: 100V/2A 60Hz
- Cigarette Lighter Socket: 12V/10A (max 120W)
- USB Output: 5V/2.4A * 2
- DC Input: 19V/3.42A
- Weight: 4.1kg
- Size: 230*153.2*167.3mm
Suitable for a 1-night summer camping trip.
It's too large for day trips, and a bit insufficient for spring and autumn camping, but
depending on how you use it, you can take advantage of its compactness and capacity.
Since it can be charged via the cigarette lighter socket, you can charge it in your car even if you use it too much, which is reassuring.
Jackery Portable Power Station 700
- Capacity: 700Wh
- AC Output: 100V/5A 60Hz*2
- Cigarette Lighter Socket: 12V/7A*2
- USB Output: 5V/2.4A * 3
- DC Input: 24V/3.75A
- Size: 299.7*192.9*191.5mm
- Weight: 6.3kg
It's a bit large, and at 6kg, children might not be able to carry it, but adults can easily transport it.
For day trips or 1-night camping, its functions might be overkill.
With a capacity of 700Wh, it's sufficient for using small heaters/coolers and home cooking appliances, making it a well-balanced model with a wide range of uses.
It's a versatile type that can be used for both camping and emergencies.
Jackery Portable Power Station 1000
- Capacity: 1002Wh
- AC Output: 3*100V/10A ,60Hz
- Cigarette Lighter Socket: 1*12V/10A
- USB Output: 1*USB-A output: 5V/2.4A
2*USB-C output: 5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A
1*QC3.0 output: 5～6V/3A, 6.5～9V/2A, 9～12V/1.5A - Size: 332*233*243mm
- Weight: 10.6kg
For camping, about 10kg is the limit.
It can sufficiently handle 2-3 night camping trips and emergencies, providing a great sense of security to have it.
Because it's used less frequently, it's a good idea to check it regularly to ensure it's not out of charge when you need it.
Summary
How was it?
With a portable power station, you can not only enjoy a comfortable camping trip but also maintain your quality of life during emergencies.
When purchasing, consider your intended use and family structure carefully to choose one that is neither excessive nor insufficient.
Around 700Wh is just right in terms of capacity and weight, and it's recommended for both camping and emergencies.
Better safe than sorry. It's an item that's certainly worth having at home.
