Most of the time, spending a night or two in the backcountry means going without a few of the conveniences of home. The ability to charge your gadgets, however, needn’t be one of them.
Having your own rechargeable power bank for your camping adventures gives you the freedom to camp anywhere, safe in the knowledge that your phone, camera, headlamp, GPS, or other electrical devices will have enough battery life when you need to use them.
To help you find a reliable, trail-ready power source, we’ve trialed 9 of the top products on the market. See why our testing led us to pick the Anker PowerCore III Elite as our top choice and learn about what features are the most important to help you decide which is the best portable power station for your next camping trip.
Table of Contents
- Portable Power Banks: Quick Recommendations
- Which is the best portable charger for camping?
- Anker PowerCore III Elite 25600 87W Portable Charger
- HALO Bolt
- Dark Energy Poseidon Pro Portable Charger
- Goal Zero Sherpa 50 Solar Recharging Kit with Nomad 13 Solar Panel
- BioLite Campstove 2
- OUTXE 20000mAh Portable Charger with Flashlight
- Jackery Explorer 500
- Goal Zero Yeti 150
- BALDR Portable Power Station
- How to choose the best battery pack for camping?
- Best power bank for backpacking
- Best power packs for camping: The Verdict
Portable Power Banks: Quick Recommendations
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Editor’s Choice:
Anker PowerCore III Elite 25600 87W Portable Charger
“This power bank packs a big punch in a small package, and it allows simultaneous charging of 4 devices.” -
Most Versatile:
HALO Bolt Portable Power Device
“This device does everything its peers can do but also has the ability to jump-start your car!” -
Most Waterproof:
Dark Energy Poseidon Pro Portable Charger
“This rugged power bank is fully submersible and practically indestructible.” -
Best for Off-Grid travel:
Goal Zero Sherpa 50 Solar Recharging Kit with Nomad 13 Solar Panel
“The solar recharging kit comes with everything you need to recharge and store solar energy.” -
Most Multifunctional:
BioLite Campstove 2
“One part camp stove, one part power bank, the BC2 is totally unique.” -
Best Budget:
OUTXE 20000mAh
“The most affordable device we reviewed but no slouch when it comes to powering up your devices.” -
Best for Glamping:
Jackery Explorer 500
“This high-capacity portable power station is perfect for your frontcountry camping setup.” -
Best Value for Car Campers:
Goal Zero Yeti 150
“This high-value, high-capacity charger is our top pick for car campers who plan on spending a long time on the road.” -
BALDR Portable Power Station:
Most Versatile for Car Campers
“The BALDR has the highest output of any we tested and can be easily transformed into a solar charger by adding solar panels.”
Which is the best portable charger for camping?
After extensive testing in the wilderness, we’ve identified the best power banks for camping as listed below.
- Anker PowerCore III Elite 25600 87W Portable Charger
- HALO Bolt
- Dark Energy Poseidon Pro Portable Charger
- Goal Zero Sherpa 50 Solar Recharging Kit with Nomad 13 Solar Panel
- BioLite Campstove 2
- OUTXE 20000mAh Portable Charger with Flashlight
- Jackery Explorer 500
- Goal Zero Yeti 150
- BALDR Portable Power Bank
Anker PowerCore III Elite 25600 87W Portable Charger
Editor’s ChoiceThe Anker Powercore III Elite is a top all-around performer and winner of our editor’s choice award. Tuck this compact, lightweight portable charger into your backpack, and you’ll forget its there until you need it.
Its 25,600mAh capacity is enough to charge most phones, tablets, GPS devices, and other mobile devices several times. The four USB output ports allow high-speed charging of multiple devices at the same time and the pack can be fully recharged in just 2 hours.
Specs:
- Size: 7.22 x 3.24 x 0.94 inches
- Weight: 19 oz
- Capacity: 25,600 mAh
- Ports: 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A
- Max Output: 87W per port, 24W total
PROs
- 18-month warranty
- Small and lightweight
- Fast charging speed
- Can charge four devices simultaneously
CONs
- Pretty expensive
- Not the highest capacity
Bottom-Line: Lightweight, reliable, and boasts a high capacity for the size.
HALO Bolt
Most VersatileThe HALO Bolt, a versatile portable battery pack and emergency car kit in one, is an ideal choice for road trips.
Not only can the HALO Bolt recharge your tech, it also comes with a set of jumper cables that will allow you to jump-start your vehicle! As if that wasn’t enough, makers HALO threw in a handy built-in flashlight for added convenience.
It has a large, 58,830 milliamp capacity and can charge up to three devices at once with its outputs: two USB ports and one AC plug.
PROs
- Can jump-start vehicles
- 90-day warranty
- Very affordable
- AC plugin and DC car adapter included
- Portable
- Built-in micro USB cable
CONs
- Only 3 charging ports
- Outdated USB ports
Bottom-Line: This is the only power bank we tested with the capability to jump-start vehicles!
Dark Energy Poseidon Pro Portable Charger
Most WaterproofThe Dark Energy Poseidon Pro tops our list as the most waterproof option, making it a favorite choice if you prioritize extra water protection.
This awesome little device can be submerged in water for up to 45 minutes and has an ingress protection rating of IP68, which is the highest water and dustproof rating there is.
The Poseidon Pro is also highly portable and extremely durable. Its ultra-strong polymer shell can handle huge falls and strong crushing forces. It also comes with a ballistic-fiber-reinforced USB-C cable and a 5-in-1 carabiner (which is more multitool than carabiner, really!).
The 10,200 milliamp battery pack can recharge your small devices a few times. And it has USB C and USB output ports, so it can charge two devices at the same time.
PROs
- Lightweight
- One of the most portable chargers on our list
- Waterproof
- Dustproof
- Shockproof
CONs
- Small capacity
Bottom-Line: Tough, lightweight, and the only waterproof battery pack on this list.
Goal Zero Sherpa 50 Solar Recharging Kit with Nomad 13 Solar Panel
Best for Off-the-Grid TravelThe Goal Zero Sherpa 50 Solar Recharging Kit includes everything you need for off-the-grid travel including the Sherpa 50 energy bank and the Nomad 13 solar panel. Weighing just under three pounds, this portable solar charger is ideal for bringing to basecamp with all your tech gadgets.
Every plug on this device is color-coded, so it’s very easy to use, even for Boomers or the tech-averse!
This portable pack can be charged by solar energy over the course of a day, via a regular electric outlet in just 3 hours, or even using your car battery. Once charged, it holds enough power to charge a full-size laptop once and a smartphone 3-4 times.
The included Sherpa Inverter even turns this bank into a wall plug that lets you charge most laptops, tablets, and camera batteries.
PROs
- High output
- Solar powered
- Charges laptops or anything else
- Inverter included
CONs
- Pretty pricey
- Not waterproof
Bottom-Line: One of the highest-output devices we tested, coming with a solar panel and multiple inverters for world travel, the Goal Sherpa is our best solar power bank for camping.
BioLite Campstove 2
Most MultifunctionalThe Biolite Campstove 2 is a multifunctional camp stove and charger combo that lets you charge your phone and other small gadgets using the excess heat generated during meal preparation.
Yeah, you read that right…
Load the BioLite Campstove 2 with wood or pellets and the heat from your fire will be converted into electricity – enough of it to charge small devices like phones, tablets, and GPS units.
This groundbreaking little device also has an LED dashboard that lets you monitor fire strength, battery life, and fan speed, so there’ll be no guesswork involved in gauging how much juice you have to do your charging with.
To get the full cooking experience, it’s advised to buy the complete kit version of this stove and battery bank. With the complete kit you’ll get a grill attachment, a coffee French press, and a KettlePot that also works as a carrying case for the stove. It comes with a light so you can see what you’re cooking at night, too.
The BioLite Campstove 2 has a small battery storage capacity, low output, and only one USB port, so it’s ideal for travelers with minimal tech or as a backup for your main charging device.
Specs:
- Size: 5 x 7.9 inches
- Weight: 2.1 lb
- Capacity: 2600 mAh
- Ports: 1 USB-A
- Max Output: 3W
PROs
- Multifunctional!
- LED dashboard
- Works for cooking and charging
- Easy to transport
CONs
- Pricey
- Internal battery lacks power
- Accessories sold separately
- Can only charge a small device
Bottom-Line: This device might have the lowest output, but it’s also the only battery bank on our list that can use biomass as an energy source!
OUTXE 20000mAh Portable Charger with Flashlight
Best BudgetThe OUTXE 20000mAh Portable Charger is an affordable, highly portable, and reasonably powerful charger capable of recharging up to 4 devices simultaneously, making it our budget pick.
OUTXE might not be a brand name that carries the same cachet as Anker or Goal Zero, but with this tidy little device they provide the top dogs with stiff competition.
The OUTXE has dual micro USB and USB-C inputs, so is a little more versatile than other devices in its price range. It can also be recharged in a respectable 5 hours via an AC wall outlet, can recharge cell phones 4-6 times on a single charge, and is remarkably small given its 20,000-milliamp capacity.
PROs
- Affordable
- Charges 4 devices at once
- Portable
- Thin and Lightweight
CONs
- Not the most durable
Bottom-Line: A 20,000 mAh battery capacity is pretty good for the most affordable battery bank on this list.
Jackery Explorer 500
Best for GlampingThe Jackery Explorer 500 offers an impressive 144,400 mAh capacity and is capable of charging a variety of devices, making it ideal for a glamping getaway. You can power a TV, blender, or portable cooler from the Jackery, and it provides multiple outlet options for recharging your devices too.
You can recharge the Explorer 500 with a wall outlet or from your car, and you can also turn it into a solar power bank using a Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panel.
PROs
- Highest capacity
- Multiple outlets
- High output
- 2-year warranty
- Solar capable
CONs
- Heavy
- Expensive
Bottom-Line: The highest capacity portable battery on our list, this one’s ideal for power-hungry devices.
Goal Zero Yeti 150
Best Value for Car CampingThe Goal Zero Yeti 150, boasts a 168-watt-hour capacity offering excellent value for longer car camping trips. Additionally, when paired with a Goal Zero Solar panel, you have the option to recharge the Yeti 150 using solar power.
The Yeti 150 has two USB ports, one AC outlet, and a 12V outlet, and a small screen that allows you to view the battery’s remaining charge.
Though it is a compact power station and has a convenient carry handle, the device’s 12-pound weight will be a dealbreaker for some.
Specs
- Size: 7.75 x 6.75 x 5.75 Inches
- Weight: 12 lbs
- Capacity: 168 Watt Hours
- Ports: 2x USB Ports, 1 12V Outlet, 1 AC
- Max Output: 120W
PROs
- Many charging ports
- High output
- Recharges from many sources
CONs
- Heavy
Bottom-Line: A sturdy, reliable, and affordable battery pack with one of the highest outputs on our list.
BALDR Portable Power Station
Most Versatile for Car CampersThe BALDR Portable Power Station is an incredibly versatile option for car camping with enough juice to power a mini-fridge and TV.
With tons of charging options and reassuring safety features, this battery pack is a great addition to your campsite kit. You can also easily add any solar panel with an 8mm DC port to turn this into a solar charger.
Along with four USB ports, there’s a Qi wireless charging pad on top for your smartphone. There are multiple DC ports and an AC outlet to use with any wall charger, too. The USB-A ports support fast charging, too.
PROs
- DC to AC conversion
- Multiple charging options
- High output
- Can be charged with solar panels
- Fast charging speed
CONs
- Not quite powerful enough for microwaves!
- Heavy
Bottom-Line: This battery bank has a total of 9 ports and has the highest power output of all the devices on our list.
How to choose the best battery pack for camping?
When purchasing a power bank, you should focus on the following features.
- Power Output
- Charge Input
- Battery Capacity
- Size & Weight
- Charging Ports
- Durability
Power Output
The battery packs on our list have a power output ranging from 3 watts to 330 watts.
Suppose you need a device to charge smartphones, laptops, tablets, and GPS devices. In that case, the output of smaller packs like the PowerCore III, OUTXE Power Bank, or Dark Energy Poseidon Pro will suffice for overnight or even multi-day trips, depending on how many of these gadgets you have.
For larger appliances – TVs, energy-hungry laptops, etc. – or if you’re sharing the charger with your camping cohorts, you’re gonna need a larger device like the Jackery Explorer 500 or BALDR Power Station.
Charge Input
Camping power banks can be charged via electricity, solar power, or both.
Portable solar panels will allow you to stay off the grid for longer. However, a solar setup will cost more money than a standard battery bank since you’ll also be paying for the solar panels. The Goal Zero Sherpa 50 Solar Kit comes with everything you need to get into a basic solar setup and is our favorite for long-term trips on the trails.
Another thing to consider is whether or not you’ll be camping in sunny locations. If you’re primarily going to be camping in forested areas, then your solar panel won’t be getting enough direct sunlight to charge.
Portable battery pack with integrated solar panel
Battery Capacity
The battery capacity determines how many times your power bank can charge your electronic devices. If you have numerous devices or plan to be away from an on-grid power supply for an extended period, you’ll require more battery capacity.
We tested battery packs that have as little as 3,200 milliamps (BioLite Campstove 2) all the way to 144,400 milliamps (Jackery Explorer 500). For short trips with small devices, power banks like the Biolite or Dark Energy Poseidon will likely do the trick. For multi-day trips, or if you have larger devices, a high-capacity or solar-charged battery pack is a better option.
The types, sizes, and amount of devices you need to charge will dictate the battery capacity you require.
Size & Weight
Typically, size and weight are a trade-off with output and battery capacity. A small battery pack probably won’t have a high capacity or output, while the opposite is generally true for larger packs.
But how big do you need to go?
Our advice is to gauge how much power you need from your external battery pack and pick one that fits those needs.
We tested battery packs of all shapes and sizes. These included models small enough to fit in the pocket in your seatback pocket like the PowerCore III Elite, HALO Bolt, Dark Energy Poseidon, Goal Zero Sherpa, and OUTXE.
We also tested some power stations that are too heavy and bulky for anything other than frontcountry camping, such as the Jackery Explorer 500, Goal Zero Yeti 150, BALDR Power Station.
Charging Ports
Having multiple charging ports on your battery bank allows you to simultaneously recharge multiple devices, helpful if you want to get all your charging done at once. The portable power banks we tested have as few as 1 charging port (Biolite Campstove) and as many as 9 (BALDR Portable).
The number of charging ports will dictate the number of devices that can charge simultaneously
Durability
The more rugged your adventures, the more durable you’ll need your battery bank to be.
We’ve seen products from Anker and Goal Zero last a really long time, so the Anker PowerCore III Elite and the Goal Zero offerings on this list are shoo-ins if you’re prone to treating your gear to a little rough and tumble.
If you really plan to put your charger through the wringer, then we recommend a pack that’s drop-proof, shockproof, and waterproof, like the Dark Energy Poseidon Pro.
Best power bank for backpacking
If you’re looking for a lightweight option for multiple days on the trail, then check out our article on the best power banks for backpacking.
Best power packs for camping: The Verdict
If you find yourself with multiple gadgets to charge when you go camping, our top pick is the Anker PowerCore III Elite. It’s a highly portable yet powerful device that can charge up to four devices simultaneously without excessively weighing down your pack.
If the Anker’s a little too pricey for your budget, the OUTXE Portable Charger is a solid – if less powerful – alternative. And if you need more power for energy-hungry devices on frontcountry camping trips, the high-capacity BALDR Portable Power bank is hard to beat.
We hope this guide helps you find the right power bank for your needs. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments box below! And if you’d like to share this article with your friends, feel free to do so!