How to Choose a Camping Generator

When it comes to outdoor adventures, nothing dampens the spirits quite like an unexpected power outage in the middle of nowhere. That’s where a camping generator comes in. Carrying a portable power station or a power generator on a camping trip is the easiest way to enjoy the comforts of your home while stepping outdoors. It offers a beacon of convenience and reliability. However, the selection of camping generators can be challenging. This article provides a guide to choosing the best camping generator for your outdoor electricity needs.

Assess Power Needs Before Selection

The first step before choosing the camping generator is to assess your electricity needs, which will help you choose the right size of the generator. Start by making a list of every device or appliance you plan to use. Each item has a specific wattage requirement, which helps in estimating the total power you will need to run the devices.

To get a clear idea, note the wattage of each device and multiply it by the time you expect to use it. For instance, if you use a small LED light that consumes 10 watts per hour and is used for 4 hours every evening, you will need 40Wh every day to run a single LED light. Do the same for every electronic item you plan to use, and you will get an idea of your total electricity needs.

Solar Generator vs Gas-powered Generator

Now that you have a fair estimate of your power consumption, it’s time to decide which type of camping generator you should choose. Solar generators and gas-powered generators are the most popular types in this regard.

Solar generators harness the power of solar energy to generate electricity and power your appliances, while fuel-powered generators need a constant stream of fuel, which burns in a combustion engine to generate electricity for you.

For camping needs, a solar generator is way better than a fuel-powered generator for a wide variety of reasons. First of all, solar generators offer a quiet and eco-friendly option and do not require any notable maintenance throughout their lifespan. Similarly, they do not emit any harmful gasses, which saves you and your surroundings from unwanted pollutants.

On top of this, the solar camping generator does not require any fuel, and you can easily generate electricity at the place of your choice. This will help you get rid of expensive fuel while also avoiding the trouble associated with carrying fuel in remote locations.

Furthermore, solar generators are lightweight compared to fuel-powered generators, which makes your journey much easier. You can easily carry it at the place of your choice without adding any significant bulk to your backpack. All these reasons make a solar camping generator a preferable choice for campers.

Considerations When Choosing a Camping Generator

However, you must consider some important things before choosing a camping generator. Let’s have a look at these things:

• Capacity

First and foremost, try to get a generator with a little bit more capacity than your actual electricity needs. This will give you enough coverage in case of any emergency scenario or help you store more electricity ahead of the days when you are not expecting enough sunlight during your trip.

• Wattage

Generators have both the running wattage (for continuously powering electronics) and peak wattage (for starting up devices). Make sure the model you pick has enough wattage to handle the load of multiple devices at the same time. High-wattage power stations are particularly useful when you have to run energy-intensive devices like mini-fridges or electric stoves.

• Noise Levels

Never forget to consider the noise levels of the generators before purchasing them. If you have a pre-planned route, have a look at the permitted noise levels at your camping sites to get an idea of what generator you should buy. Solar-powered portable power stations are generally quiet and will easily fall well within allowable noise limits. However, fuel-powered generators are generally noisy since they contain a lot of moving parts and contain a combustion engine that generates continuous noise.

• Runtime

Another critical thing to consider when selecting a generator is how long it can power your devices before running out of power. The runtime of the generator depends upon its capacity. The higher the capacity, the longer it can power your appliances before needing a recharge itself. However, you can easily recharge the solar power generator on the spot. This means you can have extended runtime.

• Portability and Weight

Campers often opt for portable and lightweight gear to ensure that their mobility isn’t compromised by the need for a power source. That is why you should always choose a portable camping generator.

• Safety Features

As camping generators contain electronic components and a battery, it is always advisable to select a generator that does not pose any safety risk to you or anyone around. Try to choose a camping generator that comes with top safety features such as overheating, overloading, and short-circuit protection. This will not only protect your expensive electronic devices but also save you from any uninvited trouble.

• Durability

A camping generator needs to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Look for models with a solid build, water-resistant casings, or shockproof designs. A durable camping generator is also financially rewarding in the long run as you can continue using it in your future outdoor adventures as well as in daily household electricity needs.

• Budget

Finally, find a generator that matches your budget. While higher-end models offer more advanced functions, there are always budget-friendly options available that provide reliable power for simpler electricity needs. Decide which features are non-negotiable and where you can compromise to stay within your price range.

Camping Generator Recommendation

Jackery presents two top-notch solar camping generators that are famous among campers in Australia and across the globe.

$1000 – $2000: Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus is a reliable and compact power solution that is easy to carry and use. Let’s have a look at the top features of this solar generator for camping.

With its 632Wh of capacity and 800W of power output (with a peak of 1600 watts), you can easily power most of the camping electronics.

Using 1 Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel, the power station can be recharged fully within 8.5 hours, with the charging time reducing to only 4.3 hours when you charge it via two Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panels. 

You can also recharge the Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus using a traditional AC wall outlet in as little as 1.6 hours or through a carport in just 7.5 hours.

The inbox Jackery Explorer 600 Plus Portable Power Station is equipped with a versatile range of output ports. This portable power station for camping includes 2 AC outlets, one USB-A port, and 2 USB-C ports.

$2000 – $3000: Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

For campers who require more robust power, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus delivers exceptional performance with a higher capacity and a greater output range. Let’s have a look at the top features of this portable generator for camping:

With its substantial 1264Wh capacity and 2000W output (peaking at 4000W), you can easily run appliances like mini-fridges, portable stoves, small heaters, ovens, coolers, grills, and essentially any other device you would ever need during a camping trip.

If you still think that you need more power, you can easily expand the capacity up to 5kWh using additional battery packs. This feature is incredibly useful for campers who frequently go off-grid for days or even for RV enthusiasts who sign up for adventure by leaving behind the comfort of their homes.

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus can be charged in multiple ways. You can replenish its battery in around 4.5 hours using 4 Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panels. It can also be charged in just 1.7 hours using a wall outlet.

The inbox Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station includes two AC outlets with a 2000W continuous output and a peak capacity of 4000W, allowing it to power devices ranging from kitchen appliances to portable air conditioners. For smaller electronics, there are two USB-A ports capable of delivering up to 18W each. It also features two high-capacity USB-C ports, each with a 100W output.

Both Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus and Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus can be controlled using a smart app, which allows you to monitor your power consumption right from your mobile phone.

Wrapping-Up

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, the importance of a reliable camping generator becomes as evident as the stars in the night sky. Considerations of the type of camping generator, generator capacity, wattage, noise, runtime, portability, safety, durability, and budget have been laid out to help you make an informed decision. Jackery provides reliable options that ensure the continuity of comfort, safety, and enjoyment during your outdoor escapades. Visit Jackery’s website for more information.