Portable energy storage for camping

A good portable power station makes camping better. These devices power lights, phones, and small appliances when you're outdoors. We spent three months testing power stations to find the best portable power stations for camping. We tested 30 portable power stations over 12 camping trips.

BLUETTI AC180 Solar Portable Power Station The BLUETTI AC180 delivers reliable power for camping trips, outdoor adventures, and backup during power outages. We found its practical design and efficient battery perfect for campers who need serious power in a compact package.

Vertical designs maximize efficiency while horizontal configurations offer better stability on uneven surfaces. The best camping power stations provide diverse connections. AC outlets power larger appliances like portable cookers and coffee makers. USB-A ports charge traditional devices such as flashlights and smartphones.

While a particular power station might claim to hold 1,000 watt hours, the actual amount of usable power you can get out of it is a different story. The best portable power stations also have an onboard computer that shows you how much energy is left in your unit, as well as how much power it's currently using.

Anker Solix F3800 Best portable power station for RVs and home back-up A heavyweight beast of a power station, this unit boasts battery expansion, loads of ports, and the high battery capacity and output required to effectively run an RV, offer home back-up power supply, charge an EV, or help you live van life to the fullest.

It depends on how often you use your power station and the type of battery inside. Like any battery, for example one in a phone or laptop, this will wear down over time until the power station no longer holds charge. General estimates put the lifespan of a portable power station at around ten years.