Portable power sources are a godsend in the outdoors when you have no power. What if you need to turn on your laptop to fire away a few paragraphs in front of the most stunning waterfalls? Your phone died.
You need a light. Listen to a ball game. Portable power supplies give you the freedom to operate from anywhere, anytime.
Now you can take your laptop with you to the beach and work while the sun sets on the horizon. You don’t need to worry about your smartphone running out of charge while camping. The convenience that portable power supplies provide is unmatched.
What is a Portable Power Supply?
If you are looking for a fall back power source in case of disaster-related power outages then portable power supplies are the answer. They provide an easy charging experience and can be charged from common charging sources like AC outlets or solar panels.
Devices can be plugged into three ports on the power supply source that consist of AC (alternating current), DC (direct current), and USB ports.
A portable power supply comes in handy in camping outdoors or even when you decide to have an odd night out in the car. The convenience of plugging in from anywhere, anytime is truly liberating.
Now, you don’t have to stay indoors or make sure that you are near power outlets to work on a project, watch a movie, or even charge your phone.
All your modern hi-tech gadgets and devices can be charged, panic-free, with the help of a portable power supply out in the raw nature.
Which Power Supply Should You Choose
Several factors could affect your choice when it comes to selecting a power source that meets your needs.
1. Capacity
Capacity is one of the foremost features that you should consider when looking for a power supply source. The capacity of a power source is measured in watt-hour and is represented by the symbol “Wh”.
Choose a higher Wh number if you have many needs and appliances that need charging, or if you are looking to spend a considerable number of hours outdoors with a reliable power supply.
As a common benchmark, 200Wh would be sufficient capacity for a day trip, but a capacity of 350Wh or more would be enough for powering an extensive stay outdoors with fans, heaters, and electric blankets et cetera.
With a 400Wh, you can also power appliances that require considerable amounts of power like microwaves and mini-refrigerators. It is wise to buy a higher Wh power supply so that it can be used for all purposes.
2. Output Terminals and Ports
The types and number of ports vary according to the make and model of the portable power supply. You must pick one that can not only support the number of users who will be using the power supply, but it is equally important that your power supply can support the various types of cables and gadgets to be charged.
For example, if you want to charge your smartphone or tablet, your portable power supply must support a USB cable. And, if you are looking to charge electrical appliances on a camping trip, like say electrical oven et cetera, it is also important that the power supply has a port for AC appliances.
Moreover, your car has different electrical needs and your power supply cannot be used in the same way in a car as it is outdoors.
There are different port requirements for a car and your power supply should be integrated with those needs for the best possible night-out-in-the-car experience. Your car’s batteries can become the unlikely power source if your power supply’s batteries run out.
3. Size and Weight
Size and weight are other essential features that you need to consider when choosing a portable power supply. Usually, capacity determines size and weight. So if you have more capacity then you will have a larger sized power supply.
But larger portable power supplies pose issues when you have to move them around, load them onto your car, or moving them from one place to another.
When considering buying larger capacity sources, maybe, you are better off weighing your options especially when you don’t want to lose the element of portability.
Power supplies weighing 8kg or more are inconvenient and those that are 5kg are extremely portable. Look for a sweet spot between high capacity and lightweight models.
4. Solar Charging Facility
A solar-charged power supply is always the best buy because it will give that extra freedom to charge in the daylight without requiring you to head to the nearest outlets. Just let it bask in the sun and charge its solar batteries.
The solar facility is also a lifesaver in emergencies where you are miles away from a power source or when the power has been disrupted due to unforeseen weather conditions.
5. Waterproofing
What use is spending money on power supplies that are susceptible to natural elements, like water? Water is everywhere and you shouldn’t need to be constantly worrying about keeping your power supply away from water.
Before buying, look for the IP mark to confirm that the portable power supply you are considering has been tested on waterproofing standards.
While camping outdoors, you are bound to run into a little mud and water, and it is paramount that you opt for waterproof power supplies.
Best Portable Power Supplies
Here is a list of the best portable power supplies we could find on the internet. This is not an exhaustive list, but we have compiled this list considering all your requirements around portable power supply options.
1. Anchor “Anker PowerHouse”
The Anker Powerhouse is a compact power supply source that provides a large capacity of up to about 434Wh and still weighs 4.2kg. The success of Anker to pack such a power supply into a compact design is due to its lithium batteries. Carrying the Anker Powerhouse around is almost as easy as carrying water bottles.
AC ports ensure that you can plug your appliances safely without causing electrical damage. Also, Anker Powerhouse supports multiple USB ports so that you and your friends can conveniently charge your phones and tablets outdoors at once.
Check out the Anker PowerHouse here
2. JVC BN-RB6-C
If you need a lot more power for a festival or a function with many guests then you should opt for the JVC’s 6.4kg portable power supply. The JVC has a large 626Wh capacity, and it supports 2-AC, 3-DC, and 3-USB outputs.
These multiple ports allow you to use the JVC power supply as the main source for your outdoor barbecue or birthday party events.
Check it out here
3. Ecoflow EFDELTA1300-JP
The Ecoflow provides you with a lithium-ion battery power of up to 1260Wh, enough for powering your refrigerators and ovens. That is just a spectacular amount of power.
The interesting part is that it not only comes with a solar facility, but it can also fully recharge within 2 hours. The charging technology makes it less energy-intensive while powering heavy energy appliances.
Check it out here
4. Kashima Shoji “Smart Tap” HTE032311A
This is one of the less powerful power supply sources on this list. With only 311Wh lithium-ion batteries, this portable power supply is on the lighter side of portable power sources.
The differentiating factor is the Kashima Shoji’s array of color options that range from tan and red to olive.
This is one of those portable power sources that you can show off to your friends and neighbors with its retro design and off-beat colors. It also has a solar charging facility which is a bonus.
5. Owltech Portable Power Station OWL-LPBL100501-GM
An easy-to-carry portable option that gives 361Wh battery power, the Owltech portable power station is a common choice for powering your outdoor camping trips and parties.
It has 5 output ports that support AC as well USB connectivity. You can charge multiple smartphones at once, and if your trip requirements include charging refrigerators and electric fans then this portable power source can easily take care of those needs as well.
6. Anchor “Anker PowerHouse 200” A1702511
If you want a portable power supply that can charge your laptop along with your phones then look no further than the Anker PowerHouse 200.
It has a 213Wh battery that uses active cell balancing to extend battery life so that you don’t run out of charge quickly.
It weighs a dainty 2.7kg, which makes it the most portable power supply option on this list. The output ports also support AC and DC-equipped power gadgets.
You can check it out here
7. Ecoflow EFDELTA 1300-JP + 110W Solar Charger
This portable power supply is one of the most powerful ones on this list. With a power storage capacity of up to 1260Wh, you can charge 13 separate devices at once through 6 AC and 2 USB Type-C ports.
It can also be charged through solar energy, and if 4 panels are added to the charging panel then it can easily take care of your most energy-intensive needs. This one we recommend to be an ideal buy if you have regular storms or power outages due to bad weather conditions in your area.
You can check it out here
8. Air Jay AJSOLAR 14Wh
For a convenient temporary smartphone charging on the go, this portable power supply by Air Jay is ideal.
Providing a tiny power of 14Wh (when compared to the other heavyweights on this list), we conclude that this one is the best for the light power supply user looking to charge their smartphone while enjoying a lazy afternoon on a hammock in the backyard.
It can charge 2 phones simultaneously. The unique selling point of this model is that it comes with an “IP65” water and dustproof accreditation.
9. Jackery Explorer 1000
This 240Wh lithium powered portable power supply is ideal for outdoor camping trips. It has one AC, one DC and 2 USB ports that can take care of your charging needs.
It has a handle that makes it easier to carry. It also has solar panel so that you can just set it up in the sun alongside yourself and let it charge naturally.
10. Renogy Deep Cycle 12 Volt AGM Battery | 200AH Powerwall Battery for Home Backup and Power | 12V Battery for RV, Solar, Marine, Tiny Home, and Off-Grid Solutions
Eliminate the challenge of inclement weather or unexpected power outages at home with this high-quality Deep Cycle 12 Volt AGM Battery from Renogy as a backup power solution.
This is the perfect method for operating the essential electronic devices in your RV or off-the-grid cabin. This durable battery requires very little maintenance making it a necessary tool for remote locations.
It includes an incredibly low self-discharge rate, so you’ll have home power from a backup battery when the time arises.
Never suffer through a freezing cold that knocks out power lines or lose AC when the electric company institutes brown/blackouts due to over-usage again.
Features:
- An excellent solution for your basement, garage, or outbuilding with added AGM separators and advanced vale regulated technology to reduce any acid leakage and reduce the need for frequent maintenance.
- Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Powerwall Batteries are best for long-lasting use for home power due to the reduced monthly self-discharge rate below 3% at 77°F (25°C). That is 5X lower than their flooded competitors!
- The improved electrolyte formula of the powerwall battery materials provides resistance to unexpected electric discharge at temperatures below freezing. That offers you a wide variety of places to utilize this quality batter no matter the season.
- This home backup battery is meant to be installed upright only. Please only install the batter on its sidewall if there are unique needs of your situation. Never install the battery upside down.
Package Includes:
- Renogy 200Ah 12V AGM battery x 1
- Terminal: M8 x 1.25 x 16 mm
- Container Material: ABS
- Internal Resistance: Approx. 3.5mΩ
Powerwall Home Battery Backup Specs:
- Nominal Voltage: 12V
- Capacity: 200Ah@20hr-rate to 10.5V @77℉
- Float Charging Voltage: 13.6V to 13.8V (77℉)
- Max Discharge Current: 2000A (5 seconds)
- Max Charge Current: 60A
- Normal Operating Temperature: 77℉±9℉
- Operating Temperature Range： Discharge: -4℉~140℉；Charge: 32℉~122℉
- Storage Temperature Range: -4℉~140℉
- Self Discharge Rate: ≤3% per month at 77℉