For most campers, the right power station is smaller and cheaper than you'd expect. The exceptions are electric cooking and running a 12 V fridge for several days.
Match the unit to the trip
| Trip | Typical loads | Ballpark need (est.) | Example from our table |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overnight, devices only | Phones, headlamps, camera, speaker | ~100–250 Wh | Jackery Explorer 240 v2 |
| Weekend with CPAP | CPAP 2 nights + phones | ~500–900 Wh (more with humidifier) | BLUETTI AC70 |
| Weekend with 12 V fridge | Fridge 2 days + devices + lights | ~800–1,300 Wh | Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 or BLUETTI AC180 |
| Electric cooking | Kettle, induction burner | Needs 1,500–1,800 W output; 1 kWh lasts ~30–45 min at full power | AC180 or DELTA 3 Plus, but propane is usually more practical |
Tips that save battery
- Use DC ports. USB-C and 12 V outputs skip the inverter. A CPAP or fridge on DC typically uses noticeably less battery than the same device on AC.
- Turn the AC inverter off when you're not using it. Inverters draw power just by being on. BLUETTI cites about 15 W of self-consumption for the AC180.
- Pre-cool the cooler at home on wall power before you leave.
- A small panel goes a long way. Jackery rates the 240 v2 at about 3.3 h to charge from a 100 W panel in good sun.
Check campground rules
Battery power stations are silent and fume-free, which makes them welcome where generators are restricted. Rules on charging, cords and quiet hours vary by campground, so check the specific site's rules.
Not sure what size you need? List your devices in the sizing calculator. It shows watt-hours, output, and surge, and which models in our comparison fit.