Camping is all about enjoying the great outdoors, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort or convenience. With the right electric camping gear, you can take your outdoor experience to the next level. If you’re just getting started with electric camping, here are the pieces of gear you need to create your camping setup.
Camping Style: Swag/Tent/Rooftop Tent
- Portable power station
- Solar panel
- Extra batteries
- Car alternator charger (optional)
- Induction cooktop
- Electric kettle
- Mini cooler
Camping Style: Car Camping
- Portable power station
- Solar panel
- Extra batteries
- Car alternator charger (optional)
- Induction cooktop
- Electric kettle
- Portable fridge
- Electric fan
- Coffee machine
- Microwave (optional but handy!)
Camping Style: RV Camping
- Portable power station
- Generator
- Solar panel
- Extra batteries
- Car alternator charger (optional)
- Induction cooktop
- Electric grill
- Electric kettle
- Portable fridge
- Portable aircon
- Coffee machine
- Microwave
- Small air fryer
Electric Camping Power Options Explained
Portable Power Station
Benefits
- Always have reliable power for everything you need.
- Can handle a lot more devices than weak 12V sockets.
- No more messing around with a bunch of adapters and converters.
- Keep your car battery for driving so you don’t end up stranded.
A portable power station is your ultimate off-grid electricity source. It’s a large battery that powers all your camping appliances, keeping your devices charged, your lights on, and your small kitchen appliances running smoothly. Unlike traditional dual battery systems, a portable power station offers a more robust and versatile power solution, providing a seamless camping experience without draining your car battery.
How it works:
- Battery Capacity: These stations come with large capacity batteries, often with multiple outlets for different devices.
- Power Output: Equipped with AC outlets, USB ports, and DC carports to charge a range of devices.
- Recharging Options: Rechargeable via wall outlet, car charger, or solar panels.
Solar Panel
Benefits
- Generates power from the sun.
- No need to spend money on fuel.
- Easy to carry and set up wherever you are.
- As long as the sun is shining, you’ve got power.
Step up from traditional power methods with portable solar panels. These lightweight and easy-to-set-up panels plug directly into your power stations and devices, using the sun’s energy to keep everything charged. Unlike using an inverter or dual battery system, solar panels provide a renewable and sustainable power source at your campsite.
How it works
- Photovoltaic Cells: Converts sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells.
- Direct Charging: Can directly charge devices or feed into a power station.
- Foldable Design: Comes in a foldable and portable design for easy transport.
Alternator Charger
Benefits
- Charges power stations much faster than standard car chargers.
- Charges while you drive, maximising your travel time.
- Provides enough juice for high-demand devices.
Charge your gear on the go with an alternator charger. This device boosts your car’s charging rate, making it super efficient to charge your power station while driving. It’s way better than the slow, traditional 12V chargers. It also solves slow car charging of big battery banks / power stations from the usual 100w to up to 800w. Simply connect your alternator charger to your vehicle’s starter battery to get started.
How it works
- Boosted Charging: Connects to your car’s alternator to charge batteries faster.
- High Wattage: Can provide up to 800W of power, significantly more than standard chargers.
- In-Car Use: Works while you drive, using the car’s engine power.
Portable Generator
Benefits
- Provides power no matter the weather or location.
- Can run multiple devices and appliances at once.
- A great fallback if other power sources fail.
How It Helps on Your Camping Trip
- Keeps Essentials Running: Powers your fridge, lights, and other camping gear.
- Emergency Power: Acts as a reliable backup when your battery runs low.
- Eco-Friendly Option: More fuel-efficient and cleaner than traditional generators.
Why You Need It
When the sun isn’t shining and you’re out of options, a generator has your back. It’s a reliable backup power source, ensuring you always have electricity. This makes your camping experience more reliable and stress-free compared to relying on an inverter or dual battery system.
How it works
- Runs on Gas: Uses petrol / diesel as its fuel source, providing ample fuel for back-up charging
- Direct DC Output: Charges your battery directly, making it up to 25% more efficient than other generators.
- Simultaneous Charging & Powering: While charging your battery, you can use the 1800W outlets on the generator to power other essential devices.