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Power Station | Overnight Camping Trip

Planning an overnight camping trip with your partner and your dog? Wondering what kind of gear you’d need to make it as comfortable and enjoyable as possible? First things first: having the right portable power station to keep your essentials running.

In this guide, we’ll explore the power station you’d need to:

  • Cook lunch, dinner, and breakfast using an induction cooktop.
  • Boil a kettle to make a pot of coffee.
  • Keep a mini cooler running for 24 hours.
  • Run a small portable fan.
  • Charge 2 x phones to 100% capacity.

Your Overnight Camping Essentials 

First, let’s break down the power requirements for your trip. We’ll consider the following:

  • Mini cooler
  • Induction cooktop
  • Electric kettle
  • Other small devices (fan, LED lights etc.)
  • 2 x phones

Mini Cooler

A typical mini cooler draws about 40-50 watts per hour. If you run it continuously over 24 hours, it would consume around 960-1200 watt-hours (Wh).

Total: 1200 Wh

Induction Cooktop

Induction cooktops are energy-efficient but still require a significant amount of power. A single burner induction cooktop uses about 1500 watts. Cooking three meals might total around 2 hours of use:

  • Breakfast: 30 minutes (750 Wh)
  • Lunch: 30 minutes (750 Wh)
  • Dinner: 1 hour (1500 Wh)

Total: 3000 Wh

Other Small Devices

Charging phones, running a few LED lights, and other small electronics might consume around 50 watts per hour. Over a day, this totals around 300 – 500 Wh.

Total: 500 Wh

TOTAL WH FOR AN OVERNIGHT TRIP = 4,700 Wh

Picking the Right Power Station

You want to make sure you’ve got enough power without draining your battery completely, so it’s good to have a bit of extra capacity. A battery with at least 5000 Wh will be perfect for your overnight camping trip.

Power Station Options

  • Lithium-ion Batteries: These are lightweight and packed with energy. They cost more but last longer and perform better.
  • Lead-acid Batteries: These are cheaper but heavier and not as efficient.

For ease and efficiency, we’d suggest a lithium-ion battery with about 5000 Wh. This will easily power your cooler, induction cooktop, and other small devices throughout your trip.

Best Portable Power Station for Your Overnight Camping Trip

For an overnight camping trip, you’ll need a portable power station that’s reliable, easy to use, and powerful enough to handle your energy needs. Based on the power requirements we’ve got, something like the EcoFlow Delta Pro (+ extra batteries) would be an excellent choice. Here’s why:

Why the EcoFlow Delta Pro?

  • Ample Power: With a 3600 Wh capacity, it comfortably covers the estimated 4935 Wh daily consumption with a buffer, especially if you adjust your usage or recharge with solar panels.
  • Output: It has a high output of 3600 watts (with a surge capacity of 7200 watts), making it perfect for high-power appliances like an induction cooktop.
  • Charging Options: You can charge it through solar panels, a car alternator, AC outlets, or even EV charging stations, giving you flexibility no matter where you are.
  • Solar Compatibility: Pair it with EcoFlow’s portable solar panels to harness solar energy during the day, keeping your power station charged without relying on traditional power sources.
  • Portability: Despite its large capacity, it’s designed to be portable with wheels and a handle, making it easier to transport to your campsite.
  • Versatility: It has multiple outlets, including AC, DC, USB-A, and USB-C ports, so you can charge all your devices simultaneously.

Why You Need an Extra Battery (If You Don’t Want to Have to Recharge)

  • Main Unit: The Delta Pro itself has a 3600 Wh capacity, and if you’re running products with nearly 5,000 Wh, you don’t want to run out of juice.
  • Extra Battery: Connect an extra 3600 Wh battery to double the capacity to 7200 Wh.
  • Usage: This combined setup allows you to use your appliances freely without worrying about running out of power.

How It Works

  1. Main Unit: The Delta Pro itself has a 3600 Wh capacity.
  2. Extra Battery: Connect an extra 3600 Wh battery to double the capacity to 7200 Wh.
  3. Usage: This combined setup allows you to use your appliances freely without worrying about running out of power.

What About Charging A Power Station?

Alright, so what if you don’t want an extra battery and just want to be able to juice up your portable power station when camping? These are your options.

  • Solar Panels: Perfect for sunny days, solar panels can keep your battery topped up using just sunlight. They’re eco-friendly and great for remote locations. Just set them up in a sunny spot and let them work their magic.
  • Alternator: Connect an alternator charger to your car’s alternator. As you drive, the alternator generates power which the charger uses to recharge your EcoFlow power station. It’s a handy way to charge on the go, especially during long drives between campsites.
  • Dual Battery System/DC-DC Charger: This is an option, but it’s not the most efficient option.
  • Portable Generators: If you need a reliable power source, a small, portable generator can be a lifesaver. Just remember to bring extra fuel.
  • AC Power: If you’re at a campsite with electrical hookups, plug your battery into an outlet to get a full charge. It’s also a good idea to fully charge your battery at home before you leave.