Light-charging outdoor power supply recommendation

Should you use a portable battery charger if you're off-grid?

In recent years, portable battery chargers or power banks have made it possible to keep your devices charged even when camping off-grid. A functioning phone can be a lifesaver in an emergency, and having access to power has some undeniable benefits.

What is the best portable power pack for camping?

One of the most innovative bits of outdoor kit we’ve seen recently is The Charge AnyWay from GP Batteries. It's a 2-in-1 battery charger and power bank that comes with 4 x RecyKo+ rechargeable AA batteries. If you’re camping, keep it warm by wrapping it in your clothes or even in your sleeping bag.

Which battery is best for a portable power station?

These days most portable power stations, including all those we recommend here, use LiFePO4 batteries, which are capable of holding far more cycles, which is the number of times a battery goes through a complete discharge and recharge, than older lithium-ion batteries while also being less likely to combust.

Can power banks be used as torches?

Power banks specifically designed for outdoor use often have LED lights, allowing them to be used as torches. This can be a useful additional feature, as can power banks with integrated charging cables.

How long does a portable power station take to recharge?

That depends on the capacity of your portable power station, the wattage of your solar panels, and the weather. For example, a 1,000Wh power station that’s receiving a consistent stream of 200 watts of power from a solar panel would take about 5 hours to recharge (1,000/200=5). Are portable power stations weather resistant?

What additional features do outdoor power banks have?

As well as being impact and water-resistant, power banks specifically designed for the great outdoors often have LED lights, so they can be used as torches. This can be a useful additional feature, as can power banks with integrated charging cables – so you don’t have to remember to bring separate cables with you.