Best power banks for camping and outdoor use
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus is our top pick for camping, offering a built-in AC outlet and enough capacity to power small appliances or recharge multiple devices over several days.
For most people who just need a reliable way to keep phones and tablets topped off, the Anker PowerCore 20,000mAh Portable Charger is the best overall choice, while the RAVPower 30,000mAh Portable Charger delivers tremendous capacity at a budget-friendly price.
When you’re heading into the backcountry or setting up a basecamp, a dependable power source is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. Between navigating with GPS apps, capturing photos, running a headlamp at night, and keeping communication devices alive, your gear draws more power than a standard phone battery can handle. A rugged, high-capacity power bank (or a portable power station) can mean the difference between a comfortable trip and a stressful one. Choosing the right camping battery charger comes down to three things: capacity (how many full charges you get), output options (USB-A, USB-C, or AC outlets), and durability (weather resistance, build quality). You’ll also want to consider weight and how you plan to recharge the bank itself, solar readiness is a huge bonus for extended trips. Below, we’ve sorted through the reputable options to highlight three that cover the most common camping scenarios without breaking the bank.
Jackery Explorer 300 Plus
the portable power station for serious camping
4.6out of 5This isn’t a pocket power bank, it’s a mini generator. With a built-in AC inverter, multiple USB ports, and a high-capacity lithium battery, the Explorer 300 Plus can run a small cooler, recharge a drone battery, or keep a phone and tablet going for days. It’s heavier and pricier than a standard power bank, but for car-camping or basecamp use it’s unbeatable.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →Anker PowerCore 20,000mAh Portable Charger
the do-it-all default
4.8out of 5Anker earns its reputation here. The PowerCore 20,000mAh Portable Charger offers a great balance of capacity, size, and price. It reliably charges a smartphone five or six times and tablets at least twice, with dual USB outputs and a durable, compact shell. It’s the one you’ll grab for weekend trips where you don’t want to think twice about power.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →RAVPower 30,000mAh Portable Charger
the budget-friendly giant
4.3out of 5If raw capacity is your priority and you’re willing to sacrifice a little polish, the RAVPower 30,000mAh Portable Charger delivers. It can recharge a smartphone a dozen times and even handle tablets comfortably. The trade-offs are a heavier build, slower top-up for the bank itself, and fewer premium features, but for the price, it’s hard to beat if you’re on a tight budget.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Jackery Explorer 300 Plus | 4.6 / 5 | $$$ | Anyone who camps by car, RV, or in a basecamp and needs to run small AC appliances or char | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Anker PowerCore 20,000mAh Portable Charger | 4.8 / 5 | $$ | Campers, hikers, and everyday users who want a reliable, high-quality power bank that hand | Check price → |
| Best value | RAVPower 30,000mAh Portable Charger | 4.3 / 5 | $ | Cost-conscious campers or group trips where you need to charge several phones, speakers, a | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Jackery Explorer 300 Plus: the portable power station for serious camping
Best overallThis isn’t a pocket power bank, it’s a mini generator. With a built-in AC inverter, multiple USB ports, and a high-capacity lithium battery, the Explorer 300 Plus can run a small cooler, recharge a drone battery, or keep a phone and tablet going for days. It’s heavier and pricier than a standard power bank, but for car-camping or basecamp use it’s unbeatable.
Pros
- Built-in AC outlet lets you power small electronics that don’t run on USB
- Very high capacity handles multiple nights of use
- Can be recharged via solar panels for off-grid independence
- Clear LED display shows remaining battery level and output status
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than typical power banks, best for car camping, not backpacking
- Charging from a wall outlet takes several hours
- No integrated handle or weatherproofing; needs to be kept dry
Who it’s for
Anyone who camps by car, RV, or in a basecamp and needs to run small AC appliances or charge multiple devices over several days.Who should skip it
You’re a ultralight backpacker or only need to top off a phone for a single overnight trip.2. Anker PowerCore 20,000mAh Portable Charger: the do-it-all default
Runner-upAnker earns its reputation here. The PowerCore 20,000mAh Portable Charger offers a great balance of capacity, size, and price. It reliably charges a smartphone five or six times and tablets at least twice, with dual USB outputs and a durable, compact shell. It’s the one you’ll grab for weekend trips where you don’t want to think twice about power.
Pros
- Excellent build quality and reliability backed by Anker’s reputation
- Enough capacity for a long weekend without being overly heavy
- Fast-charging USB ports work with most phones and tablets out of the box
- Compact enough to fit in a jacket pocket or daypack
Cons
- No high-power USB-C PD output for newer laptops
- The included micro-USB cable is dated; you’ll want your own USB-C cable
- No solar charging input or pass-through charging support
Who it’s for
Campers, hikers, and everyday users who want a reliable, high-quality power bank that handles phones, tablets, and earbuds without fuss.Who should skip it
You need to charge a laptop or run an AC device, or you plan to be away from power for more than a few days.3. RAVPower 30,000mAh Portable Charger: the budget-friendly giant
Best valueIf raw capacity is your priority and you’re willing to sacrifice a little polish, the RAVPower 30,000mAh Portable Charger delivers. It can recharge a smartphone a dozen times and even handle tablets comfortably. The trade-offs are a heavier build, slower top-up for the bank itself, and fewer premium features, but for the price, it’s hard to beat if you’re on a tight budget.
Pros
- Massive capacity that can power multiple devices for a week on one charge
- Three USB output ports let you charge several gadgets at once
- Aggressively affordable for the capacity offered
- Includes a travel pouch and short charging cable
Cons
- Bulky and heavy, not ideal for hiking or minimal packing
- Slow charging speed when topping up the power bank itself (no fast input)
- Build quality feels less premium than competitors; some units have reported reliability issues over time
Who it’s for
Cost-conscious campers or group trips where you need to charge several phones, speakers, and tablets from one shared bank.Who should skip it
You want something pocketable or need fast recharging of the bank itself between trips.Best for specific needs
Best for multi-day basecamp trips
When you’re stationary for several days with multiple devices and maybe a small cooler or an inflatable mattress pump, you need a power station that can handle AC loads. The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus offers a pure sine wave inverter and enough capacity to keep everything running without hunting for a wall outlet. Pair it with a foldable solar panel and you can stay off-grid indefinitely. Our pick: Jackery Explorer 300 Plus.
Best for lightweight backpacking and weekend hikes
If you’re covering miles on foot and just need to keep a phone, headlamp, and maybe a GPS unit alive, a compact power bank is the way to go. The Anker PowerCore 20,000mAh Portable Charger packs plenty of juice into a small, durable package that won’t weigh down your pack. Its efficiency and reliability make it a favorite among thru-hikers and weekend warriors alike. Our pick: Anker PowerCore 20,000mAh Portable Charger.
Best for large groups or extended car-camping trips on a budget
When you’re traveling with friends or family and need to keep everyone’s devices charged without buying multiple banks, a huge capacity unit at a low price is hard to beat. The RAVPower 30,000mAh Portable Charger provides enough power for a week of casual use, and its three ports mean less squabbling over who plugs in next. Just be prepared to wait overnight for the bank itself to recharge from a wall outlet. Our pick: RAVPower 30,000mAh Portable Charger.
Our verdict
No matter how you camp, from a basecamp with all the gear to a minimalist backpacking trip, having a dependable way to recharge your electronics makes the experience safer and more enjoyable. If you need AC power and plan to stay put, the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus is the clear winner. For the vast majority of campers who just want a reliable, high-capacity power bank, the Anker PowerCore 20,000mAh Portable Charger is our top overall recommendation. And if you’re on a tight budget but still need serious capacity, the RAVPower 30,000mAh Portable Charger delivers exceptional value for the price.