I have been selling and using portable solar generators several years now in Off Grid Stores, and I have heard all the tales of people who carry them into the backcountry. Others return wearing their gear on a rave. Others? Not so much.
The thing is that when you are miles away and your phone is almost dead you really need some form of power that you can rely on. I do not come here to sell you the most costly one. I came here to inform you what really works by actual votes of people who have hiked, camped and outdoor people who actually tried these units to the wringer.
Genuine Reviews
EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station
Jenny of Colorado contacted her after five days of backpacking at the Rocky Mountain National Park. Her exact words? I did not believe the weight, but it got into my pack. She is a wildlife photographer whose camera equipment ran out, whose phones became empty, and she had a battery to spare.
At 7.8 lbs she claimed that it fell into that sweet spot that it is light enough to carry but heavy enough to actually be used in real power requirements. On day three, when the clouds rolled in, the fast charging saved her, she got no more than two hours of sunlight but managed to draw charge to keep her going. Her one complaint? The handle is made of less expensive material than the rest of the unit.
Anker SOLIX C300X DC Solar Generator
Last year, Marcus ran the Appalachian Trail with the SOLIX C300X in his pack to cover the whole distance of 2,190 miles. That is the type of test of time that shows what really stands. He began with only the base 288Wh unit to reduce weight, then he added one expansion battery around Tennessee when he realized that he could cover more miles between town stops.
I can even afford to spend a week without worrying about seeking power, he said to me. What he liked the most was the efficiency in the sunshine, even on rainy days over the Smokies he was able to recharge his 200W panel. His DC-only installation implied that he had to carry adapters to his laptop, six months of daily use in all types of weather, and his unit remains as new as ever.
BougeRV JuiceGo 240Wh Portable Power Station
Sarah, an Oregon resident purchased this on a tight budget hoping that it would last one season. That was eighteen months ago. “I expected it to fail. It hasn’t. I am quite surprised at the price. She has taken the 6.6 lb unit on weekend camping trips, week-long backpacking excursions and even loaned it to friends known to be tough on gear.
She threw it four feet on the pavement and a Mount Hood climb was on before her- a scratch on the corner, but everything went like clockwork. It is the simplicity that makes her come back. No application, no complex preferences, only solid power.
Jackery Explorer 600 Plus Portable Power Station
David is a wildlife photographer that has two years of heavy field work use of Explorer 600 Plus. I require power to use camera batteries and that of my drone. This has never let me down.” At 16.5 lbs, he keeps it at base camp and does day hikes thereof. The 632Wh size is enough to ensure that he does not keep track of the charge levels and the 800W AC output does not impose any problems on his more demanding devices.
Goal Zero Yeti 700 Power Station
Lisa operates a business conducting wilderness guide services and furnishes all her guides with Yeti 700 units. We whipped the hell out of these things. They put up with maltreatment and continue to work.
She has already equipped her team with eight units over three years and had to call customer services twice with roughly the same results on both occasions, Goal Zero sent her new units without trying hard and even when they were a little out of warranty. Both the 17lb weight and high price tag would be reasonable in a professional setting where reliability is more important than a couple of dollars.
How I Actually Test These
Being honest with you, I do not read spec sheets. All portable solar generators sold by us are tested in the real world. I carry them along my personal hiking expeditions. I borrow them to the customers who provide positive comments. I willfully make them go through sun and cold nights in Colorado.
Units in this list have passed drops, temperature fluctuations, the numerous charge cycles, and real outdoor service. I heard of a good number of generators that looked great on paper, but crumbled in three days in the backcountry.
Sign in to leave a comment.