Top Power Stations for Outdoor Use
What is a good power station to look into for Outdoor use?
Portable power stations offer us a convenient and sometimes necessary source of power. We can make use of a portable power station at home, work, and/or outdoors (some kind of travel). If we were to break down power station into the three main sizes, we would most likely use the larger and medium size capacities for home and work use. Those units are usually stationary and tend not to need to be moved around as much. While for outdoor use, the small to medium size may be preferable.
Size capacities:
Small: <500Wh
Medium: 500Wh – 1,000Wh
Large: 1,000Wh +
When we are comparing or researching different portable power stations, we usually need to take into account where it will be used, for how long, and for what devices.
Where the Power Station Will Be Used
Outdoor use can include camping, day trips, RV use, etc. With these uses the weight and dimensions are usually the primary concern. The weight can be a concern, but really, we only have to deal with the weight when unloading or loading to our destination; so, that is something to consider. We found 30 lbs. or less weight to be ideal – less of a hassle. Secondly, we found that the dimensions of the unit can sometimes be more of an issue. The more compact dimensions tend to be easier to pack, or to find an easy place to store it.
Some items to consider:
• Weight
• Dimensions
How Long Will It Be Used
The longer you intend to use the portable power station, the more capacity you may need to consider having. Thus, having a higher capacity gives you more time between power station recharges. Furthermore, how long you want or how long you can go between recharges may be something to consider. Of course, adding portable solar panels can be part of the solution. These could allow you to go longer with whichever size capacity you do chose.
Some items to consider:
• Capacity
• Options for recharging
What Devices Will Need To Be Powered
It is important to know, roughly, what devices will need to be powered, for two reasons. First, you will want to be sure the power station has enough AC outlets for the devices needing to be powered at the potentially the same time. For example, if you will have a mini fridge plugged in constantly, then that means one less available outlet. Thus, the more the merrier we believe.
The 2nd reason is some devices require higher watts, which may limit what other devices can be connected at the same time. In this case, you will want to be sure you have enough watt capacity.
Some items to consider:
• Amount of outlets
• Capacity (again)
____________________
Our research criteria:
1. Primary Use: Camping (tent), RV (inside and out), Day Trip
2. Time: 2 days/nights or 1 day
3. Devices: cell phones, laptop, drone, mini fridge, lights, electric blanket, kettle
4. Amount of people: 2-4
5. Outlets: 3+ AC outlets; and 2+ USB-C outlets
6. Weight: Under 30 lbs.
7. Capacity: 500-800 Watt hours
8. Solar charging capability
When using a portable power station for camping, and similar uses as noted in our research criteria, there are some good options available. Below are some of our recommendations. Not all met all of our research criteria goals, but they came close.
Top Recommended Portable Power Stations for Outdoor Use:
#1
EcoFlow – River 2 Max 
Capacity: 512 Wh
Weight: 13.2 lbs.
Size: 10.6″ x 10.2″ x 7.7″
Given its long line of power stations, EcoFlow has a good selection of power stations suitable for all types of use. For our intended outdoor use, we found the EcoFlow River 2 Max to be an ideal choice. The River 2 series replaces the successful first series of this model, the River series.
NVE likes:
+ Nice neutral colors, black & matte silver
+ Solar input above 200W
+ We liked the flat top, very convenient. This is a key feature that we notice as it also involves the design and location of the handle(s).
If you need a power station that would be used primarily for home direct use, this River 2 Max would work great. However, EcoFlow does have other models with higher watt hour capacities, should you need, in their Delta series.
Furthermore, some of those Delta series units, the Delta Pro, can be integrated with your home electrical system to help automate a power back-up system.
#2
Anker 535 Power House 
Capacity: 512 Wh
Weight: 16.45 lbs.
Size: 11.48″ x 9.88″ x 7.4″
The Anker 535 Power House has a great sturdy feel. The controls and display are good quality, well placed.
NVE likes:
+ Nice compact design
+ Side light is a convenient feature
+ Durable construction and feel
Regarding capacity, this model has 512Wh capacity, which we felt is just enough for a short camping trip. However, the one drawback could be the solar input max is 100W. This could be more than adequate for most, but a 160W or 200W capability would be nice also, as we have seen in some other models.
On the other hand, for many, the 512Wh capacity could be enough before even having to worry about a recharge. As a reference, a 512Wh capacity can run a mini refrigerator (at 50W) for about 10 hours (not taking into account any motor breaks the fridge might normally take).
#3
Jackery Explorer 500 
Capacity: 518 Wh
Weight: 13.32 lbs.
Size: 11.8″ x 7.6″ x 9.2″
The Jackery Explorer 500 has a 518Wh capacity, similar to the Anker model. So, good capacity. Of the three power stations noted here, this one is the lightest, and also has a good sturdy build.
NVE likes:
+ Nice compact design
+ Durable construction and feel
Though not a deal breaker for us, it would be nice if this capacity size had a few more AC outlets. This model currently comes with one. However, the next model up in size, in their line, does come with 3+ AC outlets, so those could be worth looking into as well.