Dry camping is an exciting activity for many outdoor enthusiasts. It involves camping in remote areas without access to electricity or water. While it can be an excellent way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy nature, it requires careful planning and preparation. One of the most important things to consider when going dry camping is how to power your devices and appliances. This is where a generator comes in handy.
A generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It can be used to power various appliances and devices, including lights, refrigerators, and air conditioners. However, not all generators are suitable for dry camping. When looking for the best generator for dry camping, there are several critical factors to consider, such as portability, noise level, fuel efficiency, and power output.
Portability is essential for dry camping because you will need to move your generator around frequently. A lightweight and compact generator is ideal for this purpose. Noise level is another important consideration because you don’t want to disturb the peace and quiet of nature. Fuel efficiency is also crucial because you don’t want to run out of fuel in the middle of your camping trip. Finally, power output is essential because you need to ensure that your generator can power all your devices and appliances.
We spent countless hours researching and testing various generators to identify the best generator for dry camping. In this article, we will share our findings and recommendations to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a generator for your next dry camping trip.
Top pick
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300
The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 is a lightweight and portable power station that can power up to 6 devices at the same time. With a quick recharge time of 2 hours, you can easily keep your devices powered up while on the go.
The power station also features 2 Pure Sine Wave AC outlets that provide stable and safe 300W power, making it a great option for your dry camping needs.
Editor’s choice
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240
This portable power station is equipped with a 240Wh lithium-ion battery pack, weighing only 6.6 pounds, making it easy to carry around for tent camping, road trips, backyard camping, and other outdoor activities.
It features a pure sine wave AC outlet (110V 200W 400W Peak), two USB-A ports (5V, 2.4A), and one 12V DC car port to charge your road trip essentials such as smartphones, laptops, cameras, fans, lights, and so on. Pass-through charging is supported.
Best Generators for Dry Camping
If you’re planning a camping trip in a remote location without access to electricity, a generator can be a lifesaver. A good generator will provide reliable power for your essential devices and appliances, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best generators for dry camping, based on factors such as power output, noise level, and fuel efficiency. Whether you’re looking for a compact and portable option or a heavy-duty generator for powering larger devices, we’ve got you covered.
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient power station for your dry camping needs, the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 is a great option.
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300
The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 is a lightweight and portable power station that can power up to 6 devices at the same time. With a quick recharge time of 2 hours, you can easily keep your devices powered up while on the go. The power station also features 2 Pure Sine Wave AC outlets that provide stable and safe 300W power, making it a great option for your dry camping needs.
Pros
- Quick recharge time of 2 hours to get 80% battery
- Safe and steady power supply with 2 Pure Sine Wave AC outlets
- Can recharge and charge up to 6 devices at the same time
Cons
- Only 5 hours of runtime
- Solar panel not included
- Not suitable for high power devices
One downside of the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 is its limited runtime of only 5 hours. Additionally, the solar panel is not included, which may be an added cost for some users. Finally, this power station is not suitable for high power devices, so keep that in mind when choosing what to power with it.
Overall, the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 is a great option for those looking for a reliable and efficient power station for their dry camping needs.
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240
If you’re looking for a reliable, lightweight, and versatile power source for your outdoor adventures, the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 is an excellent choice.
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240
This portable power station is equipped with a 240Wh lithium-ion battery pack, weighing only 6.6 pounds, making it easy to carry around for tent camping, road trips, backyard camping, and other outdoor activities. It features a pure sine wave AC outlet (110V 200W 400W Peak), two USB-A ports (5V, 2.4A), and one 12V DC car port to charge your road trip essentials such as smartphones, laptops, cameras, fans, lights, and so on. Pass-through charging is supported.
Pros
- Easy to carry around for outdoor adventures
- Versatile power source for charging multiple devices
- Can be recharged by solar panel, wall outlet, or car outlet
Cons
- Might not be powerful enough for heavy-duty appliances
- Solar panel not included
- elatively short runtime compared to other models
One of the best things about this power station is that it can be recharged by the Jackery SolarSaga 60 solar panel or SolarSaga 100 solar panel. Its built-in MPPT controller enables the solar panel to operate at its max power point for the power station to be recharged at its highest efficiency. Two alternative ways to recharge are through the wall outlet or the car outlet.
Overall, the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 is a great choice for those who want a lightweight and versatile power source for their outdoor adventures. However, it might not be powerful enough for heavy-duty appliances, and the solar panel is not included, which is something to keep in mind.
EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station RIVER 2
If you’re looking for a reliable generator for dry camping, the EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station RIVER 2 is an excellent choice. With its fast charging technology and long-lasting battery, it’s perfect for powering all your essential appliances and devices during your off-grid adventures.
EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station RIVER 2
The EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station RIVER 2 is perfect for those who need a reliable generator for dry camping. With its fast charging technology, you can fully recharge the electric generator using an AC outlet in only 1 hour. It also includes advanced BMS protection, monitoring voltage, current, and temperature to keep your LFP battery running for years.
Pros
- With an output of up to 600W, you can run up to 6 essential appliances simultaneously without worrying about overloading.
- Using LFP battery cells, you can use and recharge RIVER 2 more than 3000 times before hitting 80%. That’s almost 10 years of regular use.
- With a lightweight of only 7.7 lbs, RIVER 2 is easy and convenient to take anywhere you need power.
Cons
- A solar charging cable is not included.
- It may not be powerful enough for larger appliances or devices.
- It may not be suitable for extended periods of use.
With a whole host of ports, from 300W AC outlets to USB-C, you’ve got all your device’s plugs covered. It’s also easy and convenient to take anywhere you need power, thanks to its lightweight and built-in handle.
However, a solar charging cable is not included, which may be a downside for some users. Additionally, it may not be powerful enough for larger appliances or devices, and it may not be suitable for extended periods of use.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and portable generator for dry camping, the EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station RIVER 2 is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a generator for dry camping, there are a few key features to keep in mind to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some things to consider:
Power Output
The first thing to consider when buying a generator is the power output. You want to make sure that the generator is powerful enough to run all of the appliances and electronics that you plan to use while dry camping. To determine the power output you need, add up the wattage of all the devices you plan to use simultaneously and choose a generator with a wattage that exceeds that total.
Fuel Type
Generators can run on a variety of fuels, including gasoline, propane, and diesel. Gasoline is the most common fuel source, but propane and diesel generators are also available. Consider which fuel type is most convenient for you and your camping situation.
Noise Level
Generators can be loud, so it’s important to consider the noise level when choosing a generator for dry camping. Look for generators that have a decibel rating of 60 or lower, as these are generally considered to be quiet enough for camping.
Portability
If you plan to move your generator around frequently, portability is an important factor to consider. Look for generators that are lightweight and have handles or wheels for easy transport.
Runtime
The runtime of a generator refers to how long it can run on a single tank of fuel. Consider how long you plan to use your generator each day and choose a model with a runtime that meets your needs.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the generator. Generators can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Determine your budget and choose a generator that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
| Feature | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Power Output | Choose a wattage that exceeds the total wattage of all devices you plan to use simultaneously |
| Fuel Type | Consider convenience and availability of fuel |
| Noise Level | Look for a decibel rating of 60 or lower |
| Portability | Choose a lightweight model with handles or wheels |
| Runtime | Choose a model with a runtime that meets your needs |
| Price | Determine your budget and choose accordingly |
