Small Electric Generators You Can Buy for Camping

An electric generator has become a go-to gadget for a wide variety of settings. For example, small generators are getting increasingly famous among campers who seek a reliable source of electricity to power their appliances and enjoy their trip in the best possible manner. Jackery brings various small electric generators for campers. They are highly reliable, efficient, and safe, which will empower you to enhance your flexibility and convenience.

Capacity Calculation for Small Electric Generators

One of the most important things to consider before buying a small electric generator is to choose the right capacity. Some campers choose low-capacity generators to save some money upfront or for portability concerns, but these generators do not let them power all their required appliances when it matters the most. That is why you need to properly calculate your power consumption needs in order to select the right electric generator.

This can be done easily by using the following simple formula:

Total Power Requirement = (Device A Wattage × Usage Time) + (Device B Wattage × Usage Time) + ...

Do this for all the devices and sum up all the numbers, which will give you an idea of the required capacity for your small electric generator.

Here is a sample calculation that will help you calculate the desired capacity of the generator correctly:

When you add up all these numbers, you will get a total of 615 Wh. The battery capacity of your small generator should be a bit more than this total to ensure you have enough power to cover your needs with some buffer for unexpected usage or inefficiencies.

Why a Solar Electric Generator Is a Better Option for Camping

Some campers are also inclined towards traditional fuel-based electric generators for camping. However, solar-powered small electric generators have a clear advantage over them. Here is why:

1. Solar Charging Capability

As their name suggests, solar-powered small electric generators are powered by the sun, which essentially makes them a renewable energy solution. With portable solar panels, you can recharge your generator during the day, irrespective of your camping location. This means that you do not have to worry about buying the fuel or carrying it with you during your journey.

It will not only reduce the burden of your luggage but also make your travel safe since carrying the fuel may pose safety concerns. Similarly, solar electric generators will also save you a good amount of money since you do not have to worry about the refueling of the generator.

2. Environmental Impact

In addition to the convenience and cost savings, using solar-powered small electric generators has a positive environmental impact. With solar-powered small electric generators, you are contributing to a cleaner environment. You are also supporting the global shift towards green energy and encouraging practices that are kind to the planet.

3. Silent Operation

Enjoying the silence of nature is one of the main attractions of camping, and solar electric generators help you achieve that. Traditional generators are always loud and disruptive and will never let you enjoy the calmness of nature in its true sense. At times, their noise levels can go as high as 100dB, which is not even allowed at many camping sites.

As opposed, solar electric generators operate almost silently, allowing you to enjoy the sounds of rustling leaves or nearby wildlife. By using these generators, you will also not disturb the experience of other campers.

Best Small Electric Generators for Camping

Jackery offers a large range of small electric generators specifically designed for various camping scenarios in Canada. Let's explore the top three solar electric generators for camping that are getting viral among Canadian campers:

Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus for Backpacking

If portability is your major concern or you want a generator for your basic electricity needs only, the Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus is the best fit for you.

It is designed for lightweight adventures and backpackers as it offers a perfect combination of portability and reliable power. This small electric generator comes with the following features:

• Compact and Lightweight Design: This small electric generator is easy to carry. The inbox Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station weighs only 11 lbs (approximately 5 kg). The solar panels are designed to be compact, resembling a book in size when folded, making them easy to fit comfortably into a standard backpack.

• Power and Capacity: With a capacity of 288Wh and 300W of power output, the Jackery portable power station is built to operate small and essential devices like smartphones, cameras, and LED lights. It is a perfect power solution for basic camping needs.

• Durability and Safety: The inbox power station is equipped with advanced ChargeShield technology, a pure sine wave inverter, and a durable LiFePO4 battery, which ensures your devices stay safe and protected during use. The solar panels have IP68-rated waterproof protection and dust resistance, which allows you to recharge your power station even in rugged outdoor conditions.

• Charging Options: The power station supports solar charging, wall charging, car charging, and USB charging. For solar charging, it can pair with Jackery SolarSaga 40W Solar Panels or Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panels to achieve a full charge in as fast as 4 hours. If you want to recharge it through an AC wall outlet, the power station will take 1.35 hours for a full recharge, while the car charging takes only 4.3 hours. This will give you enough flexibility to recharge your mini generator and not be bound to any specific place just to recharge your generator.

Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus for Bike Camping

The Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus offers an ideal power solution for bike camping enthusiasts. This small electric generator is more than enough for essential electronic needs and some high-end gadgets. It comes with the following features:

• Powerful Yet Portable: Weighing only 16.1 lbs (around 7.75 kg), this generator is easy to transport around. Its foldable handle further enhances its portability. With a power output of 800W and a capacity of 632Wh, this small electric generator will help you power different appliances such as mobile phones, GPS, laptops, stoves, lights, fans, and many other electronic gadgets.

• Extended Lifespan: The LiFePO4 battery of this solar generator enhances its durability and lets you enjoy portable power for more than 10 years. This battery has a lifespan of more than 4000 charging/discharging cycles and will let you power different electrical appliances even when you are not camping.

• Durability for Outdoor Use: The generator’s shockproof and fireproof design makes it highly durable for rugged outdoor conditions. With its built-in LED light, it provides up to 150 hours of continuous lighting that provides a basic level of lighting for nighttime activities.

• Charging Efficiency: This small electric generator features the Jackery 100W bifacial solar panel for efficient solar charging. A single panel charges the power station in approximately 8.5 hours, while two panels cut the charging time to just 4.3 hours. Wall charging takes 1.6 hours, while car charging takes 7.5 hours.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus for Car Camping

Car camping enthusiasts find the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus a perfect addition to their luggage. This generator provides you with higher energy output for extended stays and the use of larger appliances. It comes with the following features:

• Impressive Capacity and Output: The 1260Wh of massive capacity and 2000W of power output of this electric generator will let you power even more energy-intensive appliances such as portable air conditioners, electric cookers, and car fridges apart from running all your basic appliances. All in all, this solar generator can support more than 99% of camping appliances. Carrying this portable solar power generator with you means that you do not have to worry about the availability of grid electricity at your camping location for most of your activities.

• Expandable Design: This small electric generator allows for the addition of up to three battery packs and allows you to expand the capacity to 5kWh. This means that you can even use this generator to go off-grid and essentially step into the remotest of regions without worrying about the availability of grid electricity.

• Fast Charging and Versatility: The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station charges quickly via solar panels, wall outlets, or car adapters. Using 4 Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panels, it can achieve full recharge in just 4.5 hours. For even faster recharge, you can use an AC wall outlet to replenish its battery in just 1.7 hours before heading camping.

• Durable Build: With LiFePO4 battery cells, the power station provides 4000 cycles and a lifespan of up to 10 years. It’s built to endure extreme weather, with components that are waterproof, dust-proof, and shock-resistant.

Now let's have a quick look at how long all these small electric generators can power common camping appliances:

As these Jackery solar generators come with multiple ports, you can run numerous appliances at once. However, campers need to prioritize their energy spending in order to get the most out of these systems in remote locations, especially when solar generators are their only source of electricity.

Conclusion

Camping is a unique way to reconnect with nature and explore the great outdoors of Canada. However, staying powered up during your adventures is essential to enhance your experience. The Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus, Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus, and Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus are some of the top small electric generators for camping. With these generators, you can stop worrying about the availability of power out in the wild. Browse our website to learn more about our innovative solar generators and portable power stations.