Camp cheaper for longer with these new portable power stations

We look into camping cheaper for longer with Energizer’s new range of portable power stations.

The cost of staying in holiday parks has risen dramatically over the last couple of years. Some campgrounds, especially in popular holiday destinations, are charging over $1000 for a seven-night stay at a powered campsite in peak season.

That’s crazy, right? When did camping become so expensive?

It’s not just the expense either, holiday parks also seem to be much busier. Gone are the days of a spontaneous long weekend in a popular spot as you often now need to pre-book to ensure a site. Also, it is just me, or have campsites gotten smaller?

It’s no wonder more people are heading to national park campsites, free camping and using Hipcamp more! The nomadic van life is not just for extreme campers though, there are plenty of families, couples, backpackers, and retirees seeking out free and low-cost camping spots across Australia.

These alternative camping sites are often much more affordable (particular when you’re free camping) and in many cases, offer more room to spread out. The downside is a lack of power. However, if you have the flexibility to camp longer without needing to hook up to caravan park power, you’ll save yourself a lot of money.

So what do I need to camp at sites with no power hook-up?

Well, of course, this depends on your camping set-up. If you have a massive caravan and can’t live without all the mod-cons, it’s going to be harder to camp without power than someone with a simple set-up that only needs power for their devices. 

Regardless of your set-up, portable power stations and solar panels will help you store power and charge up devices. Investing in a portable power station will help keep your electronics and appliances running so you don’t have to go completely rogue when you’re camping off-grid. This will allow you to run a fridge/freezer and lights and also charge your laptop, GoPro, phones and electronic devices.

A portable power station is a great alternative for those not ready to invest in a dual battery set up and it’s also really handy for those (like myself) that already do, but want extra power for devices and luxuries. 

Energizer is set to launch a new range of portable power stations

Well-known battery giant Energizer is about to launch a new range of five portable power stations. The portable power stations come in durable, compact sizes with various watt-hour capacities to run small to large caravan and camping equipment such as laptops, cameras, fridges and televisions.

All five models include multiple USB-A and USB-C outputs, AC sockets and multiple charging inputs. They can also be charged using Energizer’s Sunpack portable solar panels, which are also set to go on sale shortly.

Let’s take a quick peek at the new portable power stations:

Everest 100

The Energizer Hard Case Everest 100 is the smallest and lightest portable power station out of all five. With 97.2 watt-hours of capacity, it’s great for mobile phones, portable speakers, cameras, RC accessories, drones, GoPro’s and game consoles. Given its small size and weight, it’s perfect for remote workers, smaller adventures and hiking.

• Size: 90mm x 90mm x 211mm
• Weight: 1.2kg (with external silicone sleeve)
• Capacity: 97.2Wh
• Warranty: 24 months

Everest 300

The Everest 300 portable power station is a large step up with 289 watt-hours of capacity. Suitable for mobile phones, laptops, drones, cameras, CPAP machines, mini-fridges and even e-bikes. It’s the perfect solution for camping with family and friends.

Special features include a battery indicator, safety features, LCD display, fan and temperature warning.

• Size: 215mm x 160mm x 192mm
• Weight: 3.4kg 
• Capacity: 296Wh
• Warranty: 24 months

Everest 500

The Everest 500 portable power station has a large capacity of 515 watt-hours. Suitable for work and travel, power up your larger items such as mini-fridges, LCD TVs, food processors, CPAP machines, electric fans and power tools up to 500W. The Everest 500 is perfect for long camping trips or working out the back.

Special features include a battery indicator, safety features, LCD display, charging, fan, temperature warning and a 94V-0 fire-proof shell.

• Size: 260mm x 172mm x 171mm
• Weight: 5.6kg 
• Capacity: 515Wh
• Warranty: 24 months

Everest 1100

With 1166 watt-hours of capacity, the Everest 1100 portable power station will well and truly support you on your camping trip. Power up your microwaves, water cookers, blenders, camping heaters, LCD TVs, coffee makers and power tools up to 1000W.

Special features include multiple outlets, direct solar panel port, battery indicator, safety features, LCD display, charging, fan, temperature warning and a 94V-0 fire-proof shell.

• Size: 340mm x 235mm x 206mm
• Weight: 11kg 
• Capacity: 1166Wh
• Warranty: 24 months

Everest 1800

The Everest 1800 will keep you powered for longer with a whopping 1856 watt-hours. Power up your microwaves, blenders, coffee makers, heaters, LCD TVs and power tools up to 1500W. It’s an awesome addition to longer off-road getaways.

Special features include battery indicator, safety features, LCD display, charging, fan, temperature warning and a 94V-0 fire-proof shell.

• Size: 340mm x 231mm x 276mm
• Weight: 18.5kg 
• Capacity: 1856Wh
• Warranty: 24 months

How to find low-cost camping options

This part is actually easier than you think. Try the following:

• Check out websites such as freecampingaustralia.com.au
• Search for low-cost campsites on private property through Hipcamp 
• Invest in a Camps Australia Wide book that lists free and low-cost campsites
• Visit National Park websites and search for a camp
• Do some internet sleuthing by Googling “free camps in …..”