Portable Power Stations for Off-Grid Camping: A Buyer's Guide
- Eric Beuning
- Apr 15
- 7 min read
A good power station provides you with the off-grid electricity you need to run a CPAP, charge your phone and laptop when you're camping. They're also very handy during a power outage.
Yet power station technology and battery storage capacity have evolved rapidly in recent years. As a result, some companies are selling outdated power stations that are marked up based solely on the selling power of their brand name.
My daughter and I do a lot of primitive camping in wild places where electricity isn't available. We also like to watch family movie night on my laptop each night. So, we've put a few power stations through their paces and learned what to look for along the way.
What Is a Portable Camping Power Station?
A portable power station is a compact, rechargeable battery-powered generator that provides AC and DC power outputs. When you’re camping off the grid, it’s ideal for charging smartphones, laptops, running small appliances, and powering medical devices like a CPAP.
Powering a CPAP Machine Camping Off-Grid
CPAP machines typically consume between 30 to 60 watts per hour without a heated humidifier. With a heated humidifier, consumption can increase to 70–100 watts per hour. For an 8-hour sleep session, you'll need a power station with at least 300Wh capacity without a humidifier and 600Wh or more with one.
Top 5 Portable Power Stations for Camping and CPAP Use
The following are some of my top picks for camping power stations to recharge personal electronics, power lights, and run a CPAP machine. Just be sure to double-check the CPAP rating of your unit to make sure a particular power station has the wattage to run it for a full eight hours.
Anker Solix C1000 Power Station
A robust power station with ample capacity for extended use. Ideal for powering CPAP machines overnight, with additional capacity for other devices.
If you need a CPAP machine for camping off-grid to run your CPAP machine and have a little extra for lights, this should be at the top of your list.
I really appreciate the long lifespan, which means it can pull double duty as your emergency power station if there’s a power outage at home!
Key Features of Anker Solix C1000 Power Station
· Capacity: 1,056Wh
· Outputs: 6 AC outlets, 2 USB-C, 2 USB-A, car socket
· Recharge: 80% in 43 minutes via fast charging; solar compatible
· Weight: Under 30 lbs
· Features: Built-in light strip, 10-year lifespan with 3,000 battery cycles
NOTE: the Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station with 200W Solar Panel is also a great package deal that can support you on a multi-day camping trip or power outage.
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station is a reliable and versatile solution for off-grid power needs, particularly for individuals requiring CPAP machines during camping or power outage emergencies. With its substantial 2042Wh capacity, it can power a CPAP device for nearly 10 hours, consuming only about 30% of its charge.
Recharging can be done via solar panels, wall outlets, and car chargers. If you're off-grid camping for multiple days the solar panels will be ideal and are included in a link below.
Key Features of the The Jackery Explorer 2000 Power Station
· Capacity: 2042Wh
· Battery Type: LiFePO₄ (Lithium Iron Phosphate)
· Output Ports: Multiple AC outlets, USB-A, USB-C, and DC ports
· Recharging Options: Solar panels, wall outlet, and car charger
· Pass-Through Charging: Yes
· Weight: Approximately 43 lbs.
This power station's combination of high capacity, multiple recharging methods, and pass-through charging capability makes it an excellent choice for those needing dependable power for medical devices like CPAP machines while on the go.
NOTE: The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 with 2x200W Solar Panels gives you the ability to continuously recharge the power station for multiple days of camping off grid.
The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station is a dependable solution for powering essential devices like CPAP machines during camping trips or power outages.
This is the little brother of the Jackery Explorer 2000 and is essentially an updated version of Jackery’s most popular power station.
Its substantial 1070Wh LiFePO₄ battery ensures extended operation, and it can be recharged via AC outlet, car charger, or solar panels (sold separately), offering flexibility for various situations. It will run a typical CPAP overnight but will need to be fully recharged the next day.
I also appreciate that it's made in the USA.
· Battery Capacity: 1070Wh LiFePO₄ battery for long-lasting power
· Output: 1500W AC output with 100W USB-C port
· Recharge Time: Approximately 1 hour fast charge capability
· Portability: Designed for easy transport, suitable for camping and emergency use
· Versatility: Can be recharged via AC outlet, car charger, or solar panels
NOTE: the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 with 200W Solar Panel package gives you the ability to recharge the power station off grid for multiple days.
The GRECELL 300W Portable Power Station is the discount power station on this list, and the
one I use to power camping lights and recharge devices when I’m primitive camping with my daughter.
With a 288Wh capacity and a pure sine wave AC outlet, it can reliably power a low-wattage CPAP machine for a single night but nothing more. It’s really meant more for running simple camping electronics. That's why I love it for powering my laptop and portable WiFi hotspot for family moving night when camping.
It’s easy to recharge via AC wall outlets, car chargers, or solar panels. It also has a built-in MPPT controller that optimizes solar charging efficiency.
· Power Output: 300W continuous (600W peak)
· Battery Capacity: 288Wh
· Outputs: 110V pure sine wave AC outlet, 60W USB-C PD, USB-A, and DC ports
· Recharging Methods: AC wall outlet, car outlet, solar panel (MPPT controller included)
· Portability: Lightweight design suitable for camping, travel, and home backup
NOTE: The GRECELL 120W Portable Bifacial Solar Panel for Power Station Generator is a good deal for their wattage rating and will work seamlessly with most Grecell Power stations.
The Duracell Portable Power Station 500W stands out as a good all-around portable power station for camping and home power outage backup.
Its user-friendly design and multiple charging options make it a valuable addition to emergency kits or outdoor gear. While it may not replace a full-scale generator, it offers a convenient solution for keeping essential devices powered.
· Power Output of 500W
· Battery Capacity with a 515Wh lithium-ion battery.
· Weight of just 13.4 lbs, its lightweight design
· Can be recharged via a wall outlet car charger or compatible solar panel
· Easy to use control panel
· Sleek design, professional look with a copper-accented top
NOTE: The Duracell G-Solar 100W Solar Panel for Portable Power Stations is the most compatible solar panel for this model and is sold separately.
FAQ: Power Stations for Off-Grid Camping & CPAP Machines
The following are some frequently asked questions about camping power stations needed capable of run CPAP and other medical equipment off-grid.
How do I calculate the wattage needs of my CPAP machine?
To calculate the wattage, check the power label or user manual for your CPAP machine’s wattage or amperage and voltage. If the wattage isn’t listed, use this formula:
Watts = Volts × Amps
Most CPAP machines without a heated humidifier use 30–60 watts per hour. With a humidifier, usage may increase to 70–100 watts per hour. Multiply the hourly wattage by the number of hours you’ll run it (e.g., 8 hours) to find your total watt-hour (Wh) needs. Make sure your power station’s battery capacity exceeds that number.
Can I run a CPAP machine off-grid without a heated humidifier?
Yes! Many campers disable the humidifier to reduce power consumption. This allows even lower-capacity power stations (around 300Wh) to run a CPAP machine for 8 hours.
How do I recharge a portable power station while camping?
Most power stations can be recharged using solar panels. a12V car outlets, and AC wall outlets. If you need to camp off grid for multiple days, solar panels are especially useful.
Can I use a power station for other gear while running a CPAP machine?
Absolutely. Many power stations support multiple outputs, so you can charge phones, lights, GPS devices, or even small fans simultaneously. Just keep an eye on total wattage to avoid draining the battery too quickly.
Do I need a pure sine wave inverter to run a CPAP machine?
Yes, for safe and reliable performance. A pure sine wave inverter ensures that the power output is clean and safe for sensitive electronics like CPAP machines, laptops, and medical devices.
Final Thoughts on Power Stations for Camping
When selecting a portable power station, consider your specific power needs, especially if using medical devices like CPAP machines. Ensure the power station's capacity aligns with your usage duration and device requirements. If you're going to be camping off the grid for multiple days, the companion solar panels are a wise idea.
One of the great things about these power stations is that they can also serve double duty when you get home to provide backup power when the grid goes down during a storm.
Disclaimer: With nearly two decades of experience as a product tester, reviewer, and promotional product specialist, I bring you my honest, unbiased opinions. If you make a purchase through my site, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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