Frequently asked questions about portable power stations
A: Consider what you need your portable generator to do. Many of the higher-end models cost a pretty penny, and most are rated for 500 cycles or more.
There's a good chance this portable generator will last you for many years and many outdoor seasons. Buy within your budget and within reason, but don't be afraid to upgrade a little.
Right now, you might only need to charge a laptop and a small tablet. What if you invite several friends over? Perhaps you'll have children camping or exploring with you. You might need more power later, and buying too little now will hinder you later.
Look for a generator you can handle. Consider how you'll transport it. Do you have a car with very little space? Maybe you have a huge F350 with a long bed, and space isn't an issue.
Try to think ahead a little and consider how you will use your portable power station not only this year but also in the future.
Q: How does a portable power station work?
A: Basically, you charge a large battery using wall plugs, solar panels, car chargers, or another source. This battery then becomes a portable power bank. These portable batteries typically have many different types of ports, such as standard wall plugs, USBs, and vehicle accessory ports, into which you can connect devices.
A portable power station is essentially a large battery that powers your devices on the go. It's like a giant portable phone charger with tons of versatility.
In addition, these large portable batteries usually have outdoor features such as rugged, durable casings, water resistance, and other essential features.
Q: How long do portable power stations last?
A: Since portable power stations revolve around their internal battery, this is a question of battery life.
Most portable power stations have a battery cycle rating. Many cite figures such as "80% after 400 cycles." A cycle is generally measured by the number of times the battery is drained and recharged.
In this case, imagine you use your portable power station twice a month. A power station with a rated power of 80% after 400 cycles would have eight years of power before degrading to 80% of its original power.
Of course, you can also use a power plant at 80% of its original capacity, so that this imaginary power plant would actually last many years longer.
However, keep in mind that battery performance can also be greatly influenced by other factors.
Store your battery indoors at room temperature to avoid the damaging effects of cold weather. Also, keep your portable power station's battery charged when not in use. Charge it after use and every few months of storage to prevent damage.
Q: How much power do I need?
A: That's a twofold question.
First, you need to know the maximum wattage of your most power-consuming device. Read our "Peak Power" section above. If you want to use an electric chainsaw, you'll need well over 1,000 watts of power. If you want to charge a phone, you might only need 2-6 watts.
Second, how long should that power last? When charging a phone, you can get dozens or hundreds of charges from a charging station. But try charging your car battery, and you might only get one or fewer! For more information on this, see our Frequently Asked Questions section.
