Power station for camping: what size do you need?

By the Ferncharge team · Figures last checked 18 October 2026

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The short answer: for a tent weekend with a 12 V compressor cool box, two phones and a lamp, our example comes to about 766 Wh rated capacity, including a 20% margin (calculator). Without a cool box, phones and lights need only a small fraction of that. The cool box dominates, so start with its stated consumption, then weigh capacity against what you can carry.

Compared on manufacturers' published specs. Ferncharge has not tested these products. Estimates only.

Open the sizing calculator with our tent weekend example, then change the items to match yours.

What a tent weekend uses (example)

Over two days, with conversion losses (10% on AC, 5% on DC) and 90% usable LiFePO4 capacity, plus a 20% margin, that's about 766 Wh rated. The hours are illustrative.

Without a cool box (phones and a lamp only): about 52 Wh a day, so even a small power station covers a weekend. For example, EcoFlow states 245 Wh for the RIVER 3.

Capacity vs weight

Bigger batteries weigh more. As stated by the makers (alphabetical):

Sources: Anker SOLIX UK, BLUETTI UK, EcoFlow UK, Jackery UK and Jackery user manual, checked 18 October 2026. More models in the spec table.

Topping up with solar

A solar panel can top the battery up during the day. The power station's solar input limit caps what it accepts: EcoFlow states 110 W for the RIVER 3, and BLUETTI 500 W max for the AC180. UK output varies a lot by season and weather. Our calculator uses EU PVGIS sun-hour data and a 70% planning factor for panel losses (methodology).

Staying warm

A 12 V heated blanket runs from the car-style socket. BougeRV states a maximum of 48 W for its 12 V blanket (BougeRV UK). See electric blanket for runtimes and Electrical Safety First's blanket advice.

Campsite rules and safety

• Electric hook-up in tents: the Camping and Caravanning Club says to use a proprietary hook-up unit made for tents, keep electrical equipment off the ground, and stop using electricity when conditions are damp (Club). See electric hook-up vs power station.
• Generators: on Club sites, generators may only be used at the discretion of the site manager, and must always be used outside because of carbon monoxide (Club). UKHSA notes CO exposure from generators or barbecues used inside tents (UKHSA). Don't use a barbecue inside a tent.
• The power station: keep it dry, on a hard, flat surface, and follow its manual on temperature limits. See our safety guide.

FAQs

What size power station do I need for camping?

For a weekend with a compressor cool box, about 766 Wh on our example. For phones and lights only, a few hundred Wh is plenty.

Can a power station run a cool box for a weekend?

Yes, if it's big enough. A compressor cool box averaging about 9.12 W uses about 220 Wh a day at 32 °C (based on Dometic's stated figure for the CFX5 45). Use the 12V fridge guide for runtimes.

Can I use a power station in a tent?

It doesn't burn fuel, so it doesn't produce carbon monoxide. Follow its manual on placement, moisture and temperature, and keep it off the damp ground.

Is solar worth it for a weekend?

It can extend a trip, but UK output is unpredictable. Use our calculator's solar fields to see how much a panel might add in your month and location.

Related: Electric hook-up vs power station · 12V fridge · Kettle · Spec table · Safety