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By Thad Warren
When it comes to camping, most adventurers prioritize their connection with the great outdoors and squeeze in some rest and relaxation. At the same time, there are luxuries of the modern world that can make or break a camping experience - coffee, a well-lit tent area, portable speakers, and maybe even a portable fan. These things all require a power source, and unfortunately, you can’t plug your coffee maker into the nearest tree.
As far as camping generators go, there are so many great options to enhance your travels and make sure that you have access to some of the things that make camping worthwhile.
But we found that most consumers felt overwhelmed when browsing their options for portable camping generators, especially since the price tag isn’t insignificant. That’s why we analyzed some of the best and most popular options on the market so you don’t have to.
The right generator for your needs will depend on what you are trying to power. There's nothing worse than spending several hundred dollars on something only to find out it falls short of your expectations.
For reference here are the power requirements for some of the most common appliances and devices. Make sure whichever generator you choose can handle the amount of load you expect to put on it.
When it comes to a generator that checks all the boxes, we can’t recommend this Honda model enough. Featuring a powerful yet quiet engine, this lightweight unit is travelable and efficient, making it a no-brainer for campers looking to bring a compact generator with them on their travels.
At just over $300, this lightweight camping generator is perfect for anybody looking for average amounts of power, volume level, and runtime (though we’re impressed by a 10-hour runtime at 50% load). Not only is it affordable, it’s ultra-compact, making it easy to bring along without taking up a ton of space.
It’s rare to find such a powerful camping generator clocking in at such a low weight. At just 40lbs, this unit is easily lifted, carried, or stowed and features low volume levels, a 7-hour runtime at 50% load, and 1,900 running watts, making it great for campers in need of a small-but-mighty camping generator.
Boasting an impressive 14-hour run time at 25% load, the Bilt Hard camping generator is great for travelers in need of an extended power supply during their journey. This is especially useful when operating appliances overnight or providing continuous power.
Compared to other models, this WEN model offers just a 51 dB volume level when in use, which allows you to benefit from uninterrupted peace and quiet during your travels and limited disruption to the environment around you.
