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Best small for camping

Jackery Explorer 500 v2

Double the RIVER 3’s capacity at 12.6 lb: 512 Wh of LiFePO4, 500 W and a big carry handle. Enough for a mini‑fridge or CPAP overnight.

8.2/10
512Wh
Continuous AC output
500W
AC recharge time
80min
Max solar input
200W
Weight
12.6lb
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The Explorer 500 v2 sits in the sweet spot between a power bank and a full‑size station. Its 512 Wh LiFePO4 battery is rated for 6,000 cycles to 70% capacity, and the 500 W inverter (1,000 W surge) covers CPAP machines, mini‑fridges, laptops and camp lights.

Wall charging takes about 80 minutes, or about an hour if you combine AC and solar. It switches to battery in 10 ms or less, so it can double as a UPS. The trade‑off for its simplicity is that there is no app and no IP rating.

Pros

  • 512 Wh at only 12.6 lb
  • 6,000‑cycle LiFePO4 battery
  • Near‑silent and easy to carry
  • 10 ms UPS switchover

Cons

  • No app or wireless control
  • Only two AC outlets
  • No IP rating or port covers

Who it’s for

  • Overnight CPAP use while camping
  • Car camping with a 12 V cooler
  • Small‑apartment backup for a router and laptop

Technical specifications

Capacity512 Wh
Battery chemistryLiFePO4
Cycle life (to 80%)6,000to 70% capacity
Continuous AC output500 W
Surge power1,000 W
AC recharge time1 h 20 minAC only · 60 min with AC + solar
Max solar input200 W
Weight12.6 lb (5.7 kg)
Total outputs6
UPS switchover≤ 10 ms
ExpandableNo
App controlNo
Noise—near‑silent in tests
Dimensions12.2 × 8.1 × 6.1 in

Performance profile

CapacityPowerRechargeSolarPortabilityOutputsJackery Explorer 500 v21.70.78.02.09.74.3

Scores are calculated from the published specs on a 0–10 scale, so every model is measured the same way.

How long will it run?

  • Wi‑Fi router + modem 20 W22 h
  • CPAP machine 40 W11 h
  • Fridge (average draw) 60 W7.3 h
  • Laptop 60 W7.3 h
  • 55" TV 100 W4.4 h
  • Drip coffee maker 1,000 WExceeds output
  • Space heater 1,500 WExceeds output

Estimated with 85% inverter efficiency. Real runtimes vary with temperature and load.

What reviewers and owners say

TechRadar liked how quiet and light it is, and its large grip handle. Their reservations were the lack of an app, no IP rating or socket covers, limited USB outputs and an output that some users will outgrow.

Most praised

  • Silence
  • Weight
  • Handle

Most common complaints

  • No app
  • Few outlets

Sources: TechRadar · Outbound Power

Jackery Explorer 500 v2

Double the RIVER 3’s capacity at 12.6 lb: 512 Wh of LiFePO4, 500 W and a big carry handle. Enough for a mini‑fridge or CPAP overnight.

Check price on Amazon