There are few things in the world for which people prepare so carefully and for a long time, as for the present, long, preferably in the most remote corners of the country or the globe. On a short-term hiking or cycling or even rafting route, you can do without, of course, batteries or small accumulators. Electricity on a big hike, using cars or ATVs, requires special attention.
Electricity on a hike is often needed simultaneously, not even for one and not for two, but a much larger number of consumers. The first thing that tourists do at the campsite is to connect to the electricity. After all, refrigerators, air conditioners, lighting, or consumer electronics need the power to function. Today you can find out more about the most popular campsite electricity options.
Safety First
Before considering the types of devices for the supply of electricity and getting to know how to get electricity while camping, it is essential to remember the safety rules, when choosing any of the devices, you need to pay attention to how secure it will be.
Therefore, all cables and devices used must comply with the applicable standards. Thus, you can supply your electrical appliances with energy without the risk of fire, burns, and other troubles.
Gas Generator
Gas generators are the first electric power solution for camping. They are specialized devices designed to provide electricity to both small power grids and many consumers. Another important function that this device performs is to provide connected equipment with a backup power source that allows it to function when a person is in the forest in extreme conditions.
The main feature of a natural gas generator is the resource on which it operates. The reliable gas generator is designed for use as a backup power supply in field conditions.
Thermoelectric Generator (TEG)
Thermoelectric generators are an irreplaceable innovative source of energy for a smartphone, tablet, camera, navigator, video, and audio equipment and lighting a tent or parking lot.
Camping mini generator is an indispensable device and assistant in expeditions:
- It is a faithful companion for hunters, fishers, tourists, climbers, travelers, and even summer residents far from electrical energy sources.
- It is a solution for those who need to recharge to keep their electronic devices working and lighting tents and grounds.
The goal is to create an affordable free energy source that is easy to maintain, regardless of location or environment, even in harsh climates where repair or replacement parts is complicated. Therefore, portable power for camping is not only used to generate energy when traveling or hiking; it can be a constant source of energy in isolated, remote areas that are far from civilization or suffer from frequent power outages.
With camping generators anywhere and at any time, you can support your devices’ operation not only to have a good time in nature, but they will also allow you to stay in touch in emergencies.
They are suitable for charging:
- tablets;
- smartphones;
- mobile phones;
- GPS navigators;
- portable batteries (powerbank), type AA and AAA;
- LED lamps.
You can choose several adapters with different connectors in the generator set, depending on the desired application.
Pedal Generator
Pedal generators are designed to generate electricity in remote areas where solar panels are inconvenient to use. The pedal generator is one of the cheapest sources of electricity when hiking. It is powered by the people themselves who participate in the backpacking. That is, you need to twist regular bicycle pedals in order to generate energy.
Such devices do not save energy as other equipment does. For electricity to continue to be used, you have to pedal all the time. But the mechanism of action is the simplest of all — you just need to pedal with your hands and feet.
12-Volt Car Battery/12-Volt Portable Battery
One of the easiest ways to get electricity while hiking is by using a car battery. However, the disadvantage of this solution is that it cannot be used for a long time. This is quite logical because the car you arrived at during the camping may not start at all if the battery is depleted.
However, there are other options. A power inverter can be used:
- When you plug it into a wall outlet, it will provide average power through the USB ports without draining the car battery’s power.
- A 12V power supply can be purchased to use the same power as a 12V battery.
Compact Portable Battery Packs
An additional power bank, one of the most valuable accessories for mobile gadgets. Nowadays, external camping battery pack has a compact size and stylish appearance. It will allow you to always stay in touch and not worry about a low smartphone charge where there is no opportunity to use an outlet.
A portable power bank is an autonomous power storage designed to recharge mobile devices (cell phones, smartphones, tablets, cameras, wireless headphones, and other equipment and accessories) in the absence of access to an AC power source — a wired power network.
The main reason for the emergence of portable USB power banks was the increasing use of mobile technology. The energy level of the built-in batteries is sufficient for less time — on average, half a day or a day. In camping conditions, such devices are indispensable helpers that can extend the charge of any electrical device.
Solar Power
A tourist solar battery should be lightweight, protected from damage, compact and easy to use, and fulfill the assigned tasks. Getting electricity from the sun is the most realistic option in field conditions.
For efficient operation, the panel must have sufficient power and, accordingly, a large area. To accumulate a significant amount of energy, the exposure should be carried out throughout the day. And, of course, its effectiveness is highly dependent on many conditions. The solution is to attach the foldable, flexible panel to the backpack.
In general, one must understand that the solar cell itself gives out energy uncontrollably and can even take it in when there is insufficient illumination. Therefore, correct operation is only possible in an adapted panel-controller-storage system. Therefore, before buying a solar battery or an external battery, make sure that this tandem will work.
Wind or Water Turbine
A wind generator (wind power plant) is a device for converting wind energy into electrical one. First, it converts the wind’s kinetic energy into mechanical energy of the rotor and then into electrical energy.
The power of the wind generator can be from 5 KW to 4500 KW. Modern devices generate energy even in very weak winds — from 4 m / s. Such structures can be sources of energy for field conditions since they solve camping power supply problems autonomously.
Wind currents rotate the blades of the wind generator: they pass through the turbine, drive it, and spin. Energy is generated on the turbine shaft, which will be proportional to the wind flow. The stronger the wind, the more power is generated. Further, the energy is transferred along the shaft to the rotor to the multiplier, which produces it.
An innovative method of generating electricity from flowing water has also been developed. Engineers have created a portable submersible turbine suitable for use on almost all rivers.
The turbine is transported unassembled in a small flat package. Simple installation is carried out right on the river bank. Once immersed in water, the turbine can generate up to 12 kWh of electricity per day. The power produced by a mini hydroelectric power station directly depends on the current speed: with its rate of 2 m / s, the device can deliver up to 2 kW / h.
Rivers have huge energy potential, comparable to all other renewable energy sources. In terms of their productivity, products can produce enough energy during round-the-clock operations to supply a residential building. The reliability of the submersible turbine makes it an excellent alternative to gas generators. Its advantages also include noiselessness and the complete absence of harmful emissions.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Power Source
Whichever source of energy you choose, remember that it is essential not only to use it safely but also as efficiently as possible. Everyone knows that the hike usually takes a long time. Electricity from any source should be sufficient for the entire camping period. In this case, it is worth using the devices wisely.
To get the most out of your energy device, use it properly. Please do not turn on the machines when you do not need to use them, for example, for charging. It’s better not to allow the equipment to work when you do not use it.
Also, try not to overexert power supply devices. They can quickly deplete, so be careful with your technique. Remember that any hike can be made even more enjoyable when all the equipment that you brought with you works smoothly.
Plenty of Options
Camping away from outlets — power on the go. The most beautiful views open without being connected to the mains. Fortunately, there are various alternatives to energy supply while camping.
We don’t even notice this in our daily lives, but modern people would be practically incapable of action without electricity and energy. But tourists are always really aware of this when they travel long distances or expect an extended vacation, during which they may even want to be accessible for one night or another.
For those who need electricity while hiking, there are plenty of options — and that’s all the beauty of variety. For their trip, everyone will be able to choose the option of supplying electricity to their liking.
