7 Tips to Get Electricity While Camping
Humans have always been on the look-out to unite with nature, and more than anything, camping provides the best opportunity. Camping is an amazing way of experiencing what indoors will never allow. The woods and the mountains and all the adventure they embody are second to none. And get electricity while camping will allow you to enjoy all the comforts of home without missing out on the adventure.
Have you ever gotten stranded and without electricity on a campsite before? We bet you don’t want a reoccurrence. Here is an opportunity to right that wrong.
We are wary of your next camping, hence we have painstaking gathered means by which you can generate electricity while camping. Follow the steps in this piece, and you won’t have to worry about electricity failure when you are away from civilization.
The different means of generating electricity while camping have been briefly discussed below. Pay close attention to them and you can be sure that whichever generator you choose, you won’t have to worry about electricity failure.
1. Pedal generator
This is by far a very cheap source of electricity. It is people-powered – regular bike pedals are usually used to generate electricity.
Unlike other power generators, pedal generators do not save energy; hence you have to paddle each time you need electricity except it is connected to a battery.
Like a stationary bicycle, you generate electricity as you pedal with either your arms or legs.
2. Gas Generators
Gas generator is an easy way to generate electricity while camping. The issue you will have to deal with is noise and fumes while it is running.
In contrast to the store aforementioned issue coupled with the agreement of many campsites banning gas generators, it is still a source to reckon with especially if you are doing wilderness camping with no one else around.
However we have to admit that gas generator is an expensive means of generating electricity on campsites.
3. Thermoelectric Generators (TEG)
Another form of electricity generator is the thermoelectric generator (TEG).
The TEG produces electricity by means of converting the temperature difference between two points into energy. While in the wilderness, TEG is one of the most readily available electricity generators, all that you need is a fire built from woods and the banked vodka from the heat source.
The heat differences in burning wood in a TEG cook stove can create 5 to 12 watt which can be used to power LED lights, charge mobile phones, tablets and other devices.
The thermoelectric generator cost more than the gasoline generator, but also more efficient than the gasoline generator.
4. 12-Volts Car Battery
An easy way to get electricity while camping could be your car battery. The cigarette lighter outlet produces a brand of charging devices like cell phones.
But issue is, its usage won’t last for long hours or your car won’t start when next you need to move as the battery charge would have reduced.
There’s still solution with the car battery though. You can use a power inverter like the BESTEK 300W power inverter DC 12V. This, upon plugged into the outlet, will give regular power with USB ports without damage to the car battery.
If you then desire a 12-V battery like the one in your car, you can get a 12-V power source that comes with its own converters and outlets.
5. Portable Battery Packs
A compact portable battery pack is a modern way to get electricity while camping. Instead of draining your car battery or having to carry heavy battery backup, the battery pack is lightweight and can fit into a back bag.
It is made of lithium ion batteries and can charge cell phones and other small devices like camera and keep them running for a few days. The battery pack includes USB ports and standard 120-Volt electrical outlets for charging with 27Ah.
In case you need a more powerful electricity generator, the Goal Zero Sherpa 50 Recharger with 52Ah capacity is available in the market.
6. Solar powered generator
To get electricity while camping, a solar-powered generator is a good one. It provides a quiet, clean and free source of electricity. The trick is to take the best advantage of the available sunlight in an area of your camp.
In addition to a solar setup, you might want to get battery storage as well to store energy for the not too sunny days.
A Solar powered generator is easy to setup, requires little effort and little or no maintenance. You must note however need a steep investment at the start.
7. Wind/Water Turbine
In a place where sunlight doesn’t reach, at night, in a dense forest or on a cloudy day, using solar power charger is not appreciated. The wind or water turbine to the rescue.
WaterLily invented a turbine that can generate electricity from wind or water with a maximum power output of 15W.
The turbine has two 5V USB ports to charge small devices. What’s more interesting is its free nature. You only have to place in a river, and in the absence of one, let it hand on a tree and collect wind.
Conclusion
It is obvious that there are numerous electricity generators while camping which can leave you with conflicting solutions. You must however understand that price, available space and ease of use are among the chief factors of determining which solution to go for. Whatever generator you get, make sure you make your unison with nature a memorable experience.
The wind or water turbine or the solar powered generators are among the most favorable generators. The solar powered generator’s setup is costly, but once it is up, you can enjoy electricity free! The wind or water turbine is by far the most efficient; solid electricity and cheap.
We would love to know your opinion on the different generators, please reach out in the comment section. Let us know which generator you will get on your next camping and why.
