2023 winner
BioLite BaseCharge 600
£799
(Image courtesy of BioLite)
Our verdict
In these post-pandemic days, we've seen a huge increase in people choosing to camp off-grid. But this is not wild camping in the traditional sense of packing everything you need in a rucksack and sleeping on a remote mountainside. Rather, it is more about driving to a very basic campsite and being as self-sufficient as possible. It means no access to site toilet facilities and showers and no electric hook-up.
The trouble with ‘nearly wild camping', as it has been dubbed, is that if you don't have electricity, you can't charge your phones and laptops and that means you're completely cut off from everyone. The answer is to generate your own power, using a device like this, which can be recharged through your car, solar panels or from the wall at home. The BaseCharge is perfect for personal electronics and family needs – it should manage 48 mobile phone charges before it needs topping up.
As well as personal devices, it will power your tent's lights, routers and even TVs. It's also rugged enough for outdoor living.
Commended
Outwell Akira Power Station
£609.99
(Image courtesy of Outwell)
Our verdict
Family camping in the 21st century involves a whole range of essential electronics, so, if you want to stay connected when you're pitched up without hook-up, you'll need an alternative power source. The Outwell Akira 600 Power Station can be recharged on the road from your car battery and is durable, powerful, and easy to operate on off-grid adventures.
Commended
Goal Zero Yeti 1500X
£2,499.99
(Image courtesy of Yeti)
Our verdict
Goal Zero's best-selling Yeti 1500X now comes with even more power and a bigger 2,000W AC inverter to let you run power-hungry devices and appliances. The new inverter can handle everything from a phone to a full-size fridge. Charge the Yeti from the sun with portable solar panels or keep it topped up from a wall outlet at home.
