My photography kit requires a constant flow of energy. Feeding those cameras, laptops, and flash units is easy enough at home - just plug them in and forget it. But road trips require a bit more planning.

And it's not just photography gear I have to power. There's a cooler for drinks and meals, LED lighting to illuminate the edges of the day, and personal electronics need attention too - iPhone, Apple Watch, and iPad mini. All of these watts add up.

After testing a variety of electronic generators, I've settled on a couple to power my outdoor life. One of my favorites is the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station ($299 before discounts).

Having been a fan of the previous generation, the Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station ($279 before discounts), I think the newer model brings important improvements over its reliable predecessor.

Explorer 300 left side and Explorer 300 Plus right side charging an Olympus OM-1, 9 watts output.

On the inside, the 300 Plus uses the newer Lithium Iron Phosphate formula (LiFePO4) that increases battery life to 3,000 cycles compared to 500 cycles for the previous generation. Charging time is also faster, a mere 2 hours via AC outlet for 0-100 percent, compared to 4.5 hours for the Explorer 300.

The LED screen is updated on the 300 Plus providing a more dynamic, easier-to-read display for input, output, battery-level, WiFi, and Bluetooth. That's right, the latest model is compatible with the Jackery Mobile App that enables you to configure, monitor, and change settings in real-time via your phone. The 300 Plus also includes an integrated light.

The Jackery 300 Plus in the boot of my VW ID.4 powering my Bodega portable refrigerator. The iPhone app helps me monitor levels, even when I'm not standing right there.

In addition to my camera gear and personal electronics, the Explorer 300 Plus powers the BODEGAcooler Mini 12V Portable Freezer P8 that only draws 35 watts of power when the compressor is running. And if I'm camping or stopped for lunch, I can pull out a Jackery solar panel and generate enough electricity to power the fridge and send the extra electricity to the Explorer 300 Plus.

If there's sun, I can power all of my camera gear, electronics, and the fridge indefinitely via the solar panel. Plus it's nice not having to worry about ice for the cooler.

Tech Specs for the Explorer 300 Plus

• Capacity: 288Wh - Cell Chemistry: LiFePO4 - Cycle life: 3000 cycles to 80%+ capacity
• Power - AC Output(x1): 120V, 60Hz, 300W (600W Peak) - USB-C Output(x2): 100W Max, 5V,3A (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 5A) - USB-A Output(x1): 15W Max 5V,3A - Car Port(x1): 12V,10A - Bypass mode AC input/output: 100V-120V~60Hz, 300W Max - USB-C Output(x1): 15W Max 5V,3A - AC Input: 100V, 60Hz, 15A Max - DC Input: 12-27V,5A Max, 100W Max
• Dimensions - Length: 9.1in (23cm) - Width: 6.1in (15.5cm) - Height: 6.6in (16.7cm) - Weight: 8.27lbs (3.75kg)
• Charging Time - AC Adapter: 2 Hours - Car Adapter(12V): 5.5 Hours - Solar Panel: 9.5 Hours

Nice Touches with the Explorer 300 Plus

One thing that Jackery does with all of its products is keep you informed about the input and output levels. So when a solar panel is connected, you know the wattage being sent to the battery. And when you start using multiple outlets for your electronics, you can keep track of the total draw.

Watts Add Up! You wouldn't think that these personal devices would draw that much, but this trio results in 69 watts.

I also like the control I have via the mobile app. I can do little things like set the duration for the display, or turn on the auxiliary light. And I can also configure the Explorer 300 Plus battery parameters to extend its life.

I don't have to babysit the recharging of the Explorer 300 Plus thanks to this setting. When it reaches 85 percent, it stops charging. If usage dips to 15 percent, it turns off.

Discount Code

If you want just the Explorer 300 Plus without the solar panel, use Discount Code: JADEAL to lower the price to $255.

Shipping is free. My experiences with customer service have been excellent. And the warranty is top-notch.

Beware however... once you start generating your own electricity, it becomes addictive. I'll cover more gear in upcoming articles.

Other Articles in This Series

Roadtripping With the BodegaCooler Mini Fridge/Freezer - A Review.

Note: The affiliate links in this article help support my research and writing. There is no additional charge to you the customer. Thank you for using those links.

Hanging a Jackery solar panel via bungee cords off the back of the ID.4 to power the Bodega refrigerator and refuel the Explorer 300 Plus.