DISCLAIMER: NOT a sponsored or gifted item. I personally purchased and tested it, which is why I recommend it.
My Jackery Explorer 1000 Review: My Favorite Power Station for Remote Camping
There’s a big difference between camping off-grid and camping unprepared. When I first started solo camping in remote spots across California, and especially Baja California, I quickly realized that having a reliable source of power wasn’t a luxury—it was a necessity.
For charging camera gear, powering smartphones or laptops, or just keeping my lights on after dark, the Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station has become my go-to solution. And it’s just as useful at home in the event of an emergency if the power goes out.
In this review, I’ll walk you through the features that matter most, how it performs in real-world use, and why I think the Jackery Explorer 1000 is worth every penny for both camping and emergency preparedness.
Specs at a Glance
- Battery Capacity: 1002Wh (Lithium-ion)
- Output Ports: 3 x 1000W AC outlets (with 2000W peak), 2 USB-A ports, 2 USB-C ports, 1 car outlet
- Input Charging Options: Wall outlet, car outlet, or solar (via Jackery’s SolarSaga panels)
- Weight: 22 lbs (10 kg)
- Noise Level: Completely silent
Power You Can Count On
Out in the desert or deep in the mountains, there’s no backup if your devices die. I rely heavily on my camera, drone, GPS, and smartphone to create content for Miles and Hikes, and I can’t afford to lose power. The Explorer 1000’s 1002Wh battery means I can charge my gear, or even power my laptop for 8–10 hours.
More importantly, it delivers this power quietly. Unlike gas generators, it doesn’t break the silence of nature or produce fumes. That makes it ideal for overnight use at campsites, early morning coffee setups, or when there are other campers around. Remember, Leave No Trace.
Real-World Test: Remote Filming in Baja Mexico
One of the best examples of the Jackery 1000’s value came during a month-long remote camping trip through Baja Mexico. I was off-grid for nearly four straight weeks—no power hookups, no backup plans. The Jackery kept all my filming equipment charged the entire time, including drone batteries, power banks, and laptop for editing.
As a content creator, the last thing I want is to miss a shot because of dead gear. The Explorer 1000 gave me the confidence to film and edit content daily, even in rugged, isolated areas like Agua Verde and the central desert. If you’re a photographer, filmmaker, or YouTuber who loves to travel, this unit is a game-changer. It’s like carrying a silent, solar-powered studio with you.
Easy to Use, Easy to Recharge
What I love most is how intuitive the Explorer 1000 is. Especially for someone like me that really doesn’t understand much about what a watt is and such! Just press the button, plug in your gear, and you’re set. The LCD display shows real-time input/output watts and battery percentage, so you’re never guessing how much juice you’ve got left.
Charging options are flexible:
- Wall outlet: Full charge in about 7-8 hours
- Car outlet: Charges while driving—great for road trips
- Solar: Pair with two SolarSaga 100W panels and get a full charge in roughly 8 hours under strong sunlight
The solar option is what sold me. I’ve used it while camping for days at a time in places like Baja. There’s something empowering about capturing the sun’s energy to keep your setup running.
Built for Remote Camping
This isn’t the lightest power station on the market, but for car camping, vanlife, or overlanding, the weight is reasonable. At 22 pounds, I can carry it from my car to a table without hassle. It’s built rugged, with a solid handle and casing that’s held up well through a ton of dust, heat, and road vibration.
Some of the gear I’ve successfully powered with it:
- Smartphones
- Drone Batteries
- LED lights
- Laptop
Emergency Power at Home
When the power went out in my area in Baja for a day, the Jackery became the MVP of the house. I used it to run:
- My modem and router for internet access
- A standing fan during a hot night
- USB lamps and my rechargeable lanterns
Having this kind of power on-hand provides incredible peace of mind, especially if you live in an area prone to blackouts, wildfires, or extreme weather. It’s quiet, safe to use indoors, and doesn’t require fuel or maintenance like a gas generator.
What Could Be Better?
No product is perfect. Here are a few minor downsides to know:
- No pass-through charging: You can’t charge the unit while powering devices. That means you’ll need to schedule charging windows.
- Solar panels not included: The SolarSaga panels are excellent but pricey. Still, they’re worth it if you spend a lot of time off-grid.
- Not for backpacking: At 22 pounds, this is car-use only.
Final Thoughts: Worth the Investment?
If you camp in remote areas, live in a place with an unreliable power grid, or just want more freedom from hookups, the Jackery Explorer 1000 is one of the best power stations you can buy. It’s powerful enough for real-world needs, light enough to be portable, and reliable enough to trust when it counts.
For content creators especially, the Jackery proved to be more than a convenience—it was a lifeline during my solo trip through Baja. I created and edited content directly from some of the most remote and beautiful places in Mexico, without ever stressing about running out of power.
Would I recommend it? Without hesitation.