?Are you trying to decide if the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300, 293Wh Backup Lithium Battery, Solar Generator for Outdoors Camping Travel Hunting Blackout (Solar Panel Optional) is the right portable power solution for your needs?
Quick summary
You get a compact, lightweight 293Wh power station with 300W of pure sine wave AC power and multiple ports to charge up to six devices at once. It’s designed for short trips, emergency backup, and powering essential devices where you need reliable, quiet electricity without hauling large, heavy batteries.
What’s in the box
You’ll receive the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 unit, an AC adapter, a car charger cable, and a user guide. The solar panel is not included, but the unit is compatible with Jackery SolarSaga 100 if you want to add solar charging later.
Key features at a glance
The core strengths are fast rechargeability, a compact size, a decent 293Wh capacity, and multiple output ports including a 60W PD USB-C that doubles as input and output. You’ll also appreciate the pure sine wave AC output and the integrated MPPT controller when using solar, which helps speed up solar charging.
Battery capacity and AC output
The unit packs 293Wh of lithium-ion capacity, which gives you enough energy for small appliances and multiple device charges during short trips or outages. The dual pure sine wave AC outlets deliver up to 300W of continuous power, which is stable and safe for sensitive electronics.
Port selection and flexibility
You get 2 AC outlets, 1 PD 60W USB-C port (input/output supported), 1 QC 3.0 fast charge port, 1 USB-A port, and 1 DC car port. That mix lets you power laptops, phones, cameras, drones, lights, and small appliances simultaneously—handy when you want to keep several devices topped up.
Fast recharge capability
The Explorer 300 can recharge to 80% in about 2 hours when you use the wall outlet and the 60W PD USB-C port simultaneously. You can also recharge from an AC adapter alone, via your car’s 12V outlet on road trips, or using a compatible solar panel like the SolarSaga 100.
Solar compatibility and MPPT control
If you add the optional Jackery SolarSaga 100, the Explorer 300’s built-in MPPT controller optimizes solar input to achieve faster recharge times from sunlight. That makes it a good portable solar kit for tent camping, overland travel, and other off-grid activities.
Size, weight, and build
Weighing about 7.1 pounds, the unit is very portable compared to many power stations with similar capacity. The hard plastic housing and built-in handle make it easy to carry and store, so you can toss it in a car or pack it into a basecamp without too much effort.
Safety and power stability
The Explorer 300 uses a lithium-ion battery pack and provides pure sine wave AC output, which helps protect sensitive electronics from voltage spikes and delivers steady power. Jackery typically includes a battery management system (BMS) to guard against overcurrent, overcharge, short circuits, and overheating.
Performance in real-life situations
You’ll find the Explorer 300 performs well for daytime use, short overnight trips, and emergency top-ups during outages. It’s not a replacement for large home backup systems, but it shines where lightweight, quiet, and fast charging matter.
Camping and weekend trips
For car camping or a weekend at a remote cabin, you can keep lights, phones, cameras, and a small speaker running comfortably. The compact size and quick recharge option make it handy for multi-day use if you combine AC or solar recharging during downtime.
Power outages and blackouts
During short blackouts, you can run essential electronics like routers, LED lights, and charge communication devices. If you need to run high-draw appliances for prolonged periods—like a full-size fridge—you’ll need a larger station; the Explorer 300 is tailored for essentials and shorter runtime.
Remote work and on-the-go productivity
If you work remotely and need to power a laptop, hotspot, phone, and a small light, the 60W PD USB-C port is especially helpful for fast laptop charging. You’ll appreciate the pure sine wave AC if you’re powering sensitive gear such as monitors or audio gear.
Photography, drones, and camera gear
You can recharge multiple camera batteries and a drone battery between shoots, though the number of full drone batteries depends on the drone’s battery size. The multiple ports make it easy to keep everything topped up while minimizing downtime.
Practical runtime estimates
Estimated run times depend heavily on the efficiency of your devices and how you use them, but these numbers give you a practical starting point. Note that conversion losses and device draw variability mean real-world figures are approximate.
| Device / Load | Typical Power Draw | Estimated Runtime or Charges (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone (3,000 mAh / ~11 Wh) | ~11 Wh per full charge | ~18–25 full charges |
| Laptop (MacBook ~60 Wh) | ~60 W | ~3–4 full charges or ~4–5 hours of continuous use |
| LED light (10 W) | 10 W | ~20–25 hours |
| Portable mini-fridge (50 W average) | 50 W | ~4–6 hours (runtime varies with compressor duty cycle) |
| CPAP machine (30–60 W typical) | 30–60 W | ~4–8 hours depending on model and settings |
| Camera battery (15 Wh) | ~15 Wh | ~12–16 full charges |
| Drone (Mavic-class ~40–60 Wh) | 40–60 Wh | ~3–6 partial charges depending on battery size |
These are approximations to help you plan. If you need guaranteed runtime for medical equipment or essential devices, verify actual device draw and allow margins for inefficiency and degradation.
Charging time comparisons
The Explorer 300 is designed to recharge quickly when you have multiple inputs available, but charging times vary by method and conditions. Here’s a practical breakdown so you can plan your recharge strategy.
| Charging Method | Typical Time to Full (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wall outlet + 60W PD USB-C (simultaneous) | ~2 hours to 80% | Fastest advertised scenario; good for rapid turnaround. |
| Wall outlet (AC only) | ~3–4 hours | Time varies with adapter and initial battery level. |
| Car outlet (12V) | Several hours | Slower than AC; useful while driving but expect a longer recharge. |
| SolarSaga 100 (Solar, MPPT optimized) | Varies with sunlight — often several hours | Peak solar conditions required for fastest recharge; MPPT helps maximize input. |
Because the PD port supports input and output, you can use it creatively to reduce downtime—just be mindful of how much total input the unit can accept at once.
Build quality, ergonomics, and noise
The Explorer 300 is compact and ergonomically friendly, with a smooth plastic shell and a recessed handle that makes carrying comfortable. Unlike generators that rely on combustion, this power station runs silently, so you won’t have noise disruption at camp or during a blackout.
Display and controls
You’ll find a clear LED display showing remaining battery percentage and power input/output, which helps you manage loads and estimate runtime. The buttons are straightforward, giving you quick access to AC, DC, and lighting outputs.
Port placement and usability
Ports are arranged to let you plug multiple devices without the cords getting in each other’s way, and the PD USB-C port being bi-directional adds extra convenience for both charging the unit and powering laptops. The design minimizes fumbling when you’re setting up at night or in tight spaces.
Pros and cons
You’ll want to know the strengths and limitations to decide if this unit fits your use case.
Pros:
- Fast recharge (2 hours to 80% with combined AC + PD input). You can get back to full power quickly when you have the right inputs.
- Lightweight (about 7.1 pounds) and very portable for a 293Wh station.
- Pure sine wave AC outputs for safe power to sensitive electronics.
- MPPT-compatible for faster solar charging with SolarSaga 100.
- Multiple ports let you charge up to six devices at once.
Cons:
- 293Wh capacity limits long runtime for high-draw appliances.
- 300W AC max means you can’t run many high-power appliances or large power tools.
- Solar panel not included; you’ll need to buy SolarSaga 100 separately for optimized solar charging.
- As with any lithium unit, battery capacity will decline slowly over years and use.
Who this is best for
If you need a lightweight, quiet, and fairly quick-charging power station for weekend trips, short blackouts, or charging cameras and laptops on the go, this is a strong choice. If you want to power heavy appliances for long stretches or run tools, you’ll want something with a larger capacity and higher continuous wattage.
How it compares to other 300Wh-class units
You’ll find several power stations in the 250–400Wh class, and the biggest differences usually come down to weight, recharge speed, port types, and whether PD USB-C is included. The Explorer 300 stands out for its fast 80% recharge claim when using combined inputs and its light weight, which makes it a comfortable pick if portability and quick turnaround are priorities.
Tips to get the most from your Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300
Use the PD 60W USB-C port when you need fast laptop charging, and pair AC and PD inputs for the fastest recharge times. If you rely on solar, position panels for maximum sun and understand that efficiency varies by weather and panel angle.
- Keep loads below 300W continuous to avoid overloading the AC output.
- Turn off unused ports to conserve battery.
- Use efficient LED lights and low-power devices to extend runtime.
- If you’re combining solar and AC or car charging, monitor input values to avoid exceeding recommended input thresholds.
Storage and maintenance
Store the unit in a cool, dry place and avoid extreme temperatures—both hot and cold conditions will reduce battery longevity. Charge the battery to around 50–70% for long-term storage and top it up every few months to maintain health.
Warranty and support
Check the included user guide for warranty details and register your product with Jackery if registration is offered; manufacturer support channels are typically available for troubleshooting and claims. If you need repair or replacement, contact Jackery support with your purchase information and serial number.
Frequently asked questions
Can you charge the unit with solar panels?
Yes, the unit is compatible with Jackery SolarSaga 100 and includes MPPT optimization to maximize solar input. Solar recharge times vary with sunlight, panel orientation, and weather.
How long does it take to recharge from a wall outlet?
When you use both the wall outlet and the 60W PD USB-C together, you can reach about 80% in roughly 2 hours. Charging solely from an AC adapter will take longer—expect several hours depending on the adapter and starting charge level.
Can the PD USB-C port both charge the station and power devices simultaneously?
Yes, the 60W PD USB-C is bi-directional, meaning you can use it to charge the station or to power devices like laptops, depending on how you’re connecting it. This flexibility helps you adapt to what cables and power sources you have on hand.
Is the AC output pure sine wave and safe for sensitive electronics?
Yes, the Explorer 300 provides pure sine wave AC output, which is suitable for sensitive electronics like laptops, monitors, and certain medical devices. You should still check power draw to ensure it stays under the 300W continuous limit.
Can you run a CPAP on this unit?
Many CPAP machines draw between 30–60W, so you could run some models for several hours, but you should check your CPAP’s power requirements and any humidifier accessory draw before relying on it. For overnight CPAP use, plan for at least several hours of runtime and consider backup options.
How portable is it for backpacking or ultralight travel?
At 7.1 pounds, it’s relatively light for a 293Wh power station, but it’s still bulky for true backpacking or ultralight travel. It’s ideal for car camping, tailgating, and situations where you don’t mind carrying a moderately sized battery in your vehicle or short walks.
Is the SolarSaga 100 a necessary add-on?
The SolarSaga 100 isn’t required but is a practical choice if you want to recharge the unit with solar power. The built-in MPPT controller makes the combination more efficient than using generic or underpowered solar panels.
Real-user considerations before you buy
Think about which devices you absolutely need to power and calculate their wattages and runtime to confirm the 293Wh capacity suits your needs. Factor in how often you’ll have access to AC power, car charging, or sunlight—fast rechargeability becomes most valuable when you can make use of combined inputs.
Common use-case scenarios and setup examples
If you’re car camping for a weekend and want to run LED lights, charge phones and a laptop, and keep a mini-fridge for a few hours each day, the Explorer 300 will likely get you through the essentials with modest solar or AC top-ups. For work-from-campsite setups, you can charge a laptop and phone during the day and run a light in the evening—just keep an eye on combined draw.
Final verdict
You’ll find the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 to be a solid, portable, and fast-recharging option for short trips, emergencies, and powering multiple smaller devices. If your primary need is lightweight portability, quick recharge, and stable AC output for sensitive electronics, this unit delivers a compelling balance of features and convenience.
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