ZDNET's key takeaways

• Power outages are surprisingly common in summer.

• Figure out your power storage requirements and what you need.

• Solar panels offer independence from the grid and cheaper costs.

While it's true that winter power outages are more disruptive because it's colder, wetter, and darker, and inclement weather can delay repairs, blackouts are more common in summer. 

Those issues are due to a combination of higher power demand from heavy air-conditioner use, high temperatures that cause transformers to overheat and power lines to sag, and an aging power grid built in an era when demand was lower and extreme weather events were far more infrequent. 

Also: I used a single power station to keep my off-grid cabin running - how it all worked out

And even if the grid doesn't go down with a fault, utility companies can carry out Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) during extreme weather conditions as a preemptive measure to prevent power equipment from starting wildfires.

And in case you're wondering, yes, it's shaping up to be a very hot summer, with parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona expected to hit 100°F for the first time. This is a perfect storm for the power grid, which is why blackouts are getting worse. 

So, what can you do?

For me, portable power stations and solar panels have become a must. Sure, you could use gas generators, and while they do provide high output at a relatively low cost, I'm no longer a fan of these devices. Gas generators are smelly, emit noxious fumes, require regular maintenance, and can burst into flames if not treated correctly. 

Also: Are wind power generators actually viable at home? I tried one, and the results blew me away

A box that I can connect to the grid or solar panels makes much more sense.

What do you need to run?

Having backup power to run critical loads is essential. What are critical loads? For me, they fall into the following categories:

• Medical equipment: One example might be a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine.

• Refrigeration: Keeping food fresh in hot weather.

• Communications: Keeping the internet router running and smartphones charged.

• Lighting: To make moving around the home safe at night.

These loads are the basics. Anything above this list is luxury.

How much power do you need?

You could decide that bigger is better, but that approach will cost you cash, and most people don't have bottomless budgets for a portable power station. 

Also: I stopped leaving these 7 gadgets plugged in, and my electric bill thanked me

Instead, you could analyze each device to see how much power it uses, or you could use an online calculator like the one EcoFlow has created. You want a system that can handle your critical loads, along with any luxuries, and give yourself a bit of breathing room. 

Another consideration is how long you want the system to run. 

Digging through available data, it seems that the average user gets about six hours of power outages a year. This is an average rate, and major incidents, such as flooding, wildfires, or hurricanes, could push this figure much higher. 

Also: I spent two years testing wind power at home - here's why solar is still my preferred source

I asked a spokesperson at power specialist Jackery to suggest the best types of portable power devices. His best-practice approach covered two categories of users:

• For comprehensive home resilience, think modular and expandable power systems, something where you can start small (or small-ish) and build on the platform. The Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus is designed to connect directly to home circuits and can be expanded with expansion batteries that offer up to two weeks of household power.

• For those renting or living in apartments, it's best to focus on systems that are portable and expandable, and that don't take up too much space. Something like the Jackery Explorer 300 or Explorer 1000, or for those with a bit more space, the HomePower 3000.

I'm putting together an off-grid setup that includes a Bluetti Apex 300 and a bunch of B300K expansion batteries with 12 kWh of capacity, and an Elite 400 for when I need portable power. 

What about solar panels?

Power stations are great for hooking up to the grid and storing power when the grid is operational. But solar means you can harvest free energy to top up your system, whether the grid is up or down. This approach gives you true energy independence -- for a price.

You'll also need a place to put your panels, such as a garden, balcony, or rooftop. You can get portable, semi-portable, or fixed panels, depending on your situation. 

As for how much power you can gather, a 200W solar panel will generate between 0.8 kWh and 1.2 kWh a day (or 290 kWh and 440 kWh per year), depending on whether you're in a high-sun or low-sun area. The average home in the US uses 30 kWh, so you would need many panels to cover the entire load. You'd have to cut back on power usage dramatically (or spend a lot on panels). 

The more panels you have, the more power you can harvest. My needs are quite modest, so I'm good with a few 350W flexible panels and a couple of rigid 200W panels. 

Another way to save money

Harvesting solar power isn't the only way to save cash. Power stations can also help you save money by letting you charge your power station during off-peak hours when electricity is cheapest (called Time of Use, or TOU), and use that stored power during peak-pricing windows. 

Also: The hidden metric that makes these portable power stations truly worth your money

This approach means you're buying power when it's cheap, banking it, and using it when it's more expensive. 

Many modern power stations can exploit TOU rates by allowing you to set when the device should be charged.

Check with your power company to see if they have TOU rates.

Your other options

Power stations aren't for everyone. Maybe you don't experience enough power outages, or don't mind being off-grid for a few hours, or maybe your budget doesn't extend to a power station and solar panels. Fear not, because you can still put some backups in place, just in case.

Also: My favorite portable power station for traveling can charge any device - and it's $150 off

Power banks are great, especially the bigger units like the Anker Solix C300, which packs 288Wh of power, a 300W (600W surge) AC outlet, and an emergency light (you can even get a 60W solar panel for this device). I've been impressed by how good the Solix C300 has been (along with the C300 DC, which doesn't have the AC outlet). 

Alternatively, if you only have modest demands, such as keeping a smartphone charged, you can have a power bank connected to a charger on continuous standby. 

If you drive an electric vehicle (EV), you may be able to use that car as a large power bank on wheels to power your home. The EV needs to be a vehicle-to-home (V2H) compatible car, such as a Ford F-150 Lightning, Nissan Leaf, or Tesla, and needs either a V2H power transfer system fitted (that's a professional job) or, at the very least, a vehicle-to-load converter. 

The takeaway

There are plenty of options -- from cheap to definitely not cheap -- to help you make it through a power outage, and they can even help you save money by harvesting solar power or making use of cheaper energy tariffs at different times of day.  

How much power you want at your disposal, along with how much power you want to harvest from the sun, depends on how much you want to spend. A few hundred bucks gets you a modest yet portable unit ideal for emergency use, while a few thousand gets you a system that'll run your home for a day.

ZDNET and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.

If you're going for a minimalist outdoor experience, bulky equipment can get in the way. Having compact tools can help you save space in your backpack, and they won't weigh you down, especially if you'll be moving a lot. They can elevate your time in nature without compromising the rugged experience, whether you're trying to get away from smartphones to improve your mood, connect with nature, or maybe even have a little adventure.

Even if it's not your camping trip and you want the person who is going to have lightweight and multiple items that can enhance their safety, comfort, and efficiency, these gadgets make for great gifts. Options include a solar-powered battery bank, a portable water pump, hand warmers, and an air pump. All these are built to be portable, but they're also quite powerful because they meet a wide range of needs, especially if you already have the bulkier necessities that form the backbone of your camping gear. The best part is that they're also affordable and highly rated by users on Amazon.

Read more: What's Happening To Earth Right Now Can't Be Explained By Climate Models

Blavor Solar Power Bank

On a camping trip, you're probably going to bring a range of devices that require their batteries to be topped off, making a power bank essential. Most of the devices on this list, including the water pump, hand warmers, and air pump, are capable of being charged via USB. While there are many good, affordable power banks to choose from, the Blavor Solar Power Bank is great for the outdoors because it has a built-in solar panel for trickle charging the unit, so it will still have enough power at the end of the day to get you through the night.

This power bank costs $29.99 and features a 10,000 milliampere-hours(mAh) battery and multiple outputs, including a 20-watt USB-C fast-charging port for devices that support it. Its solar panel delivers a maximum current of 1.15 watts under perfect conditions. Keep in mind that this is very slow, and charging it this way should be used as a backup that extends the power bank's runtime. Otherwise, ensure it's fully charged before heading on the trip.

The Blavor Solar Power Bank is also water-resistant and dust-proof. Its rugged design makes it resistant to shock as well, making it a great tool to bring outdoors. It also has a flashlight that makes it ideal for navigating a campsite at night and a compass carabiner that can help with navigation and map orientation in case you decide to go exploring and don't want to get lost.

BigBlue Solar Panel Charger

If you're going to be keeping your gadgets (e.g., portable fan and electric mosquito repeller) or lights on at night using a power bank, then you need a way to charge it during the day if its self-charging is insufficient, as might happen with the Blavor Solar Power Bank. The BigBlue Solar Panel Charger is an ultra-light, foldable solar panel that weighs 0.84 pounds. It's slightly smaller than an iPad Mini, meaning it can fit in large pockets and backpacks without weighing you down. When unfolded, it delivers a maximum current of 25 watts. This is considered fast charging, but its smart power delivery ensures it doesn't overload devices that can't handle that much juice.

Provided the area you're camping in gets enough sunlight, this can help extend your camping trip if devices running low on charge is an issue. Standard solar panels usually have grid lines — those metal lines in front of standard solar panels. These help convert solar energy into electricity, but they also introduce gaps on the surface of the panel and can block sunlight (shading), reducing their efficiency. This solar panel has a gridless design, with BigBlue claiming that it's 25.4% more efficient than the standard design.

Available for $69.99 on Amazon, the BigBlue Solar Panel Charger has no built-in battery, but it has a USB-A and USB-C charging port (this is for fast charging). On top of overcurrent protection, it has overcharge protection. It also has an IP68 rating, meaning it's waterproof and dustproof, making it a good gadget for the outdoors.

Ocoopa Magnetic Hand Warmers

People go camping in all sorts of weather conditions, including when it's cold outside. In some regions, mornings can be chilly, but the air gets hotter later in the day. The cold can make your fingers stiff, rendering tasks that require dexterity, such as pitching a tent, cooking, and lighting a fire, harder to do. When rubbing your hands together or using gloves doesn't provide enough warmth, the Occopa Magnetic Hand Warmers can help.

This pair of hand warmers costs $19.99. There's a 2,500-mAh battery in each hand warmer, allowing it to provide up to eight hours of continuous heating when used together — 16 hours if you use one at a time. The hand warmers are magnetic, so you can snap them together to make one bigger hand-warming unit for double-sided heating. The Occopa Magnetic Hand Warmers have a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certification, meaning they've undergone rigorous testing for thermal safety.

They have three heating modes, with temperatures that reach up to 126°F. This makes them a good option for those who like camping even in the winter, rather than when it just gets a little cold outside. They have an ultra-thin design that makes them ideal minimalist gadgets to carry in your pocket or pop them in a glove to remove the stiffness in your fingers.

Cozycharm Water Jug Pump for 5 Gallon Bottle

Bringing your own water is essential on a camping trip since there might not be any working taps or clean water nearby for hydration. If you bring five-gallon water bottles on the trip, those can be a chore to lift if you want a quick drink of water. That's where a mini water pump like the Cozycharm Water Jug Pump for 5 Gallon Bottle can come in handy. You attach a small pipe to the pump, which then goes inside the bottle. Afterward, you attach the unit to the top of the bottle. You just press the button on top, and it will dispense water with a strong, steady flow.

The water pump can fill a 16-ounce cup in nine seconds. It runs on a 1,200-mAh battery that can be recharged through a USB port, with Cozycharm claiming that it can run for weeks on a single charge (about six five-gallon water bottles). It can also fit on two- and three-gallon water bottles. You can get the Cozycharm Water Jug Pump for Amazon for $9.99.

Etenwolf Air 3 Air Pump

If you're bringing along a lot of inflatable gear, blowing it up manually with your mouth can be tedious and lead to overexertion. Sometimes it can take hours, but the Etenwolf Air 3 Air Pump can save you the hassle of doing all that manual setup. It's a miniature air pump that costs $29.99 and can inflate various types of camping gear, including sleeping pads, air mattresses, air pillows, inflatable pools, and pool floats. When it's time to go back home, it can also help with deflating them.

According to Etenwolf, the Air 3 can inflate up to 16 sleeping pads on a single charge with its 2,600-mAh battery. However, with 0.65 pounds per square inch (PSI), this is a low-pressure pump and cannot inflate something like a car tire or sports ball. It's great for convenience, but you shouldn't count on it in an emergency. It does come with five nozzles, though, allowing you to blow up a wide range of large, low-pressure inflatables.

This gadget also has a built-in flashlight that can be used to light up the inside of the tent and even the camping area. It can shine as bright as 600 lumens for up to three hours on one charge. It's also quite tiny (comparable to the size of an egg), making it easy to carry around. The Air 3 supports USB-C fast charging.

How we chose these mini gadgets for camping

When compiling this list, we opted for the more tech-oriented solutions over analog old-school devices because we're angling to bring modern conveniences to the outdoors. We also wanted to find options that would be practical without putting a dent in your wallet, so we considered gadgets below $75 as good choices. We also focused on smaller items — most of these fit in your hand, and all easily fit in a hiking backpack. You'll probably find bulkier counterparts to these choices that cost more, but, as you can see, you don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to find gadgets that can make your camping trip more comfortable. We also wanted to make sure that affordable didn't mean cheaply made, so we picked options on Amazon that have an average rating of four stars or more out of five from thousands of user reviews.

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As power outages become more frequent and energy prices continue to rise, companies, governments, and startups are increasingly working to make homeowners' energy systems more reliable and resilient.

Now, another company, Pila, is joining the effort with its Mesh Home Battery, designed to strengthen home energy storage and improve backup power during outages.

Pila's battery is about the size of a briefcase. It was designed to live in forgotten spaces, like above your fridge or next to your desk. 

According to a recent video featuring Pila's founder, Cole Ashman, despite its small size, the Mesh battery can deliver a surprising amount of power to a variety of appliances and devices.

"A good rule of thumb? If you can plug it into the wall, Pila can power it for you," Ashman said. 

The battery plugs directly into a standard wall outlet and charges using grid electricity — or solar power if you have it installed. You can plug your appliances straight into the Pila system, which then acts as a backup power source to keep them running during outages or when you need stored energy.

And because Pila's Mesh Battery doesn't require any complex installations like a conventional whole-home battery, renters and homeowners alike can benefit from the stored energy. 

While Pila batteries are designed to seamlessly sync when multiple units are installed in a home, even a single battery can store enough energy to keep a refrigerator running for about 32 hours or recharge a phone roughly 113 times.

Plus, where traditional backup options usually cost over $10,000, a Mesh Home battery is priced at $1,299. 

If you're interested in a backup battery from Pila, you can reserve it for $99, and orders are expected to ship in the summer of 2026. 

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