Review

    Enernova Portable Power Stations: Great for Quiet Power at Camp

    Ernova-Both-Units-with-devices-plugged-inby-Suzanne-Downing

    Image by Suzanne Downing

    If you’re like a lot of campers, you know there’s nothing quite like embarking on a camping adventure to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From starry nights to breathtaking landscapes, camping allows us to reconnect with the great outdoors and recharge our spirits. But in our modern world, staying connected is often a necessity — even during these tranquil moments. Fortunately, with portable power stations like the Enernova series, it’s easier than ever to enjoy the convenience of electricity in a sustainable and unobtrusive way.

    Gone are the days when you had to rely on noisy gas generators that disrupted the peaceful ambiance of your surroundings. With a quiet power station — charged in advance or charged using solar panels at camp — you can power essential devices and appliances without compromising on tranquility.

    Imagine waking up to the sound of birds chirping and gentle breezes rustling through the trees while you’re making your morning cup of coffee with an electric coffee maker in the morning without the persistent drone of a gas generator. And while you’re making coffee, you’re also charging your phone, speaker, tablet, and GPS device without disturbing the serene environment around you.

    Ernova-1200W-Side-Unitby-Suzanne-Downing

    Image by Suzanne Downing

    These power stations are also ideal for emergency situations. Should you find yourself in a remote area with limited access to traditional power sources, Enernova’s reliable battery capacity can provide the peace of mind you need to navigate unexpected circumstances, whether it’s recharging your satellite phone or having light in darkness.

    With their quiet operation, versatile functionality, and durable design, these power stations could be the perfect companion for you outdoors. I tested two of these power stations– the ETA 600W and the ETA-PRO 1200W — in the field. Here’s the skinny.

    Enernova ETA 600W Portable Power Station

    Out of the box, the Enernova ETA 600W portable power station is impressive. It’s compact and fairly lightweight — weighing in at 8.8 pounds. The handle makes it easy to transport and the initial charge took just under an hour to get to 100 percent. Generally, you can charge this ETA 600W power station up to 80 percent in about 50 minutes. I like that these units allow for a traditional wall plug, in addition to the USB ports, as Apple products use the USB-C connection and a wall adapter can be used.

    Ernova-600W-with-devices-plugged-in-frontby-Suzanne-Downing

    Image by Suzanne Downing

    All Enernova models use a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, which is the same kind of battery used in electric cars because it’s strong and lasts a long time. You can charge and use this battery up to 3,000 times. So, if you use this charging station every day, it can last you for around 8 years. It’s also great for camping in hot climates because the battery doesn’t get damaged by heat.

    For me, charging my devices went smoothly. I charged a phone and Bluetooth speaker and used the auxiliary power outlet on the side to power my electric pump and inflate a stand up paddleboard. The charging times were the same as a traditional outlet. The stand up paddle board took the same amount of time to fill, and the best part was I didn’t have to have my vehicle running to fill the stand up paddle board like I normally would to get power from my car’s DC connector.

    With this small unit, you can charge up to 10 things at one time, and you could use your own solar panels to keep your power station charged while boondocking for multiple-day trips. This unit is best for tent camping.

    Ernova-600W-unite-with-lights-onby-Suzanne-Downing

    Image by Suzanne Downing

    The unit comes with a cable to charge it, an adapter to plug it into the wall, a cable to charge it in a car, a manual to help you understand how it works, and a strap to carry it on your shoulder. It also comes with a five-year warranty, so you’re covered for a long time.

    Enernova ETA-PRO 1200W Portable Power Station

    The Enernova ETA-PRO 1200W power station exceeded my expectations in terms of convenience, reliability, and overall performance. Out of the box, the power station charged fully in less than 1.5 hours. There are also 11 different ways to plug in devices, and it was easy to use. You can charge a laptop, speaker, phone, headphones, electric fan, electric pump, small coffee maker, small car refrigerator, flashlight and more all at once.

    To give you an idea of how long the power will last, you can charge a laptop fully 14 times, use a mini-fridge for about 15 hours, charge your phone 80 times and a drone 17 times. I also really like the digital percentage that displays on the screen so you know exactly where your power is.

    Ernova-1200W-with-devices-plugged-inby-Suzanne-Downing

    Image by Suzanne Downing

    Noticeably, this unit is heavier than the smaller 600W power station, but it has twice the power. Weighing in at 58.9 pounds, the built in handle made it easy to move. It’s designed to be set up and left as your central power up. The casing is also high quality and durable. Another stand out feature is the fan that runs when it needs to — auto-cooling the unit so you don’t lose performance.

    It comes with the power station itself, a cable to charge it from the wall, a cable to charge it from a car, and a user manual to help you understand how to use it. Plus, you also get a five-year warranty, so if anything goes wrong, they’ll take care of it for you.

    The lithium battery in the ETA-PRO 1200W lasts six times longer than regular batteries, which means it can keep working for over 10 years and give you reliable power for more than 3,000 charging sessions.

    One of the most memorable ways where the Enernova ETA-PRO power station truly impressed me was when I decided to brew a fresh cup of coffee using my electric coffee maker. Normally, brewing coffee in the wilderness would require a gas-powered stove or a manual process like using a French Press, where you have to boil water over a campfire on a propane stove. However, with this power station, I was able to plug in my coffeemaker and indulge in a steaming hot cup of java.

    Overall, I’d recommend the Enernova ETA-PRO 1200W Power Station as it proved to be an exceptional camping companion. This unit would be great for tent camping and for use with small campers. As always, check your needs for electricity and look at the capabilities of the power station.

    Ernova-Back-both-units-Enernovaby-Suzanne-Downing

    Image by Suzanne Downing

    If you’re looking to power an electric heater in cold months, or a portable air conditioner in hot months and/or charge larger items like an electric bike, check out the capabilities of Enernova’s larger capacity unit, the Evernova ETA-ULTRA 2000W.

    For example, some electric bikes may require a higher wattage or voltage input for efficient charging. It’s crucial to check the manufacturer’s guidelines or specifications for your electric bike and its charger to ensure compatibility with the Enernova ETA-ULTRA 2000W power station. It’s always recommended to consult the electric bike manufacturer or refer to the user manual for specific charging requirements and any recommendations for using portable power stations. By doing so, you can ensure that the Enernova 2000W power station is suitable for charging your electric bike and that you can enjoy the convenience of portable power while exploring the outdoors.


    Suzanne Downing is an outdoor writer and photographer in Montana with an environmental science journalism background. Her work can be found in Outdoors Unlimited, Bugle Magazine, Missoulian, Byline Magazine, Communique, MTPR online, UM Native News, National Wildlife Federation campaigns and more.


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