campingpoweroutdoor

Portable Power for UK Camping: Jackery vs EcoFlow — Which Suits Your Trip?

bbestsavings

2026-01-31

11 min read

Compare Jackery HomePower vs EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max for UK camping — weight, watt-hours, solar bundles, outlet types, and practical buying steps.

Hook: Stop guessing — pick a camping power station that actually fits your UK trip

Finding an up-to-date, verified portable battery for camping or a caravan pitch in the UK shouldn't mean hours of comparison-shopping. If you want to power a fridge, charge phones and cameras, run a kettle for a cuppa, or keep a CPAP running, you need a practical buying plan — not hype. This side-by-side guide focuses on what matters on UK campsites and in caravans: weight, real watt-hours, solar charging, outlet types, and which solar panel bundles offer the best value in 2026.

The short answer — which wins for different trips

Weekend wildcamp or festival (light packing): choose a compact, lightweight unit with strong USB-C PD (phones, laptops) and a 1–2 kWh battery. Easier to carry and fast to recharge via car/solar.
Caravan or motorhome (regular hookups): pick a higher-capacity station (2–4 kWh), multiple AC outlets, and an MPPT-capable solar bundle for top-up on longer stays.
Off-grid week-long stay or winter use: aim for 3 kWh+ or stackable expansion batteries plus a 500W+ solar array and a smart charging plan.

Why Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus and EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max matter in 2026

Late 2025 and early 2026 saw aggressive pricing and new product lines that make buying easier. Electrek and deal hubs highlighted deep discounts: the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus hit new lows (from $1,219 for the core unit or $1,689 with a 500W panel), while the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max appeared in flash sales around $749. Those deals changed the value calculus: you can either buy a larger pack (Jackery) for less per watt-hour or a cheaper mid-range unit (EcoFlow) and add panels later.

“Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus at $1,219… HomePower 3600 Plus with a 500W solar panel at $1,689… EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max at $749.” — Deal reports, Jan 2026

What UK campers actually need — the decision checklist

Calculate your daily watt-hour (Wh) demand. Add up devices (fridge, lights, phone, kettle bursts). Use the runtime formula (below) to match battery Wh to your trip length.
Check outlet types. You want 230V AC (UK-compatible plug or adapter), multiple AC sockets, USB-C PD (for fast laptops/phones), 12V car output for fridges/chargers, and ideally an Anderson or high-current DC port for expansion.
Consider weight and transport. If you’ll carry the unit to a pitch, keep it under ~15kg for one-person handling; heavier packs (>25kg) need a trolley or vehicle loading.
Solar bundle practicality. Look for integrated MPPT, a 300–500W portable panel for topping during sunny UK summers, and quick-connect protection from water and grit.
Warranty, cycle life, and safety. Prefer LFP (lithium iron phosphate) chemistries for longevity and safety; check warranty length and real cycle ratings (e.g., 2,000+ cycles).

Understanding Watt-hours, efficiency and runtime (practical formula)

Forget marketing claims. Use this simple method to estimate how long a device will run from a power station.

Runtime (hours) = (Battery Wh × Usable fraction × Inverter efficiency) ÷ Device wattage

Battery Wh: the unit’s listed watt-hours (confirm the usable Wh after BMS reserve).
Usable fraction: many manufacturers leave a small reserve. Use 0.9 for conservative planning.
Inverter efficiency: typical pure sine inverters run 85–95%—use 0.9.

Example: a 3,600 Wh pack (Jackery HomePower 3600 class) powering a 50W caravan fridge:

Runtime ≈ (3,600 × 0.9 × 0.9) ÷ 50 ≈ (2,916) ÷ 50 ≈ 58 hours (~2.4 days continuous)

That same pack powering a 1,500W kettle (short bursts): a single 1-minute boil at 1,500W uses 25 Wh — doable — but repeated bores will quickly eat capacity. For kettles, consider a small gas stove or 12V kettle designed for camping to save battery.

Compare core specs that matter on site

Watt-hours and how they translate to nights away

Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus is named for its class (3,600 Wh), making it a strong choice for longer caravan stays or when you want to run higher loads without topping up every day. The larger Wh means fewer charge cycles per trip and greater margin for winter or overcast days.

EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max sits in the mid-range segment (targeted at value-conscious campers). In 2026 EcoFlow pushed fast-charging and compact power density, making mid-sized DELTA models attractive for weekenders and smaller caravans when weight matters more than absolute capacity.

Weight and portability — why it’s critical for camping

UK camp pitches often require carrying your kit a short distance. A 20–30kg unit stays in the car boot for many caravan owners but is a burden for tent campers. Consider:

Units under 15kg: ideal for tents, festivals, lightweight touring.
15–25kg: practical for car-camping and small caravans if you have a trolley.
25kg+: better suited to motorhomes and static setups.

In 2026 more manufacturers focussed on improved handle design and wheels for heavier units, so don’t rule out a heavier, higher-capacity pack if it comes with a good trolley solution. For festival and on-location kit considerations see portable streaming and kit reviews for approaches to weight and mobility.

Solar charging — panels, MPPT, and UK realities

Solar trickle in the UK is highly dependent on season and angle. In summer, a well-placed 300–500W portable panel can top up a 2–4 kWh pack over a day. In winter, expect 25–40% of summertime output.

MPPT matters: Both Jackery and EcoFlow now ship MPPT controllers on higher-end models — that increases solar harvest by 10–30% over PWM systems. See low-budget retrofit and power resilience guides for practical MPPT deployment tips.
Panel wattage: 100–200W panels are useful for solo weekenders; 300–500W is the sweet spot for caravans or multi-day off-grid use.
Panel types: Foldable monocrystalline panels are compact and efficient; rigid panels work better if you can fix them to a caravan roof.

Outlet types — what you need on-site

Make sure your chosen unit supports the outlets that power your life:

AC sockets: 230V UK compatibility — check the plug type supplied (UK plug or adapter).
USB-C PD: Fast-charging laptops and phones can be powered directly; look for 100W+ USB-C ports if you rely on fast laptop charging.
12V car port: Useful for fridges and 12V kettles; ensures you can run caravan appliances without an inverter loss.
High-current DC/Anderson: Good for expansion batteries or direct DC loads.

Bundles — which deliver the best value for UK campers

Bundles can save you time and ensure compatibility. In early 2026 two bundle types stand out:

Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus + 500W panel bundle

Why it’s compelling:

Higher capacity: 3,600 Wh gives you multi-day autonomy for a caravan fridge plus gadgets.
Single-package convenience: Panels matched to the unit’s charging electronics avoid connector headaches on site.
Better cost per Wh: Larger packs often reduce the £/Wh you pay, making them good long-term buys for regular campers.

Best for: caravan owners, long summer trips, small groups that need kettle/coffee-machine bursts.

EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max (flash sale) — standalone pick

Why it’s compelling:

Lower entry price: If you see DELTA 3 Max near the $749 flash-sale price, it’s excellent for cost-sensitive buyers.
Fast charging focus: EcoFlow’s products in 2025–26 prioritised fast AC and solar recharge rates — handy on short trips.
Modular upgrades: Start compact, add panels later when you know your exact needs.

Best for: weekend campers, festival-goers, and budget-focused caravan users who can top-up via car or mains.

Practical, real-world case studies (use these to pick your model)

Case 1 — Two-week family caravan summer trip (South Coast)

Needs: 50W caravan fridge, phone/laptop charging, lights, occasional kettle via gas.
Recommendation: Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus + 500W panel. The higher Wh handles fridge cycling and daily gadget charging; the 500W panel replenishes during sunny days.
Why: fewer recharge cycles, better resilience on cloudy UK days, and a single bundled system to avoid compatibility issues.

Case 2 — Weekend festival or wildcamp (tent, public fields)

Needs: phone cams, small speakers, lights, one laptop.
Recommendation: EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max or a 1–2 kWh compact Jackery. Lower weight and high USB-C output make life easier.
Why: low weight and fast recharge from car or a 100–200W foldable panel; you don’t need multi-day fridge support. If you’re planning for festival kit, see portable streaming and on-location kit reviews for handling and portability tips.

Case 3 — Off-grid winter micro-tour (low sun)

Needs: longer autonomy, lights, space heater not recommended (too power-hungry), CPAP for one person.
Recommendation: High-capacity pack (3kWh+) and 500W+ fixed panels, or hire power locally. If choosing between the two, Jackery’s 3600-class pack gives safer headroom.
Why: winter solar yields fall sharply; invest in capacity and plan for shorter stays between charges.

Advanced strategies and 2026 trends to exploit

1. Buy for lifecycle, not headline Wh

From late 2025, LFP cells became the default for long-life packs. Prioritise cycle life and warranty over a small initial price saving. A longer-lasting battery costs less per year and per trip.

2. Choose flexible charging (mains + car + solar)

Devices that support simultaneous charging (AC + solar + car) let you recharge faster and reduce time on noisy or limited electric hook-ups at campsites.

3. Look for multi-stage MPPT and cloud updates

EcoFlow and Jackery introduced smarter firmware and app control in 2025–26. Remote monitoring, firmware updates, and multi-stage MPPT give better real-world performance and fewer surprises.

4. Mix-and-match panels for best ROI

Instead of buying a single huge panel, consider a 300–500W fixed panel on a caravan roof plus a foldable 100–200W panel to reposition when needed. This balances weight, cost and real UK generation.

What to double-check before buying (UK-specific checks)

Plug compatibility: Ensure the AC outlets are suitable for 230V UK devices or that an official UK plug is supplied.
Warranty & returns in the UK: Confirm local warranty service and where to send returns to avoid international shipping headaches — and check postal/service updates that could affect returns.
Caravan electrics: Verify that your caravan’s systems (fuses, leisure battery wiring) are compatible with the station’s 12V/Anderson outputs.
Transport and insurance: Large lithium packs may have transport restrictions. Check with the campsite and your vehicle insurer if you plan to leave a pack inside a locked van or caravan.

Quick buying checklist — final decision map

Determine your daily Wh need for the trip.
Decide if weight or capacity is the primary constraint.
Check outlet types vs. your devices (USB-C PD, AC, 12V).
Pick a solar bundle size: 100–200W (weekend), 300–500W (multi-day/caravan).
Compare £/Wh (or $/Wh in a deal) and warranty cycle life.

Final recommendation — how to choose between Jackery and EcoFlow in 2026

If you want a low-effort, longer-stay solution for caravan life and prefer not to manage frequent recharges, the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus with a 500W panel bundle (featured in early-2026 deals) gives capacity and convenience for families and regular campers. If you prioritise lower upfront cost, lighter weight and fast recharge for weekend trips, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max (excellent flash-sale value) is a strong choice — especially if you plan to add solar later.

Actionable next steps

Write down the devices you’ll bring and estimate daily Wh (use the runtime formula above).
Check current UK prices and warranty terms for both models — look for bundled deals that include panels and UK plugs.
If you camp off-grid regularly, buy the bigger battery and a 300–500W panel. If you camp occasionally, start with a mid-range DELTA 3 Max and a 100–200W foldable panel.
Before the trip, run a full-charge test at home: plug in the appliances you plan to use and note real-world runtimes.

Closing thoughts and call-to-action

In 2026 the portable power market gives UK campers better choices than ever — from high-capacity, value-packed bundles like the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus + 500W panel to budget-smart, fast-charging mid-range stations like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max. The right pick depends on your trip length, weight tolerance, and whether you can rely on solar. Use the simple Wh calculations above, match outlets to your kit, and watch for seasonal deals — they can change the decision instantly.

Ready to pick the right power station for your next trip? Compare current UK prices, verified voucher codes, and solar bundle offers on bestsavings.uk. Sign up for flash-sale alerts so you don’t miss limited-time deals like the ones we saw in early 2026.

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