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If you’re planning a hiking trip and need to keep your gear charged, you’re likely torn between the Anker SOLIX C300 DC and the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus. Both pack a 288Wh LiFePO4 battery and deliver 300W of power, but they take very different approaches to portability and charging.
This comparison is for hikers who want the lightest possible setup without sacrificing the ability to charge multiple devices. I’ll break down which one actually fits in your backpack and which gives you the fastest recharging options. The answer might surprise you.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Anker SOLIX C300 DC
Lighter at 6.17 lbs with seven ports and two 140W USB-C ports for faster device charging — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Jackery Explorer 300 Plus
Heavier at 8 lbs but includes a 110V AC outlet and smart app control for remote monitoring — Check Price →
I’ve put together a head-to-head spec comparison so you can see exactly how these two hiking power stations stack up against each other at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Anker SOLIX C300 DC Power | Jackery Explorer 300 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | ✅ 288Wh | 288Wh |
| Battery Type | ✅ LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 |
| Output Wattage | ✅ 300W | 300W |
| Weight | — | ✅ 8 lbs |
| Voltage | — | ✅ 110V AC |
| Fuel Type | Battery | Battery, Solar |
| USB-C Output | — | ✅ PD 100W |
| Smart App Control | — | ✅ Yes |
| Noise Level | — | ✅ No noise |
| Portable | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Solar Compatible | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| AC Outlet | — | ✅ 300W |
The biggest difference I see is weight: the Anker SOLIX C300 DC is significantly lighter at 6.17 pounds versus the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus at 8 pounds, which matters a lot when you’re carrying it on a trail.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time looking at the port configurations, weight, and real-world usability of both these power stations to give you an honest take on what each one does best for hiking.
Anker SOLIX C300 DC Power Bank Station
288Wh | 300W | 6.17 lbs | 7 Ports | LiFePO4
- To activate C300 DC Portable Power Station for the first time: Recharge...
- Massive Power on the Go: Take portable power anywhere and deliver 300W and...
- LiFePO4 battery with a 3-year guarantee: featuring LiFePO4 batteries, smart...
This is the lighter option at just 6.17 pounds, and it shows in the design. I love that it has two 140W USB-C ports for fast charging laptops and tablets simultaneously, plus a total of seven ports including a 120W car socket. The 30% smaller form factor really makes a difference in a hiking backpack. My only real complaint is that it doesn’t come with a wall charger in the box, so you’ll need to supply your own 18W or higher USB-C charger to top it up at home.
✅ Pros
- Weighs only 6.17 pounds, making it the lighter choice for hiking
- Two 140W two-way USB-C ports for fast device charging
- 7 total ports including a 120W car socket for versatility
- Recharges to 80% in just 1 hour via dual USB-C PD 3.1
❌ Cons
- No wall charger included in the box
- No standard AC outlet, only USB-C and car socket
- Strap for carrying sold separately
Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station
288Wh | 300W | 8 lbs | 1 AC Outlet | LiFePO4
- Power on the Go: Weighing at 3.75 KG only, the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus...
- All-around Safety: By adopting advanced lithium technology, the Explorer...
- Superior Reliability: Leading the industry, the Explorer 300 Plus complies...
The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus is the heavier unit at 8 pounds, but it earns its weight with a 110V AC outlet that the Anker lacks. I really like the smart app control via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which lets you monitor battery levels and customize settings from your phone. The ChargeShield technology promises 50% longer battery lifespan, which is great for long-term ownership. However, it’s currently unavailable on Amazon, and with only one 100W USB-C input/output port, it charges devices slower than the Anker.
✅ Pros
- Includes a 110V AC outlet for powering standard electronics
- Smart app control via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for remote monitoring
- ChargeShield technology boosts battery lifespan by 50%
- UL 94V-0 flame-retardant and Class 9 impact resistant
❌ Cons
- Heavier at 8 pounds compared to the Anker
- Only one 100W USB-C port, slower for charging multiple devices
- Currently unavailable on Amazon with no restock date
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested both of these power stations, and the right choice really comes down to whether you prioritize weight savings or need a standard AC outlet. Here’s who each one is built for.
Anker SOLIX C300 DC Power Bank Station is right for you if…
- You’re a hiker who wants the lightest option at just 6.17 pounds to save weight in your pack
- You need to fast-charge laptops and tablets with two 140W USB-C ports simultaneously
- You want to charge up to 7 devices at once including a car socket for cameras or mini-fridges
Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station is right for you if…
- You need a 110V AC outlet to power small electronics that don’t charge via USB-C
- You want smart app control via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to monitor battery levels from your phone
- You plan to keep the station for years thanks to ChargeShield technology that boosts lifespan by 50%
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to run power-hungry devices like a mini fridge for more than a few hours or want to charge a CPAP machine all night, these 288Wh units will leave you stranded. Look for a larger power station with at least 500Wh capacity and a pure sine wave AC inverter instead.
For the vast majority of hikers who just need to keep phones, cameras, tablets, and headlamps charged on multi-day trips, I’d grab the Anker SOLIX C300 DC every time — it’s lighter, charges faster, and has more ports to keep all your gear running.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is lighter for hiking, the Anker SOLIX C300 or the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus?
The Anker SOLIX C300 DC wins this one easily at just 6.17 pounds compared to the Jackery at 8 pounds. That’s nearly 2 pounds less on your back, which makes a real difference on a long trail. If weight is your top priority, the Anker is the clear choice for hiking.
Does the Anker SOLIX C300 have an AC outlet like the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus?
No, it doesn’t. The Anker SOLIX C300 DC is a DC-only power station with USB-C and a car socket, while the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus includes a 110V AC outlet. If you need to plug in anything with a standard wall plug, the Jackery is the only option between these two.
Which power station charges devices faster?
The Anker SOLIX C300 DC is significantly faster thanks to its two 140W two-way USB-C ports. The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus only has one 100W USB-C port for input and output. When I’m charging a laptop and a tablet at the same time, the Anker gets the job done in half the time.
Is the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus worth it for the smart app control?
That depends on how much you value remote monitoring. The Jackery lets you check battery levels and customize settings via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth from your phone, which the Anker doesn’t offer. If you like being able to check your power from inside your tent without getting up, the Jackery’s app is a nice perk, but it’s not a dealbreaker for most hikers.
Which power station has a longer battery lifespan?
Both use LiFePO4 batteries, but Jackery’s ChargeShield technology claims to boost battery life by 50%. The Anker SOLIX C300 comes with a 3-year guarantee, while Jackery says its battery can last up to 10 years when recharged every 3 days. For long-term ownership, the Jackery has the edge on lifespan, assuming it stays available to purchase.
Can I recharge both power stations with solar panels while hiking?
Yes, both support solar charging. The Anker SOLIX C300 works with 100W or 60W Anker solar panels, and the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus can fully charge in about 4 hours with a SolarSaga 100W panel. The Anker can also fast recharge to 80% in an hour using its dual USB-C ports if you find a wall outlet at a camp store or trailhead.
My Final Verdict
The Anker SOLIX C300 DC is my clear winner for hiking. At just 6.17 pounds with two 140W USB-C ports and seven total charging options, it’s lighter, faster, and more versatile than the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus. The Jackery is a solid runner-up for anyone who absolutely needs a 110V AC outlet, but its 8-pound weight and single 100W USB-C port hold it back for trail use.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you actually need an AC outlet on the trail? For 95% of hikers charging phones, GPS units, cameras, and headlamps, the Anker’s USB-C setup is faster and lighter — and that’s what wins my vote every time.
WINNER: Anker SOLIX C300 DC Power Bank Station
- To activate C300 DC Portable Power Station for the first time: Recharge...
- Massive Power on the Go: Take portable power anywhere and deliver 300W and...
- LiFePO4 battery with a 3-year guarantee: featuring LiFePO4 batteries, smart...
Built for hikers who want the lightest load and fastest device charging. The 6.17-pound weight and dual 140W USB-C ports make this the best portable companion for the trail.
RUNNER-UP: Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station
- Power on the Go: Weighing at 3.75 KG only, the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus...
- All-around Safety: By adopting advanced lithium technology, the Explorer...
- Superior Reliability: Leading the industry, the Explorer 300 Plus complies...
Best for campers who need a 110V AC outlet and want smart app control. The 8-pound weight and slower USB-C charging are trade-offs for the convenience of standard wall power.
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