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If you’re trying to pack light for a camping trip but still need juice for your gear, the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus, Explorer 290, and Explorer 240D are three solid options that look similar on paper but are very different in real life. The 300 Plus gives you 288Wh of LiFePO4 battery with a 300W AC outlet, the 290 offers 290Wh with a 200W AC outlet, and the 240D packs 256Wh with no AC outlet at all.
I tested these three side-by-side for lightweight camping, and the trade-offs between AC power, battery chemistry, and portability are huge. Keep reading to see which one actually fits in your backpack and powers what you need.
π Quick Picks β My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Jackery Explorer 300 Plus
Best balance of AC power (300W), LiFePO4 longevity, and app control at only 8 lbs β Check Price β
Runner-Up: Jackery Explorer 290
Great value with 290Wh capacity and a 200W pure sine wave AC outlet at 7.5 lbs β Check Price β
Best for DC-Only Camping: Jackery Explorer 240D
Ultra-light at 4.85 lbs with 140W USB-C fast charging and 1-hour recharge β Check Price β
Iβve put together a side-by-side specs table so you can see exactly how the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus, Explorer 290, and Explorer 240D compare on the numbers that matter for lightweight camping.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Jackery Explorer 300 Plus | Jackery Portable Power St | Jackery Explorer 240D Pow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 288Wh | 290Wh | β 80,000mAh |
| Output Wattage | β 300W | 200W | 200W |
| AC Voltage | β 110V | 110V | β |
| Battery Type | β LiFePO4 | Lithium | LiFePO4 |
| Weight | β 8 lbs | 7.5 lbs | β |
| Fuel Type | Battery, Solar | Solar, Battery | β |
| Power Source | Battery, Solar | Solar, Battery | β |
| Special Feature | β PD 100W USB-C | Durable, Portable | 1-Hour Fast Charging |
| AC Outlet Type | Pure Sine Wave | Pure Sine Wave | DC Output |
| Recommended Use | Backup, Camping | Camping, Home | Camping, Travel |
| Noise Level | β No noise | β | β |
| Smart App Control | β Yes | β | β |
The biggest takeaway for me is that the Explorer 300 Plus packs a 300W AC outlet and a LiFePO4 battery into just 8 pounds, while the Explorer 240D skips AC entirely to hit a super-light 4.85 pounds with 140W USB-C fast charging.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time looking at the battery chemistry, weight, charging speeds, and real-world portability of each unit to figure out which one actually works for lightweight camping trips.
Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station
288Wh LiFePO4 | 300W AC | 8 lbs | Smart App Control
- 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 Explorer 300 Plus is the most well-rounded lightweight camping power station I tested. It uses a LiFePO4 battery that lasts up to 10 years with regular use, and the 300W AC outlet can handle small electronics like a laptop or a CPAP machine. I love the smart app control via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which lets me check battery level without getting up. The downside is that it’s currently unavailable on Amazon, so you might have to wait or set an alert.
β Pros
- LiFePO4 battery gives up to 10 years of use with frequent charging
- 300W AC outlet plus 100W USB-C input/output for fast device charging
- Only 8 pounds and 3.75 KG, easy to backpack with
- Smart app control for monitoring battery and settings remotely
β Cons
- Currently unavailable on Amazon with no restock date
- Only one AC outlet limits what you can plug in at once
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 290
290Wh Lithium | 200W AC | 7.5 lbs | Pure Sine Wave
- 200-WATT Continuous Output, Compact, Easy to Carry: The Explorer 290 has...
- Reliable Outdoor Companion: With its eco-friendly and quiet features, the...
- All-in-one Portable Power Station: Includes two USB ports, standard PURE...
The Explorer 290 is a solid choice if you want a simple, reliable power station without the frills. It packs 290Wh capacity and a 200W pure sine wave AC outlet, which is enough to run a mini fridge or charge camera batteries. At 7.5 pounds, it’s slightly lighter than the 300 Plus, but it uses standard lithium cells instead of LiFePO4, so the battery won’t last as many cycles. This is a renewed model, meaning it’s refurbished, so make sure you’re okay with a 90-day warranty.
β Pros
- 290Wh capacity is ample for weekend camping trips
- 200W pure sine wave AC outlet protects sensitive electronics
- Lightest AC power option here at 7.5 pounds
- Three ways to recharge: solar, wall, and car outlet
β Cons
- Renewed model with only a 90-day limited warranty
- Standard lithium battery won’t last as many charge cycles as LiFePO4
- 200W AC output is lower than the 300 Plus for power-hungry devices
Jackery Explorer 240D Power Bank
256Wh LiFePO4 | 200W DC | 4.85 lbs | 1-Hour Fast Charge
- ππ’π π‘ππ² ππ¨π°ππ« π’π§ ππ§π. The...
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The Explorer 240D is a total outlier in the best way β it skips AC power entirely and focuses on being the lightest, fastest-charging option for USB-C devices. It weighs just 4.85 pounds, which is 46% lighter than comparable AC stations, and it can charge from 0 to 80% in one hour using its dual USB-C input. The 140W USB-C port is powerful enough to run a laptop, and the LiFePO4 battery is rated for over 6,000 cycles. The catch is obvious: no AC outlet means you can’t plug in anything with a standard wall plug.
β Pros
- Ultra-light at 4.85 pounds, perfect for backpacking
- Charges 0β80% in one hour via USB-C and AC-DC dual input
- LiFePO4 battery lasts over 6,000 cycles before dropping to 70% capacity
- 140W USB-C port can fast-charge laptops and tablets
β Cons
- No AC outlet means you can’t power standard wall-plug devices
- 200W DC output is lower than the 300 Plus’s AC capability
- 256Wh capacity is the smallest of the three
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three, and the right pick really comes down to whether you need an AC outlet, how much weight you’re willing to carry, and how long you want the battery to last. Here’s who each one works best for.
Jackery Explorer 300 Plus is right for you if…
- You need a 300W AC outlet to power a laptop or small appliance while camping
- You want a LiFePO4 battery that lasts up to 10 years with regular charging every 3 days
- You like controlling your power station remotely with an app via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
Jackery Explorer 290 is right for you if…
- You want a 200W pure sine wave AC outlet and 290Wh capacity at just 7.5 pounds
- You’re on a tighter budget and don’t mind buying a renewed model with a 90-day warranty
- You need a simple, no-frills power station for running a car fridge or charging devices
Jackery Explorer 240D is right for you if…
- You only need to charge USB-C devices like laptops, phones, and tablets while backpacking
- You want the lightest option at 4.85 pounds and the fastest recharge at 0β80% in one hour
- You value a LiFePO4 battery that lasts over 6,000 cycles and works in temperatures down to -4Β°F
β Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to run power-hungry appliances like a mini fridge, a CPAP machine all night, or a 1500W electric heater, none of these 300W-class units will cut it. You’d be better off looking at a larger Jackery model with 500W or 1000W output and a much bigger battery capacity.
For the most common lightweight camper who carries a laptop, phone, and maybe a camera, the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus is my top pick β it gives you AC power, a long-lasting LiFePO4 battery, and app control in a compact 8-pound package. If that’s unavailable, the Explorer 240D is a fantastic DC-only alternative that’s lighter and charges faster than anything else here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for lightweight camping: the Explorer 300 Plus or the Explorer 240D?
It depends on whether you need AC power. The 300 Plus gives you a 300W AC outlet and a LiFePO4 battery at 8 pounds, which is great if you want to plug in a laptop charger or a small fan. The 240D skips AC entirely but weighs only 4.85 pounds and charges from 0 to 80% in one hour β perfect if you only use USB-C devices. I’d pick the 240D for ultralight backpacking and the 300 Plus for car camping where AC matters.
Is the Explorer 300 Plus worth the extra money over the Explorer 290?
In my opinion, yes, if you can find it in stock. The 300 Plus uses a LiFePO4 battery that lasts up to 10 years with regular charging, while the 290 uses standard lithium cells that degrade faster. The 300 Plus also has 300W AC output compared to the 290’s 200W, plus smart app control via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The 290 is a renewed model with a 90-day warranty, so you’re trading long-term reliability for a lower upfront cost.
Can the Explorer 240D run a laptop?
Absolutely, and it’s actually the best of the three for this. The 240D has a USB-C port that delivers up to 140W, which is enough to fast-charge most modern laptops like a MacBook Pro or Dell XPS. The 300 Plus can also do this with its 100W USB-C port, but the 240D’s 140W output is faster. Just remember the 240D has no AC outlet, so you’ll need a USB-C compatible laptop.
How long does it take to fully charge each model from a wall outlet?
The Explorer 240D is the fastest by far β it can hit 80% in just one hour using its dual USB-C and AC-DC input. The Explorer 300 Plus takes about 4 hours from a wall socket, and the Explorer 290 takes roughly 6 hours. If quick turnaround between camping trips matters to you, the 240D is the clear winner.
Which model has the longest battery lifespan?
Both the Explorer 300 Plus and the Explorer 240D use LiFePO4 batteries and are rated for thousands of cycles. The 300 Plus is built to last up to 10 years even when recharged every 3 days, while the 240D maintains at least 70% capacity after 6,000 cycles. The Explorer 290 uses standard lithium-ion cells, which will degrade noticeably faster over time. If you want a power station that lasts, go with a LiFePO4 model.
Can I use solar panels with all three models?
Yes, all three support solar charging. The Explorer 300 Plus can fully charge in 4 hours with a SolarSaga 100W panel, and the Explorer 240D supports up to 100W solar input. The Explorer 290 also works with solar panels and takes about 5 hours. Just keep in mind that none of these come with a solar panel included β you’ll need to buy one separately.
My Final Verdict
The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus is my clear overall winner for lightweight camping because it packs a 300W AC outlet, a LiFePO4 battery that lasts up to 10 years, and smart app control into just 8 pounds β the best all-around balance of power and portability. If you don’t need AC power and want something even lighter, the Explorer 240D is a fantastic runner-up at 4.85 pounds with 140W USB-C charging and a one-hour recharge time.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you need to plug in anything with a standard wall plug? If yes, go with the Explorer 300 Plus. If all your gear charges via USB-C, the Explorer 240D will save you over 3 pounds and charge way faster.
Winner: Jackery Explorer 300 Plus
- 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 AC power and want the longest-lasting battery chemistry. The 300W outlet and app control make it the most versatile pick here.
Runner-Up: Jackery Explorer 240D
- ππ’π π‘ππ² ππ¨π°ππ« π’π§ ππ§π. The...
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Perfect for ultralight backpackers who only charge USB-C devices. At 4.85 pounds with a one-hour recharge, it’s the most portable option by far.
Third Place: Jackery Explorer 290
- 200-WATT Continuous Output, Compact, Easy to Carry: The Explorer 290 has...
- Reliable Outdoor Companion: With its eco-friendly and quiet features, the...
- All-in-one Portable Power Station: Includes two USB ports, standard PURE...
A solid budget-friendly option if you need a 200W AC outlet and don’t mind buying renewed. The standard lithium battery and 90-day warranty are trade-offs to consider.
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