Don’t stash away your camping gear—it could save the day during a power outage

That little cook stove can keep your family well-fed during a blackout.

Last year amid the pandemic, many of us took to nature to find some space and solace. For some, what started as brief escapes developed into a fledgling camping hobby. A year later, as we look to keep outdoor escapes a permanent part of our self-care, it’s worth upgrading our gear closets to match a more rugged lifestyle. A few simple charging, hydration, and cooking tools can make camping safer and more sustainable, while also preparing us for ever-increasing power outages at home.

Stock up on power banks

For your first few forays in camping, you may want to choose developed sites that are on the grid. But as you begin to crave longer adventures and stay off the beaten path, you won’t want to let a lack of outlets hold you back.

A power bank can help keep your devices charged and make it possible to level up from a cooler full of ice to a camp fridge. I use a Goal Zero Yeti 500X power station to run the Dometic fridge and electric kettle in my Habitat Truck Topper. It has enough juice for 10 laptop lives or 20 fridge hours, and can be recharged through a car outlet or a little sunlight. I also keep a Goal Zero Sherpa power bank as a backup––you can’t have too much power for the work laptop.

These accessories have helped me in a few tough situations back at home, too. As a Floridian, I’m no stranger to power outages during hurricane season. With climate change and intense storms beginning to affect all regions of the country, power outages will be an emergency everyone has to be ready for. Gear you buy for energy resilience in the outdoors can be a great first step toward building a survival kit at home.

Continue reading the complete article by Nadia Bajuelo here.