The High-Tech Hobbyist's Haven: Fishing, Grilling, and Chilling

Whether you’re grilling, fishing, or just taking it easy, you need the right combination of planning, power, and portability to make the most of your off-grid adventure. The perfect outdoor experience is about having proper gear set up to meet your specific needs.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind: 

• Don't Forget Backup Power: Any good solar setup is complemented by a backup energy source. Cloudy days happen, and power-intensive devices can drain batteries quickly. Be sure to bring along your fully charged EcoFlow TRAIL Series DC Portable Power Station to ensure you’ve got extra power ready to go.

• Know Your Load Before You Go: Add up the total wattage (including starting watts) of all the devices you intend to use. Remember that appliances like electric grills and mini fridges have start-up surges. It’s wiser to overestimate the power you need than to try to dial it in perfectly.

• Prioritize Your Weatherproof Gear: Gear that can resist the elements is key. Remember: weatherproof isn’t just waterproof. Sand and dust can get into items just as easily and, in some cases, cause even more damage than water. Get gear that’s resilient to the outdoors, and consider weather-rated protective covers and cases.

• Choose Stackable, Compact Equipment: Space is always a premium when you’re on the move. Fold-out tables and chairs, modular coolers, and even that collapsible cup for brushing your teeth will help you bring more along without requiring extra space. The EcoFlow GLACIER Classic Portable Refrigerator Freezer is a great option for space-efficient refrigeration, and it even includes a built-in ice maker and wheels.

• Pre-Charge and Pre-Test Everything: There’s no sense in packing broken gear. Be sure to charge all your batteries, power banks, and generators the night before you leave. Also, be sure to run quick tests of your grill, fish finder, portable cooler, and other devices with the portable power system you intend to use them with. 

• Plan for Shade and Airflow: Electronics always operate more effectively in the shade, so prepare to cover your devices with natural covering or a shaded structure. Portable air coolers work more efficiently when they are not competing with the sun's direct heat. Additionally, batteries can overheat more quickly in the sun, which could cause them to run for shorter periods of time or even damage them.

• Don’t Overlook Lighting: After the sun’s gone down, power needs change, and with the loss of solar collection for the night, device usage will need to shift. One way to be frugal with your power is to invest in dimmable LEDs, string lights, and motion sensor lighting that only comes on when needed. Lighting is essential to help you keep track of your items after dark. It can be easy to misplace things outdoors at night.

• Build Around Your Power Hub: Your power station is the heart of your electronic setup. It should be central but safe and well organized, with cables managed so that nobody trips over them or causes damage to the power system. Keeping the system centralized will also help reduce the length of cables required. As electric cords get longer, they experience a voltage drop; this means the power station has to work harder to provide the power needed to your essential devices.