Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 160 REVIEW

Living in a coastal area has its perks, but it also means bracing ourselves for the hurricane season every year. Power outages became an unwelcome norm, leaving us scrambling to keep our essential devices charged. As a family of six, with multiple phones, tablets, and my online teaching equipment, finding a reliable power source was crucial. Traditional generators were too bulky and noisy, and relying solely on car chargers felt limiting. I needed a solution that was portable, quiet, and powerful enough to keep us connected. That’s when I started researching portable power stations.

Portable power stations are a godsend for anyone who values power independence. They’re perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, frequent travelers, or anyone living in areas prone to power outages. Imagine going camping and being able to power your electric cooler, charge your devices, and even run a small fan – all without the noise and fumes of a traditional generator.

These powerhouses are designed to be compact and easy to transport, yet they pack enough punch to run a variety of appliances and electronics. But before you dive headfirst into the world of portable power, there are a few key factors to consider.

First, think about your power needs. What devices do you need to run, and for how long? This will determine the capacity you require (measured in watt-hours). Next, consider the types of ports you’ll need. Look for a power station that offers AC outlets, USB ports, and potentially DC outlets for versatility. Finally, portability is key. Consider the size and weight of the power station, especially if you plan to take it on camping trips or hikes.

Introducing the Jackery Explorer 160

The Jackery Explorer 160 is a compact and lightweight portable power station that provides 167 watt-hours of power. It’s designed to be an easy-to-transport power source for camping, travel, or emergency backup situations. The Jackery Explorer 160 comes with a variety of output options, including an AC outlet, two USB-A ports, a USB-C port, and a DC car port, making it compatible with a range of devices.

While it’s perfect for powering smaller devices like phones, tablets, laptops, and small appliances, it’s not designed to handle heavy-duty appliances or power tools. For those, you’d need to consider a higher capacity power station.

Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons:

Pros:

* Compact and Lightweight: Easy to pack and carry, weighing under 4 pounds.
* Multiple Output Options: AC, USB-A, USB-C, and DC ports provide versatility.
* Fast Recharging: Charges quickly from a wall outlet or car charger, and can be paired with a compatible solar panel for off-grid charging.
* User-Friendly Interface: Simple controls and a clear LCD screen make it easy to monitor power levels and input/output status.
* Quiet Operation: Doesn’t have the noise pollution of a traditional gas-powered generator.

Cons:

* Limited Capacity: Best suited for smaller devices and appliances; won’t power high-wattage items.
* DC Port Specificity: The DC port requires a specific adapter for certain devices, which may not be readily available.
* No Wireless Charging: Lacks built-in wireless charging capabilities.

Features and Advantages: A Closer Look at the Jackery Explorer 160

The Jackery Explorer 160 shines with its well-thought-out features:

Compact and Lightweight Design: Power on the Go

The first thing you’ll notice about the Jackery Explorer 160 is its portability. At just under 4 pounds, it’s easy to carry around, whether you’re heading out on a camping trip or simply moving it between rooms. The compact size makes it perfect for fitting into backpacks, luggage, or even a glove compartment. This portability was a game-changer for our family, as it meant we could easily take it with us on road trips or have it readily available in case of emergencies.

Multiple Output Options: Versatility at its Best

One of the standout features of the Jackery Explorer 160 is its versatility when it comes to powering your devices. It boasts a range of output options to accommodate various electronics:

* 110V AC Outlet: This standard outlet lets you power small appliances like laptops, fans, lamps, and phone chargers.
* Dual USB-A Ports: These are perfect for charging smartphones, tablets, cameras, and other USB-powered gadgets.
* USB-C Port: The inclusion of a USB-C port is a welcome addition, allowing for fast charging of compatible devices like newer smartphones and laptops.
* 12V DC Car Port: This port is ideal for powering devices typically used in vehicles, such as mini-fridges, tire inflators, or certain camping lights.

Having this variety of ports meant we could charge our phones, tablets, and laptops all at the same time, without needing to prioritize or carry multiple adapters.

Intuitive LCD Display: Keeping You Informed

No more guessing games when it comes to power levels or charging status. The Jackery Explorer 160 features a bright, easy-to-read LCD screen that provides essential information at a glance:

* Battery Level: Clearly displays the remaining battery life as a percentage.
* Input/Output Power: Shows how much power is being drawn or supplied, helping you monitor usage.
* Charging Status: Indicates whether the unit is being charged and the estimated time remaining.

I found this display incredibly helpful, especially during power outages. It allowed me to easily monitor how much power we had left and adjust our usage accordingly.

Fast and Efficient Recharging: Get Back to Power Quickly

The Jackery Explorer 160 offers multiple charging methods for added convenience:

* AC Wall Outlet: The fastest way to recharge, typically taking around 5 hours for a full charge.
* 12V Car Charger: Ideal for recharging while on the road, taking approximately 5 hours to fully charge.
* Solar Panel (Optional): The Explorer 160 can be paired with a compatible Jackery SolarSaga solar panel (sold separately) for off-grid charging.

This flexibility was a major plus, as I could easily recharge the power station at home, in the car, or even while camping using a solar panel.

Safe and Reliable Performance: Peace of Mind

Safety is paramount when it comes to electrical devices, and the Jackery Explorer 160 doesn’t disappoint. It incorporates multiple safety features to ensure worry-free operation:

* Battery Management System: Protects the battery from overcharging, over-discharging, over-current, and short circuits.
* Temperature Control: Monitors internal temperature and automatically shuts down if overheating is detected.
* Surge Protection: Safeguards connected devices from voltage spikes.

Knowing that the power station had these safety measures in place gave me peace of mind, especially when using it to power sensitive electronics.

Insights from Fellow Users

While my experience with the Jackery Explorer 160 has been overwhelmingly positive, I wanted to see what other users had to say. Here are some common themes from online reviews:

* Many users praised the Jackery 160’s compact size and portability, emphasizing how easy it was to take camping or use as a backup power source during outages.
* The variety of output options, including the AC, USB, and DC ports, was a significant selling point, providing versatility for powering a range of devices.
* Users appreciated the clear and informative LCD display, which made it simple to monitor battery life, input/output power, and charging status.

However, some users did point out that the DC port’s size might require a separate adapter for certain devices, and a few wished for built-in wireless charging capabilities.

Final Thoughts: Is the Jackery Explorer 160 Right for You?

The Jackery Explorer 160 proved to be the perfect solution to our power outage woes. It’s compact, lightweight, and packs enough power to keep our essential devices running when the lights go out.

If you’re looking for a reliable and portable power station for camping, travel, or emergency backup, the Jackery Explorer 160 is definitely worth considering. Click here to learn more and check out the Jackery Explorer 160 on Amazon!