Family Fun Outdoors: The Best Power Generators for Family Days Out With Kids in the UK
Venturing beyond the well-trodden paths, you'll find that the UK has a plethora of hidden gems for family days out. For instance, while you may be familiar with the famed landmarks of London, have you considered visiting the underground wonders of Wookey Hole Caves in Somerset? Nestled within the Mendip Hills, they offer a journey through time with ancient formations and clear underground pools. Alternatively, the Isles of Scilly, situated off the coast of Cornwall, presents an idyllic backdrop for family escapades with their pristine beaches and exotic gardens.
Now, let's move to convenience during these trips. The implication of portable power generators cannot be understated. As you go through the remote locations, the modern luxuries of easy power access can quickly dissipate, but a high-quality portable power generator ensures that your devices remain charged. If you're camping, essential equipment like heaters, lights, and cooking appliances stay operational. Moreover, with the rise in electric vehicles, having a backup power source in secluded regions could be indispensable. When selecting a generator, consider its power output, fuel efficiency, and noise levels to ensure a harmonious integration with your family's needs.
Packing List for the Family Days Out in Different Seasons
The following is a packing list for the family days out in different seasons of the UK.
Spring Day Out
Packing Essentials: In the UK springtime, the weather can be unpredictable. You might experience a sunny day that suddenly changes to a drizzle. Therefore, it's advisable to bring along a lightweight, waterproof jacket. Considering you'll have children, consider bringing along a foldable cart or pushchair to make mobility easier for young ones or to carry essentials.
Power Requirements: While a spring day out might not need much in the way of power-hungry devices, you might want to bring along a portable power generator. As you'd be capturing the beauty of the UK's blooming flowers, including but not limited to the iconic bluebells in the woodlands, a fully charged camera or smartphone is necessary. A Jackery power generator should suffice for a day out, which allows you to keep your devices charged.
Summer Day Out
Packing Essentials: Summertime in the UK often means picnics in the park. Your family would benefit from a small refrigerator or cool box. It keeps your sandwiches fresh and drinks cold, especially considering the UK's penchant for fresh summer berries and cream. Additionally, an umbrella serves a dual purpose. It shields from the occasional summer rain and provides shade.
Power Requirements: The small refrigerator or cool box may be battery-operated or work off a car's 12V power supply. You'll need to ensure you have a suitable power source, including a portable solar panel for power generation. If you're carrying portable fans or music systems, check their power consumption and ensure you've got adequate power backup or replacement batteries.
Autumn Day Out
Packing Essentials: The UK's autumn is known for its picturesque fallen leaves in regions like the Lake District. Yet, the weather gets colder. Think about bringing along electric blankets to keep everyone warm during outdoor activities. Toys and games that can be played indoors, including card games or board games, might also be a good idea since rain showers can be frequent.
Power Requirements: Electric blankets typically use about 100-150 watts (though it varies by brand and size). If you're using it intermittently, an appropriate portable power generator, such as that from Jackery, with an AC outlet can be used, but ensure it remains powerful enough. Besides, always check the wattage requirements of any electronic device you bring to ensure compatibility.
Winter Day Out
Packing Essentials: The UK winter can be snowy and chilly, exclusively in the north and Scotland. Along with thermal clothing, consider carrying lighting equipment if you plan to be outdoors. The days are shortest during this season, and having portable lanterns or headlamps can be handy, particularly if you're exploring the UK's countryside or coastal paths.
Power Requirements: LED lanterns or lamps are energy-efficient and can run on rechargeable batteries or portable power stations. If you're using traditional bulb lighting, be ready for a higher energy consumption. As always, it's fundamental to have spare batteries or a strong power bank. Depending on its brightness setting, a headlamp consumes anywhere between 50 and 200. Subsequently, a power generator could run a 200mA headlamp for a long time. Still, it would help if you always accounted for efficiency losses and other power-draining factors.
How to Choose a Portable Power Generator?
The following are the factors to consider when choosing a portable power generator.
Power Output
Knowing your power needs is the crux of making an informed decision. The UK uses a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz, so devices will have specific wattage requirements. Before purchasing a power generator, tally up the wattage of all the devices you plan to run. For, if you intend to use a portable electric grill that requires 1000W and a sound system that needs 500W, you'd need at least 1500W. But don't stop there; consider getting a generator with an output 20% above your calculated need to ensure room for flexibility and avoid straining the unit.
Another significant factor when considering power output in the UK is the type of power. The UK's main supply is an alternating current (AC). At the same time, some devices, particularly smaller electronic gadgets, might need direct current (DC). Henceforth, a power generator that provides AC and DC outputs, like a solar powered generator, can be an asset. Some advanced models even come with USB ports, a convenient feature when charging mobile devices during family outings.
Lastly, note the starting and running wattages. Appliances with motors require more power to start than they do to run. For instance, a refrigerator might need 1200W to start but only 700W to keep running. So, ensure your generator can handle the highest demand surge from all your devices.
Weight and Size
When planning family days out in places like the picturesque Lake District or the rugged coastline of Cornwall, the last thing you want is to be bogged down by a hefty generator. Along similar lines, you should opt for a power generator with a compact design and a lightweight profile. This renders it easier for you to carry it around, perhaps in the boot of your car or a caravan.
Wheel kits and carry handles have become progressively standard in the more modern portable power generators in the UK market. Such features are invaluable when moving the generator on different terrains, from a sandy beach to a grassy park. Remember, while you might sacrifice some power with smaller models, the trade-off in terms of convenience can often be worth it.
Also, consider the fuel tank size relative to the generator's dimensions. A dense generator with a larger fuel tank might mean fewer refuels but could add to the net weight. Balance the generator's weight against its runtime to find a model that won't have you scrambling for fuel mid-day.
Noise Level
Your tranquil outing to a serene UK countryside locale, say the Cotswolds, shouldn't be marred by the constant rumble of a noisy generator. It's imperious to check the generator's decibel (dB) rating. As a rule of thumb, a power generator producing noise around 45 dB is akin to regular conversation levels. It is usually considered acceptable for recreational use.
Inverter generators, often popular in the UK for outdoor activities, tend to operate at lower noise levels than conventional ones. It is because they adjust the engine speed to the power demand. Consequently, it reduces noise when the load is light. So, an inverter generator might be your best bet for a quiet picnic by the River Thames or a camping night in Scotland's Highlands.
Last but not least, consider noise-reducing accessories or features. Some power generators in the UK market come with built-in mufflers or can be complemented with external soundproofing boxes. While these might add to the overall cost, the peace and serenity they can offer, especially when trying to keep kids entertained without disturbance, might be priceless.
About Jackery
Jackery doesn't just offer products; they inspire a sustainable way of life. As you embark on your outdoor adventures in the UK, Jackery provides tools to reconnoitre further and experience the extraordinary, all while being kind to the planet. Their journey, spanning over a decade, is a testament to their perseverance to ensure you travel around the great outdoors responsibly and sustainably. Meanwhile, here we explore the features of two remarkable products offered by Jackery.
Jackery Solar Generator 500
Jackery Solar Generator 500, a fusion of the Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station and the Jackery SolarSaga 80W Solar Panel/Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel, is for outdoor adventures and family activities. With a 518Wh/24Ah battery capacity, it can power many devices, from small appliances to essential electronics, such as:
- Smartphones and tablets - Keep everyone's devices charged for photos, videos, navigation and entertainment.
- LED lights - Provide lighting in tents, at the campsite or power outdoor string lights.
- Mini fridge/cooler - Keep food and drinks cool and fresh for snacks and meals.
- Speakers - Play music from portable Bluetooth speakers to set the mood.
- Drone - Kids can safely fly and charge a hobby drone.
Furthermore, with its 500W rated power and a surge power of 1000W from the pure-sine wave AC port, you're assured of stable energy for your devices. Adding three USB ports, two DC outlets, and a 12V carport ensures you can simultaneously charge multiple devices for your trips. Plus, the professional MPPT technology ensures faster solar recharge rates, meaning your power station can be replenished within 9.5 hours using the Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panels.
Now, imagine a weekend getaway in the scenic British countryside or perhaps a family camping trip in one of the UK's numerous national parks. The erratic British weather shouldn't deter you; the Jackery Solar Generator 500 is adaptable and convenient. Even on those cloudy days, you have the power backup you need. During sunny spells, the high conversion efficiency of up to 23% of the Jackery SolarSaga solar panel ensures efficient power absorption. Whether you're preparing a barbecue in the Lake District, watching a movie under the stars in Cornwall, or simply ensuring your devices are charged during a rainy day in Snowdonia, the product has got you covered.
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro is a phenomenon in portable power solutions premeditated to meet varied energy requirements. One of its standout features is the large 1002Wh lithium battery capacity. As a result, the product becomes highly suitable for multiple charging needs, including:
- Electric griddle - Cook full meals with ease using an electric griddle or induction cooktop.
- CPAP machine - For any family members who require sleep apnea treatment.
- Electric cooler - Run a medium-sized cooler or fridge for storing food/drinks.
- Electric blanket - Stay cosy and warm using an electric blanket in the tent or van.
- Projector + screen - Watch movies projected onto an outdoor screen or tent wall.
In addition, with its multiple output ports, including USB, AC, and carport, you can concurrently charge several devices, a particularly convenient feature for a family with diverse charging needs. What is more, think through the impulsive British weather when considering adaptability to family activities in the UK. Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro is not just about storage; it pairs, without a glitch, with Jackery's solar panels. Thus, the generator ensures you're never left in the dark, whether you're camping in the Lake District, hosting a garden party in your backyard, or spending a day at the beach in Cornwall. Its compact and portable design lets you easily bring it along for any family outing.
Conclusion
Getting the family outdoors and enjoying nature is such a valuable experience, creating lifelong memories. Yet ensuring you have reliable power need not be a barrier to getting off-grid. As we've seen, generators like Jackery's innovative Solar Generators provide the perfect solution. With silent solar energy production and large power banks, these generators effortlessly run devices and appliances to enhance family trips. So don't let concerns over going powerless stop you from planning those unforgettable family days underneath the stars. Your next adventure awaits!
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