Neil Hedley's journey seamlessly blends his web design career with a passion for adventure, using  Jackery's reliable power solutions. Based in scenic Buckie, off Scotland's Moray coast, Neil successfully runs a web design business and maintains his engaging adventure blog. His transition from a traditional career to a life enriched by vanlife and outdoor exploration exemplifies his ability to balance work and play. Jackery products, such as the SolarSaga 100 W Solar Panel and Explorer 240 Portable Power Station, are crucial for powering his devices, for both home and on-the-road life. This interview highlights Neil's important life choices, the impact of his work, and how Jackery's innovative solutions support his vanlife lifestyle.

1. Please introduce yourself and your background. Tell us about your job, hobbies, and current life situation.

I’m Neil Hedley, a web designer and adventure enthusiast based in the picturesque town of Buckie on Scotland's Moray coast. I've been running my own web design business for 16 years, a career I built from the ground up through self-teaching and perseverance. My job allows me to pursue my more adventurous interests - adventuring, hiking, running, and anything outdoor-related. Working away from a physical office environment is also phenomenal -  as long as an internet connection exists, I’m sorted for the business.

In addition to my web design work, I also maintain an adventure blog, where I share all my experiences and stories, from all my various escapades. With my current life situation, I can perfectly blend my professional responsibilities with my love for adventure - thanks to Jackery's versatile Portable Power Solutions - I can keep all my devices running smoothly if I'm at home or just on the road.

2. Can you tell us more about how your adventure blog started, and how you manage to keep it updated, whilst living and working on the road?

The adventure blog is more like a personal diary for me. I built the website myself and started posting small adventure stories and experiences from my trips. Living in my van and going out on adventures and exploring, is a significant part of my life. I often work from my van, using Jackery to power appliances and lights - allowing me to stay connected and productive, even out and about on the road. This flexibility lets me document and share my journeys on my blog site - making it a fantastic outlet for my adventures and a way of inspiring others.

3. How did your interest in van life and camping start? Did it begin in childhood or develop in adulthood?

I've always been passionate about bikes. They've been my number 1 interest for years. I've also had a strong love for camping and bikepacking, for many years as well. The van has further fueled my passion for outdoor life. I often go on adventures with friends, engaging in activities including mountain biking, running, and paddleboarding. There’s so much to explore both in England and Scotland, keeping my adventure spirit fully alive.

4. How did you come across Jackery, and how has Jackery helped you?

I wanted to convert my van and required a portable power station, for lights and my other equipment. Jackery caught my eye for several reasons. Firstly - the product's black and orange colour scheme is my favourite. Secondly, the YouTubers I follow also described its functions in depth - which I all found to be very useful. So, after further research - I chose the Explorer 240, SolarSaga 100 W Solar Panel, and Carry Case. Comprehensive USB and AC ports, fast charging capability, and cost-effectiveness were perfect for all my needs. 

Additionally, the unique 100 W Solar Panel Package sets Jackery apart from other brands. It delivered exactly what I needed, making it the definite choice for my lifestyle. Over the years, they have been reliable and efficient, consistently performing exceptionally well, and I am very satisfied with Jackery’s products. I use the Explorer 240 daily, especially during the summer, to charge devices like mobile phones and laptops using solar power. I place the Jackery in the garden to soak up sunlight, charging the battery and powering multiple devices simultaneously. Its flexibility makes it an essential part of my daily routine, providing convenience, and it’s eco-friendly, without being restricted to one location. The product is extremely useful during power outages, allowing me to maintain a Wi-Fi connection by powering my router. Additionally, it's handy for powering small appliances on the go, like my coffee machine in the office. The ability to charge it in my car and use it throughout the day highlights its flexibility and portability, making it indispensable in both my daily routine and for emergency preparedness.

5. Why did you initially choose the Jackery Explorer 240, which has a smaller capacity?

My initial decision was primarily based on budget. However, I am now considering larger models because I want to plug in more devices simultaneously. The increased capacity will better suit my expanding needs, especially for powering multiple appliances when I'm away from home or during power outages.

6. Could you describe a typical scenario where you use your Jackery products during van life and camping trips, and the benefits they bring, along with memorable moments?

The Jackery is integral to my van life setup, particularly for powering LED lights inside the van and beneath the bed. With just one button, it powers everything, making it incredibly convenient. It's essential for charging my phone and laptop, effectively mirroring how I use it at home. What I value most is its multi-functionality - anything I invest in for the van must also be useful at home, and the Jackery delivers this perfectly. Adaptability and convenience when travelling are significant advantages, as I can charge it via the cigarette lighter when driving and deploy solar panels on the van’s roof or beside it when parked in a sunny spot. The system is particularly well-suited and functional for charging mobile devices and small appliances, operating flawlessly in various conditions.

One of the standout benefits of using Jackery products during my outdoor adventures is the ability to power my outdoor projector. This setup is perfect for movie nights, where I simply plug the projector into the Jackery, set it on a table, and project movies on the side of the van. This creates a fantastic outdoor cinema experience right in the middle of nature. The versatility and availability of power that the Jackery offers make it essential, enhancing my outdoor entertainment experience and providing a unique way to enjoy films under the stars.

One particularly memorable experience was during an extremely cold night - it was minus six degrees Celsius inside the van and outside. Despite freezing temperatures that could have easily affected the performance of devices, my Jackery continued to operate flawlessly. It stayed powered on and fully functional throughout the night. Even with ice forming inside the windows, the Jackery kept charging and powering all of my devices without any issues. It was impressive to see how well it performed under these harsh conditions, ensuring we stayed connected and powered even in the cold.

7. What additional features would you like to see in future versions of Jackery's products, and why?

I would like to see more USB Type-C ports, ideally two or three - these are becoming the standard for many devices, offering faster charging and greater convenience. Additionally, integrating wireless charging would be fantastic. It would allow me to simply place my phone on top of the Jackery unit to start charging without needing any cables. These features would make the device much more convenient for travel and everyday use.

8. How would you rate the performance of the Jackery 240 and SolarSaga 100 regarding reliability and efficiency, and would you recommend Jackery products to your friends?

I would rate both the Jackery 240 and SolarSaga 100 highly regarding reliability and efficiency. The Jackery 240 has an impressively quick charging speed, and the SolarSaga 100 panels are reliable and easy to clean. I have experienced no faults or major issues with either product. Overall, they switch on quickly, charge efficiently in the sun, and demonstrate remarkable reliability, perfectly meeting my requirements for outdoor and emergency power solutions.

I have already recommended Jackery products to my friends, and I would do so without any reservations. The reliability, functionality, and versatility of these products make them an excellent choice for anyone interested in reliable portable power solutions.

Learn more about the author, Neil Hedley, by exploring the following channels:

Adventure Blog - https://neilhedley.uk/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/neil_hedley/

X (twitter) -https://x.com/neil_hedley