I just got my hands on the new Jackery Explorer 1000 portable power station. As an avid camper and outdoor adventurer, I’ve been looking for a solid power solution I can rely on for those inevitable times when I’m away from a power source.
After hearing rave reviews about the Jackery Explorer 1000, I decided to take the plunge and test it out myself. In this detailed review, I’ll give you my honest thoughts after taking this bad boy out on multiple trips and pushing it to its limits!
Jackery Explorer 1000 – Best For Camping or Outdoors
- Lots of power – Has 1002Wh capacity. Can run many devices for a long time.
- Portable and tough – Weighs 22 lbs with a sturdy handle. Easy to move but very durable.
- Charges devices fast – Turns devices on right away. Provides steady power without disruptions.
- Recharges by solar – Can recharge fully in 8 hours using solar panels (sold separately).
- Simple to use – Just an on/off switch and power button. Easy interface.
- Reliable brand – Jackery makes high-quality solar generators and power stations.
- Good for camping – Gives power for 4-5 days off-grid. Great for RVs, trips, and outdoors.
Pros
- Lots of power – With 1002Wh capacity, it can run many devices for a decent time. Good for camping or power failures.
- Multiple ways to charge – Comes with AC outlets, USB ports, and a carport to charge lots of things at once.
- Easy to move – Compact and lightweight with a handle. Simple to carry around.
- Solar charging – Can recharge with a solar panel. Green option for off-grid use.
- Safe to use – Has protections like short-circuit prevention to keep the device and you safe.
Cons
- Costs a lot – One of the most expensive portable power stations. May not fit everyone’s budget.
- Slow solar charging – Takes a few hours to fully recharge with solar panels.
- Not for big power needs – Limited capacity and output, not good for large devices.
- No pass-through charging – Can’t recharge it while charging other devices at the same time.
- The fan is noisy – The fan it uses can be loud. Not good for quiet areas.
First Impressions – A Sturdy Yet Compact Design
When I first unboxed the Explorer 1000, I was immediately impressed by its durable yet portable construction. Weighing in at 22 lbs, it’s lightweight enough for this old guy to carry around but still feels super sturdy thanks to the hard plastic outer shell.
The built-in handle makes it easy to move around, though I’d recommend grabbing a friend to help load it in and out of your car since it’s still a bit bulky. At least the rubber feet keep it stable and prevent it from sliding around!
Despite its power capacity, the Explorer 1000 remains surprisingly compact in size. It measures just 12.5 x 9.2 x 11 inches, so it doesn’t take up too much precious space in my trunk or camping gear.
Taking It For a Spin – How It Handles Powering Devices
Alright, enough about looks – it was time to really test how this power station holds up when powering devices out in the real world!
During a weekend camping trip, I put the Jackery Explorer 1000 to work by connecting it to a portable fridge, box fan, string lights, and my laptop. With its huge 1002Wh lithium-ion battery capacity, it powered everything with no problem.
What really impressed me was how all my devices turned on immediately, with no struggling or surges that could damage them. The pure sine wave AC power output prevents any disruptions.
I also tested powering a mini projector for an impromptu family movie night. Again, the 1000W AC output handled the load seamlessly, despite projectors being notorious energy hogs!
Whether it was charging phones, drones, or cameras, the Explorer 1000 never flinched or showed any signs of quitting. Suffice it to say, this thing delivers on the power output claims.
Recharging with the Power of the Sun
One of my favorite things about the Jackery Explorer 1000 is that it’s designed to integrate with Jackery’s SolarSaga solar panels. This gives you the ability to harness the limitless power of the sun for free ongoing energy. Who doesn’t love that?
During a sunny day at the campsite, I connected the Explorer 1000 to a 100W SolarSaga panel using the included adapter cable. Within a few hours, I was able to recharge from 40% to 100% battery without any AC power source.
According to Jackery, under optimal sunlight, you can fully recharge the Explorer 1000 from 0% to 100% in just 8 hours! That’s some seriously fast solar charging capability.
Of course, it depends on getting good sunlight. But even on cloudier days, the solar panel helped offset some of the battery drain. This at least extends your power lifespan while off the grid.
Taking It On The Road – Portability You Can Rely On
Usually when you think of generators and power stations, “portable” isn’t the first word that comes to mind. But one of the things I appreciate most about the Explorer 1000 is how easy it is to transport from place to place.
Weighing in at 22 pounds, it’s not the most lightweight. But the durable plastic casing and built-in handle make it very easy to carry or load in your car, truck, or RV.
I took it on several road trips and was able to conveniently power devices while on the go. It doesn’t take up much room at all, so it’s easy to stash under seats or with other gear.
The Explorer 1000 also held up very well to vibrations and bumps during driving without any shutdowns or errors. Definitely gives me peace of mind for reliable electricity whenever I need it.
How It Compares to Other Jackery Models
Within the Jackery Explorer lineup, the 1000 model sits right between the smaller 500 and larger 1500 units. Here’s a quick look at how it compares:
- Jackery Explorer 500 – Just over half the capacity at 518Wh. Better for shorter trips or lighter uses.
- Jackery Explorer 1000 – Offers a great balance of capacity, power, and portability.
- Jackery Explorer 1500 – More capacity at 1502Wh but also heavier at 27 lbs. Better for high-power draw uses.
For my needs, the 1000 hits the sweet spot of holding enough juice for 4-5 days off-grid while still remaining portable. But the 500 could work for quick weekend trips, while the 1500 is ideal for extended backcountry excursions or powering higher drain devices.
So choose based on your specific power needs! I think the Explorer 1000 will suit most general users.
Key Specs and Features Overview
Okay, by now you probably get that I’m impressed with the overall performance and portability of the Explorer 1000! But let’s quickly summarize some of the key specs and features:
- 1002Wh lithium-ion battery capacity
- 1000W pure sine wave AC output
- 1x 100W 12V car outlet
- 2x USB-C ports
- 2x USB-A ports
- 3x 120V AC outlets
- Built-in MPPT controller for solar charging
- LCD display shows power usage, battery level, etc.
- 22 lb weight and compact size
- Sturdy handle for easy carrying
It’s not the most feature-packed power station out there, but everything it does have is super high quality and delivers reliable power for a wide range of uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re still on the fence about the Jackery Explorer 1000, here are answers to some common questions:
How long does a Jackery Explorer 1000 last?
With moderate use, it can easily last 4-5 days or more off-grid. Heavy appliances may drain it faster.
Is Jackery 1000 enough power?
For most users, 1000W capacity is more than enough for essentials like phones, lights, laptops, small medical devices, etc.
What can you run with a Jackery Explorer 1000?
It can power mini-fridges, small TVs, box fans, CPAP machines, electric grills, and more. Just not large appliances like AC units or desktop PCs.
Is Jackery a reliable brand?
Jackery is one of the most trusted and well-reviewed brands for portable power stations and solar generators.
Are Jackery power stations made in China?
Yes, their products are manufactured in China but designed in California. The quality control is very good.
Can a Jackery Explorer 1000 power an AC unit?
Unfortunately no – larger appliances like ACs require 2000W+ and exceed the Explorer 1000’s capacity.
My Verdict After Hands-On Testing
So after putting the Jackery Explorer 1000 through its paces during various trips and real-world scenarios, what’s my final verdict?
In short – it’s an absolute beast of a portable power station! I was seriously impressed with its ruggedness, performance, and reliability through all my tests.
For weekend warriors, outdoor adventurers, and anyone wanting uninterrupted power off-grid, the Explorer 1000 is hands-down one of the best options out there. It’s not cheap, but absolutely worth the investment in my eyes.
So if you’re looking for a top-tier power station that can handle whatever you throw at it, don’t hesitate to grab the Jackery Explorer 1000. This bad boy will quickly become your most invaluable piece of camping or emergency gear.
Thanks for reading my honest review! Have any other questions about the Explorer 1000? Be sure to drop them in the comments section below!
