How we research and rank camping power gear

Every guide on Camping Power Guide Australia follows the same process. We publish it so you can judge our picks for yourself.

1. We start with what Australians can actually buy

We only consider products stocked by Australian retailers, sold in Australian dollars, with Australian warranties. A product that is brilliant overseas but grey-imported here with no local support does not make the list.

2. We check the specifications that matter

For camping power gear that means the numbers the maker publishes and a retailer repeats. For portable power stations: capacity in watt-hours, continuous and surge output in watts, battery chemistry (LiFePO4 or not) and the rated cycle count with the capacity it is rated to, solar input in watts, whether there is a 12V car socket, and weight. For 12V fridges: usable litres, single or dual zone, the average power draw and the temperature it was measured at, the compressor brand, and weight. For lithium batteries: amp-hours and the rate they are measured at, continuous and peak current, the battery management system (BMS), the charging temperature range or low-temperature charge cut-off, cycle life and the depth of discharge it is quoted at, and weight. For solar panels and blankets: rated watts with voltage and current at maximum power, weight, what regulator and leads come in the box, and the plug. For DC-DC chargers: output current, solar input and its voltage window, where it may be installed (engine bay or cabin), the battery types it charges and warranty.

3. We check certifications and Australian standards

Lithium batteries and power stations should list transport and safety testing such as UN 38.3 and, for batteries, IEC 62619; we note which listings do. Anything with a 240V charger or outlet should carry the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM), the electrical safety mark used under the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS); where a listing is unclear we check the public EESS register. Fridge power figures are compared only when the maker states the conditions they were measured in, because a figure measured at 25°C says little about a 35°C afternoon. Cycle ratings are compared only at the same end point, because 4,000 cycles to 70% capacity is not the same claim as 4,000 cycles to 80%. Fixed 12V wiring, dual-battery systems, DC-DC chargers and anything hard-wired into a vehicle or caravan is work for an auto electrician. A claim that appears only in marketing copy, with no test condition or certification behind it, is treated as unverified.

4. We read owner reviews for patterns, not scores

Star ratings are easy to game. We look for repeated complaints and repeated praise across retailer reviews and owner forums, and we weight long-term ownership reports more heavily than first-week impressions.

5. We re-check prices

Prices in each guide are what we found at named Australian retailers on the date shown at the top of the guide. Each one is read from the retailer's own page for the exact model; an item that was out of stock is marked that way, and when we can't confirm a price, the guide sends you to the shop instead of guessing. We don't print Amazon Australia prices, because they change often and Amazon's rules for sites like ours limit how its prices can be shown, so the Amazon button opens the listing at today's price. Prices change, and sales come and go, so always confirm on the retailer's site.

What we do not do

• We do not accept payment, free products or other consideration for inclusion or ranking.
• We do not write fake reviews or present opinions as tests we have not done. Where a pick is based on specifications and owner reports rather than our own hands-on use, the guide says so.
• We do not make health, safety or performance claims that the manufacturer's own documentation or a recognised certification does not support.