Most people think they can get by at camp with a pocket power bank and a hope the phone holds out. I used to believe that too—until a week in the Lake District with a soggy tent, two stormy nights, and my head torch dying on night three. With the EcoFlow Delta 2, you’re looking at a power station that’s a step up—maybe even a game-changer if you care about comfort and staying connected.
So, what is the EcoFlow Delta 2? It’s a hefty bit of kit promising you proper off-grid power, fast charging, and enough outlets to run half your kitchen. Let’s see if it actually delivers, and if it’s worth its weight (literally) for your next camping trip.
Main Features of the EcoFlow Delta 2
Here’s the big stuff you need to know, without any tech jargon:
Battery Size: 1024 watt-hours (Wh)—roughly enough to charge your phone 30 times or run a small fridge for 15+ hours.
Expandable Battery: Add extra batteries for longer trips—up to 2048 Wh or even 3040 Wh. That’s serious juice.
Outputs: 6 mains (AC) sockets, 2 fast-charging USB-C (100W), 4 USB-A ports, and three DC ports.
Power Output: 1800W continuous (up to 2700W for a surge). Runs kettles, coolers, laptops—most things save for electric ovens.
Charging Speed: 0 to 80% in 50 minutes via the wall. Full charge in 80 minutes. No kidding—I’ve seen it myself.
Weight and Build: Just under 12kg. Tidy handles, solid-feeling shell. Not exactly “throw it in a backpack,” but fine in a car boot.
App Control: Connects to your phone for monitoring and tweaking wherever you are. Handy if you’re juggling lots of gear.
Powering Campsite Essentials: What Does the Delta 2 Really Handle?
Let’s cut to the chase—how useful is this thing at camp? I’ve run the Delta 2 on three different weekends now. It powers:
LED Lights and Lanterns: For days. Perfect for long, grim nights or setting up late after a Friday drive up from London.
Electric Coolers: Runs a decent 50W compressor fridge for well over 12 hours. That’s the difference between cold pints and warm disappointment.
Laptops and Tablets: If you work remotely (or just want a film night in the awning), you’re covered.
CPAP Machines: One mate of mine can’t sleep without his—Delta 2 breeze through a couple of nights, no stress.
Coffee Makers/Small Kettles: I managed to fire up a compact Nespresso machine for morning brews. No more instant granules unless you fancy them.
Put simply, unless you’re trying to run a full-size heater or an induction hob all evening, it’ll see most campers right.
Charging Options for the Delta 2
Charging a power station at camp is usually a pain. Not so here. The Delta 2 gives you every sensible option:
Wall Socket at Home: Fast as anything—go from empty to ready-to-go while you pack the car.
Car Charging (12V): Plug it in as you drive to top up en route. Slow, but handy for short bursts.
Solar Panels: Plug in up to 500W of solar (if you’ve got panels) while you’re set up. Takes all day, but good for sunny weekends or festivals.
When I used a 200W fold-out solar kit at a Dartmoor site, I managed a half-day top-up between showers (classic British weather—take your gains where you can).
Suitability for Different Camping Styles
Straight talk—this is not for ultralight backpackers or wild campers counting every gram. The Delta 2 shines for the rest of us:
Car Camping: Perfect match. Lobs in the boot, powers all the luxuries, and you don’t notice the weight.
Family Trips: Everyone’s phones, tablets, and gadgets charged. Kids’ lights and white noise machines too.
Basecamps or Festival Teams: Got a big tent or a gazebo with group kit? No more arguments over who gets to use the only charger.
RVs and Campervans: Back up your built-in leisure battery. Saves you running a noisy, smelly generator.
If you’re wild camping in the Brecon Beacons and all you carry is what’s in your rucksack—this isn’t the one. Go smaller and save your back.
What’s Actually Good?
- Rapid Charging: Staggeringly fast from the wall. No long waiting or planning days ahead.
- Loads of Outlets: No more shared cables or taking turns. Charge the family’s gadgets, plus lights and a speaker.
- Expandable Storage: Upgrade with more battery if you get into big group camps or longer trips.
- Near Silent Operation: The cooling fan makes a bit of noise if you really thrash it (like when boiling water), but it’s nothing compared to a petrol generator. Otherwise, it’s silent.
- App and Display: The percentage readout and “hours remaining” are spot on (I checked these when running a heater in a drizzle at a Pembrokeshire rally).
- Build Quality: Feels solid—those handles aren’t just for show. Dropped mine in the mud and it didn’t flinch. Wipes clean too.
Cons Campers Should Consider
- Weight: At 12kg, you’re not walking far with it. Fine for car, awkward if you’re on foot or crossing boggy fields.
- Price: Costs more than some entire tent set-ups. Yes, it’s good—but not a casual purchase.
- Capacity vs Use: If all you’re charging is a phone and a camera, it’s total overkill. Get a small power bank and spend your money elsewhere.
- Fan Noise Under Heavy Load: Can get loud if drawing max power or rapid charging—but outdoors, it’s not really noticeable.
- Separate Charging Cable Needed for Car: If you forget the supplied lead with its specific plug, you can’t easily borrow a normal 12V cable from someone else. Annoying in a pinch.
Best Use Scenarios at Camp
I’ve seen the Delta 2 at its best in these spots:
Family Weekends: Everyone gets to charge a gadget, run the fridge, keep the lights bright, and power speakers for a quiz night.
Basecamp Setups: A main tent or event shelter for mountain races or group cycling weekends. Everyone drops in for a top-up and no generator noise.
Medical Device Back-Up: Life saver (literally) for those who need a CPAP. Peace of mind is worth its weight.
Outdoor Movie Nights or E-bike Charging: Bring a projector and everyone’s happy—even in drizzle with the right shelter. My e-bike obsessed mate charged his battery after a day on the trails.
Quick Competitor Overview
Let’s compare briefly. You’ll see a few names when you shop for big power stations:
EcoFlow Delta 2
Jackery Explorer 1000
Bluetti EB70
The EcoFlow generally edges others for speed and versatility, but is heavier and costs a bit more. If you need the power and speed, you’ll notice the difference. If you don’t, a Jackery or Bluetti might do the job for less.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the EcoFlow Delta 2 Power Station?
If you camp from a car, love modern comforts, or run a family setup with lots of devices, the EcoFlow Delta 2 is cracking. The fast charge, honest display, sturdy build, and sheer flexibility make it a top bit of kit for group camping, family trips, or regular outdoor getaways with tech.
For hikers, festival goers on foot, or those who just want the odd phone charge, it’s simply too much—save your energy (and cash) and grab a smaller power bank or one of these lighter models.
But for those of us who want reliability, comfort, backup, and the odd luxury at camp—it’s the best power station I’ve used yet. Just make sure you’ve got a comfy place to put it, because you won’t lug this up Pen y Fan in a hurry!
If you’re still weighing options, check our camping power station showdown for all the details. And whatever you do—never leave your lighting to chance in British weather. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself at midnight when your tent’s dry, lights are on, and your tea’s still hot.
