"When I'm traveling or camping, I always bring along my CPAP machine. For a long time, I've been searching for a reliable way to power it during trips or in case of an emergency evacuation. While I do own some compact lithium-ion power packs recommended for go-bags, they simply don't offer enough juice to run medical equipment or larger appliances. That's when I discovered the Jackery Explorer 240, which offers a generous 240Wh capacity—just the right size for my needs.
In our extensive review of portable power banks, we covered two smaller Jackery models in the 10 to 20 amp-hour range at 5V. Both performed admirably, though neither made it to the top picks. The Explorer 240 is significantly larger than those models. It’s still portable in terms of being hand-carried, but you wouldn’t want to squeeze it into a go-bag anytime soon. Let’s call it semi-portable.
Why choose the Jackery Explorer? Power stations in the Explorer 240’s weight class—around 6.6 pounds—are excellent preps. They're compact enough to recharge via portable solar panels, yet powerful enough to run small appliances and medical devices requiring a standard AC wall outlet, like a 60W mini-fridge for 4-5 hours, depending on conditions.
The Explorer is also great for topping off smaller, packable batteries. Imagine leaving the larger bank at a base camp while taking the smaller ones out into the field.
Here are the specs:
- Capacity: 240Wh (67ah at 14.4V)
- Weight: 6.6 lbs
- Price: $250
- Ports: 2x USB (5V, 2.4A), 12V car outlet, AC outlet (110V, 200W)
- Charging: Proprietary input with adapters for AC wall outlets and 12V car outlets. Compatible with Jackery’s solar panel companion.
Please note that Jackery provided us with the Explorer 240 for review. Our Prepared Promise ensures that the origin of any review gear doesn’t influence the review itself.
Features and Functionality:
The Explorer is straightforward and no-frills, essentially a cluster of 18650 cells connected to basic output ports and charging circuitry. Semi-portable models don’t typically need extra features, so Jackery didn’t include outdoor features like built-in LEDs. This simplicity works in its favor.
LED Screen:
The front features a nice LED screen showing the current charge level and active inputs/outputs. During testing, I connected a load tester and USB multimeter to the bank. The load tester drew 2.4A, and the USB multimeter showed a 5V/2.4A power draw. The LED indicated 13W on that port, which matched expectations. This wattage display is a useful feature for managing usage.
One factor adding bulk to the Jackery 240 is the 120V AC plug. The circuitry needed to convert the internal lithium-ion pack’s DC current to AC isn’t small, contributing to its size.
Buttons, Handle, and Shell:
The Explorer has small buttons to toggle output ports on and off. Testing confirmed their functionality. This allows controlling what’s powered and when without unplugging everything.
The Explorer’s plastic shell is sturdy but not ruggedized. It should handle general outdoor use but isn’t built for extreme drops. A long carry handle tops the battery, and four rubber feet sit at the bottom. These feet are a thoughtful design detail, keeping the unit stable on slick surfaces without hindering outdoor use.
The product comes with a small zipper pouch containing a 12V car charger cable and an AC cable.
Real-World Torture Test:
I lack the tools to perform a comprehensive load test on the Explorer’s AC ports as I did with the smaller models’ USB ports. However, this review includes something unique: a real-world torture test.
Back in late November 2019, shortly after Jackery sent me the charger, I fully charged it and placed it in a poorly sealed toolbox in the back of my truck. I forgot about it for **six months**. Whoops.
This wasn’t just any six-month storage stint. It endured all sorts of weather extremes, from 0 degrees Fahrenheit in the snow to the sweltering Texas summer heat.
I originally stashed the charger in the toolbox because we were heading to Pagosa Springs, Colorado for Christmas. Renting a cabin there, I planned to use the Explorer as a backup. But we had such a great time that I completely forgot about it. For months, it sat in my truck, exposed to dirt, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, until recently when I went camping with my daughter.
I had been wondering how to explain losing this review unit to Jackery and the folks at *The Prepared*. Then it struck me to check the black toolbox, and there it was.
Results of the Torture Test:
I wasn’t hopeful about its performance, but I turned it on—and it was fully charged at 100 percent. Incredible.
So, I brought it camping and ran my CPAP, including the humidifier, for 8 hours straight. By the end, it was down to 33 percent.
Today, I can confirm all ports still work, and it charges perfectly. Aside from scratches from being bumped around, it’s in nearly new condition.
Conclusion:
This is a solid power station at a reasonable price. After subjecting it to an unintentional abuse test, I’m confident it will hold up outdoors without issues. I’d definitely take the Explorer 240 in a vehicle-based evacuation scenario, and it’s now my go-to semi-portable power station recommendation in this size range."
[Product Image Caption]
Jackery Explorer 240 – Remarkably durable and dependable, even after six months of neglect in harsh conditions.
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