When it comes to portable power banks, there’s one company that offers something for everyone, that company is Sandberg, whose range includes power banks for basic needs, right to power banks capable of taking a beating in rough environments as well as everything between. Their latest offering, the Survivor Camper Powerbank 42000 is a large capacity portable power bank aimed at those with a love of camping. As the name implies it features a large 42000mAh battery pack, which can be used to charge portable devices and thanks to a 12V port (like you find in a car) it can also be used to power a mini-fridge or a coffee machine.
Listed below are bestselling Survivor Camper Powerbank which satisfy both affordability and quality.
Sandberg Survivor Camper Powerbank 42000 Review: Specifications
Sandberg Survivor Camper Powerbank 42000 Review: Design
When it comes to portable power banks, I’m usually talking about something small that would sit comfortably in a pocket or a handbag, however this time, I am not. The Survivor Camper Powerbank 42000 is not anything that will fit in your pocket or small handbag. At almost 22cm long and weighing roughly 1500g with a rectangular form factor, this is designed to be put in a large bag or carried with your hand and to be left on a side or top while charging devices.
On the top, you’ll find a large square-shaped rubber flap, which lifts to reveal 2 X 5V-2.1A USB ports, 1 X USB type-c port, 1 X 9-12V DC output, 1 X 19V- 2A input, 1 X battery level indicator, 1 X power button and 1 X torch button. Towards the other side, you’ll find the Sandberg logo proudly printed.
While most of the sides are pretty much bare of any features, the left and right sides (when viewed from above, with the logo the right way) do each feature something. The left side is home to the 12V connection point, which is used for small camping appliances such as a mini fridge, while the right is home to a large LED lighting array that provides the torch for this power bank. Also present towards the left side is a loophole system to allow you to loop some string through to create a handle. Sandberg includes some lace in the package for this reason.
As a device designed to be used outdoors, it only makes sense that you would expect some sort of elemental protection from this power bank. Well, Sandberg has thought of that and has gone and designed this to standards that have awarded it an IP rating of IP64. This rating means this power bank has been tested and found to be well sealed against large objects and protected from water splashing against the product. It’s not quite as well protected as some of their more robust power banks, but given that this is to be used mainly for camping and not while climbing a cliff, this is adequate enough protection.
Sandberg Survivor Camper Powerbank 42000 Review: In use
Having a large 42000mAh battery pack within a portable charger certainly packs quite a few advantages, one being just how many times it can charge mobile phones before needing to be recharged itself. Sandberg claims the Survivor Camper Powerbank 42000 is capable of charging a smartphone 17 times. In reality, this figure does vary, as smartphones all have different sized batteries. I would say though that given the mix of capacities on the market, you’re likely to get between 10 to 17 full charges depending on your battery capacity. I’ve used the power bank on a few journeys out and about recently and still have just over half the capacity left from my first charge after a total of about 7 charges. I should mention it has been used to charge two different models of phone, one with a 4,000mAh battery and one with a 3,000mAh battery.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a mini fridge or other camping kitchen items to test out with this, so I can’t yet make a comment on this feature. I can say though that it’s a very handy thing to have.
Having such a large battery, also means that unfortunately, it’s not possible to charge this power bank from a standard USB port as it would take far too long, instead, it has to be charged from a mains plug socket. Sandberg has made sure to provide both a U.K plug and a European plug-in the package as well as the required converter block.
The built-in torch is bright enough to light up a small area such as a tent or small room. It offers one mode and is very easy to operate thanks to a dedicated button found on the panel at the top.
Sandberg Survivor Camper Powerbank 42000 Review: Conclusion
Sandberg has a real winner with the Survivor Camper Powerbank 42000, which goes above and beyond the norms expected of a typical portable power bank. With a whopping 42,000mAh capacity, it’s there for you, when plug sockets aren’t. Packed full of features and providing plenty of charges, it really is the best power bank I’ve ever owned. With an SRP of £240.99 (inc VAT) it is a lot more expensive than your typical power bank, but at the same time, it offers much more.
Pros
- Large battery capacity
- Compatible with small camping appliances
- Built-in torch
- Up to 17 charges of a phone battery
- IP64 rating
Cons
- Can only be charged by mains power
- Not pocket-friendly
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API