First Impressions: Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station
Our Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station. Photo by David Wong.
When we camp, we try to find a balance between comfort and self-sufficiency, and portable power plays a big role in that. On our recent trip to The Bank Campground near Cañon City, CO, we brought along our new Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station for the first time. Here's what stood out after a weekend of real-world use, and why this unit might be the right option for your own outdoor adventures.
⚡ Why We Chose the Anker SOLIX C1000
I’ve been looking for a power solution to support both our essentials and luxuries when camping. For us, that includes:
LED lights:
Built-in LED in our Aspen V2
Coghlan’s Rechargeable Air Pump
However, we are looking at this FLEXTAILGEAR pump because of its size.
Charging cameras, iPads, and laptops
Running a heated blanket in the tent
After researching power stations with expandable capacity, solar charging, and long-term reliability, the Anker SOLIX C1000 checked all the boxes:
1,056Wh LiFePO₄ battery with a long cycle life
Choosing a power station with LiFePO₄ batteries was my top priority. These days, you’ll find most power stations are using them because they are more stable, longer-lasting, and safer. However, you’ll find endless deals on older models or no-name brands cutting costs with other battery options that wear out faster and can heat up more, with a shorter lifespan and higher risk under heavy use. Don’t get fooled by the marketing on power capacity and competitive pricing.
Another highly recommended tip I read while looking into power station options on the market was buying a capacity comfortably above what you need for your electronics and use case.
1800W output (2400W surge)
This completely depends on the needs of your electronics, but I feel more comfortable future-proofing knowing the Anker SOLIX C1000 can handle up to 2400W surge output—well above what I need now.
Solar input ready (MPPT)
1,056Wh is more than enough power for our needs on a weekend adventure, however for longer remote road trips and camping, I plan on investing in solar panels to charge the power station during the day.
Expandable with optional battery modules
USB-C, AC, DC, and carport outputs
It was the perfect mix of power, portability, and future-proof features. The only other alternatives I considered were the EcoFlow Delta 2 and Bluetti AC180, however the Anker SOLIX C1000 ultimately was the best choice when comparing the overall size and dimensions of the unit.
🔌 Real-World Performance in the Field
We put it to use for a full weekend at The Bank Campground with no hookups or facilities. After powering all our essential gear and electronics, I were surprised by how much capacity remained.
Here’s what we used it for:
Charging a camera battery back to full when the low battery icon started blinking.
Running a heated blanket on high at night.
Charging a laptop that I brought with low battery back to full while I worked.
Charging an iPad back to 100% after one night.
Charging a Coghlan’s rechargeable air pump.
Charging our Goal Zero Crush Light Solar Lantern and BioLite MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights.
Learning the real-time wattage draw from each item was eye-opening and helped us plan better for future trips. My biggest concern for power needs was the heated blanket, but actually ended up being chargine the laptop while using it.
Pro Tip: The Anker app lets you monitor input/output in real time via Bluetooth to help you nerd out on power usage. Super helpful.
USB extension cables running through the heater port of our rooftop tent. Photo by David Wong.
🏕️ Our Favorite Power Hack: USB Extensions into the Tent
The ability to route power directly into our tent easily with USB extension cables was an unexpected highlight. I was concerned about an extension cable being exposed to rain, or needing to put the power bank inside the tent, but I was able to route the cables out from the heater port of our Freespirit Recreation Aspen V2 rooftop tent, then through a slightly cracked moonroof. The tent overhang protected the opening from light rain. Inside the tent, it powered our LED lights and gave us a heated blanket without bringing the whole power station in.
💭 Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
So far, absolutely. The Anker SOLIX C1000 handled everything we threw at it for a weekend, and we still had plenty of battery left by the time we packed up. The build quality, intuitive display, and expandable design make this feel like a smart long-term investment for anyone who camps, overlands, or wants emergency backup at home.
✔️ Who It’s Good For:
Weekend campers & overlanders
Vanlifers with mid-power needs
Creators and photographers needing off-grid charging
Emergency preppers looking for portable backup power
This post is based on personal experience and may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support future adventures and keeps this blog going.