Costco's Budget Generator Is A Portable Power Upgrade For Car Camping & Overlanding

There's something liberating about pulling off the road, pitching camp, and knowing you can power your whole setup without the hum of a gas generator. Unsurprisingly to most budget-camping Stans, one useful outdoor item from Costco is a portable upgrade for your summer camping trips that's guaranteed to do just that. The Jackery 1000 Plus Solar Generator with Mini 100W solar panel is aiming squarely at that sweet spot of comfort, affordability, and independence. For campers and overlanders who want to bring creature comforts into the wild, it's a compelling piece of gear. It's equally attractive for campers trying to save money or reduce their carbon footprint.

At the heart of the Costco bundle is Jackery's Explorer 1000 Plus, a 1,264-watt-hour LiFePO₄ battery built for long service life. That chemistry means up to 4,000 charge cycles, equating to nearly a decade of dependable use. Pair it with the 2,000-watt inverter and you can run more than just phones and lanterns: think mini-fridges, CPAP machines, coffee makers, your laptop workstation, and other awesome items that will improve your camping experience. It has three AC outlets, dual USB-C and USB-A ports, plus a 12-volt car port, making it surprisingly versatile for a unit small enough to ride in the trunk of a hatchback.

The included mini 100-watt solar panel isn't just an afterthought — it makes it a no-brainer for overlanding. On a sunny day it can bring the generator back to full charge in 18 hours, meaning multi-day trips don't need a backup plan. At the time of writing in August 2025, Costco had a $150 discount to sweeten the deal even further, pulling this setup into a price range that feels achievable compared to higher-end overland systems.

The specs sound great, but what does it actually mean when you're miles from the nearest outlet? For starters, the Jackery 1000 Plus can keep a small cooler humming through a weekend, recharge drones between flights, or top off everyone's devices without breaking a sweat. That's where the 2,000-watt inverter makes a difference, because it lets even higher-draw appliances like kettles or hot plates run safely.

It's also quieter than the old-school gas units most of us remember. Instead of drowning out the night sounds, this generator works silently in the background, charging during the day and providing steady current after dark. That makes it just as valuable for smart overland setups as for family car-camping trips where kids need tablets charged and parents need a lantern going past midnight.

Of course, like all solar gear, performance depends on conditions. Cloudy days happen, so it can make charging time hit or miss. But the generator itself is robust enough to serve as a backup power source at home, making it a rare piece of camping gear that pulls double duty year-round. With Costco's bundle, it's also at a price point that many budget-minded travelers would be attracted to. As Costco reviewer Tobias put it, "I went camping and a storm hit, we all lost power but I had my jackery!!!"

The Costco bundle has been making the rounds on social media, where outdoor enthusiasts are weighing in. Scroll through TikTok or Reddit threads and you'll find plenty of people impressed with what Jackery is offering for the price point. Reviewer Paul on Jackery's website said: "Love this pack. Not too heavy. Charges fast. Expandability is a major plus. Customer support is fantastic. Great for our little cabin that loses power frequently." Another reviewer highlighted its flexibility, saying: "My wife and I are photographers ... We always had a problem trying to find power for our lighting system when the exhibit was outdoors and we did not have ready access to power. We had explored many different options ... but none of them were as convenient or as efficient as the Jackery 1000." 

It also seems to serve in the emergency department. "I bought our new HomePower 3000 a while back mostly just for peace of mind," Redditor u/lawofbjectivee wrote on Reddit about a similar Jackery model. "Honestly thought it'd just sit there. But we ended up using it to keep the Wi-Fi, a light, his laptop, and the fridge going." Adding to that, u/adorable-cookie-1431 said, "As with any self defense/preservation tool., I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it."

Across socials, what comes through is appreciation for accessibility. Commenters note that Jackery has a reputation for quality, but it's the Costco discount that really makes it feel like a can't-miss investment. For overlanders curious about solar, or families who just want to run lights and keep the fridge going on weekend trips or in an emergency, the buzz is clear — Jackery might just be your next coveted Costco item for hassle-free camping.