The outdoor tech upgrade nobody thinks about until their battery dies – and how Jackery’s power solutions can help power this summer’s football experience

Summer used to be relatively simple from a technology standpoint. You'd throw a few burgers on the BBQ, pack a cool box with ice, maybe take a radio into the garden and call it a day. Fast-forward to 2026, and the average summer setup looks very different.

Portable projectors have become affordable enough for outdoor movie nights, Bluetooth speakers now provide festival-worthy sound, and portable fridges keep food and drinks cold for days at a time. Not to mention action cameras, smartwatches, phones, tablets and laptops that all need regular charging.

And then there's football. With the FIFA World Cup 2026 taking place across Canada, Mexico and the United States, many fans will be looking for ways to create their own outdoor matchday experiences this summer, from garden screenings to campsite watch parties and gatherings far from the nearest plug socket.

The problem is that all these gadgets have one thing in common – they need power – which is why Jackery’s portable power stations are quickly becoming one of the most useful pieces of outdoor technology you can buy. Plus, they are a lot cheaper now, thanks to the brand’s Mid-Year Sales campaign that runs from 16–30 June 2026.

The hidden power demands of modern summer

It's easy to underestimate just how much electricity we rely on during outdoor activities, with a typical summer afternoon involving charging several smartphones, running a speaker, powering outdoor lighting and keeping a portable fridge running. Add a projector for a football match or movie night, and suddenly a standard extension cable stretching through the kitchen window no longer seems like the ideal solution.

The situation becomes even more daunting on camping trips, since people these days often carry drones, cameras, GPS watches, e-bikes, portable cooking appliances, and laptops. While these devices can significantly improve your travel experience, they also create a constant need for reliable power.

Portable power stations solve this problem by providing a large battery reserve that can travel wherever the adventure takes you. Unlike noisy petrol generators (that are admittedly a thing of the distant past), modern battery-powered units are quiet, emissions-free and capable of powering all your gadgets with little to no hassle.

Matchday doesn't have to stay indoors

Football has always been a social event, but we can all admit that technology has transformed how fans watch major tournaments. Large-screen TVs, portable projectors and wireless speakers make it easier than ever to create an immersive viewing experience almost anywhere.

This year, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to generate huge interest across the UK, particularly as matches will be held at venues across North America. For those hosting outdoor watch parties, reliable power becomes just as important as having enough food and drinks.

Jackery’s portable power solutions can provide the energy needed to run a projector, charge phones throughout the evening, power speakers, and keep refreshments cool without relying on mains electricity. It's the sort of upgrade many people don't think about until the moment a battery indicator starts flashing red midway through a crucial match.

Welcome to the Goldilocks zone

For people seeking a balance between portability and capability, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is the best option. The unit offers a 1,070Wh battery capacity alongside a whopping 1,500W output, making it suitable for powering a wide range of devices commonly used during camping trips, garden gatherings and general outdoor adventures.

Jackery says the Explorer 1000 v2 is 18% smaller than the previous-generation Explorer 1000, yet charges incredibly fast. It can fully power up in as little as one hour using its Emergency Super Charge mode, reducing interruptions to the minimum.

The Explorer 1000 v2 can also be paired with Jackery's SolarSaga 100 solar panel, allowing you to generate renewable energy while off-grid. During Jackery's Mid-Year Sales event, the Explorer 1000 v2 is available for £399 (down from £899), while the solar generator bundle with a SolarSaga 200 panel costs £699 (was £1,499).

A bigger battery for bigger adventures

Of course, some users need more power. Longer camping trips, larger gatherings, or energy-hungry appliances may require additional capacity, which is where the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 comes in.

Offering a substantial 2,042Wh battery capacity and a commendable 2,200W output, the larger unit can handle more demanding scenarios while remaining surprisingly portable. Jackery describes it as one of the smallest and lightest power stations in its class, weighing significantly less than many competing 2kWh models.

The Explorer 2000 v2 supports multiple charging methods, including AC power, solar charging and vehicle charging, while its LiFePO4 battery chemistry is rated for thousands of charge cycles and years of regular use.

If you’re looking to incorporate renewable energy into your setup, this beast of a power station can also be paired with Jackery's larger SolarSaga 200 solar panel. As part of the Mid-Year Sales campaign, the Explorer 2000 v2 is reduced from £1,399 to £799, while the Solar Generator 2000 v2 bundle is available for £996 (was £1,999).

The freedom to stay powered anywhere

Perhaps the biggest appeal of portable power is flexibility. Being able to power a projector in the garden, keep a portable fridge running, recharge camera batteries after a day of exploring, or easily set up an outdoor football screening changes how you use technology outdoors.

As our favourite gadgets become increasingly capable, they also become increasingly dependent on reliable energy, which is why portable power stations are becoming one of the most essential outdoor tech purchases of 2026.

You might not think about power when planning your next adventure, but when everyone else's batteries are running low and your devices are still going strong, you'll quickly understand why so many now consider portable power a crucial part of their kit.

Jackery's Mid-Year Sales campaign runs from 16–30 June 2026. The Explorer 1000 v2 is available from £399 (RRP £899), while the Explorer 2000 v2 starts from £799 (RRP £1,399). Solar generator bundles are also available at discounted prices throughout the promotional period.