Jump starter

A jump starter is a compact, usually lithium-based battery pack with heavy-duty clamps that can deliver the short burst of high current needed to start a car engine, without needing a second vehicle or roadside assistance. Most modern units are small enough to keep in a glove box or door pocket year-round.

It is especially relevant for car camping because running a 12V fridge, lights, or a phone charger off a parked car's battery, or leaving accessories on overnight without a working low-voltage cutoff, is a common way to end up with a battery too flat to start the engine the next morning.

When buying, check the jump starter's peak amperage against your specific engine size, since larger trucks and diesel engines need more current than compact cars, and confirm the unit holds a charge over weeks of storage rather than only days. A common mistake is buying an underpowered unit sized for a sedan and expecting it to reliably start a larger vehicle.