I've got slave batteries in my hippo commercial, so can jump off them & they can be separated from the vehicle electrics, I also have my jump pack, which is my preferred method, especially as it's not always possible to get close enough to the other vehicle.
A good jump pack will get most engines started, but I will always say to go with the most powerful you can afford... I use a Snap-On 1700ca 12v pack & it's never failed to start a vehicle, whether 1ltr petrol or a 6.5ltr diesel v8 with totally flat batteries. A lot you get from Halfords etc are quite low, but don't get anything under 800ca, even then, I've used company ones (Clarke etc), which have struggled to start a transit.