Power Solutions Off-Grid

Portable Power Solutions Guide: Keeping Charged While Outdoors

Story by John Pangilinan | Photos courtesy of manufacturers

Having power while off the grid or when you’re away from a typical power source can make all the difference in the world. Power can help provide lighting in the evening, charging for devices, and keep food and other perishables from going bad when using a compact fridge/freezer.

With more and more people relying on external power when they travel by vehicle, a host of companies has come out with portable power solutions for most scenarios. As an alternative to loud, oversized and expensive generators, portable power stations are versatile, convenient and deliver peace-of-mind performance without the risk of draining your vehicle’s battery.

Whether you’re looking to spend a weekend or a month on the road, there are options for most situations; multiple sizes and options are available on the market today.

Here, we’ve outlined a few of our favorite portable power solutions for travel and everyday use.

Goal Zero Yeti 1500X Power Station

Since 2008, Goal Zero has been a leader in off-the-grid power solutions. The new Yeti 1500X Power Station is a culmination of years of experience in this category. This lithium-ion battery has an increased, 2000W AC inverter that allows the ability to charge power-hungry devices and appliances, including full-sized refrigerators. The power station features seven power ports, including a fast-charging 60W, as well as USB-C, multiple USB-A ports, a regulated 12V and two 120V AC ports. Additionally, the Yeti 1500X can be charged with optional portable solar panels, from a wall outlet or from a vehicle by plugging in the 12V adapter with the Goal Zero Yeti lithium 12V car charging cable, ensuring you’re never without power.

Via the Yeti App 3.0, the Yeti 1500X has the ability to monitor, control and optimize power usage, including remote control power in/out, real-time power consumption notifications, historical power-tracking and even charging profiles to help optimize battery life. All of this does come at a hefty price; and, at close to 46 pounds, it does add additional weight to your rig. Despite that, this advanced power station is our TREAD pick for best all-around power station.

Dimensions: 15.25×10.23×10.37 inches
Weight: 45.64 pounds
MSRP: $1,999.95
goalzero.com

Anker Powerhouse II 800

The Anker PowerHouse II 800 is a go-to-solution charging station. It’s compact and portable and packs a punch in power. It features two AC outlets, two USB-C outlets, four USB-A ports, one vehicle-class outlet and two DC outlets. These different outlets provide enough options to run practically anything from appliances (it doesn’t support devices rated more than 500W) to mobile devices. The PowerHouse recharges as quickly as 4.9 hours. It’s also compatible with most solar panels. It contains an integrated flashlight with three modes, as well as a built-in ambient light. As a midsized solution, this packs enough power for most people for short trips—without taking up too much valuable cargo space.

Whether you’re looking to charge a phone or two, work from the road on a laptop or even cook with an electric pellet grill, this charging station comes in handy. Its attached carry handle is strong and makes it easy to grab and go before any trip. At under $700, it’s a good value for its capability.

Dimensions: 11.81×8.03×7.28 inches
Weight: 18.3 pounds
MSRP: $699.99
us.anker.com

Antigravity Batteries PS80 Power Station

Antigravity Batteries is known for its deep-cycle batteries, which are used in many overlanding and van life vehicles. The new PS80 is a compact, lightweight, lithium-ion personal power station that offers 78,000mah (288 watt hours) of capacity. It supports 12V, 24V DC, quick-charge USB and AC outputs up to 260W continuous for extreme flexibility in use. The PS80 can be recharged with a wall charger or car charger, as well as with solar panels. The power station is versatile and can power electronics such as laptops, fans, camp lighting, mini fridges and more. As an added bonus, it features convenient, wireless phone-charging for Qi-enabled phones. Antigravity has also introduced the new Energy Storage series of solar panels that can help recharge the PS80 while off the grid.

Dimensions: 8.27×5.75×6.18 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
MSRP: $299.99
antigravitybatteries.com

Wagan Tech Lithium Cube 1200

Wagan Tech is known for its 30-year history of providing valuable products such as jump-starters, power inverters and the company’s Solar Cube line. This experience and knowledge led Wagan to create a user-friendly solution—the Lithium Cube 1200. The Lithium Cube pairs a 1,000W inverter with a 1166Wh lithium-ion battery with enough portable power for a laptop, refrigerator, CPAP and more.

The unit features pass-through charging, which allows you to charge devices simultaneously while charging the battery itself. Recharging can be done in less time by using two charging types at the same time (such as AC and USB-C). The unit features three 120V AC outlets, 12V DC socket with two DC outputs and two USB-C outputs with four USB outputs. The digital display is easy to read and provides the power stats, including battery percentage remaining, battery hours remaining (until charged or discharged) and “fan on” and can notify the user of any errors detected. The handle folds down flat for a slim and unobtrusive design.

Dimensions: 11.8×12.2×7.2 inches
Weight: 24.5 pounds
MSRP: $1,249.95
wagan.com

Intelli ScoutPro

The Intelli ScoutPro might be on the smaller side; however, with 24,000mAh backup power, it provides enough juice for most devices and situations. The ScoutPro can simultaneously charge up to five devices from its dual type-C outputs—one for 60W, and one for 100W charging—so you can charge devices such as a MacBook and an iPad. A universal type-A USB port is included for items such as Airpods, Bluetooth speakers and more. One unique feature is its magnetic charging technology, which will charge an iPhone 12 (and newer models), along with an Apple Watch, on the leather charging pad. The ScoutPro is a very convenient power solution for traveling and for those who work from the road.

Dimensions: 6.6×3.3×1.8 inches
Weight: 1.2 pounds
MSRP: $199
intelli.co

myCharge Adventure H20 Turbo

While this isn’t technically a power station, the Adventure H20 Turbo is a charging solution worth packing for any adventure. This portable charger is both durable and waterproof, making it the perfect companion while in the outdoors. Small enough to throw into a pack, it can provide up to six extra charges for the average smartphone battery. The built-in carabiner is a nice touch to help attach to a pack, belt or even a kayak to ensure it’s always within reach. The two built-in USB ports can work with both smartphones and tablets, along with other small devices, including headphones and a smartwatch. The rubberized finish is shock- and dirt-proof.

Dimensions: 9.25×3.07×2.05 inches
Weight: 1.03 pounds
MSRP: $59.99
mycharge.com