Sure, the idea of off-grid camping sounds great until you realize your phone’s dead. And without juice, you can’t snap that breathtaking sunrise or find your way back to camp using your trusty GPS. So, if you you’re a camper who likes a little modern convenience with our outdoor adventures, a portable power station can be a game-changer.
Bluetti Power Station Lineup
Not all camping trips (or campers) are the same. Some of us are looking to simply charge a phone and a lantern for a quick overnight in a tent, while others are bringing along the whole tech setup — think drones, laptops, and even a portable fridge for longer-term off-grid camping.
To be specific, power stations may differ in power input capacities, charging options and rates, types of outlets and rates, and other features. Fortunately, Bluetti recognizes that its consumers have varied power needs based on their activities, whether it’s for outdoor camping or long-term off-grid living. We’d like to say a huge thank you to Bluetti for sponsoring this article. The company has been a longtime supporter of our work and their content helps us keep the blog and the YouTube channel running so for that we are truly grateful.
And now is the best time to look closer since the company’s “Spring into Solar” program is running from March 7th to 24th, 2024, designed to elevate your outdoor activities in a budget-friendly and eco-friendly way. With some incredible savings of up to 31% off on portable power solutions, now is the time to stock up.
The Lite Pack: For the Minimalist Adventurer
Starting with the smaller, lighter units, the Bluetti AC2A and the AC70. These are your go-to for the ultimate weekend warrior status. They can handle phone charging, keep your cameras ready for that next shot, and even power up a portable fan if you’re going out during extra hot summer months.
The capacity 300W capacity for the AC2A might not be able to to run a portable fridge, but it’ll make sure your essential gadgets stay alive. On the other hand, the AC70, rated at 1000W might be able to operate more power-hungry appliances like a toaster or an induction cooker especially if you use Power Lifting mode.
While the AC70 is a bit larger, they’re both still super portable, which means less time spent playing Tetris with your tent’s precious real estate.
You can also bundle it with a solar kit with efficient charging so you can extend your camping outdoor time while keeping your gadget essentials juiced up.
AC2A features and benefits:
- Solar charging support
- 8Wh battery capacity
- 2X 150W AC outlets, 1X USB-C (100W max) and 2X USB-A (12W) outlets, 1X 12V/10A (Car Outlet)
- 300W rated power + 600W Power Lifting Mode
- 8inｘ6.1inｘ6.8in
AC70 features and benefits:
- Solar charging support with 500W Fast Solar Intake (Fully charge in 2hrs)
- 768Wh battery capacity
- 950W Turbo Charging (With AC power)
- 1,000W Rated Power + 2,000W Power Lifting
- 2X AC outlets rated at 1000W max shared capacity, 2X USB-C (100W each), 2X USB-A (12W), 1X 12V/10A (Car Outlet)
- 4in × 8.2in × 10.1in
The Mid-Range Marvel: For the Comfort Seekers
For those who like a bit of glamping with their camping or just have more demanding power needs, mid-range power stations are where it’s at. These units, which typically hover between 1000W to 2000W, can handle charging multiple devices at once, keep a portable fridge running, and even power a small TV or a laptop for a cozy movie night under the stars. They strike a neat balance between portability and power – a real Jack-of-all-trades.
If this is what off-grid camping means to you, then the Bluetti AC180 falls exactly in line with what you need. It’s a 1,800W power station with a Power Lifting mode capacity of 2700W, coupled with an expandable battery capacity. With this combo, you can even use induction stoves to safely whip up some quick campsite grub.
Plus, there’s a wealth of output selections including 4AC outlets that can run multiple small appliances simultaneously. As long, of course, they have a combined pull of less than 1800W.
AC180 features and benefits:
- Solar charging support with 500W Fast Solar Intake
- 1,152Wh battery capacity (Expandable up to 4,224Wh)
- 1440W Turbo Charging (With AC power)
- 1,800W Rated Power + 2,700W Power Lifting
- 4X AC outlets rated at 1800W max shared capacity, 1X USB-C (100W), 5X USB-A (15W), 1X 12V/10A (Car Outlet)
The Powerhouse: For the Basecamp Bosses
And then, for the truly luxe campers or those who just refuse to leave any tech toy behind, we have the powerhouse units. With rated capacities over 2000W, these behemoths can pretty much handle anything you throw at them – from powering an electric grill to keeping a large 8000 Btu air conditioner running for 7 straight hours, to multiple charges for all your devices.
For these purposes, the AC200L and AC200MAX are all great choices. Of course, with great power comes great…weight. These units are not exactly what you’d call ‘portable’, but if you’re setting up a substantial camp or have a vehicle with you, they’re unbeatable.
These are also typically equipped with a 48VDC / 8A that can deliver power to an entire RV.
AC200L features and benefits:
- Solar charging support with 1200W Fast Solar Intake
- 2048Wh battery capacity (Expandable up to 8,192Wh with 2X B300)
- 1440W Turbo Charging (With AC power)
- 2400W Rated Power + 3600W Power Lifting
- 4X AC outlets and 1X NEMA TT-30 rated at 2400W max shared capacity, 2X USB-C (100W), 2X USB-A (18W), 1X 48VDC / 8A (RV Outlet), 1X 12V/10A (Car Outlet)
AC200MAX features and benefits:
- Solar charging support with 900W Fast Solar Intake
- 2048Wh battery capacity (Expandable up to 8,192Wh with 2X B300)
- 1400W Max. Fast Dual Charging (Solar + AC Adapter)
- 2200W Rated Power + 4800W Power Lifting
- 4X AC outlets and 1X NEMA TT-30 rated at 2400W max shared capacity, 2X USB-C (100W), 2X USB-A (18W), 1X 48VDC / 8A (RV Outlet), 1X 12V/10A (Car Outlet)
Real Talk: Is a Portable Power Station Worth It?
If you’re the type who truly goes off the grid and embraces the wilderness in all its disconnected glory, maybe portable power stations might not make much sense to you. But for the rest of us who like a little modern convenience with our outdoor adventures, a portable power station can be a game-changer.
Choosing the right one comes down to understanding your needs. Think about what gadgets you can’t live without, how long you’ll be out, and how much you’re willing to carry. And remember, just because you bring along a bit of power doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the great disconnect. It just means you’ll have enough battery to Instagram your escapades (or, you know, call for help if things get too “Into the Wild”).
So, if you’re looking for a power station this coming camping season, then don’t forget to check out the Bluetti Spring Sale where all of these are up for grabs at discounted prices!
