One of the most portable power stations I’ve tested is $200 off right now

Power stations are all the rage and finding their way into homes, RVs, cars, trucks, and even tents. They are the perfect way to transport AC power to places where there isn’t a convenient power socket. 

Until now, however, transporting them has meant rolling them on built-in wheels or taking the less glamorous approach of lugging them with a built-in handle. This is OK for short distances but rapidly becomes inconvenient if you need to transport the power station more than a short distance. Perhaps you’re taking power to a site inaccessible by road, due to an emergency, or because you want to provide plenty of power for a group of people.

Also: The best portable power stations you can buy: Expert tested

Bluetti has the answer in the form of the Handsfree 2

At the core of the Handsfree 2 is a 512Wh power station, but rather than being the usual box shape, this one has been constructed into an ultra-thin form factor. However, that ultra-thin design doesn’t mean that you have to compromise. 

The charge capacity is enough to recharge a smartphone about 15 to 20 times, a laptop or drone half a dozen times, and an action camera such as the GoPro about 30 times. When you get back to an AC outlet or a solar panel, the Handsfree 2 can be recharged rapidly — 45 minutes to reach 80% capacity — so you can get back on the move again.

The power station fits into the back of the backpack, close to the harness, keeping the weight against your body, in the most ergonomic position. There’s a side panel that enables the power station to be accessed and used without taking it out of the backpack.

There are two layers inside the backpack, one for clothes and flat items such as laptops.

The backpack is constructed from splash-resistant Oxford fabric, waterproof zippers, and a rain cover that can handle medium to heavy rain.