CNET Reviewers Tested Every Kind of Camping Gear: Our Favorite Picks for Your Fall Trips
Why I like it: The Bluetti Handsfree 2 was the perfect addition to my gear as I prefer glamping to camping. I love the ability to take my electronics with me into the wilderness and charge my devices while camping. Normally this would require you to carry a heavy portable power station separately from the rest of your camping gear, but the Handsfree 2 makes this much easier by pairing a roomy 60 liter backpack with a sturdy 512Wh portable power station. I was able to bring extra clothing, gear, supplies, and electronics inside, while still making sure I had the energy I needed to keep them charged.
Who is it for: The Handsfree 2 is ideal for anyone who uses a lot of electronics in the field, from photographers to journalists to tech junkies. It is specially designed for camera enthusiasts, with numerous compartments with removable dividers for lenses and accessories.
I also really liked that there were five output options (two USB-A, two USB-C, and a 700W AC outlet) to charge almost everything I needed to recharge in the field, including my laptop, tablet, phones, and gaming handhelds multiple times.
It’s also perfect for tent camping or a long stay in a cabin that’s not connected to the grid. Anything with a standard three-prong AC outlet can also be powered for a long time, and I was able to run my camping light and mini fridge for hours. Candles and lanterns are nice, but for me, there’s nothing more comforting (or easy to read) than a real lamp in the dead of night in the woods. The Handsfree 2 can power a camping lantern for hours or even days. Pair it with one of Bluetti’s 100W solar panels (sold separately or as a bundle with the Handsfree 2) and you have unlimited power for camping, outdoor photography, or any other off-grid adventure.
Who should not buy it: While fantastic for camping, the Handsfree 2 is a bulky and heavy unit, and I didn’t find it suitable for long hikes. Even empty, it will weigh 16.5 pounds. When fully loaded, you weigh between 45 and 50 pounds on your back. You also won’t be able to carry as much stuff as you’d expect for a 60L backpack, as the power station takes up a lot of space, leaving less room for other essentials. Finally, I didn’t like that the 100W solar panel was a separate purchase and not included by default.
-Alan Bradley
