Quick Take
For most campers, EcoFlow River 2 Max is the compact sweet spot: a balanced 512 Wh capacity with ~1-hour AC recharge and a confident 500 W inverter. If you need more capacity and a simple interface, BioLite BaseCharge 600 is a friendly choice. Looking for bigger inverter headroom? Bluetti EB55 offers 700 W AC in a still-carryable package. The Anker 535 PowerHouse is the reliability pick, while the Bluetti AC60 brings rare IP65 weather resistance. Rounding out the set, Jackery Explorer 500 and Goal Zero Yeti 500 remain dependable options with broad accessory support.
Introduction
Compact power stations—roughly 301–600 Wh and 8–18 lb—are ideal for car-accessible campsites, walk-in sites, and weekend getaways. They’ll charge phones and cameras all trip, keep a CPAP running through the night, and power a 12 V fridge for a day, without the bulk of home-backup units.
This guide focuses on what matters at camp: usable capacity, inverter strength, recharge speed, and practical runtimes (phones, laptops, CPAPs, fridges). Numbers reflect manufacturer specifications and reputable editorial testing; when brands don’t publish runtimes, we use standardized estimates.
Testing & Selection Process
We considered compact-class models from leading North American–available brands: EcoFlow, BioLite, Bluetti, Anker, Jackery, and Goal Zero.
Sources included:
- Manufacturer specifications
- Independent lab and editorial reviews
- Aggregated buyer feedback from REI, MEC, Backcountry, and Amazon authorized sellers
Evaluation criteria:
- Performance under load (inverter reliability and surge handling)
- Durability (chemistry, cycle life, build)
- Recharge speed (AC 0–100%)
- Weight vs capacity
- Value
Scoring Weights
- Performance Under Load: 30%
- Durability: 25%
- Recharge Speed: 20%
- Weight/Portability: 15%
- Value: 10%
Overall Top Picks
| Rank | Product | Capacity (Wh) | Weight (lb) | AC Output (W) | AC Recharge | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EcoFlow River 2 Max | 512 | 13.2 | 500 | ~1 h | $469 |
| 2 | BioLite BaseCharge 600 | 622 | 14 | 600 | ~1.6–2.5 h | $699 |
| 3 | Bluetti EB55 | 537 | 16.5 | 700 | ~1.8–2.5 h | $499 |
| 4 | Anker 535 PowerHouse | 512 | 16.7 | 500 | ~2–2.5 h | $499 |
| 5 | Bluetti AC60 | 403 | 18.9 | 600 | ~1.2–1.8 h | $699 |
| 6 | Jackery Explorer 500 | 518 | 13 | 500 | ~5–6 h | $499 |
| 7 | Goal Zero Yeti 500 | 505 | 12.9 | 300 | ~8.5 h | $549 |
Detailed Product Reviews
EcoFlow River 2 Max
Overview:
A 512 Wh LiFePO₄ compact with standout ~1-hour AC recharge, robust app controls, and a 500 W inverter that comfortably runs laptops, cameras, and camp lighting.
Pros
- Class-leading AC recharge time
- App with real-time time-to-empty estimates
- Solid inverter with surge handling
Cons
- Heavier than ultra-portable competitors
Best For
Campers who prioritize fast turnarounds between drives or hikes.
Why It’s Ranked Here
Best blend of portability, capacity, and recharge speed in the compact class.
BioLite BaseCharge 600
Overview:
A 622 Wh system with 600 W AC output, clean interface, and integration with BioLite’s ecosystem of 12 V and solar accessories.
Pros
- Higher-than-average capacity in class
- Intuitive display and controls
- Compatible ecosystem accessories
Cons
- Slightly heavier chassis
Best For
Campers who want simple, reliable power management.
Why It’s Ranked Here
Generous capacity and user-friendly design make it a dependable camp hub.
Bluetti EB55
Overview:
537 Wh LiFePO₄ with a 700 W inverter, generous port selection, and competitive recharge times.
Pros
- 700 W inverter for hungrier devices
- Long cycle life with LFP chemistry
- Broad selection of ports
Cons
- Heavier than peers
Best For
Campers running multiple AC and USB-C loads together.
Why It’s Ranked Here
Inverter headroom and chemistry longevity in a still-portable package.
Anker 535 PowerHouse
Overview:
512 Wh with a 500 W inverter, backed by Anker’s reputation for reliability and warranty support.
Pros
- Dependable long-term reliability
- Balanced AC and USB-C PD port mix
- Clear LCD interface
Cons
- Slower AC recharge than River 2 Max
Best For
Buyers who value durability and customer support.
Why It’s Ranked Here
Dependable build quality at a competitive price.
Bluetti AC60
Overview:
403 Wh compact with IP65 weather resistance, 600 W inverter, and LiFePO₄ durability.
Pros
- Rare IP65 splash/dust resistance
- LFP chemistry for long cycle life
- 600 W inverter for appliances
Cons
- Heavy for its capacity
Best For
Camping in variable weather or near water.
Why It’s Ranked Here
A rugged compact option for wet environments.
Jackery Explorer 500
Overview:
Classic 518 Wh portable with a 500 W inverter, known for reliability and ease of use.
Pros
- Widely available and supported
- Simple plug-and-play operation
- Balanced port mix
Cons
- Older-gen slower charging
Best For
Shoppers who value proven reliability.
Why It’s Ranked Here
A long-standing standard that continues to deliver.
Goal Zero Yeti 500
Overview:
505 Wh model emphasizing ecosystem compatibility and regulated 12 V outputs for fridges.
Pros
- Compatible with Goal Zero’s accessory line
- Clear runtime estimates in brand ecosystem
- Regulated 12 V for sensitive gear
Cons
- Lower 300 W AC inverter capacity
Best For
Goal Zero ecosystem users and fridge-first campers.
Why It’s Ranked Here
Great ecosystem integration outweighs modest AC output for many users.
Comparative Analysis
| Product | Capacity (Wh) | Weight (lb) | AC Output (W) | AC Recharge | Phone* | Laptop* | CPAP 30 W* | 12 V Fridge* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoFlow River 2 Max | 512 | 13.2 | 500 | ~1 h | ~36× | ~8× | ~13.5 h | ~17 h |
| BioLite BaseCharge 600 | 622 | 14 | 600 | ~1.6–2.5 h | ~44× | ~10× | ~16.5 h | ~20.7 h |
| Bluetti EB55 | 537 | 16.5 | 700 | ~1.8–2.5 h | ~38× | ~8.5× | ~14.3 h | ~18 h |
| Anker 535 PowerHouse | 512 | 16.7 | 500 | ~2–2.5 h | ~36× | ~8× | ~13.5 h | ~17 h |
| Bluetti AC60 | 403 | 18.9 | 600 | ~1.2–1.8 h | ~28.5× | ~6.5× | ~10.8 h | ~13.4 h |
| Jackery Explorer 500 | 518 | 13 | 500 | ~5–6 h | ~36.7× | ~8.3× | ~13.8 h | ~17.3 h |
| Goal Zero Yeti 500 | 505 | 12.9 | 300 | ~8.5 h | ~35.8× | ~8.1× | ~12.9 h | ~16.8 h |
*Phone ≈ 12 Wh; laptop ≈ 50 Wh; CPAP ≈ 30 W continuous; fridge ≈ 60 W @ ~40% duty cycle.
Buying Guide
- Capacity: ~500 Wh covers a weekend of phones, lights, and small appliances.
- Recharge speed: If you plug in between drives, prioritize ≤ 2 h recharge times.
- Inverter headroom: 500–700 W is safe for laptops plus small appliances.
- Battery chemistry: LiFePO₄ (LFP) generally means longer cycle life and better safety.
- Solar input: Look for ≥ 200 W with MPPT if you plan to pair with panels.
Verdict & Recommendations
- Best Overall — EcoFlow River 2 Max
- Best High-Capacity — BioLite BaseCharge 600
- Best Inverter Headroom — Bluetti EB55
- Best Reliability — Anker 535 PowerHouse
- Best Weather-Resistant — Bluetti AC60
- Best Value Legacy — Jackery Explorer 500
- Best Ecosystem Fit — Goal Zero Yeti 500
FAQ
Q: Will a compact power station run a CPAP all night?
A: Yes. A ~500 Wh unit typically runs 8–14 hours depending on settings. Turning off humidifiers extends runtime.
Q: Is 300 W AC output enough for camping?
A: It’s fine for lights, phones, and single small devices. For laptops plus fridges, 500–700 W is safer.
Q: Do I need LiFePO₄ batteries?
A: If you camp often or want a station that lasts many years, yes. LFP batteries deliver thousands of cycles with safer chemistry.
Sources & References
- Manufacturer specs: EcoFlow, BioLite, Bluetti, Anker, Jackery, Goal Zero
- Independent expert reviews: Outdoor Gear Lab, Switchback Travel, Popular Mechanics
- Aggregated buyer feedback: REI, MEC, Backcountry, Amazon authorized sellers
