A Sustainable portable energy innovation that lasts. | Tom’s Guide

The lack of a mains power hook-up shouldn’t be the reason you stall on a spontaneous day trip, off-the-hoof camping holiday, or a working vacation as remote as you can possibly make it.

Owning a good camping power pack – a substantial lithium battery that stores power for AC/DC electrical gear –  is the difference between having to rely on a cool-bag, or having access to a fridge. 

They might sound ‘hefty’ but these essentials are fast becoming very affordable, easy to transport, and super powerful, so if you are venturing out to the big outdoors it really makes a lot of sense to invest in one.

Whether it’s for a music system for outdoor parties, “lights, camera, action” for camping movie nights, or the means to work as you travel off the beaten track. It can also make the world of difference during a powercut.  

EcoFlow, who specialise in eco-friendly portable power solutions, have a more accessible range. Its new series of affordable entry-level portable power stations, under and up to 1000W, consist of 3 models – RIVER 2; RIVER 2 Max; and RIVER 2 Pro.

EcoFlow’s timing seems pertinent. Amidst an unprecedented energy crisis EcoFlow’s RIVER 2 models offer a somewhat mild panacea to any looming personal energy needs and wants, particularly if the occasional blackout ensues. 

As well as surprisingly quick charge from mains – from 0% to 80% in 48 mins, the tempting alternative is to pair it with EcoFlow’s portable solar panels, allowing you to recharge via solar energy. Supporting a maximum solar input of up to 220W the RIVER 2 series supposedly charges in 3 hours. So, no mains needed at all really. 

Although EcoFlow’s original RIVER series was no slouch in terms of charge times and output, the RIVER 2 series has apparently charges 30% faster than its predecessor – and as we are told, 5X faster than the industry standard. 

In terms of life-span the LFP (lithium ferro-phosphate) or LiFePO4 batteries used in EcoFlow’s RIVER 2 models promise a well rounded 3,000 cycles, so ultimately you’re not getting much change out of ten years. 

The 3 models offered in the RIVER 2 series mean budgetary options. The standard RIVER 2 (opens in new tab) will set you back only 269 GBP, the RIVER 2 MAX (opens in new tab) 549 GBP, and the RIVER 2 Pro (opens in new tab) 749 GBP.

With enough variance in price you’ll want to compare models yourself and see which one suits. In terms of sustainable energy innovation you probably won’t find a better back-up to your energy needs.