CNET's key takeaways
This solar-rechargeable power station is also a backpack that can carry my camping essentials. I was able to charge my laptop six to nine times, my phone 18 times and my drone five times in one charge cycle.
The Bluetti Handfree 2 backpack costs $599 at full price, but it is often on sale for $450.
It's heavy. It weighs 16.5 pounds by itself before adding other gear.
Deep in the wilderness, you don't have many options for charging your devices, some of which are safety essentials, especially for the casual camper. That's all changed with the invention of solar-powered charging stations. Bluetti's Hansdfree 2 puts the power of a solar charger into a highly functional camping backpack, making it one of the best camping gear inventions since the tent and sleeping bag.
We've tested dozens of portable power stations but the Bluetti Handsfree 2 is the only one that's built into a backpack. It can be fully-charged using solar panels or traditional wall charging. The battery pack fits into the rear pocket of a large camping/hiking backpack, with plenty of space left in the main compartment for all my other camping essentials, even food, clothes, gear or all the devices I'll be powering with the capacious battery.
All this makes the innovative piece of gear an easy pick for CNET's best power station for camping in 2025.
This latest iteration of Bluetti's portable power station isn't just for glampers like me. It's great for anyone who wants to truly work remotely or whose job takes them well off the grid. It enables the use of a huge variety of powered equipment without having to haul around a massive, traditional power station or generator. It can also be a huge boon for anyone working in emergency services, where portable backup power can be a (literal) lifesaver.
My experience with the Bluetti Handsfree 2 backpack
The backpack can hold 66 pounds when fully loaded, but it weighs 16.5 pounds on its own. Alan Bradley/CNET
... continue reading