Portable power stations are all about getting power off grid.  But the Bluetti Handsfree 2 takes it to the next level by incorporating a 512Wh battery pack with a 700W inverter into a 60L backpack.  You can have both AC and DC power in abundance right on your back.  But, of course, big batteries aren’t light, so you’ll be starting with 16.5lbs (7.5kg) on your back before you store anything else in there.  Does this whole concept make sense?  Find out in my video review below or by reading my review notes in this article here.

There’s no question that this is an intriguing concept on paper, but does it hold up in actual use?

Power Station Specs

• Current price = $399 USD
• REMOVABLE Power station
• 512Wh battery storage | Lithium Iron Phosphate)
• rated for 4000 charge cycles to 80% (More than ten years of daily full recharge cycles) 
• 700W inverter with 1200W lifting power (lasts for quite a while)
• Has Bluetti powerlift technology for running certain higher draw items
• AC Charge up to 600W (45 minutes to 80% or 1.3 hours to 100%)
• Can charge via car input (12v 5.8 hours or 3.1 hours at 24V)
• Can charge via solar up to 350W via XT60 in 2 hours
• No IP Rating, but rain hood in backpack.
• About 16.5 lbs / 7.5kg |
• 305 (L) x 105 (W) x 385mm (D)
• Screen is small, but clear and bright
• 5 year warranty
• Bluetooth app control
• UPS mode and power passthrough
• Includes backpack, power station, AC and solar charging cables
• Can get a combo with portable solar panel that can attach to the backpack.

Ports

• 5 total ports
• AC x 1 (700W)
• USB-C x 2 (100W)
• USB-A x 2 (15W)

Backpack Specs and Features

• 60L (backpack itself weighs just 5 pounds)
• Well designed zips for access to power station (hold out of the way)
• Some rubberized protection
• Backpack designed for up to 30kg load (22.5kg – 50 pounds)
• Essentially four layers – rear section where the power station goes + more storage
• Photography and laptop section
• Free section for other clothing or gear
• Outer pockets and attachment points.
• Built in waist pouch
• Splash-resistant fabric, waterproof zippers, plus rain cover.

Tests

• Demonstrate power lift with kettle (tea, coffee, oatmeal)
• Good charge rates
• Can charge photography gear or other tech on the move
• Could run things like my blender for a smoothie because it can run at peak output for nearly 45 seconds.

Things I Like

• Not light, but easiest way to carry power to a campsite
• Well executed backpack
• A lot of storage
• Useful amount of inverter power
• Powerlift technology extends usefulness
• Good charging speeds

Things I Don’t Like

• Current battery technology = heavy
• Photography section is fairly shallow

Conclusion

The Bluetti Handsfree 2 backpack power station is a great idea to take portable power to the next level.  I suspect that future technology will probably make this first generation seem clumsy and bigger than necessary, but it’s still pretty cool in the present tense.   This only makes sense, however, if you really need this specific case use.  Do you need to use a backpack to get to an inaccessible destination?  If not, a more conventional power station probably makes more sense.

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Purchase the Bluetti Handsfree 2 @ Bluetti USA | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK

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