This backpack solar generator can help you ignore nature
Bluetti has taken portable power to absurd levels with its new Handsfree Backpack Power Stations. They’re available in big or bigger versions depending on how long — and how much gear — you want to keep powered in the great outdoors.
They’re primarily aimed at outdoor photographers, but Bluetti also thinks they’ll appeal to hikers, rock climbers, campers, adventurers, bikepackers, and motorcyclists… any nerd that wants to move beyond the cubicle with their gadgets. A side panel in the backpacks provides access to all the inputs and outputs without having to first remove the solar generator. Those ports can also be managed and monitored over Bluetooth from the Bluetti app.
The $299 Handsfree 1 solar generator includes a 42L backpack and is capable of powering AC devices up to 300W with 268.8Wh of LFP storage capacity. That’s enough to recharge a DJI Mavic 3 (about 77Wh) or laptop about three times. The $399 Handsfree 2 bumps the battery to 700W / 512Wh inside a cavernous 60L pack.
The solar generators themselves are tall and relatively thin, with five outputs (1x AC, 2x 100W USB-C, and 2x 15W USB-A). Both have XT60 solar inputs to help keep the batteries charged: 12V-28V / 200W max for the Handsfree 1 and 12V-45V / 350W max for Handsfree 2. The Handsfree 1 measures 11.3 x 3.7 x 11 inches (286.5 × 95 × 280mm) and weighs 11 pounds (5kg), while the larger Handsfree 2 comes in at 12 × 4.1 × 15.2 inches (305 × 105 × 385mm) and 16.5 pounds (7.5kg).
The backpacks have tons of pockets to help organization all your gear, with Molle straps for external carry. They’re only water resistant, however, but Bluetti throws in a rain fly. There’s no weight given for the packs but they do look heavy.
