I love power stations. They're the off-grid adventurer's answer to the power bank. They're a huge box of batteries that can be used to charge USB devices and run gadgets that need AC power.

But power stations can be big, weighty things. That's fine if you have a vehicle to haul your gear to your destination, but if you're going on foot, most power stations are just too heavy to lug about.

Also:Thebest portable power stations you can buy: Expert tested

And most of those that are small enough to carry are too small to be useful.

The EcoFlow River 2 Max sits in the middle -- compact enough to be portable, big enough to be practical. 

EcoFlow River 2 Max tech specs

• Capacity: 512Wh
• Net Weight: 13.4lbs
• Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.2 x 7.7 inches
• Cell Chemistry: LFP (lithium iron phosphate)
• Cycle Life: 80%+ capacity after 3,000 cycles
• AC Input: 100-120V, 50Hz/60Hz, 660W Max
• Solar Input: 11-50V, 13A, 220W Max
• Car Input: 12V/24V, 8A, 100W Max
• USB-C Input/Output: 5/9/12/15/20V, 5A, 100W Max
• AC Output: 120V, 50Hz/60Hz, 500W (Surge 1000W)
• DC Output: 12.6V, 10A/3A/3A, 126W Max
• USB-A Output: 5V, 2.4A, 12W Max
• DC5521 Output: 12.6V, 3A, 36W Max
• App Control: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• Discharge Temperature: 14