Why I like it:
The Bluetti Handsfree 2 turned out to be the ideal addition to my collection of outdoor gear, largely because my personal preference leans strongly toward glamping rather than traditional, bare-bones camping. Unlike minimalists who may thrive on surviving with little more than the basics, I genuinely value being able to bring the comfort of my electronic devices into the wilderness, while still enjoying the natural environment. This means I want the ability not only to take my gadgets with me—such as phones, tablets, cameras, or even a laptop—but also to reliably charge them throughout my stay outdoors. Ordinarily, achieving this kind of convenience on a camping trip would require lugging around a separate, often bulky and heavy portable power station in addition to carrying one’s normal camping supplies. That kind of setup can quickly become an inconvenience when balancing packs, tents, food, and other essentials. The Handsfree 2 circumvents this difficulty in a particularly clever way: by seamlessly integrating a capacious 60-liter backpack with a robust, high-capacity 512Wh portable power station. As a result, I was able to use the backpack not just for clothing and camping necessities, but also for various items of technology, knowing the embedded power solution was always there to keep everything running. The marriage between spacious storage and dependable electricity proved invaluable out in the field, providing a unique blend of practicality and peace of mind.
Who is this for:
The Handsfree 2 is remarkably well-suited for individuals whose outdoor activities depend on the use of multiple electronic devices. This includes professional and hobbyist photographers, who often require significant power reserves for cameras, drones, and lighting setups; field reporters and journalists, who must capture and transmit content on location without worrying about battery life; and tech enthusiasts or so-called ‘gear junkies,’ who simply like staying connected even in remote environments. The backpack’s thoughtful design places a special emphasis on serving camera users in particular, since it comes equipped with numerous compartments—many of them outfitted with removable dividers—ideal for storing delicate lenses, cameras, and accessories in a secure and organized manner. Another feature I personally appreciated was the range of output options: the Handsfree 2 includes two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, and a 700W AC outlet, which together cover nearly every modern charging need. With this setup, I was able to repeatedly power my most essential devices, including my laptop, phone, tablet, and even a gaming handheld, without experiencing the constant anxiety of watching batteries drain while far from civilization. Even more importantly, these outlets extend the backpack’s usefulness to broader camping contexts. Imagine a tent camp or a rustic cabin stay with no dedicated electrical supply—here, the Handsfree 2 becomes indispensable, capable of delivering a consistent power flow. With its AC outlet, it could keep basic but important appliances alive, such as a camping lantern or even a compact fridge, for long periods. For me, the contrast was striking: while the romantic glow of candles or lanterns has its appeal, nothing compares to the steady illumination of a proper lamp when you are deep in the woods at midnight, trying to read or move about safely. Thanks to the Handsfree 2, I could power lighting for hours or even days at a time. When paired with one of Bluetti’s 100W solar panels—which can be purchased on its own or as part of a combined kit—the backpack effectively becomes a renewable energy hub, offering the possibility of unlimited sustainable power. This makes it particularly enticing for those who pursue extended off-grid adventures, such as outdoor photographers camping in remote areas or explorers embarking on multi-day expeditions where electricity is otherwise inaccessible.
Who shouldn’t buy it:
Despite its many strengths, the Handsfree 2 is not without its drawbacks, and it is important to highlight who would likely find it less suitable. Chief among these considerations is the issue of weight. Even when empty, the backpack tips the scale at 16.5 pounds, a significant load before you have placed a single item inside. Once you add clothing, personal gear, food, and the inevitable assortment of electronics, the burden may easily reach 45 to 50 pounds or more on your back. For casual camping trips, especially those involving car camping, base camps, or short walking distances, this is manageable. However, for long hiking journeys that demand covering many miles a day or ascending steep terrain, the added heaviness becomes far from ideal. In such scenarios, backpackers typically prioritize ultralight gear, so a pack like the Handsfree 2 would feel cumbersome and unnecessarily taxing. Another limitation is the real amount of storage space. Although the backpack is technically rated at 60 liters, the power station consumes a large portion of the available volume, leaving considerably less room than one might anticipate for traditional camping necessities like food, cooking equipment, or bulky sleeping gear. In practice, this means the backpack can feel more restrictive than its nominal size suggests. One final frustration I encountered was the fact that the 100W solar panel, which is practically essential if you want to transform the unit into a fully self-sustaining energy source, is not included by default and must be purchased separately. While Bluetti does offer bundle options, I felt this accessory should have been standard to unlock the full potential of the system immediately.
– Alan Bradley
Sourse: https://www.cnet.com/news/cnets-favorite-camping-tech-gear/#ftag=CAD590a51e
