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Although water and a hardy tent might be the most essential pieces of camping equipment, there's nothing wrong with wanting to feed small creature comforts in the great outdoors. That's why many people have integrated portable power stations into their gear checklists. These tools offer a chance to charge up phones or camera batteries and even run coolers or fans on muggy days. Others say they offer peace of mind during power outages at home. If you've been looking to venture into this world, one of Amazon's most popular beginner models just dipped below $170 — and it's one of the best deals we've seen yet.
Right now, the EF Ecoflow River 2 Portable Power Station is on sale for just $169 on Amazon after an additional on-page coupon — a 43% discount in total on the original $299 price. This power station has earned over 1,500 five-star ratings from shoppers who use it for everything from camping to powering CPAP machines during outages and is currently a top-15 bestselling power station on Amazon. It's also available as a solar generator, accompanied by the brand's recharging solar panel for just $99 more after an on-page coupon.
EF Ecoflow River 2 Portable Power Station, $169 (was $299) on Amazon
The River 2 is Ecoflow's smallest unit, but it packs 600 watts of power into a compact 7.7-pound package that's easy to transport to campsites, job sites, or just around the house. It features all the essential ports, including two AC outlets, a DC port, two USB ports, and one USB-C port, and can be charged back up in just one lightning-fast hour via an AC (wall) outlet. If you're interested in solar, Ecoflow recommends pairing the River 2 with either the 60- or the 110-watt solar panels that'll have it charged up off-the-grid in as little as three hours.
Shoppers say the River 2 is the tool to have for camping because of its weight, size, and output. "I recently got this portable power station from Amazon, and it’s a game changer for camping," a shopper said. "Super easy to carry, and it keeps my devices charged hassle-free. Setting up is a breeze, and the durable design handles the outdoor roughness. Highly recommend it for a convenient camping experience."
EF Ecoflow River 2 + 60W Solar Panel Solar Generator, $268 (was $338) on Amazon
Many shoppers echoed the convenience packed into this power station, noting its ability to charge multiple devices at the same time. "What truly sets the River 2 apart is its impressive 600-watt AC outlets," one shopper said. "We were able to power multiple devices simultaneously, from charging our smartphones to running a small electric cooler. It was incredibly versatile and kept us well-connected even in the great outdoors."
If you're planning on venturing outside this spring and summer, having a portable power station like the Ecoflow River 2 is one of the best additions you could make to your gear lineup. Not only do they charge phones, but they'll also power pumps for inflatable mattresses, recharge drone or camera batteries, and even power small fans for better sleep on hot nights. But these savings won't be around forever, so make sure to take advantage of them now while you still can.
This story was originally published on MensJournal.com.