Portable power is essential these days. We depend on our smartphones, tablets, watches, and much more for every day needs. When the power goes out, you may not be able to charge your phone or keep a medical device operating. A portable power station provides a rechargeable source of power you can use to keep your essential devices running.
This Rockpals 300W review lets you know why we think this is a good buy for a budget power station. (>>> Find on Rockpals.com)
Rockpals 300W Review of Specifications:
| Rockpals 300W | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Wattage | 300W |
| Voltage | 110V |
| Capacity | 280wh (78000mAh) |
| Item Weight | 9.57 pounds |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 10.5 x 5.3 x 8.5 inches |
| Price | Find on Rockpals.com |
What is the Rockpals 300W?
Rockpals has an extensive line of portable power stations in a wide range of wattages. The 300 watt station is one of the smaller and lighter offerings. It provides up to 300 watts of power through either a 110V AC plug, a 12V DC plug, and several USB ports. It can be recharged using wall outlets, car chargers, or solar panels that are sold separately.
Rockpals 300W Key Features
The main thing you need a small, portable power station for is charging small devices. This power station will run up to 300 watts combined, but won’t stay charged for very long. However, you’ll be able to recharge your cell phone many times without impacting the battery reserve.
Ports
It makes sense that the most important feature is the inclusion of a variety of USB ports. The Rockpals 300W includes two 3.1 amp USB-A ports, a QC 3.0 USB-C port, and a USB PD port for efficient charging of laptop computers.
The 110V AC plug provides a pure sine wave which prevents damage to sensitive electronics. Rockpals claims that this power station will run a mini-refrigerator for up to seven hours on a single charge. The AC plug will not work for devices like blenders, microwaves, and other high-amperage appliances.
The 12V output lets you power devices like a spotlight for more than 50 hours. That is useful when you break down, get stuck, or otherwise find yourself in roadside trouble.
Recharging
You can use several methods for recharging the Rockpals 300W power station. The fastest is to plug it into wall power. The unit will recharge in about 5 hours.
Solar panel recharging is slower, and is also dependent on the amount of light hitting the surface of the panel. It can take nine hours in the sunshine to recharge using the largest 100W solar panel. A built-in MPPT controller ensures efficient charging, increasing the rate by 20% over competitors.
You can also plug it in to the 12V acc socket in your car or truck. It will take about seven hours to recharge. You should use caution to make sure the device doesn’t deplete your car battery while recharging.
Pros
- Lightweight, easy to carry, and truly portable power
- Ideal for charging cell phones, laptops, and digital cameras
- Lots of convenient options for powering devices
Cons
- 12V power is unregulated, which can kick the unit into protection mode
Portability
The great thing about a power station like the Rockpals 300W is how easy it is to carry around. This thing weighs only seven pounds, so it is comfortable to take on long hikes. It is an ideal power station for hike-in and camp adventures because it has enough power to keep everyone charged for several days.
Available Options
One of the most desirable add-ons for this power station is the 100W solar panel set. This set retails for around $190, but gives so much versatility, it is worth the buy. You may be able to find off-brand solar panels that will recharge the Rockpals 300W power station, but not all panels are compatible. Each company tends to use unique ports for charging with solar, limiting cross-brand compatibility.
Rockpals sells a DC converter that is ideal for running CPAP machines on the 12V power outlets. Using the converter will make the machine run better while using less power than operating it through the AC plug.
Final Considerations and Conclusion
This is the perfect camping power station, and it has enough reserve to handle emergencies with ease. Rockpals has built a reputation for reliable products and quality customer service that shows in the attention to detail of this power station. The Rockpals 300W is a great addition to your camping kit, bug-out gear, or just to have on hand in case the lights go out unexpectedly. (>>> Check on Rockpals.com)