Quick Take
If you want the lightest kit that can still handle a weekend’s essentials, the EcoFlow River 2 is the standout for ~7.7 lb carry and a 0–100% AC recharge in ~1 hour. The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus and Anker 521 PowerHouse trade a little speed for long cycle life and solid warranties.
Introduction
“Ultra‑portable” here means ≤ 300 Wh with emphasis on low carry weight (most picks are under 10 lb; we highlight true sub‑8 lb options). We prioritize real runtime on common camping devices (phones, laptops, CPAP) and turn‑around speed (how quickly you can top back up between hikes).
Testing & Selection Process
We shortlisted current models from North America available brands (EcoFlow, Jackery, Anker/Solix, BLUETTI, ALLPOWERS, Rocksolar). Data sources: manufacturer specifications and published runtimes; where none are published, we provide clearly labeled estimates from Wh and typical device draws (see rubric). No in‑house testing was performed.
Top Picks — Ultra‑Portable (≤ 300 Wh; emphasis on < 10 lb)
High-End Tier
| Rank | Product | Capacity (Wh) | Weight | AC Out (W) | 0–100% AC | Phone Charges* | Laptop Charges* | CPAP (30 W)* | Typical MSRP (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EcoFlow River 2 | 256 | ~7.7 lb | 300 (600 surge) | ~1 h | ~20–22 | ~4–5 | ~7–8 h | $239 |
| 2 | Jackery Explorer 300 Plus | 288 | ~8.27 lb | 300 (600 surge) | ~2 h | ~22–24 (est.) | ~4–6 | ~8–9 h | $269 |
| 3 | Anker 521 PowerHouse | 256 | ~9.57 lb | 200 | ~3–4 h (est.) | ~20–22 | ~4–5 | ~7–8 h | $220 |
| 4 | BLUETTI AC2A | 204.8 | ~7.9 lb | 300 (600 surge) | ~1.5 h | ~15–17 | ~3–4 | ~5–6 h | $249 |
| 5 | ALLPOWERS S300 Plus | 288 | ~8.8 lb | 300 (600 surge) | ~3–4 h (est.) | ~22–24 | ~4–5 | ~8–9 h | $209 |
*Assumptions for estimates: phone ~12 Wh; laptop ~50–60 Wh; CPAP ~30 W continuous; ~15% conversion losses.
Mid‑Range Tier
| Rank | Product | Capacity (Wh) | Weight | AC Out (W) | 0–100% AC | Phone Charges* | Laptop Charges* | CPAP (30 W)* | Typical MSRP (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rocksolar Utility 300 | 333 | ~8.3 lb | 300 | ~7–8 h | ~26–28 | ~5–6 | ~10–11 h | $259 |
| 2 | Jackery Explorer 240 | 240 | ~6.6 lb | 200 | ~5.5 h | ~18–20 | ~3–4 | ~6–7 h | $219 |
Budget Tier
| Rank | Product | Capacity (Wh) | Weight | AC Out (W) | 0–100% AC | Phone Charges* | Laptop Charges* | CPAP (30 W)* | Typical MSRP (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jackery Explorer 160 | 167 | ~3.97 lb | 100 | ~5 h | ~12–14 | ~2–3 | ~4–5 h | $169 |
| 2 | Rocksolar Weekender RS81 | 88 | ~1.9 lb | 80 (120 surge) | ~4–6 h (est.) | ~5–7 | ~1 | ~2–3 h | $139 |
| 3 | ALLPOWERS S200 | 154 | ~2.9–3.0 lb | 200 | ~4–6 h (AC only)* | ~11–12 | ~2–3 | ~4–5 h | $159 |
*S200 can charge faster if you combine the included adapter with USB‑C PD input; AC‑only time shown here.
Detailed Product Reviews — Ultra‑Portable
1. EcoFlow River 2
Overview:
256 Wh LiFePO₄ station that fully recharges on AC in about 60 minutes—exceptionally fast for true backpackable weight.
Pros
- ~1 h AC recharge (class‑leading)
- Reliable app control; clean LCD with input/output/time‑to‑empty
- LiFePO₄ chemistry (long cycle life)
Cons
- Fewer AC outlets than larger units
Best For
Hikers and minimalist campers who need quick top‑ups between activities.
Why It’s Ranked Here
Fastest AC recharge and credible runtime estimates for phones/laptops make it highly “usable” on real trips.
2. Jackery Explorer 300 Plus
Overview:
288 Wh LiFePO₄ with clear, published “what it can run” examples; ~2 h AC recharge and strong USB‑C PD.
Pros
- Published device runtimes aid planning
- 3000‑cycle LiFePO₄; compact footprint
Cons
- Heavier than River 2
Best For
Owners who prefer manufacturer‑published guidance on runtimes.
Why It’s Ranked Here
Transparent real‑world guidance + cycle life at a fair price.
3. Anker 521 PowerHouse
Overview:
256 Wh with 200 W AC inverter and 5‑year warranty, focused on longevity and everyday reliability.
Pros
- Long claimed service life and robust warranty
- Simple, dependable port mix
Cons
- Slower AC recharge than River 2; lower AC wattage
Best For
Buyers prioritizing warranty and durability over peak output.
Why It’s Ranked Here
Great longevity/warranty story in a still‑portable package.
4. BLUETTI AC2A
Overview:
204.8 Wh LFP unit with 300 W inverter and sub‑8 lb carry; very quick top‑ups for day‑trip use.
Pros
- ~1.5 h AC full charge (fast for this class)
- LFP chemistry; compact shell
Cons
- Lower capacity than 256–288 Wh peers
Best For
Fast turn‑around between short outings.
Why It’s Ranked Here
Excellent portability and speed make up for smaller capacity.
5. ALLPOWERS S300 Plus
Overview:
288 Wh, 300 W pure sine AC inverter at a value price; wireless charging pad convenience.
Pros
- Clear spec disclosure; competitive outputs
- Handy wireless charge pad
Cons
- Heavier than marketing blurbs suggest
Best For
Value‑focused buyers who still want 300 W AC.
Why It’s Ranked Here
Useful features and decent capacity per dollar.
Comparative Analysis — Ultra‑Portable
| Product | Chem. | Cycles (claimed) | Capacity (Wh) | Weight | AC Out | AC Full‑Charge | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoFlow River 2 | LFP | ~3000+ | 256 | ~7.7 lb | 300W | ~1 h | Fastest AC recharge |
| Jackery Explorer 300 Plus | LFP | 3000–4000 | 288 | ~8.27 lb | 300W | ~2 h | Published device examples |
| Anker 521 PowerHouse | LFP | “10‑yr lifespan” | 256 | ~9.57 lb | 200W | ~3–4 h (est.) | 5‑yr warranty |
| BLUETTI AC2A | LFP | n/a | 204.8 | ~7.9 lb | 300W (600 surge) | ~1.5 h | Very fast turn‑around |
| ALLPOWERS S300 Plus | (not stated) | n/a | 288 | ~8.8 lb | 300W (600 surge) | ~3–4 h (est.) | Wireless pad, value price |
Buying Guide (Ultra‑Portable)
- If you hike: keep weight ≤ 8 lb; prioritize 1–2 h AC recharge.
- If you film/shoot: USB‑C PD for laptops/cameras beats extra AC outlets.
- If you use CPAP: check actual draw (with/without humidifier); target ≥ 300 Wh or carry solar.
Verdict & Recommendations (Ultra‑Portable)
- Best Overall — EcoFlow River 2
- Best Value — Jackery Explorer 300 Plus
- Best Warranty/Long Life — Anker 521 PowerHouse
- Best Fast‑Charge Ultralight — BLUETTI AC2A
- Best Budget 300 W AC — ALLPOWERS S300 Plus
FAQ (Ultra‑Portable)
- Will these run a CPAP all night?
Many will, but confirm your CPAP’s watt draw and disable humidifier/heated hose to extend runtime. - Is LiFePO₄ worth it at this size?
Yes, cycle life and safety are better; the small weight penalty is usually acceptable.
