RELion Outlaw 1072s Portable Power Station Review: Built for the Campsite
As the portable power station market has gotten increasingly more competitive, it has become more challenging to determine which models are actually worth our time and money. Many of these products share similar specs and look a lot alike, which only adds to the confusion. Worse still, some manufacturers are going out of their way to add gimmicky features in an effort to set themselves apart from the competition, often with dubious results.
If you happen to be in the market for a power station and have found yourself struggling to decide which one to buy, I have just the model for you. The Outlaw 1072s from RELion is a no-nonsense option that delivers all the features you need without any superfluous add-ons. Better still, its over-engineered design ensures that it will survive in the outdoors and perform well even under challenging conditions.
Photo Credit: RELion
Plenty of Clean Energy
RELion is best known for its reliable battery technology used across a variety of applications and industries. The company’s power cells are in products that range from small electric vehicles such as golf carts to industrial floor cleaning machines and lawnmowers. They’re even commonly used as house batteries in RVs, overland vehicles, fishing boats, and sailing ships.
With its years of experience making lithium batteries, producing a power station seems like a no-brainer for RELion. Still, the company took its time with the release of the Outlaw, and it shows. This unit is a little larger and heavier than some of its competitors and has a more utilitarian look too. But it is also made from very high-quality components—including a pair of powerful fans—that ensure the device delivers dependable performance no matter where it is used.
The Outlaw’s onboard battery offers 921.6 watt-hours of power and is paired with a sine wave inverter capable of producing a steady output of 1000 watts and a peak level of up to 2000 watts. What does that mean for real-world use? For starters, it can recharge a laptop 30+ times or a typical smartphone more than 250 times. It will also power a small refrigerator for 12 hours or a lamp for over 200 hours. It can even supply power to an LCD TV, a portable fan, an electric grill, a space heater, and power tools.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
It’s All About the Ports
Technical specs aside, any power station owner will tell you that these devices are only as good as the charging ports that they offer. Fortunately, RELion didn’t skimp in this department, either. The Outlaw comes with three USB-A ports, including one standard and two QC (quick-charging) USB 3.0 plugs. It also has two USB-C PD (power delivery) ports, a 12-volt DC car port, two 12-volt DC barrel plugs, and two 120-volt AC wall ports. All told, that’s enough to power up to ten devices or appliances simultaneously.
At one point, while testing the Outlaw, I had a laptop, tablet, phone, and a powered cooler all plugged in and operating at the same time. The mobile devices and computer all charged quickly and efficiently, while the cooler powered on and rapidly began to lower its temperature to keep several beverages cold. All of this happened without the power station breaking a sweat or even engaging its fans to keep its internal components cool.
Photo Credit: RELion
Recharging the Outlaw
Like most power stations, the Outlaw itself can be recharged in various ways. The unit ships with an inverter that is far and away the most impressive charger I’ve seen included with a device of this kind. While larger than the AC adapters that come with most competing electric generators, it also has built-in features—like a cooling fan and a replaceable fuse—that ensure that it safely operates even in demanding conditions.
The inverter is also very quick to replenish the Outlaw’s battery, taking my test model from near-empty to 80% in less than two hours. Considering the capacity of the power cell, that’s pretty impressive. And despite its size, it is easy to carry the inverter with you on your travels thanks to a handy carrying case that is included with the power station.
That same case also includes a cable for recharging the Outlaw via a solar panel. I connected the device to a 100-watt panel from a competing power station manufacturer, and it worked just as expected. As always with solar, charging times vary depending on cloud conditions, exposure to sunlight, shade, and so on. Still, RELion’s unit worked as quickly and efficiently as most other models I’ve seen, which bodes well for its use at remote campsties and off-grid locations.
In another nice touch, RELion also includes a set of adapter tips for powering devices that use non-standard ports, such as laptops or off-brand electronic devices. This ensures owners can plug just about anything into the Outlaw no matter where they go. Curiously though, the unit doesn’t come with a 12-volt DC car port cable to allow recharging while driving in a vehicle. According to the company’s website, the power station can be charged in this manner, but because this type of port doesn’t provide the recommended 14.4-volt charge level, it is a prolonged process.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Other Specs and Features
Tipping the scales at a shade under 32 pounds, the Outlaw is a bit heavier than similarly-sized power stations from the competition. Much of that is due to the rugged case, oversized fans, and other durable components. When paired with the included inverter, it does make for a bulky package that weighs more than some of the options available from other manufacturers. If you need plan on carrying a power station for a sizeable distance, this one might not be right for you. But moving it around the campsite and in and out of an RV shoudn’t be an issue.
Thankfully, the Outlaw comes with a large handle integrated into the top of its case. This makes it much easier to lug around and is surprisingly comfortable to grip, even with one hand. Despite the built-in handle, the power station maintains a low profile, making it easier to store compared to some other models.
As you would expect, the Outlaw also has a built-in LCD screen that provides the user with helpful information. The device displays current battery levels, charging times, and the amount of power flowing in and out. It also indicates which ports are currently active and in use. And while some competing models offer larger, more colorful displays that provide additional operational data, this is a sufficient level of detail for most users.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
A Worthy Option
Priced at $1,099.95, the Outlaw is competitive with other power stations offering a similar level of performance. And while it might not be as flashy as some of the competition, it doesn’t have a bunch of unnecessary gimmicks either. What you get is a ruggedly-built device that provides reliable power on the go.
The Outlaw’s ability to charge mobile devices and run various appliances at the campsite makes it a compelling option for anyone looking for clean, quiet power for use in and around their RV. The fact that it comes with a battery designed and built by RELion—one of the most dependable brands in this field—sets it above the countless power stations from generic brands that are now flooding the market. This is a model that is built to last, supporting your outdoor adventures for many years to come.
For more information, visit the RELion website.
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