The Gear: Power to the People

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Photo Credit: Goal Zero

Goal Zero Yeti 4000 Pro

Goal Zero has pushed the portable-power envelope since the Salt Lake City company launched in 2009, but its new 116-pound tank of a power station changes the game. With a whopping 3,600 watts of sustained output (and a 7,200-watt peak surge), the Yeti Pro 4000 can run your house for a day, never mind charging your devices, powering your rig, and permitting cappuccino makers or subwoofers or other extravagances at camp. The 4,000-watt-hour battery pack charges from dead to 80 percent in two hours using AC power—90 minutes using solar. And LiFePO4 power cells mean the thing will last a decade, even with daily use. $3,999.

You Bet Your LifePO4

Compared to lithium ion batteries, new lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) power cells are a little heavier, costlier to make and offer less storage capacity. But they produce higher wattage outputs and have life spans up to three times longer than lithium ion or lead acid. They’re more eco-friendly—thanks to a lack of heavy metals—and less combustible, too.

Alternative Come in Small, Medium, and Large

Photo Credit: Bluetti

Small – Bluetti AC2A

Less than 8 pounds, with 300 watts of power output and 204 watt-hours of capacity. Fast-charging capabilities, six ports, totes anywhere. $199. bluettipower.com

Photo Credit: EcoFlow

Medium – EcoFlow Delta 2

Medium-sized and super versatile: The base model, weighing in at 27 pounds, has an output up to 2,200 watts and a standard capacity of 1,024 watt hours, but add-on batteries can nearly triple that. Fifteen ports—including six AC outlets—plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. $999. ecoflow.com

Photo Credit: Jackery

Large – Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro

Only a little less beefy than Goal Zero’s offering, with a 3,000-watt power output and 3,023-watt-hours capacity. This one has LiFePO4 batteries too, along with smartphone app control, a whole lot of ports, and whisper-quiet charging and cooling. $2,799. jackery.com

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