For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been enjoying the just-released River 3 portable power station, EcoFlow’s newest and lightest power pack that really delivers. It’s as small as a projector, but oh, so valuable when out in the field.
As a photographer, I love the convenience of having the River 3 for off-grid power whenever I travel for a photoshoot. While flying my drone or shooting with my digital camera, I can have each of the two different chargers plus my remote controller plugged in and return to freshly charged batteries.
This super fast charging power bank has a mere 1-hour recharge time. I can recharge the River 3 while at lunch, and it’s ready again after lunch for a second afternoon-long shoot.
It’s also the ideal outdoor power supply for those shoots where I need extra light. I have a couple of high-intensity 80-watt, three-head LED fixtures that really light up an area. Now I can forget those couple hundred-foot extension cords I used to use to get the light where I want it. I just plug the light into the River 3 and have hours of nighttime illumination.
Using it out in the field? This thing is really rugged. It’s waterproof enough (IP54) to resist an occasional spill, splash or rainfall. It’s heatproof enough to withstand direct sun in the hottest desert. And oops proof for a fall from a table or tailgate (UN38.3 certified).
The front face of the unit has multiple options to charge your devices:
One 12-v circular outlet, two USB-A outlets, one USB-C outlet, one two-prong 110v outlet and one three-prong 110V outlet. It’s rated with a 245Wh capacity / 300W output with 600W X-Boost.
The unit’s right side has two charging outlets: a 110v cord or a multi-purpose cord for 12v car charging or a 45W solar panel.
Kudos to the EcoFlow engineers who designed the River 3, so you don’t need a large power brick to recharge the battery. A standard computer-style cord is all you need, and you can plug it in anywhere. No more power bricks to get lost – WHOOPEE!
Reasons you might want one for yourself or your family
Scenario one – play
Run a small portable compressor to pump up beach toys and air mattresses. Run a small fan to keep cool. Plug in an LED lamp to light up a campground. Power a mini-fridge with drinks for the whole gang. Plug in a DVD player and projector for movie night in the backyard.
Scenario two – work
Take your work to the park or the beach or the mountain top and be able to recharge your computer, your phone, and an MP3 player. Recharge batteries for your power tools without having to go back inside. Or, plug in any number of your 12-volt devices with an adapter.
Scenario three – leisure
Take one of those countertop icemakers out to the pool, and your drinks will always be cold, no matter how far you are from the house. Run a mini-crock pot for up to three hours to keep your chili hot. Or light up your Halloween decorations with these LED black lights.
Scenario four – emergency
When the power goes out, most people think of being able to recharge their phones, which this can do – multiple times. But what about those who need a CPAP machine to sleep, or a humidifier to help a baby sleep? It’ll do that as well.
Need more reasons? How about these:
- Compact and portable design – 33% smaller than competitors with same capacity
- Extended runtime for low-wattage devices (<100W)
- Fast charging capabilities – can charge to 100% in 1 hour – THIS IS HUGE
- Multiple charging options – AC, solar, car, generator
- Quiet operation – place it anywhere, it won’t interfere with conversation
- Affordable price point compared to other EcoFlow models
- Lightweight power station – at under 8#, even a child can carry it
- GaN technology for improved efficiency
- Ideal for apartments and small spaces
Whatever your portable compact power needs, EcoFlow has reduced the size and the price of the River Series while upgrading its performance over prior models. Check out all the River 3 series here: https://www.ecoflow.com/us/river-3-series-portable-power-station .
