Can you love and hate things the same way? That’s me and Free 1 backpack from Bluetti. For just $349, you get a large 42L backpack and a slim 268.8Wh solar generator built around a long-lasting LFP battery battery that can be charged through a connected solar panel up to 200W. It has two USB-A and two 100W USB-C ports, which contains a 300W AC Jack that is powered throughout the weekdays, such as the Starlink Terminal, such as the Starlink Terminal.
I’ve been traveling in Europe for a few weeks. On one hand, I like that I can store all my gear in a giant bag, including my DSLR camera, lens, Starlink minia drone and controller, action camera and accessories, laptop, 45W Ecoflow solar panels, and a relatively huge power station that was able to charge my MacBook Pro about three times.
On the other hand, it’s an ugly, tired backpack that looks like it was designed by an electrical engineer dabbling into the pipeline. Although it weighs very high 5kg/11 pounds before joining any of my gear, its cruel construction lacks even an ounce of trick.
But even if it only works for short distances due to the weight, it is possible to have something to say for being able to power my back and carry the entire remote office.
Bluetti makes bigger, heavier, Free 2 Kit with 60-liter backpack, 512WH solar generator and 700W AC output. I didn’t review that because I wasn’t crazy.
Both backpacks are covered with zippered pockets and Molle belts, and can attach almost anything, including solar panels, if you are desperate to use power on the way. There is even a conical cone form paired with shoulder straps. The camera gear should have been stored in a large central section, which contains foam dividers that can be modified around a variety of pre-ordered Velcro attachment points. The bag is only splash-proof, but Bluetti throws it in the rain.
The exhaust panels on both sides of the bag can be pulled back to reveal all the inputs and outputs of the solar generator. It’s a nice feeling – the large battery definitely doesn’t need to leave the bag. Port activity can also be managed and monitored via Bluetooth via the Bluetti application.
The bag has a load of up to 30 kg (66 lbs). Currently, I’ve left the grid so I can’t weigh my all inclusive, but the damn distance is very close. Fortunately, everything on the backpack is adjustable, so you can dial the preferred weight distribution for your shoulders, chest, and hips. But the gears extend far behind, so that walking with a bag full of bags requires a significant forward tilt to offset the swing effect.
Look, I hate the aesthetics of this Bluetti backpack, but I can’t deny its functional appeal. This may be a boon for photographers or remote workers who need to stay motivated and connected while spending their day in the wild. Being a mobile workstation is like an evil twin Peak Design’s new roller professionalonly Bluetti removes the wheels and throws them into the solar generator for less money.
You can buy Just a 42L backpack, priced at $169 If you have never read this review, or get the complete Bluetti free 1 set of kit with a backpack, battery and Bluetti’s 60W solar panel $399.
Photography by Thomas Ricker
