EcoFlow River 2 - Unleashing Portable Power and Convenience
Rating: ★★★★ (4/4)
Main Features
- 256Wh LFP battery
- Up to 300 W power output
- X-Boost supports appliances up to 600 W
- Solar panel compatible
- Fully charged in 1 hour
- Outputs: AC / USB Type-A & C / Car charger
- Bluetooth / WiFi connection
- 5 year warranty
Design and Build Quality
The River 2 boasts a modern and minimalist design that's both appealing and functional. Its compact, yet highly rugged form factor is a standout feature, allowing for easy transportation and storage. The durable build quality enables it to withstand the rigours of outdoor adventures and emergency situations. In addition to this, the River 2 comes with a 5 year warranty and is the first portable power station to gain the illustrious TUV Rheinland safety certification. It doesn't get much better than that!
Power Output
EcoFlow has clearly prioritised performance in the River 2. With a small yet capable 300W AC inverter, which can output 600w with X-Boost enabled. This diminutive power station can handle a wide variety of devices, from smart phones and tablets, to portable fridges thanks to an array of output options, including USB-A, USB-C, AC outlets, and DC ports, that ensure compatibility with virtually any device you'd need to power during your weekend adventures.
Battery Capacity and Charging
Equipped with a substantial 256Wh battery, the River 2 can keep your devices running for extended periods. The unit can be powered through multiple methods including solar panels, 230v wall outlets, or 12v car ports. In fact, you can recharge this beast in around 1 hour, which is up to 5x faster than most other portable power stations. This flexibility is fantastic for prolonged excursions or emergency scenarios where power sources might be scarce.
Furthermore the River 2 utilises the latest LFP battery chemistry which is not only safe and efficient, but can be recharged over 3000 times before its capacity is diminished. Thats over 10 years of use, and 6x that of the industry standard.
User-Friendly Interface
The intuitive LCD screen provides real-time information about power usage, battery levels, and input/output wattage. This makes it easy for users to monitor and remotely manage their energy consumption effectively using the built in Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity. The user interface, coupled with the EcoFlow mobile app, offers a seamless experience for controlling and optimising the device remotely.
Quiet Operation
One of the noteworthy qualities of the River 2 is its near-silent operation. Yes, the thing still produces noise when being charged by AC, or while the inverter is running, but unlike traditional gas generators that produce loud noise and emissions, this power station offers a quiet and environmentally-friendly alternative.
Portability
Weighing in at around 3.5kg, the EcoFlow River 2 is relatively lightweight considering its power capacity. This makes it highly portable, especially if you are just moving it around the house. You certainly wouldn’t want to take it on a hike, but if unloading your kit from a car, you aren't gonna struggle.
Included Accessories
The River 2 comes with practically everything you need to get started including an AC kettle lead, car charger, and quick start guide. Unfortunately it does lack a solar charge cable, but they are included as standard with EcoFlows portable panels. Alternatively, if you want to connect a 3rd party solar panel, you will need to purchase an XT60 to MC4 lead.
EcoFlow River 2 Final Verdict
The EcoFlow River 2 is undoubtedly a remarkable portable power station that offers a blend of power, versatility, and convenience. Whether you're an avid camper, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone preparing for emergencies, the River 2's capabilities are hard to ignore. While it comes at a premium, its performance, features, and reliability justify the investment for those seeking a high-quality portable power solution.
The River 2 comes unanimously recommended by UKSN. Because of this, we have awarded the River 2 our Platinum Tried and Tested Award.
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Recommended EcoFlow Accessories
You have decided you want one, but what extras should you buy? Never fear, we got you!
Firstly we recommend the EcoFlow 110w Portable Panel. This beauty is highly portable and will allow you to generate power indefinitely.
If you plan on keeping the solar panel outdoors permanently, why not opt for the MC4 Extension Cable, plus the Super Flat MC4 Cable? This will allow you to run the wire under a door, or through a closed window, negating the need to butcher your house with a drill.
To help you perfectly position your solar panels, EcoFlow sell a fantastic Solar Angle Guide. This little gadget will help you optimise you energy production and definitely comes recommended for solar newbies.
Finally, if you want to protect the River during travels, we advise purchasing the EcoFlow River 2 Bag!
Try Before You Buy
If you are interested in trying one out for yourself, we always have them available to demo at UKSN camps and events. Just enquire with the event organiser.
Will you be grabbing an EcoFlow River 2? What portable power solutions do you already use? Let us know in the comment section below!
