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Preparing for a fishing trip requires meticulous planning, balancing the excitement of anticipation and the practicalities of supplies. Power banks offer a reliable source of electricity to keep your electronics charged while off-shore and off-grid. Keep your phone charged, fishfinder operational, and underwater cameras going, whether your fishing trip lasts only a few hours or multiple days.
In this guide, we’ll cover the three best portable power banks to enhance your trip and optimise your chance of reeling in the big catch.
EcoFlow’s Top Power Banks for Fishing
- Best Lightweight Option: EcoFlow RIVER 2
- Best for Small Devices: EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max
- Best for Overnight Use: EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro
Best Lightweight Option: EcoFlow RIVER 2
The EcoFlow River 2 is the most compact and lightweight power bank, but it still provides sufficient energy for short fishing excursions. If you’re heading out on the water on a smaller boat and need to consider space requirements, this is the perfect PPS, weighing only 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg). It’s small enough to fit into your fishing pack, which is convenient to move on and off your boat.
With 256Wh of electrical storage, this power bank can charge necessary electronics. Charge a 200W fishfinder before heading out. Ensure your smartphone or tablet stays charged while utilising essential fishing apps and power smaller GPS units with the EcoFlow River 2 portable bank. With AC, USB-A, USC-C, and DC outlets, the EcoFlow River 2 portable power station can charge various devices.
Recharge this power bank quickly with 110W or lower solar panels, a car adaptor on the way to the fishing location, or AC at home. Easy to pack, with versatile charging ports and easy recharging options, this is the perfect lightweight, compact bank for short-day fishing trips.
Specifications
- Storage Capacity: 256Wh
- AC Output: 300W total (surge 600W)
- Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 11-30V, 8A, 110W Max
- Weight: 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)
- Dimensions: 9.6 x 8.5 x 5.7 in (245 x 214 x 142 mm)
- Operating Noise Level: ~60 decibels
- Charging Options: Solar/AC/Car/USB-C Charging
- Battery Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)
- Depth of Discharge: 100%
- Warranty: 5 years
- App Monitoring and Control?: Yes
Pros
- Its compact size and lightweight design are perfect for smaller boats
- Quickly recharge in a vehicle while travelling to the fishing spot
- The best budget-friendly option of the EcoFlow River 2 Series power bank
Cons
- The smallest AC output of the EcoFlow RIVER Series
Best for Small Devices: EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max
If powering smaller devices is at the top of your needs list, the EcoFlow River 2 Max is the way to go. It weighs only 13.4 pounds (6.1 kg) but offers 512Wh electrical storage capacity. This power bank combines portability and plenty of energy storage to power almost any small appliance without weighing down your boat.
Suppose you’re planning an overnight fishing trip. In that case, the EcoFlow River 2 Max can power necessary lighting and multiple essential devices like the fishfinder, depth sounders, chart plotters, navigation lights, and emergency radios.
You can also plan to eat your catch while off-shore with this portable power station. Power a 1000W frying pan or cooking stove easily and enjoy your freshly caught fish. Quickly recharge the EcoFlow River 2 Max with 160W solar panels for the ultimate solar generator if you plan an off-grid fishing adventure over the weekend. Or recharge it with AC power or recharge it in a car with an adaptor.
Specifications
- Storage Capacity: 512Wh
- AC Output: 500W (Surge 1000W)
- Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 11-50V 13A, 220W Max
- Weight: 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg)
- Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.2 x 7.7 in (270 x 260 x 196mm)
- Operating Noise Level: ~60 decibels
- Charging Options: Solar/AC/Car/USB-C Charging
- Battery Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)
- Depth of Discharge: 100%
- Warranty: 5 years
- App Monitoring and Control?: Yes
Pros
- The perfect balance of portability and power
- Powers several essential fishing devices
- Higher storage capacity than EcoFlow River 2
Cons
- Slightly heavier than EcoFlow River 2
Best for Overnight Use: EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro
The EcoFlow River 2 Pro is the best option for car camping and overnight fishing trips. It can power up to 80% of appliances, from an electrical frying pan to a portable fridge. You can cook your fresh catch or keep it ice cold until you return to shore, or make the meal more enjoyable by bringing along a rice cooker; the EcoFlow River 2 Pro has plenty of battery capacity.
On your off-grid camping adventure, wake up to a charged smartphone and fishing gadgets during peak fishing season. With the EcoFlow River 2 Pro, you won’t have to worry about running out of power with a storage capacity of 768Wh and AC output of 800W.
While this is the largest power bank mentioned, it’s still under 20 pounds. It weighs only 17.8 pounds (7.8 kg), which is still an easily portable weight.
Specifications
- Storage Capacity: 768Wh
- AC Output: 800W total (surge 1600W)
- Solar Charge Capacity (Maximum): 11-50V 13A, 220W Max
- Weight: 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg )
- Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.2 x 8.9 in (270 x 260 x 226 mm)
- Operating Noise Level: ~60 decibels
- Charging Options: Solar/AC/Car/USB-C Charging
- Battery Chemistry: Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)
- Depth of Discharge: 100%
- Warranty: 5 years
- App Monitoring and Control?: Yes
Pros
- Highest battery capacity for overnight and weekend trips
- Largest AC output with 800W total, powering most appliances
- Charge in 70 minutes with 220W solar panel
Cons
- The largest dimensions out of these three
- It won’t easily fit into a rucksack like the EcoFlow River 2
Factors To Consider Before Choosing the Best Fishing Power Bank
Before investing in a power bank for fishing, determining your needs and deciding which specifications and factors will provide you with a successful purchase is essential. Choosing a power bank incompatible with your goals can make the trip unenjoyable and frustrating.
Power Output
Power output refers to how much electrical power the PPS outputs. You’ll want to consider how much power your devices need to turn on and operate, then pick a PPS that outputs greater than or equal amounts of energy.
Look for various output options such as AC and DC outlets, USB ports, and even car sockets to ensure your devices are compatible with the power bank. More so, the outlet’s power ratings should also be compatible – ensuring your devices recharge in a reasonable time.
Battery Capacity
Power output describes the amount of electricity the power bank can output simultaneously, while battery capacity measures how much electricity it can hold. It’s usually calculated and reported in watt-hours (Wh) or kilowatt-hours (kWh). A larger battery capacity means more stored electricity. Consider how many watts your devices need to operate and how long they need to operate.
This factor will dictate how long your battery can last off-grid before needing to be recharged. To make it easy, these EcoFlow power stations can be monitored and controlled with an app so you know how much time electricity you have before you run out.
Portability
The optimal size and weight of the PPS will depend on how you intend to use it. If you plan on taking it on a smaller boat, and size is critical, you must opt for a smaller PPS. Some PPS are small enough to fit into bags conveniently for extreme portability. However, this also means making sacrifices with battery capacity and power output.
Pay attention to physical features on the PPS, such as handles for easy carrying if it has a higher weight and volume. Larger PPS with excellent battery capacity tend to be bulkier, weigh more, and be more challenging to pack.
Overall, you’ll need to examine your goals and strike a balance between easy transport and capacity, making it easy to move around while also powering all your devices.
Charging Options
Traditional charging methods may not be available depending on how you plan to use the power bank. For example, if you’re planning an off-grid fishing weekend, plugging the power bank into a wall outlet to charge won’t be an option.
Charging alternatives like solar panels or DC car adaptors will be crucial to ensure you can recharge the power station. EcoFlow Portable Solar Panels perfectly complement any EcoFlow River Series portable power station to keep a reliable power supply while off-grid.
Be sure to consider charging times for different charging options. Overcast skies can be leveraged for successful fishing trips but not for fast charging with solar panels. Plan accordingly, balancing power requirements with the conditions for a great fishing adventure.
Battery Type
Portable power banks use different types of batteries, such as lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, and lead-acid. Lithium-based batteries are lighter weight, pack more energy, and have a longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries. All EcoFlow River Series power banks are based on lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), a top-of-the-line battery chemistry different from lithium-ion.
Pay attention to the type of battery material the power bank uses to ensure your battery is safe, lightweight, rugged, and has a long lifespan. Batteries based on LiFePO4 can go through thousands of charge and discharge cycles before performance decreases. Lithium-ion is closer to 500 cycles before showing signs of wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any power bank from the EcoFlow River Series is an excellent option for fishing. Determine how much power you need and for how long, and consider if weight and size factor in. The “best” power bank is one that meets all your needs. Consider the EcoFlow River 2 Max, which perfectly balances size and power.
Final Thoughts
As you research and prepare for your next fishing trip, remember the importance of a power bank. Not only do they provide reliable energy to keep any of your fishing gadgets and devices powered, but almost any portable appliance.
The EcoFlow River 2 power bank is the perfect lightweight, compact option for shorter fishing trips, providing 256Wh of battery capacity. The EcoFlow River Max combines compact size with great power and is the best option for powering small devices. The EcoFlow River Pro will keep multiple devices powered with 768Wh capacity for overnight use, whether on the boat or camping riverside.
Shop EcoFlow’s Portable Power Stations to find the perfect power bank for your next fishing excursion.
