Black & Decker Electromate 400
I purchased this unit in May 2010 for $115 and it has provided immense value to this day.
Currently with battery technology there may be a higher quality unit on the market, but as of now I would not hesitate to purchase another Black & Decker Electromate 400 based on the features, price and reliability.
Top Features include:
- Jumper cables
- 400 watts of AC power
- 12V outlet
- Air Compressor
- LED work-light
- Charges either via 12V or standard outlet with any extension cord
The combination of an automatic vehicle and the remote nature of overland travel led to the need of a booster pack. If somehow the car battery dies chances are there isn't someone near by to give you a jump.
That being said I have only had to jump start the Jeep once, but it has come in handy too many times to count.
I use it to keep laptops, cell phones, iPads, and any other electronic device I have charged while out on a trip. It's also handy to power portable speakers, or give a small amount of light to the camp table.
For winter camping in the Sierras the nighttime temperatures can drop well below freezing. The combination of the Electromate a 12V electric blanket and zero degree sleeping bags leads to a cozy nights sleep.
Outside of camping the unit is much easier to use to jump start someone's car than hooking up jumper cables, or to top off a low tire with the compressor. The compressor is noisy and slow, so I would not recommend use outside topping off or emergencies. A full size off road tire that's flat would take a long time to fill.
I've also been stuck at home during a storm and the power goes out. 400 watts is enough juice to power a modem, router, laptop and a few lights. This way you can be the only house on the block watching Netflix during the landing of the next hurricane.
Once you own one of these you will be surprised at how much you use it, and enjoy the easy access to convenient portable power.
That being said there are some limitations. 400 watts while sufficient for many tasks is should not be overestimated. This pack will not power your home refrigerator during a power outage, and will also not provide endless power at peak output.
To calculate your usage the formula for watts is:
Amps x Volts = Watts
The AC voltage is 120 so depending if your TV, coffee maker etc. only lists that it's 2.1 Amps you can calculate that it's 252 Watts and that the Electromate can power it.
I've found that 400 Watts goes a long way in providing essential recharging for cell phones and light for a single room. When the battery finally dies on the unit I'll be replacing it with a new one. The batteries are easily purchased online.