Three cheers for the copper top: the Duracell PowerPack is essentially a giant Duracell battery, complete with AC, DC, and in some models, USB plug-ins. Although it’s not as green as a solar charger, it’s an incredibly useful device with a wide variety of applications.
The Technical Details
The Duracell PowerPack batteries are rechargeable, gel-based batteries that come in several different models. Rather than a standard lithium battery, the battery is an internally sealed, non-spill 28 amp-hour Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery.
In addition to 120-volt AC plugs and 12-volt DC plugs, they all come standard with lights, perfect if you are stranded on the side of the road at night, using the PowerPack 600 to jump-start your car.
Installation and Maintenance
The Duracell PowerPack can be used after it’s been charging for at least forty hours. As for maintenance, this battery doesn’t do that well when it sits around in storage for long periods of time, so be sure to use it and recharge it on a regular basis.
Available Models
The following Duracell PowerPack comes in four different models, the PowerPack 300, 450, 600, and Jump-Start System.
The smallest unit, the 300, comes with AC and DC outlets; the 450 includes a USB outlet, as well. The 600 doesn’t include a USB outlet, and neither does the Jump-Start System, because these two models are designed less for camping and entertainment, and more for emergency auto situations.
However, all models can be used to jump-start a car, although the 300 will only jump a 4-cylinder engine at most. In other words, if you’re purchasing the PowerPack for road emergencies, get the 600, which can get an 8-cylinder engine running again.
The 300 has a useful, detachable LED flashlight; the other three models have dim incandescent bulbs that are not detachable. The features above represent just a taste of what the different PowerPacks can do.
Pros and Cons
User reviews are very positive for the Duracell PowerPack, with some consumers thanking the Duracell product for coming to the rescue during a road emergency. For camping, too, the Duracell PowerPack is a great way to enjoy the electronic comforts of home while in the great outdoors.
The only major complaint is related to the battery type Duracell chose for the PowerPack. The gel-based battery cells become resistant to recharging over time, especially if they have sat in storage for a long time. As a result, if you buy a PowerPack that has sat for a long time in a warehouse somewhere, the battery could potentially let you down when you need it the most.