Travel & Backup Power
Portable power stations, rooftop cargo boxes, carry-on and checked luggage, dash cams and jump starters for people preparing a car, a trip or the next outage.
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Buying guides
Each names a best overall, budget and premium pick and says who should skip each.
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Portable Power Stations
- Best overall EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station (1024Wh)
- Best budget EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station (286Wh)
- Best premium Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station (2042Wh)
- Best for fast charging Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station (1024Wh)
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12V Portable Fridges for Car Camping
- Best overall Dometic CFX5 45 Electric Cooler
- Best budget BougeRV 23 Quart 12V Portable Refrigerator (CR22)
- Best premium Dometic CFX5 55IM Electric Cooler with Ice Maker
- Best dual-zone Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 58L Electric Cooler
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Carry-On Luggage
- Best overall Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-On Spinner (21-Inch)
- Best budget Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Expandable Carry-On Spinner
- Best premium Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Expandable Carry-On Spinner
- Best for airline weight limits Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-Inch Softside Expandable Carry-On Spinner
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Checked Luggage and Luggage Sets
- Best overall Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Large Spinner (28-Inch)
- Best budget SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Large Checked Spinner (29-Inch)
- Best premium Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-Inch Large Check-In Expandable Spinner
- Best for families Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable 2-Piece Set (Carry-On and Large)
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Travel Backpacks for Carry-On Only Trips
- Best overall Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
- Best budget Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack
- Best premium Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
- Best for all-day carrying Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack (2026)
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Dash Cams
- Best overall VIOFO A229 Pro 2CH 4K + 2K HDR Dash Cam
- Best budget Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3
- Best premium VIOFO A329S 2CH 4K 60fps + 2K HDR Dash Cam
- Best for rideshare Vantrue N4 Pro S 4K 3-Channel Dash Cam
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Portable Jump Starters
- Best overall NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000A UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter
- Best budget GOOLOO GT4000S 4000A SuperSafe Jump Starter
- Best premium NOCO Boost HD GB70 2000A UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter
- Best for trucks and SUVs HULKMAN Alpha85 2000A Smart Jump Starter
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Rooftop Cargo Boxes
- Best overall Yakima SkyBox NX 18 Rooftop Cargo Box
- Best budget SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box
- Best premium Thule Motion 3 XL Rooftop Cargo Box (18 cu ft)
- Best for low garages INNO Wedge 660 Rooftop Cargo Box (11 cu ft)
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Portable Solar Panels for Power Stations
- Best overall EcoFlow NextGen 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel
- Best budget Renogy 200W N-Type Portable Solar Panel
- Best premium Jackery SolarSaga 200W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel
- Best for van and RV roofs BougeRV Arch 2.0 200W N-Type Flexible Solar Panel
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Portable Tire Inflators
- Best overall Fanttik X8 Apex Cordless Tire Inflator
- Best budget AstroAI AIRUN H 12V Tire Inflator
- Best premium DeWalt 20V MAX Corded/Cordless Air Inflator DCC020IB (Tool Only)
- Best for trucks and SUVs VIAIR EVC88P Every Vehicle Carry 88P Digital Portable Compressor
The top pick from every guide
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Best overall · 12V Portable Fridges for Car Camping
Dometic CFX5 45 Electric Cooler
Check price on Amazon(paid link) for Dometic CFX5 45 Electric Cooler (opens in a new tab) -
Best overall · Carry-On Luggage
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-On Spinner (21-Inch)
Check price on Amazon(paid link) for Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-On Spinner (21-Inch) (opens in a new tab) -
Best overall · Checked Luggage and Luggage Sets
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Large Spinner (28-Inch)
Check price on Amazon(paid link) for Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Large Spinner (28-Inch) (opens in a new tab) -
Best overall · Travel Backpacks for Carry-On Only Trips
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
Check price on Amazon(paid link) for Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack (opens in a new tab) -
Best overall · Dash Cams
VIOFO A229 Pro 2CH 4K + 2K HDR Dash Cam
Check price on Amazon(paid link) for VIOFO A229 Pro 2CH 4K + 2K HDR Dash Cam (opens in a new tab) -
Best overall · Portable Jump Starters
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000A UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter
Check price on Amazon(paid link) for NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000A UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter (opens in a new tab) -
Best overall · Rooftop Cargo Boxes
Yakima SkyBox NX 18 Rooftop Cargo Box
Check price on Amazon(paid link) for Yakima SkyBox NX 18 Rooftop Cargo Box (opens in a new tab) -
Best overall · Portable Solar Panels for Power Stations
EcoFlow NextGen 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel
Check price on Amazon(paid link) for EcoFlow NextGen 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel (opens in a new tab) -
Best overall · Portable Tire Inflators
Fanttik X8 Apex Cordless Tire Inflator
Check price on Amazon(paid link) for Fanttik X8 Apex Cordless Tire Inflator (opens in a new tab)
Comparisons and explainers
- Head to headEcoFlow Delta 3 Plus vs Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2: Which 1 kWh Power Station Should You Buy?Buy the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus if there is any chance you will add a battery later, if you run solar above 600 W, or if you want the sixth outlet and the sealed battery module.
- Head to headPeak Design 45L vs Osprey Farpoint 40: Organization or Comfort?Buy the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L if you fly with a laptop, tablet or camera, want built-in pockets instead of packing cubes, and like a bag that expands at your destination.
- Head to headThule Motion 3 XL vs Yakima SkyBox NX 18: Which 18 cu ft Cargo Box Fits Your Garage and Skis?Buy the Thule Motion 3 XL if you open the box every weekend, carry skis at 200 cm, or want mounts that tell you when they are tight and a lid that lifts with one hand.
- Head to headTravelpro Maxlite 5 vs Platinum Elite: Is the Step Up Worth It?Buy the Maxlite 5 if you fly airlines that weigh cabin bags, or if you want the lightest bag with a lifetime repair program in the mid price class.
- Head to headViofo A229 Pro vs A329S: Is 4K/60 and SSD Storage Worth the Upgrade?Buy the A229 Pro 2CH if you park in a garage or driveway, drive during the day and want the best night plates for the money; it is the same sensor pair with a simpler accessory story.
- ExplainerHow Many Watt-Hours Do You Need? Sizing a Power Station for a Fridge, CPAP, Camping or an OutageA power station's rated watt-hours are the number on the box, not the number you get out of the outlets.
- ExplainerRooftop Cargo Bag vs Box vs Hitch Carrier: Which to Buy for How Often You TravelThe right cargo carrier depends less on the carrier than on your calendar and your garage: how many trips a year, where it lives in between, and whether the car has crossbars or a hitch.
Every product we cover in Travel & Backup Power
Research-based reviews: who each product is for, who should skip it and how it compares.
Portable power stations 4
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Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station (1024Wh)2,000 W from 24.9 lbCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station (1024Wh) (opens in a new tab)
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EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station (1024Wh)1,024 Wh, up to 5 kWhCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station (1024Wh) (opens in a new tab)
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EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station (286Wh)286 Wh in 10.4 lbCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station (286Wh) (opens in a new tab)
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Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station (2042Wh)2,042 Wh in 39.5 lbCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station (2042Wh) (opens in a new tab)
12V portable fridges 4
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Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 58L Electric CoolerDual-zone, 288 Wh LFPCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 58L Electric Cooler (opens in a new tab)
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BougeRV 23 Quart 12V Portable Refrigerator (CR22)22 L in 21.2 lbCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for BougeRV 23 Quart 12V Portable Refrigerator (CR22) (opens in a new tab)
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Dometic CFX5 45 Electric Cooler6.8 W measured drawCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for Dometic CFX5 45 Electric Cooler (opens in a new tab)
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Dometic CFX5 55IM Electric Cooler with Ice MakerBuilt-in ice makerCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for Dometic CFX5 55IM Electric Cooler with Ice Maker (opens in a new tab)
Carry-on luggage 4
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Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Expandable Carry-On Spinner36 L, double wheelsCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Expandable Carry-On Spinner (opens in a new tab)
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Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-On Spinner (21-Inch)6.5 lb, 10-yr warrantyCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-On Spinner (21-Inch) (opens in a new tab)
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Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-Inch Softside Expandable Carry-On Spinner5.4 lb, lightest hereCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-Inch Softside Expandable Carry-On Spinner (opens in a new tab)
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Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Expandable Carry-On SpinnerOutdoorGearLab 92/100Check price on Amazon(paid link) for Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Expandable Carry-On Spinner (opens in a new tab)
Checked luggage 4
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Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable 2-Piece Set (Carry-On and Large)Carry-on + 28 in largeCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable 2-Piece Set (Carry-On and Large) (opens in a new tab)
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Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Large Spinner (28-Inch)112.5 L at 9.4 lbCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Large Spinner (28-Inch) (opens in a new tab)
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SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Large Checked Spinner (29-Inch)Meets 62-inch ruleCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Large Checked Spinner (29-Inch) (opens in a new tab)
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Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-Inch Large Check-In Expandable SpinnerOutdoorGearLab 91/100Check price on Amazon(paid link) for Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-Inch Large Check-In Expandable Spinner (opens in a new tab)
Backpacks 4
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Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel BackpackBudget 40 L carry-onCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack (opens in a new tab)
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Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack35 L, under 3 lbCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack (opens in a new tab)
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Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack (2026)Framed 40 L carry-onCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack (2026) (opens in a new tab)
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Peak Design Travel Backpack 45LExpands 30 to 45 LCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L (opens in a new tab)
Dash cams 4
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Garmin Dash Cam Mini 330 g, key-fob sizeCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for Garmin Dash Cam Mini 3 (opens in a new tab)
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VIOFO A229 Pro 2CH 4K + 2K HDR Dash Cam4K front, 2K rearCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for VIOFO A229 Pro 2CH 4K + 2K HDR Dash Cam (opens in a new tab)
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VIOFO A329S 2CH 4K 60fps + 2K HDR Dash Cam20 mA parking standbyCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for VIOFO A329S 2CH 4K 60fps + 2K HDR Dash Cam (opens in a new tab)
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Vantrue N4 Pro S 4K 3-Channel Dash Cam3 channels, STARVIS 2Check price on Amazon(paid link) for Vantrue N4 Pro S 4K 3-Channel Dash Cam (opens in a new tab)
Jump starters 4
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GOOLOO GT4000S 4000A SuperSafe Jump StarterGas 12.0L, diesel 10.0LCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for GOOLOO GT4000S 4000A SuperSafe Jump Starter (opens in a new tab)
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HULKMAN Alpha85 2000A Smart Jump StarterGas 8.5L, diesel 6.0LCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for HULKMAN Alpha85 2000A Smart Jump Starter (opens in a new tab)
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NOCO Boost HD GB70 2000A UltraSafe Lithium Jump StarterGas 8.0L, diesel 6.0LCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for NOCO Boost HD GB70 2000A UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter (opens in a new tab)
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NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000A UltraSafe Lithium Jump StarterGas 6.0L, diesel 3.0LCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000A UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter (opens in a new tab)
Rooftop cargo boxes 4
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INNO Wedge 660 Rooftop Cargo Box (11 cu ft)Only 11 in tallCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for INNO Wedge 660 Rooftop Cargo Box (11 cu ft) (opens in a new tab)
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SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box18 cu ft, 63 in longCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box (opens in a new tab)
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Thule Motion 3 XL Rooftop Cargo Box (18 cu ft)18 cu ft, 200 cm skisCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for Thule Motion 3 XL Rooftop Cargo Box (18 cu ft) (opens in a new tab)
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Yakima SkyBox NX 18 Rooftop Cargo Box18 cu ft, 195 cm skisCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for Yakima SkyBox NX 18 Rooftop Cargo Box (opens in a new tab)
Solar panels 4
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BougeRV Arch 2.0 200W N-Type Flexible Solar Panel6.6 lb, bends 270°Check price on Amazon(paid link) for BougeRV Arch 2.0 200W N-Type Flexible Solar Panel (opens in a new tab)
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EcoFlow NextGen 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel193 W measuredCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for EcoFlow NextGen 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel (opens in a new tab)
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Jackery SolarSaga 200W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel171 W at 14.2 lbCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for Jackery SolarSaga 200W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel (opens in a new tab)
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Renogy 200W N-Type Portable Solar Panel177 W measuredCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for Renogy 200W N-Type Portable Solar Panel (opens in a new tab)
Tire inflators 4
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AstroAI AIRUN H 12V Tire Inflator12V plug-in, 100 psiCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for AstroAI AIRUN H 12V Tire Inflator (opens in a new tab)
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DeWalt 20V MAX Corded/Cordless Air Inflator DCC020IB (Tool Only)Runs on 20V, 12V or ACCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for DeWalt 20V MAX Corded/Cordless Air Inflator DCC020IB (Tool Only) (opens in a new tab)
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Fanttik X8 Apex Cordless Tire InflatorCordless, 150 psi maxCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for Fanttik X8 Apex Cordless Tire Inflator (opens in a new tab)
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VIAIR EVC88P Every Vehicle Carry 88P Digital Portable Compressor25-min duty at 30 psiCheck price on Amazon(paid link) for VIAIR EVC88P Every Vehicle Carry 88P Digital Portable Compressor (opens in a new tab)