Portable power solutions have become essential gear for photographers who work in remote locations or extended outdoor shoots. The EcoFlow TRAIL 300 DC represents a new approach to camping power banks, prioritizing weight savings and DC-only outputs over the bulkier AC-capable units that often weigh 40-50 pounds.
Coming to you from Dustin Abbott, this comprehensive video review explores the EcoFlow TRAIL 300 DC power bank and how it stacks up against competitors like the Anker Solex C300. Abbott tests the unit's real-world performance, finding that despite being 19% lighter than comparable models, it delivers impressive charging capabilities for cameras, phones, laptops, and other essential gear. The 288Wh LFP battery provides the equivalent of 90,000 mAh of power, which translates to roughly 22 camera battery charges or 15-16 phone charges depending on your device. At $159, Abbott argues this represents exceptional value when you consider you'd pay more for nine separate 10,000 mAh power banks to achieve similar capacity.
Abbott's testing reveals some interesting performance characteristics that go beyond the basic specifications. His side-by-side solar charging comparison with the Anker unit showed the EcoFlow consistently drawing 5-10 watts more power under identical conditions, meaning faster charging times when you're relying on solar panels. The unit supports up to 280 W charging when using both USB-C ports simultaneously, though Abbott notes you'll need specialized high-wattage adapters to achieve these speeds. The DC-only design means no AC inverter, but Abbott demonstrates how the dual 140 W USB-C ports can handle everything from DJI cameras to laptops without issue.
Key Specs
- Capacity: 288Wh, 15Ah LFP battery
- Weight: 2.58 kg/5.69 lb
- Dimensions: 167×115×166 mm / 6.57×4.53×6.54 in
- Max Output: 300W DC only
- USB-C Ports: 2x 140W (5/9/12/15V⎓3A, 20/28V⎓5A)
- USB-A Ports: 2x 12W (5V⎓2.4A per port, 24W total)
- DC Car Outlet: 12V⎓10A, 120W max
- Solar Input: 110W max via XT60
- Max Charging: 280W (dual USB-C)
- Battery Cycles: 4,000 cycles (10 years daily use)
- Protection: IP30 rating
- Warranty: 3 years
The review also covers practical camping scenarios, including powering air mattress pumps (up to 54 inflations), camp fans, and emergency lights. Abbott appreciates the bright LCD display that remains readable in sunlight and provides useful information about remaining runtime based on current draw. However, he criticizes EcoFlow for not including any USB-C cables in the box, especially when the unit can output 140 W per port, and notes the lack of built-in camping lights that some competitors offer. The IP30 rating provides drop protection but requires an optional waterproof case for weather resistance, which Abbott sees as a missed opportunity for a camping-focused device. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Abbott.
1 Comment
Products of this type are just a battery in a box. To call them a power bank is just ‘lipstick on a pig’ so to speak. Might be interesting to have the kind of battery identified. Since lightest weight seems to be most desired, one assume these power supplies use lithium batteries. There are more than one kind. So what kind. They also use groups of small cells to create the battery. More cells, more power. An electric car battery will have hundreds of small cells. Your car with it’s lead acid battery has 12 cells. So let’s look at defect rates in manufacturing. When a lithium battery fails in an electric car my local fire chief says dig a hole and shove the car in. Guessing, let’s say a million small cells make enough batteries for 1200 cars. If the error rate in manufacturing was 1%, that’s 12 cars that could be in trouble. If there were a million cars, that error rate would be too high. So maybe you should ask what the defect rate in the lithium battery cells is in these batteries, or if it is known. Or do they even understand what errors could cause battery fires. Now you understand why airlines have recently refused to carry such batteries in the baggage compartments. And if you find that inconvenient, don’t complain, say thank you