Travis Ehrlich | Gear Diary

EcoFlow Wave Portable Air Conditioner + Add-On Battery Review: A Surprisingly Versatile Off-Grid Cooling Solution

We’ve reviewed several power products from EcoFlow, including batteries, solar panels, and a Smart Generator. The company has branched out and added a new device that takes advantage of this portable power to keep you cool. The EcoFlow Wave is a 4,000 BTU portable air conditioner sold with or without an add-on battery; with the battery, it is perfect for keeping a smaller space cool, even when the power is out.

Gear Bits

The 1800W EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station Is Now Available

The EcoFlow DELTA 2 is now available for purchase. This new power solution comes with X-Stream technology, which offers charging speeds up to seven times faster than the competition; 0-80% in just 50 minutes from AC input on a battery this large is mind-blowing fast. The LFP batteries will bring ten years of life, and a huge 1800W AC output will run even more of your electronics and appliances, whether you’re going through a power outage at home, spending time in an area that doesn’t have electricity, or just trying to reduce your reliance on the grid.

Reviews, Outdoors

The Good Charcoal Company Review: Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal for Your Next Cook

We have done a lot of cooking on Gear Diary, but we rarely have used charcoal. Sometimes burgers are just better cooked over some hot coals. Last night I fired up the grill using The Good Charcoal Company’s Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal for the first time. How did The Good Charcoal perform?

Reviews, Outdoors

BODEGAcooler Portable Freezer (TWW75) Review: A Portable, Dual Zone, 80-Quart Car Fridge and Freezer

Whether camping, traveling or simply shopping in the city, we often need a way to keep food and drinks cold or frozen. Grocery shopping means a long drive and insulated grocery bags are often insufficient. The BODEGAcooler Portable Freezer (TWW75) 80-quart Dual Zone portable cooler and freezer is the perfect answer for all these situations.

Outdoors, Events, Gear Bits

EcoFlow DELTA 2 Will Impress with Industry Leading Recharging Speeds

We’ve reviewed several products from EcoFlow, with more to come. Today they’ve introduced a new portable power station that promises industry-leading charging speeds. The EcoFlow DELTA 2 is an ideal backup solution and will fit nicely in the brand’s ecosystem. This next edition of the DELTA Portable Power Station looks like an exciting new product.

Outdoors, Gear Bits, Reviews

SoftStartUP for RV First Look: Powerful Surge Protection, Reduced Start-Up Power Demand, and a Connected App for Monitoring Power Usage

We recently told you about SoftStartUp, a power management device for RVs. This innovative product doubles as a surge protector while reducing AC startup power demand by up to 50%. SoftStartUP is a game changer for RV and travel trailer owners struggling with power options to run air conditioners and other appliances.

Gear Bits

Geneverse Launches HomePower PRO Series Solar Generator

With power grid issues across the country, especially with the extreme summer heat, power consumption and backup are important topics. Today, Geneverse has partnered with HGTV’s Chip Wade to introduce the latest and greatest portable solar technology: The HomePower PRO Series.

Reviews

Anker 555 PowerHouse Review: Smaller Form Factor That Packs Plenty of Power

We recently reviewed the Anker 757 PowerHouse, a large 1229Wh portable power station. As you can see in the review, it is an amazing product, but it is a heavy power source that might not always be the best option. The Anker 555 PowerHouse brings some amazing specs in a smaller form factor. Let’s take a look.

Reviews

1800W EcoFlow Smart Generator Review: Keeps Your Batteries Charged

I have spent some time with several EcoFlow products; my home’s backup power bank revolves around the Delta Max and an add-on battery. We have reviewed the 400W solar panel and have the Smart Generator in for testing. The EcoFlow Smart Generator is a gas generator designed for the Delta ecosystem to charge while saving you time and fuel.

Gear Bits

SoftStartUp Provides RV Power Management and Surge Protection from A/C Power Spikes

Power management is a problem that plagues RV users, especially regarding the air conditioner and possible power surges. The A/C spike at start-up is often too much for most small generators, and shore power often cannot handle it. SoftStartUp has been developed to prevent this problem while adding a level of protection against power surges. It is plug-and-play and easy to use.

sausage cooked on the ZGrills Cruiser 200A

Outdoors, Reviews

ZGrills Cruiser 200A Review: Takes Smoking on the Road and Does It Right

We are deep into BBQ season as well as camping season. My family loves to take the camper out, spend a weekend relaxing, and let me cook for them. Taking a pellet smoker on the road wasn’t an easy task until I tried out the ZGrills Cruiser 200A portable pellet grill.

Music Diary, Gear Bits

Metallica x Yousician Will Teach You to Play Guitar Alongside Metallica Greats

For many of my early guitar learning years, I dreamt of being able to play along with Metallica; I would lie on my bed just wishing I could figure it out. After years of working at it, I was able to make that happen, but technology can help players learn the moves much faster. Now, there’s a Metallica x Yousician course.

Reviews, Outdoors

Anker 625 Solar Panel Review: It Keeps the Powerhouse Going

We recently reviewed the Anker 757 PowerHouse, which is their new portable power station. It is packed with features and super high quality. The Anker 625 Solar Panel is a 100W recharging solution that will keep the 757 powered up on the go or in emergencies. We were able to test it out in the hot Texas sun; let’s look at how that went.

Reviews

VTOMAN Jump 1000 Portable Power Station Review: Emergency Power That Will Even Jump-Start Your Car

Portable power station technology has come a long way; large-capacity batteries that can keep appliances and vital medical devices running in a power outage are becoming more common and affordable. The VTOMAN Jump 1000 is one such portable power station; it is packed with features and can even jump-start your vehicle! I’ve reviewed quite a few portable power stations, but this is the first I’ve tried that can also help in an automotive emergency.

Reviews

8″ Vosteed Morgan Chef’s Knife Review: A Kitchen Workhorse!

One of the most underrated kitchen tools is often the knife. Quality knives make so many tasks better while cooking. I prefer an all-around style knife that can slice, dice, chop and cut anything we plan to cook; the 8″ Vosteed Morgan Chef’s Knife has proven to be the workhouse I have been looking for.

Front view of the BBQGuys Victory Pellet Grill

Reviews

BBQ Guys Victory Pellet Grill Review: Perfectly Smoked Summer Meats Await!

BBQ season is finally upon us, and the perfect place to find everything for your outdoor cooking needs is the BBQGuys site. They have everything from grills and smokers to the necessary accessories to make your cooks successful. BBQGuys even has its own line of cookers, including the Victory Pellet Grill that we’ll be looking at today. The Victory Pellet Grill is a 35″ wood pellet grill with a 29-pound hopper. This thing is huge and rugged, and it comes with some excellent features for an affordable price. Let’s dive in!

Gear Bits

EcoFlow Wave Expands Their Ecosystem by Adding a Portable Air Conditioner

I have recently reviewed some EcoFlow products perfect for off-grid living or emergencies; you can read those reviews here and here. The company has expanded its product line with the EcoFlow Wave, a portable, battery-powered air conditioner.

Reviews

Anker 757 PowerHouse Review: Takes Portable Power to the Next Level

Anker is well known for power and charging accessories; we have reviewed many of their products, and we’ve found their build quality and performance to be consistently good. The company has upped the ante by recently releasing the Anker 757 PowerHouse, cementing its place in the large-form power bank space. I’ve got a review unit; let’s check it out.

Reviews, Outdoors

Bluetti EB55 Review: Lightweight Portable Power That’s Perfect for Camping

I have really gotten into portable power sources since our ranch does not have power, and I find myself working out there at least once a week. My needs have grown quite a bit from a simple extra battery to charge my phone, and the Bluetti EB55 is the perfect companion for a camping trip or quick trip without power.

Reviews

ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 OMNI Review: Taking Floor Care to the Future!

The robot vacuum space is full of many options with many features. These devices make the busy lives we live today more convenient, cutting down cleaning times. ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 OMNI is one of the most advanced all-around cleaning systems available; vacuuming and mopping have never been this easy!

Reviews

EcoFlow 400W Solar Panel Review: An Amazing Addition to an Already Amazing Product

I recently reviewed the EcoFlow Delta Max portable power station. The battery system is a true game-changer for anyone needing portable backup power. Without a power source to charge the battery, it becomes somewhat limited. Enter the EcoFlow 400W Solar Panel. This lightweight, robust solar panel keeps the Delta Max powered and ready for action.

Articles by Travis Ehrlich