portable power pack recommendations

[usurpedus]

some time ago I saw a thread here about power packs.. does anyone have recommendations for ones they've used?

looking for the type that can run small appliances..

[winger]

I have a duracell power pack that is recharged by a solar cell (i think 30w). It is costly (400$) for both. it takes 6-8 hours to recharge on a mild sunny day.. It has three power outlets. This sounds good but i think it is only for small items. It will run two 4" fans for 4 hours. They must be .3w. it will not last long for things like blenders. Any solar power packs that will power up anything significant will be very costly.

[Savannah]

Here are two threads to get you started. I found them by googling inverter eplaya. You might try some other combos if you like.

gonna buy a deep cycle battery & inverter. Recommendations?
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=45886

batteries, inverters, and power math for the masochistic
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=41699

Check the online retailers for reviews, but try to buy one in your hometown from an auto store or other large place with a good return policy. The well-rated powerpack brands are (apparently) quite good, but they have to be charged fully every 30 days or so, and should not go too long from time of manufacture to first charge, or they fail. Online site reviews suggest that trying to return a bad powerback purchased online is almost always a HUGE pain in the tail.