The Xantrex XPower Powerpack is a powerful portable battery that provides up to 400 watts of power. Ideal for a power outage, a camping trip, or even jump-starting your car. Here’s a closer look.

Technical Details

With two AC outlets and one 12V DC outlet, the Powerpack can run televisions, fans, radios, computers, or printers. As already mentioned, it can be used to jump-start a car, but it also includes an air compressor that can inflate low tires. The Powerpack has a built-in emergency light, as well, making it altogether an excellent cornerstone of a car emergency kit.

The Powerpack comes with jumper cables, nozzle adapters, an AC and DC charger cable, and an accessory bag. It is 10” x 16” x 8” and weighs just under 30 lbs. The Powerpack runs on a non-spillable AGM battery.

Installation and Maintenance

The Powerpack first needs to have its battery charged before it can be used. At home, plug the device right into a wall; in a car, plug it into the cigarette lighter. It’s that simple. Some owners of the Powerpack who use it as an emergency device report that they only need to charge it two to three times per year.

Available Models

In addition to the XPower Powerpack 400, Xantrex also makes a Powerpack 600, which provides 600 watts of energy instead of 400. This model has more AC plugs, along with an AM/FM radio and digital alarm clock.

If you prefer alternative energy, try the Xantrex Powerpack Solar. The solar model is also a 400 watt device, but customers rate it lower than the other two models, mostly because the battery doesn’t stay charged for very long. Furthermore, the solar model takes nearly two full days of sunlight in order to completely charge.

Pros and Cons of the Xantrex Powerpack

The standard Powerpack, the Powerpack 400, gets very high marks from its owners. A few claim that the device only lasted a few months before breaking, but these negative reviews are generally few and far between. Overall, the Powerpack has a solid reputation and a good track record.