That’s a massive benefit in a grid-down scenario.
What’s Included in the Biolite Emergency Kit Bundle?
Let’s start with a broad overview of what’s in the bundle.
In this case, that’s 1521Wh to be precise.
Also in the bundle are three AlpenGlow lanterns, and these are named after their lumens output.
You get two of the smaller 250-lumen models, and one of the 500-lumen models.
Otherwise, the running time and features are the same.
That’s more than enough for more directed work.
Finally, you get a smaller portable battery: the Charge 80 PD.
Of course, there’s a cost-benefit to buying in a bundle.
In this case, it’s to the tune of saving $210 over buying each component individually.
A single tap of the button takes you to the last mode used; easy enough so far.
If you press again within two seconds, you’ll cycle through to the next mode.
In addition, each of those modes has an alternative mode accessed via a motion sensor.
Shake the AlpenGlow up and down to activate those.
Pure white can swap between full on or one side only.
Warm white can change to dim flickering candlelight.
Single color can change to color cycling.
While multicolor mode can change to a fireworks-style “party mode” (their words, not mine).
On top of that, pure and warm white modes feature brightness adjustment.
In single-color mode, however, holding down changes the color instead.
All that from a single button!
The AlpenGlow lanterns are really handy to keep around and surprisingly bright.
I don’t think you’ll even need to use them at full brightness most of the time.
The multicolor modes are a bit gimmicky, and very subtle.
I would have liked to see USB-C charging instead.
Of course, I can’t judge the longevity of this fabric strap.
You have white, red, white strobe, and red strobe.
and features an additional rear safety light.
Each of those groups has its own control button.
Also for output, there’s a handy 10W wireless Qi charger on top.
That cuts the total charge time down to around 8 hours.
Output and Usage
The BaseCharge 1500 is rated for 1200W continuous output with 2400W surge.
That’s a little underrated compared to what I’d normally expect.
Generally speaking, most portable batteries can do continuous output at least the same as their watt-hour capacity.
It’s not a huge flaw though.
Once you get over 1000W, appliances start to draw more like 2000-3000W.
That was more than enough for me to cook some bacon and egg sandwiched for lunch.
It just won’t run higher power appliances, such as those with a heating element or large motor.
It will, however, easily run a laptop and four smartphones.
You could max out all the USB ports and be nowhere near capacity.
Only once you start using higher-powered AC devices will you hit that limit.
So, a 100W rig will last 1500Wh/100W or 15 hours.
You should also take off roughly 10% for conversion inefficiencies.
So there’s a lot you could do with 1500Wh.
However, the 18W limit on USB-C PD is a little disappointing.
Many PD ports will go to 100W (such as the one on the BaseCharge unit).
The discrepancy with the cabling is an odd choice.
The PD charger uses USB-C to recharge, while the lighting bits use Micro USB.
In a grid-down scenario, it’s important to have some way to replenish the battery.
So it’s only suitable for recharging from smaller portable panels rather than a larger static panel.
I also wish the BaseCharge unit itself had a light system built-in.
If I were looking for 20000mAh smartphone backup battery, I wouldn’t recommend it.
Should You Buy the Biolite Emergency Kit?
As an overall package, the value you’ll get from the kit is remarkable.
That’s really what you want from something designed for emergencies.
My favorite part of the package is actually the lanterns.
Who said the apocalypse can’t be fabulous.
The biggest expense of the package, the BaseCharge 1500, is strictly for emergency use.
Keep it charged, top it up every six months, and keep it on the shelf until needed.
