Off Grid Camping with Midland’s PPG1000 Portable Battery

 

Recently, I was given the opportunity to test Midland Radio’s latest and greatest product. And it isn’t even a radio! Although we utilize the Midland MXT275 Micromobile in the Tundra, the MXT400 in the FJ as well as their T290 X-Talkers for communications, this product is new territory for the radio manufacturer. A portable Lithium-Ion battery that packs big power, light weight and ultimate durability. Perfectly suited for our Overland trip out west. I’m talking about the new PPG1000.

As Overland travel continues to grow, bringing more off-the-grid products to market, we’re seeing rapid improvements and developments in a lot of products. One such product is portable batteries. Large selection, many sizes and constantly improving capacities and weights. For the past few years, a portable AGM Lead-Acid battery has been the go-to while Overlanding. With the introduction of portable Lithium-Ion batteries, I was excited to see what the difference was. If they really lived up to all the hype.

Midland PPG1000 Video Review

Enclosed in a fully waterproof durable latching case, the PPG1000 is easily transported while on the go. And rated waterproof in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes. With its huge 924Wh capacity, it’s hard to believe it only weighs 28.6 lbs. Which is a far cry from my current 396Wh AGM unit that weighs 29lbs. Basically the same weight but with 60% more capacity. I’m starting to see the discrepancy between Lead Acid and Lithium-Ion cells.

Upon opening the PPG1000, a neatly organized and easy to use control panel presents itself. Large, high quality tactile buttons control On/Off, AC power and an awesome little LED light built into the lid for nighttime ops. Two GFCI AC outlets are located on the left side. A single 12V DC output is located on the right. And two centrally located 5V USB and 20V USB-C outputs allow use of just about anything you can think of packing. We ran our Hard Korr LED tent light on the 12v, charged the drone batteries with AC power and charged both phones, iPads and action cameras with the 4 USB outputs simultaneously.

Powerful and Practical

Included with the PPG1000 is an AC charger as well as a 12v DC charger adapter. We left home with a full charge from the AC charger. Topped it off occasionally while on the road with the 12v adapter. And never dropped below 50% capacity. Unfortunately, the charging inputs are also located on the control panel so the lid must be open when charging. Which became a bit awkward while driving over rough terrain using the 12v adapter.

Midland Engineers used all available space in the PPG1000. The lid houses a separate partitioned compartment dedicated for storing both AC and 12v adapters. Along with any additional phone or camera cords you may need down the road. Centrally located in the top of the lid is a built-in LED that casts a bright work light on the control panel and surrounding area. This came in handy after dinner when we finally had time to plug our assortment of electrical devices into the PPG1000 before bed.

Although the goal of Overlanding for us is to find remote and beautiful places to spend time together. We still have basic electrical requirements. Having the ability to keep our devices running and charged may not be a priority for some. But we like to document our travels so camera gear, drones and laptops become necessary items to achieve these goals. An easy to use, durable, waterproof and dust proof battery is a key item to make this a reality. But it doesn’t come cheap. Although Lithium Ion batteries are far lighter, smaller and have more capacity, they are a financial commitment.

Midland PPG1000 Features:

• Weight: 28.6 lbs.
• Dimensions D 14.1 x W 11.5 x H 7.6
• 1,000W Pure Sine Wave Invertor
• 924Wh battery capacity
• Rechargeable Li-Ion battery
• Two GFCI AC outputs
• 12V DC output
• Two 5V USB output
• Two 20V USB C outputs
• No fuel needed
• IP67 Waterproof
• Charges through AC wall outlet, 12V car outlet or optional solar panel (sold separately)
• Silent operation, no motor
• Power cables included
• Power indicator
• Easy-to-use instructions
• Heavy duty plastic external shell
• MSRP $999.99

Final Thoughts:

After a solid 2 weeks using the PPG1000 from Midland Radio, I had zero complaints with the performance of the battery itself. It has a huge capacity considering it’s size and weight compared to a comparable Lead Acid battery. It handled all we could throw at it from a charging standpoint. The water tight hard case makes it easily portable with a comfortable handle. Protecting it from the desert dust and the bumps along the ride. But it’s also that same case that presents one notable concession. The requirement for the lid to be open while charging. That aside, I was really pleased with the overall design and usefulness of this portable battery. And it’s something anyone should consider for Overland travel and off-the-grid living.