Can you love and hate something equally? Thats the relationship I have with Bluettis Handsfree 1 Backpack. For $349 you get a large 42L backpack and a skinny 268.8Wh solar generator built around long-lasting LFP battery cells that can be recharged by up to 200W of connected solar panels. It features two USB-A and two 100W USB-C ports with a single 300W AC jack to power modest devices like a Starlink terminal for a full work day.Ive been traveling around Europe with it in my van for several weeks. On one hand, I love that I can store all my gear inside a single giant bag, including my DSLR, lenses, Starlink Mini, a drone and controller, action camera and accessories, laptop, a 45W EcoFlow solar panel AND that relatively giant power station capable of recharging my MacBook Pro about three times. On the other hand, its an ugly, overwrought backpack that looks like it was designed by an electrical engineer who dabbles in plumbing. Its brutal construction lacks even an ounce of finesse, despite weighing a very heavy 5kg / 11 pounds before adding any of my gear.But theres something to be said about being able to power and carry an entire remote office setup on my back, even if its only for short distances because of the weight.6Verge Score$349The GoodPowers your entire remote office setupCan be recharged with solar Not too expensiveThe BadUgly and overwroughtRequires a lot of forward lean when fullNo waterproofing$349 at BluettiHow we rate and review productsBluetti makes an even bigger, even heavier, Handsfree 2 kit that features a 60L backpack, 512Wh solar generator, and 700W of AC output. I didnt review that one because Im not insane.Both backpacks are covered in zippered pockets and Molle straps to attach just about anything, including a solar panel if youre desperate for power en route. Theres even a GoPro mount baked right into the shoulder strap. Camera gear is meant to be stowed in the large central section featuring foam dividers that can be shuffled around a variety of pre-defined velcro attachment points. The bag is only splash resistant, however, so Bluetti throws in a rain fly.The shoulder, sternum, and hip straps (with two storage pockets) can all be adjusted to find your ideal fit. Photo by Thomas Ricker / The VergeVented panels on both sides can be folded out of the way to access all the inputs and outputs. Photo by Thomas Ricker / The VergeThe center section of this clamshell backpack is where you store your camera gear. Photo by Thomas Ricker / The VergeThe display washes out in direct sunlight but an app lets your control and monitor all DC and AC ports. Photo by Thomas Ricker / The VergeVented panels on both sides of the bag can be zipped back to reveal all the inputs and outputs of the solar generator. Thats a nice touch that big battery never needs to leave the bag. Port activity can also be managed and monitored over Bluetooth from the Bluetti app.The bag supports loads of up to 30kg (66 pounds). Im off the grid at the moment, so I cant weigh my full pack, but its damn close to the limit. Fortunately, everything on the backpack is adjustable so you can dial in your preferred weight distribution across the shoulders, chest, and hips. But the gear extends so far off the back that walking with a fully-loaded bag requires a significant forward lean to counteract the pendulum effect.1/9Tons of Molle loops for external carry.Look, I hate the aesthetics of this Bluetti backpack but I cant deny its functional appeal. It can be a boon to photographers or remote workers needing to stay powered and connected while spending the day in the field. As a mobile workstation, its like the evil twin of Peak Designs new Roller Pro, only Bluetti removes the wheels and throws in a solar generator for a lot less money.You can buy just the 42L backpack for $169 if you never read this review, or get a complete Bluettis Handsfree 1 kit with the backpack, battery, and Bluettis very portable 60W solar panel for $399.Photography by Thomas Ricker / The VergeSee More: