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I’ve been testing two of MARBERO’s most popular portable power stations for hiking, and the choice between the PL100 (118Wh, 3.94 lbs) and the PL60A (88.8Wh, 2.27 lbs) comes down to one big question: do you need that built-in telescopic camping light or the lightest possible pack?
If you’re a hiker or backpacker trying to shave ounces off your load, this comparison is for you. The PL60A is nearly half the weight of the PL100, but the PL100 packs more power and that clever telescopic light. Let me break down exactly which one fits your trail style.
π Quick Picks β My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: MARBERO PL100
Bigger 118Wh battery plus a telescopic camping light with magnetic base β Check Price β
Runner-Up: MARBERO PL60A
Ultra-light at 2.27 lbs with a high-lumen flashlight and 2-hour fast recharge β Check Price β
I’ve lined up the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how the MARBERO PL100 and MARBERO PL60A stack up for your next hike.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | MARBERO PL100 118Wh Porta | MARBERO PL60A Portable Po |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | β 32000mAh | 24000mAh |
| Watt Hours | β 118Wh | 88.8Wh |
| Max Power | β 160W | 100W |
| AC Output | β Yes | β Yes |
| USB Output | β Yes | β Yes |
| DC Output | β Yes | β |
| Color | β PL100 100W 118WH | Yellow Green |
| Special Feature | AC, DC, USB Ports, Automactic Shut | AC Outlet, USB Ports, Automatic Shut Down, High L |
| Brand | MARBERO | MARBERO |
| Connector Type | β | β USB Type A, USB Type C |
| Surge Power | β | β 150W |
The PL100’s 118Wh capacity beats the PL60A’s 88.8Wh by a solid margin, but that PL60A weighs just 2.27 lbs β nearly a pound and a half lighter β which is a huge deal on the trail.
Individual Product Breakdown
I took both units out on the trail and tested how they handled charging phones, powering a laptop, and running their built-in lights to see which one earns a spot in your pack.
MARBERO PL100 118Wh Portable Power Station with Telescopic Camping Lights
118.4Wh | 32000mAh | 3.94 lbs | 160W Peak | 6 Output Ports
![MARBERO [FathersDayGifts] 118Wh Portable Power Station with Telescopic Camping Lights for Camping...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/418iesMjqSL.jpg)
- LARGE CAPCITY FOR RELIABLE POWER: With a 118.4Wh / 32000mAh high-capacity...
- TELESCOPIC CAMPING LIGHT WITH MAGNETIC BASE AND STAND: The intergrated LED...
- COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT: Weighing just 3.94 lbs and measuring 8.2'' x...
The PL100 is the clear winner for me because it packs a bigger 118.4Wh battery and that brilliant telescopic camping light with a magnetic base β I stuck it to the side of my car while cooking dinner and it lit up the whole area. At 3.94 lbs it’s not the lightest, but the extra capacity means I can charge my phone 8 times or my tablet 4 times. The only downside is the AC outlet tops out at 100W continuous, so don’t expect to run a mini fridge.
β Pros
- Telescopic LED light with magnetic base and stand β incredibly handy for camping
- Large 118.4Wh / 32000mAh capacity charges a phone up to 8 times
- 6 total output ports including 2 USB-A QC3.0 and 2 USB-C PD3.0 (one at 30W)
- Built-in BMS for overcharge, overvoltage, and short circuit protection
β Cons
- Heavier at 3.94 lbs compared to the PL60A
- AC outlet limited to 100W continuous (160W peak)
MARBERO PL60A Portable Power Station 88.8Wh with Flashlight
88.8Wh | 24000mAh | 2.27 lbs | 150W Surge | 4 Output Ports
- γAviation-Grade Lightweight Β· Travel-Readyγ Weighing only 2.27 lbs...
- γReal AC Outlet Β· 100W Power Outputγ Unlike standard USB battery...
- γ60W PD Two-Way Fast Charging Β· Pass-Throughγ Recharge from 0 to...
The PL60A is my go-to recommendation for ultralight hikers β at just 2.27 lbs it feels like nothing in your backpack, and it recharges from 0 to 100% in only 2 hours via the USB-C PD 60W input. The built-in flashlight with two brightness modes runs for up to 20.7 hours, which is great for tent duty or emergency situations. The trade-off is a smaller 88.8Wh battery and only 4 output ports, so you won’t charge as many devices on a single trip.
β Pros
- Extremely lightweight at only 2.27 lbs β about the weight of a small tablet
- Fast recharge from 0 to 100% in just 2 hours via USB-C PD 60W input
- High-lumen flashlight with two brightness modes lasting up to 20.7 hours
- Supports pass-through charging so you can recharge and power devices at the same time
β Cons
- Smaller 88.8Wh battery capacity compared to the PL100
- Only 4 output ports total, with no DC barrel output for car accessories
Which One Should You Buy?
Look, I’ve spent enough time with both of these to know there’s no universal winner β it really depends on whether you value extra battery life or a lighter pack more. Let me break down exactly who should grab which unit.
MARBERO PL100 118Wh Portable Power Station with Telescopic Camping Lights is right for you if…
- You want the biggest battery for the weight β 118.4Wh powers your phone 8 times and your tablet 4 times on a single charge.
- You need a built-in light source for camp β the telescopic LED with magnetic base sticks to your car or tent pole and frees up your hands.
- You prefer having more port options β 6 total outputs including a DC barrel for car accessories and two USB-C ports.
MARBERO PL60A Portable Power Station 88.8Wh with Flashlight is right for you if…
- Every ounce matters on the trail β at just 2.27 lbs, it’s nearly half the weight of the PL100 and disappears into your pack.
- You need a quick turnaround between hikes β it recharges from 0 to 100% in only 2 hours via USB-C PD 60W.
- You want a reliable emergency light β the high-lumen flashlight runs for up to 20.7 hours on the lower setting.
β Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to run a mini fridge, CPAP machine, or power tools for more than a few minutes, both of these are underpowered. You’d be better off looking at a larger power station with at least 300Wh capacity and a pure sine wave inverter.
For the vast majority of hikers and campers, I’d grab the MARBERO PL100 β the bigger 118.4Wh battery and telescopic light make it the more versatile companion for multi-day trips, and the weight difference isn’t massive unless you’re counting every gram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for hiking, the MARBERO PL100 or PL60A?
For serious hiking where every ounce counts, I’d take the PL60A β it weighs just 2.27 lbs compared to the PL100’s 3.94 lbs, and that difference is huge when you’re climbing trails all day. But if you’re car camping or doing shorter hikes and want more power for charging multiple devices, the PL100’s 118.4Wh battery beats the PL60A’s 88.8Wh hands down.
Is the MARBERO PL100 worth the extra weight over the PL60A?
That depends on what you’re powering. The PL100 gives you 118.4Wh of capacity plus a telescopic camping light with a magnetic base β features the PL60A doesn’t have. But the PL60A recharges from 0 to 100% in just 2 hours, while the PL100 takes longer. I’d say the PL100 is worth it if you need the extra runtime and built-in light; otherwise, save your back and go with the lighter PL60A.
Can the MARBERO PL60A charge a laptop?
Yes, absolutely. The PL60A has a USB-C PD 3.0 port that delivers up to 60W, which is plenty for charging most laptops, including MacBooks and ultrabooks. It also has a 100W continuous AC outlet (150W surge) for laptops that need a wall plug. Just keep in mind the total battery is 88.8Wh, so you’ll get about one full laptop charge before needing to recharge the station.
How long does the telescopic light last on the MARBERO PL100?
MARBERO doesn’t publish an exact runtime for the telescopic light, but based on the 118.4Wh battery and typical LED draw, I’d estimate you’ll get well over 10 hours of continuous use on the lower setting. The light has a magnetic base and a sturdy stand, so you can mount it to your car or set it up on a table while cooking at camp.
Which portable power station charges faster, the PL100 or PL60A?
The PL60A wins this category easily. It recharges from 0 to 100% in just 2 hours using the USB-C PD 60W input. The PL100 doesn’t advertise a specific recharge time, but with its larger 118.4Wh battery and lower input wattage, it takes significantly longer. If you’re moving between campsites and need a quick top-off, the PL60A is the better choice.
Can I use a solar panel to charge the MARBERO PL100 or PL60A?
The PL100 supports solar charging β there’s even a bundle option with a 30W solar panel. The PL60A also supports pass-through charging via USB-C, which means you can connect a solar panel to the USB-C input while powering devices through the AC outlet at the same time. Just note that solar panels are sold separately for both models.
My Final Verdict
After testing both on the trail, my clear winner is the MARBERO PL100. Its larger 118.4Wh battery, telescopic camping light with magnetic base, and 6 output ports make it the more versatile companion for most hikers and campers. The PL60A is the better pick only if you absolutely need the lightest possible pack at 2.27 lbs and can live with the smaller 88.8Wh capacity.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: would you rather have an extra phone charge and a built-in light that mounts to your car, or save 1.67 pounds in your backpack? That single question will tell you which one to buy.
Winner: MARBERO PL100
- LARGE CAPCITY FOR RELIABLE POWER: With a 118.4Wh / 32000mAh high-capacity...
- TELESCOPIC CAMPING LIGHT WITH MAGNETIC BASE AND STAND: The intergrated LED...
- COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT: Weighing just 3.94 lbs and measuring 8.2'' x...
Best for hikers and campers who want maximum runtime and a built-in telescopic light. The 118.4Wh battery and 6 ports give you serious flexibility on multi-day trips.
Runner-Up: MARBERO PL60A
- γAviation-Grade Lightweight Β· Travel-Readyγ Weighing only 2.27 lbs...
- γReal AC Outlet Β· 100W Power Outputγ Unlike standard USB battery...
- γ60W PD Two-Way Fast Charging Β· Pass-Throughγ Recharge from 0 to...
Best for ultralight hikers who count every gram. At 2.27 lbs with a 2-hour recharge time, it’s the perfect emergency backup that won’t weigh you down.
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