Portable AC for Camping and Survival: Cybertake S2 Review

Why I Needed a Portable AC for the Homestead

If you are prepping for summer camping, emergency use, or want a flexible AC and heat pump that works both on-grid and off-grid, the Cybertake S2 is worth a serious look. I tested it on our homestead to see if a portable 48V DC air conditioner can actually keep a space cool. Here is my honest review after extended use.

What Is the Cybertake S2?

The Cybertake S2 is a portable air conditioner designed for camping, outdoor use, and emergency cooling. It is a 2-in-1 unit that functions as both an air conditioner and a heater. Unlike traditional portable ACs that require a wall outlet, the Cybertake S2 runs on 48V DC power, so you can power it off-grid using a 48V battery system like the EG4 LifePower4 or a compatible power bank.

Key Specs

• Cooling capacity: 5,100 BTU (ASHRAE) / 2,380 BTU (DOE)
• Heating capacity: Yes, doubles as a heat pump
• Power source: 48V DC input (direct battery connection) or 120V AC through included converter brick
• Power consumption: ~450-500 watts on max cooling
• No built-in battery: Must be powered externally
• Weight: Compact and portable
• Dimensions: 13.2 x 20.4 x 11.7 inches
• Warranty: 1 year with registration
• Buy direct: Cybertake S2 Pro at cybertake.com

Real-World Performance

In my testing on the homestead, I used the Cybertake S2 in a tent and in a small room to evaluate its cooling ability:

Cooling

The S2 effectively cooled a small tent and a room up to about 50-80 square feet. In a larger space, it takes the edge off but will not replace a full-size AC. For tent camping, it keeps the interior comfortable even on hot Texas summer nights.

Heating

The heat pump function works well for cool mornings. It is not a replacement for a propane heater like the Mr. Heater Big Buddy, but it is convenient for mild conditions.

Off-Grid Power and Runtime

The Cybertake S2 does not have a built-in battery. It is a 48V DC appliance, which means you can power it two ways:

• 120V AC through the included converter brick: The brick converts wall power to 48V DC. It works, but the brick gets extremely hot during use. In my testing with an Oupes portable power station at full charge, I got about 4 hours of runtime on max cooling. Add a 400W portable solar panel and you get close to a one-to-one power exchange, which extends runtime significantly.
• Direct 48V battery connection: This is the game changer. I wired an XT90 connector and plugged the S2 directly into my EG4 system’s Husky 2 48V battery (57.6V nominal). Skipping the converter brick eliminates the conversion losses and the heat. This is the way to run it off-grid. If you already have a 48V battery system on your homestead, you can plug straight in.

How It Compares to Other Portable ACs

The portable AC market has several options. Here is how the Cybertake S2 stacks up against the competition:

• Cybertake S2: 5,100 BTU, 48V DC input (direct battery or AC converter), ~450W draw, AC and heat. Good value for off-grid use.
• EcoFlow Wave 3: Similar capacity, larger brand, solar charging option. More expensive.
• Zero Breeze Mark 3: Premium option, 7 hour runtime, higher price point.
• EnjoyCool Coolstation LINK 2: 2,380 BTU, designed for camping and outdoor use.

The Cybertake S2 hits a good balance of price, performance, and portability. It is not the most powerful option, but for camping and emergency use, the direct 48V DC input that eliminates the converter brick is a major advantage.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• 48V DC input pairs directly with 48V battery systems, no inverter needed
• Both AC and heating in one unit
• Compact and easy to carry
• Skip the hot converter brick and go straight to 48V battery
• Works as an emergency cooling solution during power outages

Cons

• 5,100 BTU is not enough for large spaces
• About 4 hours runtime on a portable power station at full charge (without solar)
• Exhaust hose is required and takes up space
• 1-year warranty is shorter than some competitors

Who Should Buy the Cybertake S2?

The Cybertake S2 is ideal for:

• Car campers who want real AC in a tent
• Homesteaders with a 48V battery system who can plug in directly without the converter
• RV owners who need supplemental cooling without running a generator
• Anyone living off-grid who needs a portable cooling solution

If you need to cool a whole room or house, look at a larger unit or a mini split system instead. But for portable, off-grid cooling that plugs straight into a 48V battery, the Cybertake S2 is a solid choice.

Ready to buy? Check out the Cybertake S2 Pro direct from Cybertake. For other gear and pricing, visit shopeth.link. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more product reviews and homesteading content.