A few weeks ago, I had my battery car battery die on me at a parking lot. Like most responsible drivers, I always have jumper cables in the car. After spending almost 40 minutes looking for someone that would be willing to give me a jump, we spent another 30 minutes or so, pushing my car out of my parking space, as it was blocked on each side with a car and the jumper cables would not reach. After over an hour of total time, I finally had a running car.

I though to myself there has to be a better way, but until recently my only other option would have been to carry a large jumper with me, such as the Performance Tool W1665 900 Amp Jump Starter and Inflator. That way I would be able to jump start my car without the need for another vehicle, and would not have to push my car out of my parking space. But these devices are not without their faults. They are big and need to be charged every couple of weeks to keep a charge.

Thankfully, with new battery technology, there is a perfect solution.

One option is the Cobra’s CPP 7500 JumPack which is a portable jump starter about the size of an external hard drive. It weighs just less than 11 ounces and fits easily in most pockets — a stark contrast to the bulky wheeled units of the past.

Working for AutoPartsWAY, I was able to get my hands on a few of these devices and had ample time to play with them and test them. As I unwrapped the Cobra’s CPP 7500 JumPack I was amazed by the small size and sleek design.

A friend of mine who has been working on cars and motorcycles for the past 30 years said “there is no way this will have enough power to jump a car”. But the JumPack not only has enough power, it can do it multiple times with juice to spare.

Another benefit of working with the automotive enthusiasts at AutoPartsWAY is that there is always a car or battery that needs a jump. We tested the unit multiple times and it worked flawlessly.

The process is simple: turn off the car’s accessories, connect the included cables to the battery, plug them into the JumPack, turn it on, and turn the key. Better yet, after resurrecting your (or someone else’s) vehicle, you can even replenish the JumPack on your way home with the included 13.8-volt DC car charger.

I must state that the item is designed for engines up to 3.5L. If your engine is larger, the item may not work. However, for the majority of cars out there, the JumPack will work just fine.

With all this power in this tiny device, it’d be a waste to be able to use it in only one place. Luckily, there are many alternative ways in which Cobra’s JumPack comes in handy.

The first and most blatant is its ability to charge mobile devices through its 5V, 2.1A USB port. With the correct USB cable (not included), you’ll be able to charge most tablets, smartphones, and music players simply. Once connected into a dead iPad, the JumPack charged it as if it were plugged into a home power outlet.

So while it may not be the cure-all for charging electronics over long camping trips, the portable jump starter comes in handy in a variety of ways. It can also be fully charged via the included wall charger in a few hours.

Another feature is the high-intensity LED light on the front, which is bright enough to illuminate your engine bay or even signal for roadside help. The light has three modes: steady, strobe, and S.O.S.

With its sleek trendy style, compact packaging, and helpful options, one may assume that the JumPack would price you and arm and a leg, however it’s really quite affordable. Listed for $149.95 (currently on sale for $109.99 at AutoPartsWAY.com), Cobra’s product is at the terribly least adore the larger, albeit additional powerful versions out there nowadays.

Another similar device, is the AutoPartsWAY 400A Peak 12000mAh Portable Car Jump Starter. In addition to all the features of the Cobra JumPack, the AutoPartsWAY 400A Peak 12000mAh Portable Car Jump Starter has an additional USB output port, a 12000mAh battery vs the 7500mAh of the Cobra JumPack, and the AutoPartsWAY unit comes with a carrying case. With a retail price of $199.99 (currently on sale for $99.99 at AutoPartsWAY), both units are a must for any driver and both make a perfect holiday gift.

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