Camping/power outage battery packs (Schumacher, Spirit A8)

[kevin1]

I researched battery packs last fall for camping. Kiddos both have overnight campouts coming up (next weekend and in May). So I really needed to get a battery (also would have been nice for a power outage a few weeks ago!).

I bought a Schumacher XP2260 from local Hell-Mart for $100 few days ago to test it out. I figure I'll return it if it doesn't meet my needs. I did one short/work/6.5hr night using the internal AC inverter and it ran through the night fine. It seems to have an 18AH battery from what I found.

Schumacher XP2260 $100 http://amzn.com/B004EIAADG

Pros:
-it worked for 6.5 hours (even using inefficient battery ->AC inverter -> Philips AC-DC adapter -> 12V CPAP)
-extra features (AC, JumpStarter, Light, Air Compressor, power gauage)

Cons:
-big and heavy (24lbs)
-prefer more capacity than 18AH with all this weight
-extra $6 to buy a car plug to charge this 12V DC-DC, need your own extension cord to charge it 120VAC
-warnings about 12V DC-DC charging in manual (no protection)
-slow AC recharge (5 hours didn't get full recharge) - will test this further
-no DC barrel adapters so have to buy separate

So I am still looking at smaller battery packs like the ProAdd. Some people found it wouldn't work for them, likely to startup current draw. So, I thought the new small jump start batteries should cover this weakness. Anyone tried the Spirit A8 (very similar models go by various names on Amazon)?

Spirit A8 $82 http://amzn.com/B00KBINF7G
-18AH battery
-12VDC output
-includes barrel plugs (with 2.5x5.5 barrel for Philips)
-only 2.4lbs

I'd like to find one of these Jump Starters with an even bigger battery, but haven't found any yet.