When you’re out hiking, it’s important to be able to charge your phone and other devices. The battery life of these devices is not always reliable.
So it’s important to bring a power bank with you on the trail so that in case of an emergency, you’ll have an extra charge! We’ve compiled a list of five great ones that are worth checking out if you want the peace of mind that comes from knowing your phone or tablet will never die when exploring our beautiful world.
1. Blavor 10,000mAh Qi Solar Power Bank
This solar-powered, wireless charger is perfect for always being on the go. The 10,000mAh capacity can charge up to two devices at a time and with Qi technology it’s never necessary to fuss over cables again. With lightning and micro USB connectors, you’ll be able to use the battery pack no matter what type of device you’re using.
The solar panel which charges the internal battery is slow but is better than nothing when you’re out of power and miles from a wall charger. Hang it on the outside of your backpack or bag to charge up all day long, extending how many devices you can charge during your trip.
Pros
- Integrated solar panel
- Qi wireless charging
- Equipped with two flashlights
- Complimentary Compass Kit
- Easy to hang on outside of backpack
- Waterproof for outdoor activities
- Can charge two devices simultaneously
Cons
- Solar panel is small, takes longer to charge
2. ROMOSS 18W 30000mAh Power Bank
The ROMOSS SENSE8+ is a power bank that will charge your devices with ease. This power bank provides quick-charging technology to maximize efficiency and you can also use the USB 2.0 port to charge laptops while charging other devices through USB Type-C.
The sleek design enables it to easily slip into your pocket or handbag, and its durability can handle the toughest of days without showing wear and tear. This device also features an impressive 8,000mAh battery capacity making sure you never have to worry about running out of juice.
Pros
- Large battery capacity
- Supports quick-charge technology
- Can charge multiple devices at once
- Can charge laptops as well as phones and tablets
Assortment of ports - Doesn’t get too hot while charging
Cons
- Heavy for a small device
3. Omni 20+ 20000mah Laptop Power Bank
The Omnicharge 20+ is one of the few portable chargers on the market that can provide you with a reliable power supply for both your devices and other various electronics.
With USB ports as well as AC and DC outputs, this charger is perfect for use in emergency situations such as natural disasters or when you’re out hiking.
Pros
- Compact design
- Smart power readings
- Patented power protection
- Plenty of ports
- Wireless charging up to 10W
Cons
- DC adapters not included
4. Jackery PowerStation explorer 240
The Jackery PowerStation is a powerful portable charger with many great features. It also comes in a compact size that makes it easy to carry around when you’re travelling or exploring. This portable charger has 120Wh lithium batteries inside for hours of power on a single charge.
The Jackery Powerstation is a perfect companion for the car or RV trips, long camping sessions, or any other occasion where you need to use your electronics. With two USB ports, an AC outlet and 12V car output, it can be recharged in multiple ways like at home on the wall charger or with a solar panel when out camping.
The compact size makes it perfect for storing in your glove compartment or backseat of your car.
Pros
- Large capacity compact size
- 200 wattage output
- 240Wh(16.8Ah) lithium battery
- Multiple outputs for different devices
- Smart display to show input power, output power and remaining battery power
Cons
- Can not support Devices over 200W
5. FosPower PowerActive Power Bank
This rugged FosPower power bank features IP 67 certification which means it’s waterproof and dustproof. It can easily handle heavy rain or small puddles without getting damaged.
The Fospower Poweractive also has an impressive battery storage capacity of 10200 mAh which will provide you with multiple charging cycles for your phone! And, thanks to its compact size, the Fospower Poweractive can easily slide into any pack or pocket for effortless transport anywhere you go.
The Fospower Poweractive is the right power bank for extreme camping and emergency situations. It has a battery indicator light, can be charged through any USB-A port, and features a small flashlight.
Pros
- Small compact size
- Built-in short-circuit, over-charge, and overheat protection
- Rugged design to withstand high impact activities
- Snow proof, dirt proof, drop proof and waterproof
- LED flashlight, compass and a carabiner included
Cons
- Only one size available
- Average battery capacity
Final Thoughts
A power bank can be an essential tool for any camper, hiker, or outdoor enthusiast. Connectivity is crucial in the wilderness, and this small but powerful device allows you to stay connected without worry. It can provide relief during emergency situations by giving you a way of communicating with help or charging your devices even if your batteries die out.
Factors to consider when buying a power bank for camping and hiking
Power output
Portable chargers come in two types. One type is designed for normal speeds, and the other one charges your phone faster than usual. Some power banks can charge a phone twice as fast as others – but they cost more or have less battery capacity than their slower counterparts.
Solar considerations
Power banks with solar panels are a great way to keep your devices charged when you’re away from an outlet.
A power bank is only as good as the battery that powers it, but if you’re out in nature or have no access to electricity for extended periods of time, don’t worry! A solar-powered power bank can work wonders and make sure your devices never run out of charge.
Battery capacity
Larger the battery capacity, the bigger and heavier the power bank gets. For a single day of hiking, you just need around 10,000 mAh power bank.
For multiple days of camping, you should be looking for power banks with more than 20,000 mAh battery capacity.
Connectors/Ports
There are many types of chargers, but only some can handle all of your needs. USB outputs will be good enough if you plan on using only smartphones, tablets, or kindle e-readers.
However, if there are other power-hungry devices in the mix such as laptops and drones then AC support will be necessary as well.
Size & Weight
In order to make sure that the device will truly be portable, it’s important to take measurements before purchasing.
Portable chargers may be small and compact in size but they are very densely packed. They can easily weigh 1lb, which is not a lot considering the amount of power it packs.
Features
Power banks can be found in a wide range of shapes and sizes, with the most common features being an LED light, compass, carrying case, and solar panels. Some power banks even have a built-in flashlight that is incredibly useful for navigating in dark spaces or as camp lights.
Number of users
When you’re camping with a large family, it may be acceptable to share the power bank but then again it may not. If your power bank is 25,000 mAh and there are four or five people each charging their own device at once, the battery will die quickly.
Consider upgrading to a 50,000 mAh charger if you want to ensure that everyone can have enough juice for their electronics without worrying about running out of juice halfway through the trip.
Type of camping
There are many options for powering your devices while on the go. One option is a small, lightweight power bank with solar panels.
If you’re boondocking or camping and need to be mobile, look for bulkier mini power stations that can function with battery backups or generators.