Australian Hiker
I’ve always been a power bank user, mainly because of the amount of technology I carry for blogging. Rain and heavy tree coverage always seems to be my companion on many of the hikes that I do so it limits my use of solar panels. For most hikers a power bank of any size is not a consideration with many preferring to disconnect when out on the trail. As someone who blogs and records and edits a podcasts in the middle of nowhere, I can best be described as a a heavy power user. In 2020 I’m planning on doing 28 days on the Australian Alps Walking Track and on this walk I’ll need to be able to manage my power without the expectation of of recharging as I go.
With so many power bank options available to choose from I wanted a power bank with USB-C connectivity (check your devices for compatibility). Not really necessary if you are just charging a phone but if you are charging multiple devices, including laptops and iPads then it’s nice to have. USB-C connections allow for faster charging provided you have the appropriate cables and a compatible device.
The Cygnett 27,000mAh USB-C Power Bank allows you to charge two devices with USB-C 75% faster than a standard USB, and charge an additional device at a slower pace on a standard USB connection. If you are charging a tablet or laptop this can make a big difference. I like having the ability to charge multiple devices at the same time if I need and with different port options to cover all my bases. One reason I love the cygnets brand is pure reliability. It’s not unusual that this unit will be charged, go into a cupboard and when I pull it back out agin 8 months later to use again and its still fully charged and ready to go.
Over the past 5 years I have been using the smaller Cygnett 10,000mAh USB-C Power Bank (now superseded) so when looking for more grunt for my hike on the Hume and Hovell Track I opted for the Cygnett 27,000mAh USB-C Power Bank and here’s how it performed.
Let’s look at the negatives first and there really aren’t many but the most obvious one is the 645 gram weight. This is by no means a lightweight unit but that’s not why you chose this option. The only other real negative for me is the power charge lights that consist of a series of small dots that represent the percentage of charge left. I prefer the actual numbers depicted in the smaller units finding it easier to work out the amount of power remaining.
The positives of this unit are the sheer grunt – the 27,000mAh capacity lasted me two weeks charging my iPad, my camera, my phone multiple times. My biggest power drain is using Wi-Fi to upload and transfer my audio files for my podcasts but that’s just a fact of life when going remote and mobile. As a heads up, this unit can be carried as cabin baggage within Australia but it would be worthwhile to check your airlines’ policy for any overseas flights.
Another key feature I really love about this range of Cygnett Power Banks is the rounded corners and rubberised exterior – this power bank sits in you pack, or for that matter your. very comfortably. So while this is not a unit the vast majority of hikers are going to think about, if you are a heavy power user and need a guaranteed power supply over a period of weeks then this is a great choice.
Please note that this unit is being phased out so may not be available for much longer.
We Like
- Compact soft feel case. The rounded corners mean you can sit this unit in your pack or without it digging in
- Charge up to three devices at one time (two with USB-C)
- Will last very heavy users for up to 14 days depending on the power usage
- Great for charging laptops
We Don’t Like
Cygnett 27,000mAh USB-C Power Bank – front view unpacked with cable
Airline approved as cabin baggage in Australia but check when you g0 overseas just in case
Cygnett 27,000mAh USB-C Power Bank – rear view showing port capacity
Cygnett 27,000mAh USB-C Power Bank – charging ports and on/off button (top view)
Best Uses
A heavy duty power bank for big power users that will quickly charge compatible tablets, laptops as well as just the little stuff like phones, cameras and GPS
Buy One
You can purchase the Cygnett 27,000mAh USB-C Power Bank online from Amazon Australia
Disclosure: We may earn a small commission, at no additional expense to you, if you click through and make a purchase. Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our reviews. If we don’t like a product, you’ll hear about it from us!
If you have used the Cygnett 27,000mAh USB-C Power Bank or if you have questions, we’d like to hear from you. Post your comment or question below
Disclaimer
This review was done with product purchased from a retail store by Australian Hiker
Best Power Banks for Backpacking
Because, when traveling, the last thing you want is having no power.
Quick Answer: Best Power Bank for Backpacking
- Impressive Battery Life – Excellent For Most Travelers
- Best Solar Charger For Backpacking – Complete With A Flashlight
- Great For Travelling Light – Has Both Power And Portability
- Fits Like A Card In Your – The Ultimate Portable Charger
- Expert Travel Buyers Guide – Best Travel Gear Page
We’ve all been there and this is why making an investment in the best power bank you can afford makes a lot of sense.
Best Power Bank for Backpacking
Considering all the different power banks on the market why should you look to make that investment?
Choosing A Power For Backpacking
Three reasons why you’ll not want to travel without one again.
- Avoid running out of power when you need it most.
- Never lose vital information or details again due to battery life.
- Save yourself and get help in an emergency.
Not only do power banks serve as source of power; they’ll help you save energy when your power reserves are at their most vulnerable.
See even more options here:
If you’re reading this page it’s likely that you know the ins and outs of why it is so important to carry a power bank on your travels.
Let’s go deeper and look at some of the best power banks for travel on the market today.
I’ve been eyeing up for me to be able to pick the most suitable companion to carry when you go backpacking.
There are specific power banks for iPhone that did not make it on this list too, so be sure to give them a search if you are an Apple user.
Power Banks for Backpacking
Backpacking without technology can be risky, and knowing how to choose a power bank isn’t something we consider before purchasing.
For that reason, I’ll showcase only the top-quality power banks.
With many options on the market, what’s the best power bank for backpacking, and which are worth your time and hard-earned cash?
Anker PowerCore
The Anker PowerCore is a good starting point, with impressive battery life and wonderful capacity for performance.
With a high level of charge capacity to, you can get a really impressive charge speed on most mobile devices. Definitely at the top of my list as the best performance power bank for the price.
Excellent for travelers doing a lot of vlogging or recording on the go.
The Goal Zero Guide 10
I firmly believe that the Goal Zero Guide 10 is the best power bank for backpacking when you care about the environment.
It utilizes solar energy to help keep you well charged and undoubtedly one of the best power bank for hiking that I’ve looked at so far.
This backpacking solar charger can even get up to 25% extra power for your tablet, and you could easily keep everything well-charged for the day ahead.
A must-have for most people looking for a top-quality charger, complete with a flashlight. Out of all the power banks I have researched, this unit came up as the best solar charger for backpacking hands down.
The Unifun 10400mAh
The Unifun 10400mAh is a good choice for being outdoors, giving you a battery bank that also has an LED flashlight and a strap hole for easy usage.
Waterproof, too, which should make it much easier to keep everything illuminated and working in top condition when you are sitting outdoors.
The RAVPower
This could easily be the best power bank for backpacking. The RAVPower is a good starting point if you need a good level of charge primarily for smartphones.
It works fast and well, and provides you with up to several charges for a phone, with most cell phones enjoying four full charges before you need to refresh this and charge again.
This is one of the more popular battery packs for backpacking.
The Anker PowerCore
Perfect for when you are traveling as light as possible. The Anker PowerCore is a good starting point, too, giving you a great choice for Rapid charging.
Many people swear by this as the best charger for backpacking due to its size and portability and I concur it could even be used as a back-up.
Good for those who are on the go and need a fast charge, perhaps for an impromptu videoing or vlogging session later on.
Jackery Bolt
The Jackery Bolt is a good power bank, with ample power within it that can deliver a much more certified level of speed.
Initially my favorite choice as a backpacking phone charger for a while – now I carry more devices with bigger battery power I often need something with a little more juice.
However, this model is definitely rewarding and sufficient if looking for the best portable charger for backpacking with a smartphone or equivalent device.
As it says in the Jackery bolt user guide, it’s very consistent, with up to 3 times of your phone charge delivered in just 2 hours.
The Jackery Bolt is a great option for those who need a lot of hardware charged up in a short and snappy space of time.
Attom Tech
The Attom Tech may just be the best powerbank for backpacking for those who need to keep their device well charged whilst being able to carry around key items like your cards in the one
Easy to keep everything together to charge your phone, keep all of your cards in one place, and just feel more organized than you have previously.
Could this be the ultimate backpacking portable charger? Let me know your opinion in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев section.
So what do you think? No matter where we travel or what travel route we choose. We’ll undoubtedly need to stay connected to our devices.
Backpacking with caution you should make sure you always have charge; so then you can always contact somebody or order yourself an Uber.
Best Backpacking Power Bank
Whether it’s for your smartphone, mirrorless camera, GoPro, or any other electrical device that you prefer to carry when backpacking.
So, before you start adding more things to your packing list be sure to slip one of these handy little devices in your bag.
Even your travel buddies will be thanking you in the end.
Like this article? Pin it…
Need Packing Inspiration?
Hopefully, you’ve found the perfect organizer for your trip.
Feel like you need more travel gear for your trip?
- Travel Laptop – The best laptops for travel.
- Backpacking Drones – List of the best drones for travel.
- Portable Translator Device – Talk in any language.
- Coffee Table Books – Inspire your next travel adventure.
- North Face Backpacks – Practical backpacks made with style.
Or, maybe you’re considering buying a gift for a fellow traveler? See this best travel gear page for even more ideas on what to shop for.
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Daniel James
Helping thousands of people worldwide with independent travel in Latin America. Layer Culture means to dig deeper into the ideas, customs, and behavior of a group of people.
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After spending years on the road Dan is now offering to help you find your feet in Latin America; inspire you to learn Spanish and get you started on your adventures. Learn how to travel longer and stronger!
Hiking power bank
G oing on a camping trip is always a fun adventure, but when your phone or other tech devices run out of power, it can quickly become a nightmare. Nobody wants to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with no way to call for help or take pictures of the beautiful scenery. That’s why you need a camping power bank!
Here are all five reasons why you need a camping power bank on your next hiking trip. Keep reading to find out more!
#1. You Can Stay Connected
In today’s day and age, it’s crucial to stay connected. Whether you’re trying to call for help in an emergency or just want to keep in touch with your friends and family back home, a camping power bank will allow you to do that
#2. You Can Take Pictures
One of the best parts about camping is taking pictures of the beautiful scenery. With a power bank, you won’t have to worry about your phone dying while taking pictures. You can take as many photos as you want, upload as many Stories and reels as you can, and Snapchat to your heart’s content and not have to worry about running out of battery.
Plus, you can also use your power bank to charge other devices, like your camera, so you can keep taking pictures all day long!
#3. You Can Stay Entertained
If you’re going on an extended camping trip, you will want to bring along some entertainment. Whether it’s books, movies, or games, a power bank will keep your devices charged so you can stay entertained for the duration of your trip.
Yes, you may be thinking about ‘Oh, but isn’t going out in nature and enjoying the world enough?’ Yes, it certainly is. However, younger kids and teens may not feel the same way, and if you’re going to spend time as a family, why not watch a movie out in the country?
Have fun your way and don’t listen to what anyone else has to say about it!
#4. You Won’t Have to Worry About Your Phone Dying
One of the worst things that can happen when you’re camping is your phone dying. With a power bank, you won’t have to worry about that happening. You can charge your phone whenever you need to and not worry about it running out of battery.
Imagine you’re out in the middle of nowhere and have an emergency. You need medical help fast, and your phone’s dead. It’s a horror story no one wants to be a character in, yet it could happen so quickly if you’re not prepared.
Even less intense horror stories, like breaking down on the way home in your car and not being able to call roadside assistance because you didn’t have a chance to charge your phone while you were away, can be avoided if you’ve got a trusty power bank by your side.
#5. You Can Use a Power Bank for Other Things
In addition to charging your phone, a camping power bank can also be used to charge other devices like your camera, GPS, or even a portable speaker. If you’re going to be using any type of electronics on your trip, a power bank is a must-have.
Just remember to pack it in your bag before you head out on your next camping trip!
Get Your Power Bank Today
When it comes to getting prepped for your camping trip, there’s no better power bank to have by your side than the massive 50,000mAh fast-charging power bank from Veger. No, literally. This is the number one power bank for camping on the market available right now.
This model is designed to last for days at a time and has enough juice to keep all your devices going. With a big LED display to see exactly how much power you have left, universal compatibility with all your mobile phones, tablets, cameras, GPS devices, and more, and charging safeguards and protection, the VEGER Tank Lite does it best.
There’s even a built-in flashlight, so that’s basically everything you need to turn your camping trip into an amazing one! Just don’t forget fresh socks!
How to Charge Electronics when Hiking
It is rare for any of us to go somewhere without our phones and that includes our backpacking trips. After all, our phones can serve as our camera, map, GPS, entertainment, plus the thing they were actually invented for, communication. But how do you plan to keep your phone or other electronic devices charged while out for a weekend or longer on a backpacking trip?
The best method for keeping your electronics charged while backpacking is to use a portable charger or power bank, one with enough mAh to charge your device as many times as you feel you will need during your trip. Aside from mAh, the number of charges you can get from a portable charger depends on your device and cable, and how low your device’s battery is when you initiate charging.
Let’s discuss this method in a little more detail. Plus, I’ll highlight another method to charge your electronics before moving on to ways you can optimize the battery life of your device so that it last longer, thus requiring less charging.
Methods for charging electronics while backpacking
Portable Charger/Power Bank
As I stated earlier, I believe a portable charger is the best method for charging your electronics while on the trail. All you have to do is plug in your device and you are instantly charging. They are reliable and can charge your devices when you need it.
Portable chargers are rated in mAh (milliamp hours). The higher the mAh, the more charges you can get out of it. Also, with higher mAh you can expect the charger to be larger and heavier. You can find portable chargers less than 5,000mAh up to almost 30,000mAh.
Depending on your device, you can expect 1 to 2 charges on a lower mAh charger, and up to 9 on some of the largest ones. Note that these estimates are based on phones and not tablets. Tablets will take longer to charge, and you will not get as many charges out of your portable charger.
Most backpackers seem to stick with the portable chargers between 10,000 and 20,000mAh, ranging from 3 to 7 charges for their phones. This is usually enough to get them to town where they can recharge their portable charger. You may want to go larger though if you plan on using your phone more frequently or if your phone dies quicker. Also, if you plan to charge multiple devices, a larger mAh charger is recommended.
I personally have an Anker 26,800mAh portable charger because my phone dies quick when I have my GPS app running, filming video, and taking pictures, so it needs charging more frequently.
Solar Chargers
Solar chargers are not as popular, but they are still an option. Unlike a portable charger, the solar chargers can be charging while still on the trail. Many can attach to your backpack even or when you are eating lunch you can set the panel up in direct sunlight and let it build charge while you eat.
The problem with solar chargers is that they can’t necessarily provide you a charge when you need it. When on the trail, a lot of the time you will find yourself in shaded areas which reduces the amount of sunlight the photovoltaic cells on the panel receive. This means you won’t be able to get as much charge, if any at all. Also, cloudy days limit the amount of sunlight as well, ultimately making solar chargers unreliable. Not to mention solar chargers tend to be heavier than portable chargers.
However, if you primarily will be hiking in deserts with little tree coverage, a solar charger may work fine for you. I would still stick with a portable charger but do what works best for you.
Multiple Batteries
While not technically “recharging” your electronic device, having additional batteries is another way to keep your devices running. Instead of charging your device, you just swap out the dead battery with a fully charged one and off you go. This method may even save you some weight as many cell phone batteries don’t weigh much and carrying 3 or 4 of these may be lighter than hauling a portable charger.
Not all cell phones have removable (or at least easily removable) batteries. You should know whether or not this is an option for you based on your phone. Again though, it probably is just best to go with a portable charger. However, it may be a good idea to keep a backup battery in case of an emergency.
Making your charge last longer
While having a portable charger is a good idea for keeping your electronics charged, knowing what you can do to maximize the life of your device’s battery can help you get by with less charges. Here are a few tips to make your device’s charge last longer when backpacking.
Top off before starting your trip
The first thing you should do to maximize the life of your device’s battery is to top it off just before hitting the trail. Charge your device in your vehicle during your ride to the trailhead if possible, that way you have a full charge to start your hike. This enables you to go longer before needing to use whatever charging method you choose.
Turn on airplane mode
Airplane mode disables signals coming from and to your device. When you are out on the trail, your device is always looking for a signal if one doesn’t exist and this can drain your battery quick. You block this from happening by enabling airplane mode, thus saving battery life on your device. However, know that you cannot make or receive calls or messages when airplane mode is on, but if you won’t have signal anyway, then spare your battery and turn it on.
If this is the case, let your loved ones know that messages are unlikely to be received and not to worry if they don’t get a response. Give them a reasonable timeframe of when they should expect to hear from you, and to contact the authorities if no contact is made within that span of time.
Even with airplane mode activated, your GPS should still work. However, I have experienced issues when calculating distance hiked when using airplane mode. My path was accurate, but the distance was off. I’m not sure if this has to do with airplane mode or what is usually a reliable hiking app. Just something to be aware of.
Reduce screen brightness
Lowering the brightness of your device’s screen will help prolong the life of its battery. The brighter your screen, the more power it uses to illuminate it. Reducing it down to 50% is a good starting point, but it can be tough to see if it is too bright outside. When it’s dark, you should be able to reduce the brightness down even further. If you don’t plan on using it while hiking, keep it low until you need it.
Have a good battery
Make sure you have a good battery in your device to minimize how much charging it will require. A bad battery in your phone doesn’t hold a charge as well and ultimately dies faster, requiring you to charge it more frequently.
I’m sure you’ve recognized when you first get a new phone the battery seems to go for days between charges, but after prolonged use you find it requires charging once or twice a day. This can be due to apps draining your battery, but it can also be a bad battery itself. For more help on this topic, research it on google or talk to a professional.
Don’t let your device get too hot
Heat kills batteries so try to keep your device in a place where heat won’t get to it. A may be okay if it isn’t tight against your body, otherwise find a better spot such as a breathable or spacious. hopefully where it is still easily accessible.
Turn it off when not in use
If you don’t have signal and aren’t using your device for GPS or another purpose, it isn’t a bad idea to turn it off to save your battery. If you plan on taking plenty of photos though, this will be hard to manage since turning your device on and off can be a nuisance every time a photo op comes around.
Other items you need for charging electronics
A few other items to remember to keep your devices charged are:
You’ll need to make sure to have any cable you need to charge whatever device you’re carrying. If you are hiking a trail where you will find yourself in towns, you’ll want a wall charger or adapter, so you can charge your device and/or portable charger. And you may not need it but having an option to charge your device in a vehicle isn’t a bad idea either in case your phone is dead and you have already depleted your battery bank, or maybe you get a hitch from someone and need a quick charge on the road.
Conclusion
Now you’re ready to keep your devices charged on your next backpacking trip. You probably already have a good idea on what you need to do so. Again, a portable battery charger is the best method in my opinion, and also the simplest, but whatever works best for you will always be the right choice. Just make sure you don’t find yourself in a situation where you need your device but can’t use it because you have no way of charging it.