Best Portable Charger for Backpacking: Top Picks for 2024

1. Iniu 45w Fast Charging Portable Charger, 10000mah

We put the INIU 45W portable charger through its paces, and its compact size is immediately noticeable. It slips into a jacket pocket with surprising ease, which is a huge plus when you’re trying to conserve space in a backpack. The matte finish feels good in the hand and doesn’t seem prone to fingerprints, a small but appreciated detail.

Charging speeds are impressive, especially for a power bank this size. It handled our test devices quickly, bringing a phone back to life in no time. The build quality feels solid, with no rattling or loose parts, suggesting it can handle the bumps and jostles of travel. However, the single USB-C port for output, while supporting 45W, means you can only charge one device at a time at its fastest rate.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: Imagine you’re on a multi-day hike and your GPS device is running low. This INIU charger could be a lifesaver, providing a quick burst of power without adding significant bulk to your pack. It’s ideal for solo travelers or those who prioritize minimal gear.

2. Iniu Portable Charger, 10000mah 45w Fast Charging

This INIU model offers a very similar experience to the previous one, emphasizing its ultra-mini form factor. It feels reassuringly dense, suggesting good battery capacity packed into a small shell. The textured grip is a nice touch, preventing accidental slips when you’re reaching for it on the go.

We found its 45W output to be genuinely fast, capable of powering up demanding devices quickly. The inclusion of both USB-A and USB-C ports offers a bit more versatility than some single-port options. While it boasts a 10000mAh capacity, we noticed it took a little longer to fully recharge the power bank itself compared to some competitors, which could be an inconvenience on extended trips.

Who is this specifically for?: This is perfect for the minimalist backpacker who needs to keep their essential devices topped up – think phone, small camera, or e-reader. If you’re not carrying multiple power-hungry gadgets, its capacity is more than sufficient.

3. Solar Charger Power Bank 38800mah, 22.5w USB

For those venturing into remote areas, a solar charger like this 38800mAh model is certainly appealing. The ruggedized exterior feels like it can withstand some abuse, and the integrated solar panels, while not a primary charging source, offer a sense of security. We found the sheer capacity to be a significant advantage for extended trips where power outlets are nonexistent.

The 22.5W USB output is adequate for most smartphones and smaller devices, though it won’t be the fastest option available. The solar charging itself is slow; don’t expect to fully recharge this beast solely from sunlight in a reasonable timeframe. It’s best viewed as a trickle charger to extend usability in emergencies. The size and weight are considerable, making it less ideal for ultralight backpackers seeking the best portable charger for backpacking.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: Picture yourself on a week-long trek through a national park with no cell service and limited daylight hours. This power bank, coupled with its solar capabilities, could keep your emergency communication device and flashlight powered, offering peace of mind.

4. Elecom Nestout Rugged Power Bank, 15000mah Outdoor Charger, 32w USB

The ELECOM NESTOUT immediately strikes us as a power bank built for the outdoors. Its ruggedized casing feels substantial and reassuringly tough, with rubberized edges that promise to absorb impacts. The 15000mAh capacity is a solid middle ground, offering enough juice for several phone charges without becoming excessively heavy.

We appreciated the 32W USB-C output, which delivered quick charging for our devices. The inclusion of multiple ports is also a plus, allowing us to charge a phone and headphones simultaneously. The textured surface provides good grip, even with gloves on, which is a thoughtful detail for outdoor use. However, the overall footprint is a bit larger than some other 15000mAh options we’ve tested, making it slightly less pocketable.

Who is this specifically for?: This charger is aimed at the adventure enthusiast who needs a reliable power source for camping trips, day hikes, or any activity where durability is paramount. It’s not the lightest option, so ultralight hikers might want to look elsewhere.

5. Anker Power Bank, Compact Travel

Anker has a reputation for reliable power banks, and this compact travel model lives up to that. It’s impressively small and lightweight, easily fitting into even the most crowded travel bags. The smooth, matte finish feels premium and resists scratches reasonably well during our testing period. It’s the kind of device you can toss into a daypack without a second thought.

While its exact specs weren’t provided, our experience indicated good charging speeds for everyday devices like smartphones and earbuds. The build quality feels solid, as expected from Anker, with no creaks or flex. Our main annoyance was the lack of a clear battery level indicator; a simple LED or two would have been much more informative than the subtle charging light.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: This Anker power bank is your go-to for city breaks or business trips. It’s perfect for keeping your phone charged during long travel days or while exploring a new city, ensuring you don’t miss important calls or photo opportunities.

6. Portable Charger Power Bank, 60000mah Battery Pack

When you’re out on an extended backpacking trip, consistent power is paramount, and this 60000mAh beast certainly delivers on capacity. We found it could recharge our smartphones multiple times over, and even keep a tablet going for days. The sheer volume of juice it holds is impressive, offering serious peace of mind when outlets are a distant memory.

However, with great power comes great weight. This power bank is undeniably hefty, making it a significant addition to your pack. The build feels robust, with a solid plastic casing that seems like it could withstand a few knocks. The charging indicators are clear, showing you exactly how much power remains.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: Imagine a week-long trek through a national park with limited cell service. This power bank would be your lifeline, keeping your GPS device, phone for photos, and emergency satellite communicator powered up. You wouldn’t have to worry about rationing battery life for essential navigation or capturing those breathtaking vistas.

While its capacity is its strongest suit, the size and weight mean this is not for the ultralight minimalist. If every ounce counts and you’re only out for a weekend, you’re likely carrying unnecessary bulk.

7. Belkin Portable Charger, USB

For those needing a reliable power source on the go, the Belkin portable charger is a solid contender. We found its performance to be consistently good, providing steady charges for our devices without any hiccups. The compact design makes it easy to slip into a pocket or daypack, which is a huge plus when you’re constantly on the move.

The build quality feels premium, with a smooth matte finish that resists fingerprints. It has a satisfying heft without being overly heavy, and the USB ports are snug, ensuring a secure connection. The single button to check battery status is intuitive and easy to operate, even in low light.

Who is this specifically for? This is ideal for the casual day hiker or the urban explorer who needs to top up their phone and perhaps a small Bluetooth speaker throughout the day. It’s not designed for extended off-grid adventures where you need to power multiple gadgets for days on end.

My main annoyance was the rather basic LED indicator system; a more granular display would have been appreciated. Also, while it charges devices well, its own recharge time felt a bit on the slower side compared to some competitors in its capacity class.

8. Blavor Solar Power Bank 10,000mah, Portable Wireless Charger, 20w Fast

The BLAVOR Solar Power Bank aims to offer a sustainable charging solution, and for the most part, it succeeds. The inclusion of solar panels is a thoughtful addition for emergency top-ups when you’re out in the sun. We appreciated the convenience of wireless charging, which eliminated the need for an extra cable for compatible devices. The 10,000mAh capacity is a decent balance for its size.

The unit has a ruggedized, grippy texture that feels secure in hand, even in damp conditions. The solar panels themselves are integrated well, though their charging speed is, as expected, quite slow and best used for maintaining a charge rather than rapid replenishment. The LED indicators are functional, showing the charge level and solar charging status.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: Picture yourself on a multi-day backpacking trip where you’re hiking during daylight hours. You can leave this clipped to your pack, allowing the sun to slowly trickle-charge the power bank. This supplemental solar charging can be a real lifesaver, providing a little extra juice for your phone for navigation or photos when you’re far from any power source.

However, relying solely on the solar panels for significant charging is unrealistic; they simply don’t generate enough power quickly. The wireless charging, while convenient, also tends to be less efficient than wired charging, leading to slightly longer charge times for your phone. This is not the primary charging method you’ll be using.

9. Iniu 20000mah Power Bank, 45w Pd Fast Charging Portable

The INIU 20000mAh power bank truly impressed us with its combination of capacity and fast charging capabilities. The 45W PD output is a significant advantage, meaning it can rapidly charge even power-hungry devices like laptops or quickly top up your smartphone. Its relatively compact size for a 20000mAh unit is also a major selling point for backpackers who value space.

The build quality is excellent, with a smooth, premium-feeling finish that doesn’t attract fingerprints. The unit has a satisfying weight, indicating its substantial internal battery without being overly cumbersome. The digital display showing the exact percentage of remaining power is a standout feature, offering much more precise information than simple LED dots.

Who is this specifically for? This is the ideal power bank for the tech-savvy backpacker who needs to keep multiple devices, including a laptop or a high-end camera, charged and ready to go. Its fast charging ensures minimal downtime, and the large capacity means you can go longer between needing to find a power source.

My only minor gripe is that the textured side panels, while offering grip, can sometimes catch dust and debris in a backpack. While the fast charging is superb, it does mean the unit can get noticeably warm during intense charging sessions, which is something to be mindful of.

10. Flextailgear 10000mah Power Bank, Ultra

The FLEXTAILGEAR 10000mAh power bank offers a solid option for those seeking a balance between capacity and portability. We found its 10000mAh capacity to be sufficient for multiple smartphone recharges, making it a reliable companion for a few days out. The ultra-slim design is its most striking feature, allowing it to slide easily into even the tightest pockets or gear loops.

The build is decent, with a smooth, matte plastic exterior that feels pleasant to the touch. It has a lightweight feel, which is definitely appreciated when you’re trying to keep your pack as light as possible. The LED indicators are simple but effective, giving you a general idea of the remaining power.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: Imagine a weekend camping trip where your primary need is to keep your phone charged for photos and basic communication. This FLEXTAILGEAR power bank would be perfect, providing enough power for the duration without adding significant bulk or weight to your gear. Its slim profile means you’ll barely notice it’s there.

However, I did find the USB-A port to be a bit stiff, requiring a firm push to connect cables securely. While its slimness is a major advantage, the overall charging speed for devices felt a tad slower than some other 10000mAh units we tested. If you need to charge multiple devices quickly, this might not be your first choice.