Best Backpacking Power Bank, A reliable power bank is a backpacking essential, keeping critical devices like smartphones, GPS units, and headlamps charged in the backcountry. Our top picks—Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3, Anker PowerCore 10000, INIU 20000 PD, BioLite Charge 80 PD, and Goal Zero Flip 24—offer portability, high capacity (6,700–20,000 mAh), and rugged durability for outdoor adventures.
We evaluated them based on weight (4.6–16.4 oz), capacity-to-weight ratio, charging speed (USB-C PD), and durability (IPX5/IP67). These selections suit ultralight backpackers, multi-day trekkers, and outdoor enthusiasts on 2–7-day trips.
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Why Choose a Backpacking Power Bank?
Benefits of Backpacking Power Banks
Power banks ensure safety and convenience by keeping navigation (GPS), communication (smartphones), and lighting (headlamps) powered, per Adventure Alan. They’re critical for multi-day backpacking, thru-hiking, or camping with heavy device use (e.g., video recording, GPS tracking).
Key features include lightweight designs (4.6–16.4 oz), high mAh-to-weight ratios, fast USB-C charging, and water/dust resistance (IPX5/IP67), per CleverHiker. Priced at $22–$130, they’re a cost-effective alternative to spare batteries or inefficient solar panels, per Outdoor Life.
Top 5 Best Backpacking Power Bank
Here’s our curated list of the top five power banks, comparing capacity, weight, charging speed, durability, and suitability for backpacking.
1. Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 – Best Overall
- 10000mAh POWER BANK – fully charges most phones twice with power to spare. Dual USB-C QC ports enable the fast charging …
- Lightweight and Sleek – the NB10000 is lighter than most power banks and smaller and thinner than a smartphone.
- Maximum Compatibility – works with smartphones, flashlights, headlamps, and other electronic gear. The auto-detect low c…
- Features: 10,000 mAh, 5.3 oz, USB-C PD (22.5W), IPX5, 2–3 phone charges.
- Pros: Highest mAh-to-weight ratio (1887), dual USB-C, pass-through charging, carbon fiber durability, per Adventure Alan.
- Cons: Pricey, requires USB-A adapter for older devices.
- Best For: Ultralight backpackers on 2–4-day trips.
2. Anker PowerCore 10000 – Best Budget
- Slim Size, Big Power: One of the slimmest and lightest 10,000mAh portable chargers on the market. Provides 2 charges for…
- Lightweight and Compact: With its compact 5.99 × 2.81 × 0.61-inch size and weighing a mere 8.6 oz, it’s designed for on-…
- Tough and Trustworthy: Engineered for toughness with scratch resistance in mind. Its durability is certified by a 3.2 ft…
- Features: 10,000 mAh, 6.3 oz, USB-A/C, 2–3 phone charges.
- Pros: Affordable, reliable, compact, 4.5/5 Amazon ratings (100k+ reviews), per Adventure Alan.
- Cons: No USB-C PD, slower 15W charging.
- Best For: Budget-conscious backpackers on short trips.
3. INIU 20000 PD – Best for Long Trips
- From INIU–the SAFE Fast Charge Pro: Experience the safest charging with over 38 million global users. At INIU, we use o…
- Market’s Smallest 65W 20000mAh: Equipped with iNiu’s industry-first high-density TinyCell and groundbreaking HyperStack …
- Power Ready iPhone & MacBook in 25Mins: A must-have for multi-device users, this power bank provides up to 65W high-spee…
- Features: 20,000 mAh, 12.2 oz, USB-C PD (22.5W), 4–5 phone charges.
- Pros: High capacity, fast 5.5-hour recharge, ergonomic design, per CleverHiker.
- Cons: Less efficient in cold temperatures.
- Best For: Multi-day (6–7-day) backpacking trips.
4. BioLite Charge 80 PD – Best for Fast Charging
- One 18 watt USB-C input/output and two 3.0 USB-A outputs ensure lightening fast charging of devices; Charge up to 3 devi…
- The 20,000 mAh battery fully charges in 5 hours; Battery Life Indicator button activates the Battery Life Indicator LEDs…
- Weighing 16.4 ounces and measuring 6.7 x 3.2 x 1.0 inches, our durable power banks are compact, super-packable and FAA c…
- Features: 20,000 mAh, 16.4 oz, USB-C PD (18W), 3–4 phone charges.
- Pros: Fast USB-C PD, durable build, multi-device charging (USB-C, 2x USB-A), per CleverHiker.
- Cons: Heavy for ultralight backpacking.
- Best For: Backpackers needing fast, multi-device charging.
5. Goal Zero Flip 24 – Best for Day Hikes
- POCKET-FRIENDLY POWER-PACK CHARGER: With 6,700 mAh, the Flip 24 is a convenient and powerful portable charger that lets …
- RECHARGE SMALL ESSENTIAL DEVICES: Don’t plan your day around your cell battery. The Flip 24 is a great charger bank for …
- BACKUP FOR STAYING OUT: The Flip 24 provides backup power for your small devices and has a built-in flip-out USB tip tha…
- Features: 6,700 mAh, 4.8 oz, USB-A, 1–2 phone charges.
- Pros: Ultra-light, compact (gum pack size), reliable in cold, per Atlas & Boots.
- Cons: Lower capacity, no USB-C PD.
- Best For: Day hikers or minimalist backpackers.
How We Chose the Best Backpacking Power Bank
Criteria for Selecting Top Backpacking Power Banks
We selected these power banks based on:
- Weight: Lightweight (4.8–16.4 oz) for backpacking, per CleverHiker.
- Capacity: 6,700–20,000 mAh for 2–7-day trips, per Adventure Alan.
- Charging Speed: USB-C PD for faster charging (18–22.5W), per GearJunkie.
- Durability: IPX5/IP67 for water/dust resistance, per Outdoor Life.
- User Feedback: High ratings (4.0–4.5/5) from Amazon, Reddit (r/Ultralight, r/WildernessBackpacking), and X posts.
- Price-to-Value: Balances cost ($22–$80) with performance, per Atlas & Boots.
Quick Comparison of Best Backpacking Power Banks
| Model | Price | Capacity | Weight | Charging | Best Use |
| Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 | ~$$$ | 10,000 mAh | 5.3 oz | USB-C PD | Ultralight Backpacking |
| Anker PowerCore 10000 | ~$$$ | 10,000 mAh | 6.3 oz | USB-A/C | Budget Short Trips |
| INIU 20000 PD | ~$$$ | 20,000 mAh | 12.2 oz | USB-C PD | Long Trips |
| BioLite Charge 80 PD | ~$$$ | 20,000 mAh | 16.4 oz | USB-C PD | Fast Multi-Device |
| Goal Zero Flip 24 | ~$$$ | 6,700 mAh | 4.8 oz | USB-A | Day Hikes |
Benefits of Backpacking Power Banks
Why Choose a Backpacking Power Bank?
Power banks provide:
- Reliable Power: Keep phones, GPS, and headlamps charged for safety and navigation, per Adventure Alan.
- Lightweight Design: High mAh-to-weight ratio outperforms solar panels or spare batteries, per CleverHiker.
- Value: Affordable ($22–$80) for frequent hikers, ensuring device uptime, per GearJunkie.
What Users Say About These Backpacking Power Banks
Feedback from Amazon, Reddit (r/Ultralight, r/WildernessBackpacking), and X posts:
- Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3: “Lightest 10,000 mAh, durable carbon fiber,” per Adventure Alan (4.9/5).
- Anker PowerCore 10000: “Cheap, reliable, great value,” per Amazon (4.5/5, 100k+ reviews).
- INIU 20000 PD: “Perfect for long trips, fast charging,” per CleverHiker (4.4/5).
- BioLite Charge 80 PD: “Fast charging, but heavy,” per REI (4.2/5).
- Goal Zero Flip 24: “Compact, ideal for day hikes,” per Atlas & Boots (4.7/5).
Concerns include occasional Nitecore reliability issues, BioLite’s weight, and Goal Zero’s limited capacity, per Reddit.
Maximize Your Backpacking Power Bank
Tips for Optimizing Your Backpacking Power Bank
Maximize your power bank with these tips, per CleverHiker and Outdoor Life:
- Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3: Pair with USB-C cables for fast 22.5W charging; store in a pocket to avoid cold.
- Anker PowerCore 10000: Use a waterproof bag for protection; charge overnight for short trips.
- INIU 20000 PD: Fully charge before cold-weather trips to maintain efficiency.
- BioLite Charge 80 PD: Use USB-C PD for quick top-ups; charge multiple devices simultaneously.
- Goal Zero Flip 24: Carry in a hip belt pocket for easy access on day hikes.
- Care Tips: Avoid extreme cold, charge fully before trips, use a protective case, per GearJunkie.
Conclusion
The Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3, Anker PowerCore 10000, INIU 20000 PD, BioLite Charge 80 PD, and Goal Zero Flip 24 are the best backpacking power banks. Choose Nitecore for ultralight trips, Anker for budget, INIU for long treks, BioLite for fast charging, or Goal Zero for day hikes. Match your power bank to trip length, weight needs, and device usage. Shop now on Amazon, REI, or Nitecore to stay powered on your adventures!