When you’re miles from the nearest outlet, a reliable power bank isn’t just a convenience—it’s a critical piece of gear for navigation, communication, and capturing memories. The wrong choice can leave you stranded with a dead phone, while the right one provides peace of mind throughout your journey. Our field-tested roundup focuses on capacity, durability, and charging speed to ensure your adventures remain powered.
We’ve rigorously tested a range of models on the trail, from ultra-lightweight options for fastpackers to high-capacity beasts for extended expeditions. Whether you need to charge a laptop for remote work or simply keep your phone alive for photos, our selection for 2025 has a power solution tailored to your backpacking needs. These are the top performers that earned a spot in our packs.
Our Field-Tested Power Bank Recommendations
- Nitecore NB20000 Gen 3 Power Bank
- Goal Zero Flip 24 Portable Phone Charger
- INIU Power Bank, 20000mAh 65W Ultra Compact
- Anker GaNPrime Power Bank, 2-in-1 Portable Charger
- BioLite, Charge 80 PD, 20,000 mAh Power Bank
- Zendure Magnetic Wireless Charger, Qi2 Certified
- charmast Portable Charger, Slim Battery Pack 26800mAh
- BigBlue Portable Solar Charger 28W with Digital Ammeter
- Krisdonia 50000mAh Laptop Power Bank
- Anker 325 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K)
Nitecore NB20000 Gen 3 Power Bank
For backpackers who count every gram, the Nitecore NB20000 Gen 3 is a standout. Its 20,000mAh capacity provides enough power to charge a modern smartphone over six times, making it ideal for multi-day trips. It’s also airline-approved, so you can confidently carry it on your flights to trailheads around the world.
The dual USB-C ports offer excellent flexibility, allowing you to charge two devices at once or power an external device while the power bank itself is recharging. A simple system of four blue LED lights clearly displays the remaining power, so you always know when it’s time to recharge the bank. This combination of high capacity and thoughtful design makes it a reliable power source for any adventure.
Goal Zero Flip 24 Portable Phone Charger
If your priority is minimizing weight and bulk, the Goal Zero Flip 24 is a perfect choice. With a 6,700mAh capacity, it’s powerful enough to charge a typical phone twice, yet its pocket-friendly size fits easily into any backpack or even a jacket pocket. The built-in flip-out USB tip eliminates the need to carry a separate cable for most phones.
This power bank is designed for fast-paced travel and day hikes, providing essential backup power for your smartphone, camera, or a rechargeable flashlight. It features a handy, easy-to-read battery indicator, so you’re never caught off guard by a low battery. For short trips where every ounce matters, the Flip 24 delivers simple, effective power.
INIU Power Bank, 20000mAh 65W Ultra Compact
The INIU Power Bank breaks the mold for high-capacity chargers by offering a remarkably compact form factor. It uses advanced high-density cell technology to pack a full 20,000mAh and a powerful 65W output into a very small package. This means you get substantial power without the typical bulk, a major advantage for backpackers with limited space.
This is a must-have for users with multiple devices, including laptops. It can charge a MacBook Air to 41% in just 25 minutes while simultaneously powering another device like a phone or tablet. With its industry-leading 3-year warranty and focus on safe charging, the INIU provides high-speed, reliable power for your most demanding tech.
Anker GaNPrime Power Bank, 2-in-1 Portable Charger
The Anker 733 is a uniquely versatile solution that functions as both a 65W wall charger and a 10,000mAh portable power bank. This 2-in-1 design is perfect for the traveler who moves from the airport to the trail, as it reduces the number of chargers you need to pack. Its GaNPrime technology ensures efficient and safe charging for your devices.
When plugged into the wall, it charges its internal battery and your devices simultaneously. On the go, it provides a solid 10,000mAh of backup power. With two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, you can charge up to three devices at once, making it an excellent all-in-one power hub for your backpacking kit.
BioLite, Charge 80 PD, 20,000 mAh Power Bank
BioLite is known for durable, outdoor-focused gear, and the Charge 80 PD lives up to that reputation. This 20,000mAh power bank is built to withstand the rigors of the trail. It features an 18W USB-C Power Delivery port for faster charging, along with two USB-A outputs, allowing you to charge up to three devices at once.
Weighing just over a pound, it’s a compact and super-packable power source that is FAA carry-on compliant. A simple button activates the LED battery life indicator, giving you a clear picture of your remaining power. For backpackers who need a tough, reliable battery from a trusted outdoor brand, the Charge 80 PD is a solid choice.
Zendure Magnetic Wireless Charger, Qi2 Certified
For iPhone users, the Zendure Supermini Q offers a supremely convenient charging experience. As a Qi2-certified magnetic power bank, it snaps securely to the back of your iPhone and begins charging instantly, eliminating the need for cables during use. It provides a fast 15W wireless charge, getting an iPhone from 0 to 20% in about 22 minutes.
Beyond wireless charging, it also includes a 20W USB-C port and a USB-A port for charging other devices. The built-in foldable kickstand is a clever feature, allowing you to prop your phone up for hands-free viewing. Its 10,000mAh capacity and lightweight, pocketable design make it an excellent cable-free power solution for day trips and travel.
charmast Portable Charger, Slim Battery Pack 26800mAh
If your primary concern is maximum capacity, the charmast power bank delivers an impressive 26,800mAh. This huge capacity can charge an iPhone up to five times or an iPad mini three times, making it ideal for long expeditions or for groups sharing a single power source. Despite its large capacity, it maintains a relatively slim profile.
It features four USB output ports, allowing you to charge multiple devices simultaneously. The versatile USB-C port supports both fast input and output. The rubberized cover provides a secure grip and protects the device from scratches and minor impacts, ensuring it stays in good condition throughout your travels.
BigBlue Portable Solar Charger 28W with Digital Ammeter
For extended off-grid adventures, the BigBlue Solar Charger provides a way to generate your own power. Its three panels feature high-efficiency solar cells that convert 25.4% of sunlight into power, and a clean design without front-facing metal lines helps maximize light capture. This is not a power bank itself, but a solar panel to charge one.
It includes a digital ammeter that shows real-time power output, so you can position it for optimal sun exposure. With dual USB outputs and a foldable, portable design that includes carabiners for easy attachment to your backpack, this solar charger is an excellent companion for keeping your power bank topped up during multi-day backpacking trips.
Krisdonia 50000mAh Laptop Power Bank
The Krisdonia is a powerhouse designed for those who need to run demanding devices like laptops in the backcountry. With a massive 50,000mAh capacity, it can charge a laptop multiple times and still have power left for other devices. It features an adjustable DC output port that can be set to match the voltage requirements of most laptops.
This power bank also supports pass-through charging, meaning you can charge the bank itself while it’s charging another device. While it is heavier than other options, its unparalleled capacity and ability to directly power a laptop make it a compelling choice for digital nomads or anyone on an extended trip who requires serious computing power.
Anker 325 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K)
Anker is a trusted name in power accessories, and the 325 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K) embodies the brand’s reputation for reliability. With a 20,000mAh capacity, it provides multiple full charges for a smartphone, making it a dependable choice for weekend trips. Its design is straightforward and user-friendly, focusing on core functionality.
This model is known for its durable construction and consistent performance. It features PowerIQ technology for optimized charging speeds across a wide range of devices. For backpackers who want a no-fuss, reliable power bank from a brand they can trust, the Anker 325 is a consistently excellent option that won’t let you down on the trail.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Best Power Bank for Backpacking
After spending months on the trail with a dozen different models, I have a pretty good idea of what separates a decent power bank from a great one. Your power bank is a critical piece of gear, and choosing the wrong one can leave you stranded with a dead phone and no GPS. Here’s what I look for when I’m picking a power bank for my own backpacking trips.
Capacity is King, But Weight is the Queen
This is the big trade-off. Capacity, measured in watt-hours (Wh) or milliamp-hours (mAh), tells you how much juice the battery holds. For a typical weekend trip (2-3 nights), a 10,000mAh bank is usually enough to recharge a phone and a headlamp. For longer thru-hikes, you might need 20,000mAh or more. But remember, every gram counts. A 20,000mAh bank can weigh over a pound. Be honest about your needs; carrying excess capacity is a common and heavy mistake.
Pay Attention to Watt-Hours (Wh) for Air Travel
This is a pro-tip many miss. The FAA limits the size of power banks you can bring on a plane to 100 watt-hours. Most power banks list capacity in mAh, but you can convert it. The formula is (mAh * Voltage) / 1000 = Wh. A standard 20,000mAh power bank at 3.7V is about 74Wh, so it’s fine. But some high-capacity ones creep over 99Wh, so always check before you fly.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Your power bank isn’t living a cushy life on a nightstand. It’s getting jostled in your pack, exposed to dust, and maybe even a sudden rain shower. I always look for a robust casing and, if possible, an IP rating for dust and water resistance. An IPX4 rating, for example, means it can handle splashes from any direction, which is a nice peace of mind.
Charging Speed and Ports
Look for Power Delivery (PD) technology, especially if you have a modern phone, camera, or even a laptop. PD charging is significantly faster than standard charging. Having at least two output ports is a game-changer, allowing you to charge your phone and a satellite communicator simultaneously overnight. Also, check the input charging speed—a power bank that takes 10 hours to recharge itself is a liability on a town day.
Useful Extra Features
Some power banks come with built-in features that can save you weight elsewhere. A built-in wall plug means you don’t need to carry a separate charging cable. A wireless charging pad lets you top up compatible devices without a cable. And while a built-in flashlight is common, a solar panel is often more of a gimmick than a practical feature; they are usually too small to provide meaningful power on the go.
Finding the right balance of these factors is the key to choosing one of the 10 best power banks for backpacking 2025. It’s all about matching the tool to your specific trip length, device needs, and willingness to carry the weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can a 10,000mAh power bank charge my phone?
This depends on your phone’s battery capacity. A modern smartphone like an iPhone 15 has a battery around 3,300-4,300mAh. In a perfect world, a 10,000mAh bank would give you about 2-3 full charges. However, you have to account for energy loss during the transfer process (inefficiency and heat). In real-world use, you can reliably expect 2 full charges for most phones, sometimes a little more. It’s always better to be conservative with your estimates on the trail.
Are solar-powered power banks worth it for backpacking?
In my field testing, I’ve found dedicated solar power banks to be a mixed bag. The small panels built directly onto a power bank are almost useless; they simply don’t have enough surface area to gather meaningful power in a day of hiking. For a reliable solar setup, you’d need a large, separate panel that you can strap to your pack, which adds significant weight and bulk. For most backpackers, it’s more weight-efficient to just carry a larger capacity traditional power bank and recharge it fully when you hit a town.
Can I bring my power bank on an airplane?
Yes, but with strict rules. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that power banks be carried in your carry-on luggage; they are prohibited in checked bags. Furthermore, the capacity cannot exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh). Some airlines allow larger ones up to 160Wh with prior approval, but 100Wh is the standard limit. Most common power banks for backpacking, like a 20,000mAh model, fall well under this limit. Always check the Wh rating on your device before you fly.
What’s the difference between mAh and Wh?
mAh (milliamp-hours) and Wh (watt-hours) are both units of electrical charge, but Wh gives you a truer picture of total energy. mAh alone doesn’t account for voltage. Wh is calculated as (mAh * Voltage) / 1000. Since many of the 10 best power banks for backpacking 2025 we tested use different internal voltages for efficiency, the Wh rating is the most reliable way to compare their true capacity, especially for air travel regulations. It’s the universal measurement for energy.
How should I care for my power bank on the trail?
Treat it like any other sensitive electronic. Keep it in a dry bag or a ziplock to protect it from rain and moisture. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures; don’t leave it baking in the sun on a rock or freezing in your tent vestibule overnight. Try not to drain it to 0% or charge it to 100% all the time—keeping it between 20% and 80% is better for long-term battery health. And finally, use a good quality cable, as a frayed cable can damage the charging ports.
Is it safe to charge my power bank in my backpack?
I do not recommend it. While charging, all batteries generate some heat. Trapping that heat inside a confined space like your backpack is a potential fire hazard and can also damage the power bank’s internal components over time. It’s always safest to charge your devices in a well-ventilated area where heat can dissipate. When I’m in town, I charge my power bank on a hard surface like a table or floor, not buried in my stuff.