We rely on our phones for so much in our daily lives. We use them to conduct work, research, and keep in touch with friends and family around the world. Like all electronics, they are limited by their battery lives.
Contents
Most times, recharging our devices is as simple as finding the closest outlet, but sometimes that isn’t an option. In this review, we will be going over some of the best and most reliable portable phone chargers. They could be used on camping trips, during power outages, or any other time that you find yourself without an outlet.
By the end, you will have a better idea of what is available, and you will be able to find some options that would suit you best.
Key Takeaways
- There are various aspects to keep in mind when choosing your portable phone charger. These include weight, size, mAH capacity, and charging options.
- We will cover 6 of the best portable phone chargers from some of the top brands to determine which will be the best for you. We will cover features, benefits, and drawbacks.
How to Choose the Best Backcountry Phone Charger
When choosing the best backcountry phone for your specific situation, it can be difficult to know what to look for. There are a few facets that you should pay attention to, however, and we will outline them in this next section.
Power can be increasingly difficult to come by worldwide. This can be due to situations like extreme weather scenarios, as we have covered before.
We have also looked at ways to achieve off-grid power, and a portable power bank can fit well into that plan.
Weight
The weight of your charger may seem inconsequential at first, but it can make a big difference. When you’re camping or out on a hike, there is a limit to the gear that you can carry. If it gets too heavy, you will fatigue yourself quicker, so it’s important to keep weight down.
Even for something as small as a portable charger, it can make a difference if it is even slightly too heavy. So if you can find one that is fairly lightweight while still maintaining the other important facets, then that would be ideal.
Size
Size is also a factor to consider. The charger may be lightweight, but that won’t matter much if it is big. It will take up a lot of space in your backpack or pockets, meaning there will be less room for other important items you may need on your travels.
A good balance between size and weight is definitely something worth considering.
MAH Capacity
The mAh capacity of a charging device refers to how much charge it can contain. The higher this number, the more times you will be able to charge devices. You should try to find as high a number as possible, especially for longer trips or situations where multiple people will need it.
Efficiency
When using a backcountry charger, time will usually be of the essence. So, you would hope that the device would be efficient enough to charge your devices quickly. That way, you can be on your way faster.
Finding an efficient charger is highly recommended to get the most out of the device.
If you want to get even more out of a portable charger, we have previously looked at some of the best solar devices to pair with a charger.
Best Backcountry Phone Chargers
Now, we will show you a selection of 6 different chargers that we found to be great options. There are differences between them that will make some better for some people than others. We will highlight the good and the bad aspects of each one, and that way you will be able to decide for yourself which is best for you.
Anker 737
Best Overall Backcountry Phone Charger
The first charger we have is the Anker 737. This is one of the best options we have seen, and we think it’s one of the best overall chargers we have seen. Let’s see why we thought this as we take a closer look.
About the Brand
If you’re in the market for portable chargers, Anker is a name that you will certainly come across. They’re one of the top names in charging technology, and they have accrued a positive reputation for innovative and high-quality products.
This reputation will be proven as you see what this particular product has to offer.
Key Features and Benefits
- Powerful 2-Way Charging
The charger features bi-directional technology that allows for quick charging of the device or for anything you would like to use it to charge. - High Capacity
The charger features a 24 000 mAh battery, and Anker estimates that you could charge the average iPhone or smartphone around 5 times on a full charge.
- Smart Display
There are no guessing games involved in knowing how much charge is left, as a smart display shows you the remaining power and charging progress. - 3 Devices at Once
The ports on the device allow you to charge up to 3 devices simultaneously.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High capacity.
- Fast charging.
- Screen included on the device.
- Can charge up to 3 devices.
- Known and respected brand.
Cons
- Is a bit big and bulky, making it a bit less portable.
QuadraPro by Frog and Co
Best Solar Battery Pack Charger for Backcountry
If you want to be even more self-sufficient, you can consider something like the QuadraPro by Frog And Co. This battery pack gives you solar charging, which can be helpful for longer trips or areas where electricity is difficult to access.
About the Brand
Frog And Co falls under the Survival Frog company. This is a company we see a lot in our various reviews, as they are one of the best suppliers of survival tools, food, and accessories on the market.
They also produce products like the one we will be looking at, and their expertise in quality survival tools certainly shines through in their products.
For a closer look at this device, check out our QuadraPro review for more information.
Key Features and Benefits
- Solar Charging
The battery pack has 4 battery packs that unfold so that you can charge it with solar power. It will take around 12 hours of direct sunlight to charge this way. - Charging Options
If you have access to a charging outlet, you can charge the battery pack that way, and it will be much quicker. - Battery Capacity
The capacity of the device is 6500 mAh. This is a bit low but should be more than enough to partially charge most smartphones at least once. - Easy To Carry
The charger folds up to a small size and can be clipped to clothing and accessories that allow for the device to charge as you travel
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Solar charging option.
- Durable and portable.
- Gives you multiple charging options.
Cons
- Capacity is a bit low.
- Solar charging takes a while, so is best suited as a fallback charging method.
Charmast
If you’re looking for a portable device that still packs some decent capacity, then the Charmast portable charger is one you should definitely consider. Let’s see what this small but mighty charger has to offer you.
About the Brand
Charmast may not have the brand recognition that a brand like Anker does, but they have an impressive catalog of devices. You can see on their product page that they have many different charging products that have been pretty well received.
Key Features and Benefits
- High Capacity
Despite the small size of the charger, it has a capacity of 10 000mAH which the company estimates will charge a smartphone about 3-4 times. - Small Size
This is one of the smallest portable chargers we have seen. It has dimensions of 3.56×2.44×0.87 inches, making it palm-sized and highly portable. - 3 Outputs
The device has three outputs for multiple devices, and it has fast charging for one device at a time.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Small size.
- Good capacity.
- Fast charging.
Cons
- Some users had issues with the build quality.
Anker 747 Power Bank
Best High Capacity Charger for Backpacking
We have another product from Anker with the Anker 747 power bank. This is a powerful charger that would be perfect for longer trips or multiple people.
Key Features and Benefits
- Ultra Capacity
The capacity of this device is 25 600mAh, and Anker estimates that you could charge a smartphone or iPhone between 3-5 times. - Fast Speeds
The device features fast charging for all devices, offering some of the fastest charging for these kinds of devices. - 4 Devices At Once
4 ports allow you to charge 4 devices simultaneously.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ultra-high capacity.
- Fast charging.
- Multiple ports,
Cons
- A bit big and bulky, making it less portable.
Anker PowerCore Slim
Best Lightweight Charger for Hiking
The previous Anker products we have looked at have been a bit big, so the next option is the Anker PowerCore Slim. This is a much smaller device that still has decent capacity and the benefit of the Anker seal of quality.
Key Features and Benefits
- Super Slim
The device is only 0.6 inches thick, making it slim and easy to slip into a pocket or a backpack. - Capacity
It features a capacity of 10 000mAH, which they estimate would charge a smartphone around 1.3 times. This means it would be best suited as a backup charger for emergencies. - Durable Casing
The charger has been designed with durability and resistance in mind, making it perfect for hiking and camping trips.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Slim, small size for portability.
- Durable design.
- Fast charging.
Cons
- Capacity is decent but a bit limited.
T-Core Power Bank
Best Single Charge Charger for Backcountry Hiking
Next up, we will be looking at the T-Core power bank. This is one of the smallest options we have seen, making it perfect for portability while still having a decent capacity.
About the Brand
T-Core is certainly a lesser-known brand, and the power bank we are looking at is one of their only products featured on Amazon. That means we will be judging the device purely on its own merits, so let’s see what it offers.
Key Features and Benefits
- Decent Capacity
The device has a capacity of around 10,000 mAh, which is pretty decent and should allow for at least one charge for most smartphones. - Fast Charging
2.0 quick charge technology ensures fast and efficient charging of your devices.
- Small Size
Weighing just 0.48 lbs, this is a truly small and portable device that you can take with you pretty much anywhere.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Small size.
- Fast charging.
- Decent capacity.
- Durable build.
Cons
- Small size could also be detrimental, as it’s easier to misplace the device.
How We Chose Our List for Best Backcountry Phone Chargers
When compiling our list, we tried to keep the fact that different people will have different priorities in mind. Some will prioritize high capacity and not care about portability, while others will care the most about having a small size for the charger.
We tried to keep a good range of products that would cover a wide range of different needs and preferences. While choosing these, we also ensured that each one is high quality and that it has been mostly well received by other customers.
Conclusion
We hope that you found a few different chargers to consider on this list! As mentioned, we tried to cater to every preference, so if you’re looking for a portable charger then you should find at least one on the list that would suit your needs.
Remember to pay attention to what is most important to you and try to find products that meet those needs. If you can find one that is well-rounded, then even better! Whatever you choose, we know you will be better prepared for emergencies and situations where you need a quick and convenient charge wherever you are.
Portable Phone Charger FAQs
How to Charge a Portable Phone Charger
You can generally charge a portable charger via a USB cable, charger, or even with solar power in some cases.
How to Charge Phone While Backpacking
Using a portable phone charger with a compatible USB cord will allow you to charge your phone while backpacking.
How Long do Battery Pack Chargers Last?
This will depend on the capacity of the charger and can vary wildly depending on the specifications.
Can You Bring a Battery Pack Charger on a Plane?
You should be able to take most battery pack chargers on a plane with you.
Are Battery Pack Chargers Bad for Your Phone?
Most quality battery pack chargers will be safe for your phone, but you should still charge phones with regular outlets where possible.
