Stay Powered On The Go: 9 Best Power Banks For Bikepacking, Backpacking, And Cycle Touring

Last Updated on 26 April 2024 by Cycloscope

The very best cycle touring battery packs and power banks for bikepacking. Reviewed and compared

What’s the best ultralight power bank for bikepacking? Let’s try to answer this question!

Are you planning an adventure into the great outdoors? If yes, then ensuring that you stay powered up and connected is paramount. Whether you’re bikepacking, backpacking, or cycle touring, having a reliable source of energy to keep your electronic devices charged is essential.

Enter power banks, the portable and rechargeable saviors that provide the energy you need, no matter how remote your bikepacking expedition may be.

In this informative blog post, we will explore the top nine power banks specifically designed for outdoor enthusiasts like you. 

From long-lasting battery life to rugged durability, these power banks will keep you powered on the go, enabling you to capture memories, navigate unfamiliar terrain, and stay connected with peace of mind for days!

Why Do You Need the Best Power Banks for Bikepacking?

One of the most common hurdles encountered when bikepacking is the limited availability of power sources to charge your essential devices. Remote locations, extended periods away from civilization, and unpredictable weather conditions make it difficult to rely on traditional power outlets.

Imagine capturing stunning landscapes on your cycling camera or relying on GPS navigation to find your way, only to have your devices run out of battery at the most inconvenient times. We have seen it happen to ourselves quite a few times during our many bike touring adventures and it can be frustrating! But it can also potentially impact your safety or enjoyment of the journey.

That’s where a high-quality power bank becomes an indispensable companion, ensuring you have a reliable source of power whenever you need it.

PRO TIP: for total freedom and independence from power outlets, combine a good power bank with the best solar panel chargers!

The 9 Best Power Banks for Bikepacking, Backpacking, and Cycle Touring 

When it comes to power banks for outdoor adventures, the market offers a plethora of options. Whether you’re looking for the most affordable, the lightest, or the most powerful option, you will find one in the below-researched power bank brands.

1. ROMOSS Power Bank Sense 8+ / 30,000mAh
   

The ROMOSS 30000mAh Power Bank Sense 8+ is a feature-packed external battery pack that offers convenience and reliability for your charging needs.

With 3 outputs and 3 inputs, including an 18W PD USB C port, it is compatible with a wide range of devices, from iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy to iPads and more.

With a massive 30000mAh battery capacity, it can provide up to 12.6 full charges for an iPhone 8, 7.2 charges for a Samsung S9, and 4 full charges for an iPad mini 4. The 3-input design allows for fast recharge, taking only 11 hours with an 18W PD adapter. 

Additionally, it features fast charging capabilities, charging QC-support devices up to 80% in just 35 minutes. With built-in safety features, you can trust in the protection of your devices. 

2. RETMSR Portable Charger Power Bank / 30,000mAh
   

Looking for a lightweight power bank for backpacking? The power of the Ultra High Cell Capacity portable phone charger comes with its massive 30000mAh Li-ion battery pack. It can charge your iPhone 8 up to 10 times, iPhone 12 up to 7 times, Samsung S9 up to 6 times, and Pad mini 5 up to 3 times. Not just limited to phones, it can also charge other devices like headphones, speakers, MTB computers, and even game switches.

You can take advantage of high-speed charging with its USB-A1 22.5W and PD 20W USB C outputs, allowing you to fully charge your iPhone XR in just 40 minutes. With the ability to charge four devices simultaneously and dual input methods (micro USB 18W and Type-C 20W), this power bank can be refueled in as little as 6 hours with an 18W adapter.

Equipped with a bright LED flashlight featuring four modes (strong, soft, SOS, strobe), this power bank serves as a versatile tool for emergencies during camping, hiking, car repairs, and more. Its durable construction, including over 1100 recharging cycles and an intelligent protection system, ensures longevity and reliability. Compact in size (6.77×3.43×1 in) and lightweight (1.05 lb), it easily fits in your palm or bag.

On this purchase, you will also receive the 30000mAh portable charger, a Type-C cable, and a user manual. Rest easy with our worry-free 12-month guarantee and 7-day/24-hour friendly customer service.

3. Ekrist Portable Charger Power Bank / 25,800mAh

Ekrist’s latest design in portable chargers is this one with an impressive 25800mAh ultra-huge capacity. This power bank incorporates the advanced intelligent controlling IC, ensuring higher quality, enhanced safety, and increased reliability. It undergoes rigorous testing, including a 100% check and continuous aging test, to guarantee powerful and long-lasting performance.

With universal compatibility, this power bank is suitable for a wide range of devices such as iPad, iWatch, AirPods, Samsung Galaxy, and many other smart cell phones, tablets, and Bluetooth gadgets. It can provide 6 to 8 full charges, alleviating any concerns about battery exhaustion during your travels or outdoor activities.

Featuring dual USB ports (2.1A+1A), you can conveniently charge two devices simultaneously. It can fully recharge itself in 8 to 12 hours with a 2.1A input charger, or 12 to 24 hours with a 1A charger.

The four LED lights indicate the remaining power of the device, and the power button allows for easy on/off control. Built-in smart protection ensures complete safety for you and your devices. Included with the Ekrist 25800mAh portable battery charger are micro USB cables and user manuals. 

4. Aonimi Portable Power Bank 2 Pack / 10,000mAh

With a high-quality Li-polymer electric core and an ultra-slim design, weighing only 181g and measuring a mere 14mm thick, it’s incredibly lightweight and easy to carry. The grippy design ensures a secure hold and makes it effortless to toss into your bag. Rest assured of its quality and reliability as it has been checked for the aging test, powered by an intelligent controlling IC.

This one also comes with dual output ports, and you can fast charge two devices simultaneously, while the power bank itself fully recharges in just 6-8 hours at 5V 2.1A. It offers universal compatibility, supporting a wide range of devices such as iWatch, AirPods, Samsung Galaxy, and most other smart cell phones, tablets, and Bluetooth devices. With the ability to provide 6 to 8 full charges, it eliminates any worries about battery exhaustion during your travels or daily activities.

The power bank features four LED lights that indicate the remaining power level at 25%, 50%, and so on, and a simple press of the power button turns it on or off. Built-in smart protection ensures the safety of both you and your devices.

Included with the AONIMI 10000mAh portable battery charger are micro USB cables and user manuals. 

5. VRURC Power Bank / 10,000mAh

This wall charger phone bank is equipped with a built-in micro cable, type C cable, and other data cables, as well as a USB input port, Type-C input, and output ports. It’s compatible with iPhone, Android devices, and USB-C mobile phones and smart devices, meeting most of your daily charging needs.

It also features an AC wall plug, allowing you to charge it directly from the wall outlet. A major plus point, is no more worries about forgetting cables and adapters.

With its lightweight and compact design, measuring 5.9 x 2.8 x 0.7 inches and weighing only 8 ounces, this battery with built-in cables is convenient to carry without adding unnecessary weight.

You have two options to charge the power bank. One is through the AC wall plug, which fully charges it within 6 hours. The other is using a 5V/2.6A charging cable, which charges it fully within 5 hours.

Safety is a top priority. This portable charger utilizes a high-quality smart chip that protects your device from overcharge, overcurrent, overvoltage, and short-circuit, ensuring a safe charging experience. This power bank comes with a user manual. 

6. VRURC Small Power Bank / 20,000 mAh 

Here’s one of our absolute favourite battery packs for bikepacking. With dimensions of 4.42 x 2.73 x 1.08 inches, it is 15% smaller than the iPhone 12, and weighing only 10.9 ounces (310g), it’s an excellent travel companion that is easy to carry. The high capacity of 20000mAh ensures that your multiple devices stay powered for the entire day.

It comes with a PD 22.5W fast charging feature, this portable battery charger offers a total of four outputs, including two 12W USB ports, one intelligent 22.5W PD USB port, and an 18W Type-C port for both input and output. This multi-output power bank allows you to quickly charge up to four devices simultaneously, saving you valuable time.

With three input options available, including micro input (max 18W), type-C input (max 18W), and iOS input (max 20W), this portable phone charger provides versatile recharging capabilities. Simply connect your cable and adapter with PD protocol to any of these inputs, and the power bank can be fully charged in just 6 hours (using an ordinary 5V/3A adapter would take 9 hours).

The small portable charger is universally compatible with all smartphones and can provide multiple charges for devices such as iPhone 13/13 Pro (3.5 times), iPhone 12/11 (4.5 times), Samsung S8 (4 times), and iPad (2.5 times). It can also be used to charge low-current devices like AirPods and sports watches. The LED display allows you to easily monitor the accurate remaining power at any time.

It offers protection against overvoltages, overloads, overcurrents, and short circuits. It automatically shuts off when your phone is fully charged to prevent overheating and overcharging. This power bank comes with a traveling pouch. 

7. POWMYMTO Power Bank / 20,000mAh 

Even tinier than the previous one, this is another best choice when it comes to power banks for cycle touring.

Measuring only 3 x 3 x 1.26 inches and weighing just 9.9 ounces, it is compact and ultralight, making it easy to carry on the go even with the most minimal bikepacking setup.

The POWMYMTO power bank includes a detachable lightning charging cable and a Type-C charging cable, allowing direct charging of iPhone, iPad, and Samsung phones without the need for additional cables. Alternatively, you can use your own charging cable and plug it into the USB port for charging.

With its large capacity of 20,000mAh, this power bank can charge an iPhone 14 approximately 4 times and an iPhone 13 about 4.5 times.

Safety and reliability are ensured with a secure polymer battery and a circuit board equipped with overcharge protection, short circuit protection, temperature protection, and more.

The LED display provides a clear indication of the remaining power, and a low battery alert notifies you when it’s time to recharge.

Featuring two built-in charging cables and one USB port, this portable charger provides a 2A charging current for efficient charging of your devices.

8. Charmast Portable Power Bank / 26,800mAh

With its enormous 26,800mAh capacity, this power bank has the ability to charge your iPhone 13 five times, iPad mini three times, and Samsung Galaxy four times. What’s more, it only takes a mere nine hours to fully recharge, ensuring your devices stay powered up without draining all your USB wall charger outlets.

It boasts high-speed charging, 25% faster than comparable versions, with four smart USB outputs that intelligently detect and regulate charging current, delivering a total output of 5.4A to charge up to four devices simultaneously. Attached is a versatile USB-C port, it supports fast input and output, making it a reliable and long-lasting portable charger for various devices including iPhones, iPads, Samsung, and Pixel. 

Despite its weight of around 11.9 ounces, the power bank’s slim profile, measuring only 0.6 inches thick, provides a comfortable grip and features a fully rubberized cover for a pleasant touch while protecting your device from scratches and drops. This certified battery pack adheres to UL 2056 standards and employs smart protection technology, safeguarding your devices against excessive current, overheating, overcharging, and short circuits, ensuring a safe and worry-free experience. The pack also includes a convenient four LED indicator, allowing you to easily check the remaining battery level at a glance.

9. KAPURUI Waterproof Portable Power Bank / 36800mAh

Last but not least, here’s the KAPURUI, the ultimate power bank for long-distance bike touring. Huge capacity, solar charging, waterproofness, hard case, torch… this battery pack is stuffed with all the features any adventure seeker might want from such a piece of gear.

The solar power bank features two high-speed fast-charging USB output interfaces, delivering a 5V3.1A output, which is 50% faster than the older 5V2A output interface.

This enhanced speed ensures efficient and rapid charging of your mobile devices. It comes with a built-in intelligent IC chip, it automatically recognizes the connected device and adjusts the current and voltage accordingly, providing optimal charging performance.

The power bank is constructed with high-strength engineering ABS material, offering flame-retardant and anti-drop properties. Its multi-channel waterproof and sealing process guarantees water and dust resistance.

Compatible with 99% of electronic products and equipment on the market, this solar charger proves highly versatile. Furthermore, it boasts two bright flashlights with a battery life of 100 hours, activated by a 3-4 second long press of the power button. While the solar charger can be charged via the built-in solar panel, it is important to note that the charging speed is influenced by sunlight intensity and panel conversion rate, making it a lengthier process. 

Solar charging is primarily intended for emergency situations and is not the main charging method. For daily use, it is recommended to employ an adapter above 5V2A to charge the solar charger.

With its built-in smart chip, the charger intelligently identifies most electronic products on the market, adapting the fluctuating current to a stable one, and ensuring the safety of your equipment.

Benefits of a High-Quality Power Bank

• Convenience: High-quality power banks offer the convenience of charging devices on the go, eliminating the need to search for power outlets or rely on sporadic charging opportunities.
• Portability: Power banks are portable and can be easily carried during outdoor adventures, allowing you to have a reliable power source wherever you go.
• Connectivity: By keeping your communication devices, such as smartphones or radios, charged and functional, a power bank ensures you stay connected with fellow adventurers and can reach out for help in case of emergencies.
• Peace of mind: Knowing that you have a reliable power source with you provides peace of mind during outdoor adventures, as it ensures you have the means to charge your devices and stay connected when needed.

However, if you prefer using solar panel chargers for bikepacking and bike touring, check out our blog here.

Key Considerations for Choosing the Best Power Bank for Bikepacking

If you have read it till here, then you’re convinced! The next step is selecting the right power bank for your outdoor adventures and considering several points that can make a significant difference in ensuring a reliable and efficient charging experience. Here are the factors you should keep in mind:

• Battery Capacity: Extended trips require power banks with sufficient capacity to keep your devices charged. Assess your energy needs by considering the battery capacities of your devices and the duration of your adventure. Opt for power banks with higher capacities, such as 10,000mAh or more, to ensure multiple charges and longevity without compromising on performance.
  
  Common smartphone battery capacities typically range from 2,000mAh to 4,000mAh, although some high-end smartphones may have larger capacities. The capacity of a power bank is usually measured in milliampere-hours (mAh) as well.
  
  To determine how many times you can charge your device with a power bank, you can use the following rough estimate:
  
  (Number of power bank mAh) / (Smartphone battery mAh) = Number of full charges.
  
  For example, if you have a power bank with a capacity of 10,000mAh and a smartphone with a battery capacity of 3,000mAh:
  
  10,000mAh / 3,000mAh = 3.33 (approximately)
  
  In this case, you can expect to get around three full charges for your smartphone from the power bank. However, it’s important to note that there are energy losses during charging, so the actual number of full charges may be slightly lower.

• Portability and Weight: Outdoor enthusiasts value lightweight and compact gear that doesn’t weigh them down. Look for power banks that strike a balance between power and portability. Compact designs that easily fit in your backpack or pocket will make a significant difference in your overall packing and carrying experience. Check out our post for other essential gear to carry on your next backpacking and cycle touring here.

• Durability: Outdoor conditions can be harsh, ranging from extreme temperatures to rough handling. Choose power banks built to withstand these challenges. Look for rugged designs with features like shock resistance, water resistance, and dustproofing. This way, your power bank can handle the elements and accidental drops, ensuring it remains functional throughout your journey.

• Charging Capabilities: Your power bank should be compatible with the devices you plan to charge. Search for power banks with multiple USB ports and different charging outputs to accommodate various devices simultaneously. You should also consider power banks with fast charging capabilities, such as Quick Charge or Power Delivery, which can significantly reduce the charging time for your devices.

Buying Guide For Cycling Power Banks

Several factors to consider when choosing the right power bank for your needs have been pointed out below. Read on and make an informed decision. 

• Assessing the quality and reliability of a power bank is crucial. Look for reputable brands known for producing reliable products. Check for safety certifications and features like overcharge protection and short circuit prevention.

• Understanding the technical specifications is equally important. Pay attention to the battery capacity, measured in mAh, which indicates how much charge the power bank can hold. Consider the number and type of output ports, charging speed, and compatibility with your devices.

• Customer reviews and feedback offer valuable insights into the performance and durability of the power bank. Look for reviews from users who have similar devices or usage scenarios to get a better idea of its reliability.

• Budget is an important consideration. Compare prices among different brands while considering the features and quality they offer. Strike a balance between your budget and the value for money the power bank provides.

Power Saving Tips For Outdoor Cycling Adventures

Managing power usage and extending the battery life of your devices becomes crucial on adventurous trips. Here are some power-saving tips to help you make the most out of your power bank and stay connected in the great outdoors.

1. Maximizing power bank efficiency and extending battery life starts with choosing a power bank with a high capacity and efficient charging technology. Look for power banks with features like smart power management and automatic power-off to conserve energy.

2. Prioritize device charging and usage by focusing on essential functions and apps. Close unused apps, lower screen brightness, and disable unnecessary notifications to reduce power consumption.

3. Utilize power-saving modes and accessories available on your devices. Enable power-saving modes that optimize performance and limit background activities. Additionally, consider using power-saving accessories like solar chargers or energy-efficient LED lights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now let’s address the most commonly asked questions about power banks for bikepacking.

Wrap-Up – What’s the best cycling power bank for bikepacking?

A reliable power bank is a crucial companion for bikepacking, backpacking, and cycle touring adventures. It ensures you stay connected, powered, and prepared for any situation on the go. We have explored the challenges of charging devices in remote locations and the benefits of a high-quality power bank for convenience and peace of mind.

When selecting the best power bank for your individual needs, consider factors such as battery capacity, portability, durability, and charging capabilities. Assessing customer reviews and feedback can provide valuable insights. Keeping budget and value for money in mind is also essential.

Moreover, the right power bank can provide you with an uninterrupted power supply, allowing you to capture breathtaking moments, navigate with GPS, and stay connected with loved ones. So, choose wisely and embark on your adventures with the confidence that your devices will stay powered on the go.