Stay Connected Anywhere With These Portable Charging Devices
- College at Brockport, State University of New York
- University of Tennessee
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Solar power banks are a packing essential for outdoor enthusiasts and offer a way to keep cell phones, cameras, and other gadgets charged when electricity is scarce. Theyre also invaluable when severe weather or power surges cause widespread outages.
These convenient, portable devices have evolved into several different styles, but the two most common are around the size of a cell phone and have either a single solar panel or several expanding, folding panels. Solar chargers with one panel are more compact, but also slower to recharge using the suns energy. Multiple panels can speed things up a bit but are often bulkier. The fastest way to recharge both is by plugging a USB into a traditional power source and storing the energy. Once the power bank has been replenished, various electronics can still be charged on the device indoors or at night.
Here are the best solar power banks, many with added features such as wireless charging, waterproof exteriors, and built-in flashlights.
Solar Power For Campers
The holy grail of power? Wed probably all like to be able to stick a panel in the sun and power everything easily, quickly and for free. Instead, if youve ever started to research solar power for camping, you may well have given up bamboozled by the maths you have to do.
We turned to a few experts to help us unravel the potential of solar in particular, thanks to Caroline Rawlinson at Solar Technology International for some much-needed guidance.
Ypwa Portable Charger Power Bank
The YPWA Portable Charger Power Bank has a massive power capacity. It has a solar phone charging capacity. This ensures that you will engage in outdoor camping while also using solar energy to charge your power bank. As the capacity is high enough, one port does not suffice its usability. As a result, the power bank has two built-in USB Outputs with 5V/2.1 A power to charge two devices simultaneously.
Another essential factor about this power bank also has two LED lights with extremely powerful lightning functions. It also has an upgraded built-in smart chip charging speed that enhances the charging speed by two times faster. All this power storage and the weight of this power bank is only 12.5 oz. This is of similar size as that of a water bottle.
Pros
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What Can You Run On A Portable Power Station
Portable power stations are generally designed to power smaller electronic devices and appliances, from phones and table fans to heavy-duty work lights and CPAP machines. Pay attention to the estimated watt-hours each brand provides in its specs to determine which model makes the most sense for what you’d like to power.
If a company says its portable power station has 200 watt-hours, it should be able power a device with a 1-watt output for about 200 hours. I go into more detail on this in the “How we test” section below, but consider the wattage of the device or devices you want to power and then the number of watt-hours your portable power station would need to have.
Ravpower 27000mah Power Bank 85w
When the RavPower 27000mAH Power Bank 85W got its most recent upgrade we knew that we had to come back and update this list. In fact, we like this power bank so much that weve decided it should replace the Best Choice product. RAVPower is a company that makes brilliant electronics, without charging the same prices as some of the big-name brands. Having said that, this is still a pretty expensive product, especially for a power bank. But we think the benefits completely justify the price.
First off, it can power up to three devices at a time. Its got one Type-C output and two USB iSmart ports, that allow you to charge the latest tech. You just need to remember to bring enough USB cables and you and your friends can charge up devices anywhere, and at any time. The second-best thing about this power bank is the amount of power it holds it has a capacity of 27000mAh. To put that into language we can all understand, it can fully charge an iPhone 7 7.6 times, a Galaxy S8 5 times, and a MacBook 1.4 times. You can also recharge the power bank in just 5.2 hours, which means you can leave it charging on your bedside table whilst youre sleeping and when you wake up, itll be fully charged.
We cant find any.
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Outxe Quick Charge 20000mah Ip67
The power bank is rubberized as well as rugged in construction so that it can stand the abuses of the wild. The dual inputs of the power bank are of 4A. There are also two carabiners so that you can attach your power bank to your bag. They get easily clipped to your backpack and wont even shake when you are out on the adventure. The construction is of silicone rubber. The grain design provides it with a firm grip. The battery is such that you can charge it at night once and then can use it for a whole week. The charging is 4 times faster than other power banks. It can make your phone reach 80% in just 35 minutes. There are two ports to charge devices simultaneously. The battery is of 20,000 mAh power. It also has a flashlight of 200 lm. The weight is just 18.5 oz. The waterproof rating of the product is IP67.
Pros
Cons
The Best Charging Solution For Hikers Travelers And Campers
CHARGE ALL YOUR ELECTRONIC DEVICES ON THE GO
No need to worry anymore when using your electronic devices, the Photon solar powerbank will charge automatically in the sun and will charge all your devices. Solid attachment points allow you to fix the Photon easily on your backpack when you are walking.
Very small when folded, it will take almost no place in your backpack our pocket. When you unfold the Photon, it presents a large solar panel that allows a very fast charge in the sun.
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Fdorla 20000mah Solar Power Bank
- Dual USB port for you and your friend
- Complete with intelligent security protection for your devices
- Features a compass and LED flashlight
- Lightweight and compact
- It takes some time to charge using solar power
- Not fully waterproof
The portable solar power bank from F.dorla is all about quality and efficiency. Their 20000mAh solar power bank has the power you need and more.
Do not be fooled by the relatively small size of this solar power bank. With its 20000mAh capacity and dual USB ports, it can charge your devices simultaneously. It is also compatible with most devices like smartphones or tablets.
This power bank is ideal for outdoor use with its compact construction. It is made of durable and high-quality ABS, PC, and silicone material and is shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof. You can bring this anywhere you want, whether on camping, hiking, or fishing.
Your devices are also well protected with the intelligent security protection this power storage has. It is complete with advanced safety operations to avoid overcharging, over-voltage or short circuits. Not only does it protect your phone, but also the power bank for longer service life.
The extra features on this solar power bank make it more convenient and useful for your trips. One of which is a compass. It is suitable for directions when you are hiking or traveling. Another useful feature you can very well use is a powerful LED flashlight. It is convenient at night or during a power outage or other emergencies.
How Long Will The Power Last
That depends on:
- What you’re powering.
- How long you’re powering the appliances/devices for.
To work out how long your generator can run for continuously before it needs to be refuelled:
- Write down the usable watts it generates .
- Write down the total watts needed to power all your appliances/devices .
- Divide the first number by the second number .
To work out how long a battery or solar panel can run for continuously before it needs charging:
- Write down its Ah .
- Write down the total watts needed to power all your appliances/devices .
- Multiply the watts needed by the number of hours you want everything to run for each day .
- Divide this number by 12 to get the total amp-hours needed per day .
- Divide the battery power Ah by the amp-hours needed each day to get how long the battery will last before it needs charging .
If you’re only powering one thing with your battery:
- Say you’ve got a 130Ah battery and your lights need about 8Ah .
- If you’re using them for 3 hours a day, you’ll need 24Ah per day .
- So your 130Ah battery can power them for five days
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Amazonbasics 10000 Mah Power Bank
This compact unit by Amazon is a product worth checking out if you need a power bank thats not as wide or as tall as the option from Anker. It has a similarly rated capacity and even offers USB-C PD, although at a slightly lower wattage of 18W. It claims to charge up to maximum capacity in three hours if you use an 18W PD charger.
This power bank comes packaged with a 1.3ft USB-A to USB-C cable.
What Is The Portable Power Bank
A power source or bank is a secondary battery that can be used to charge your device anywhere and anytime. Now travelers can travel without worrying about the battery life of cameras or mobile devices and Gamer can enjoy long hours of gaming uninterrupted. This tiny portable device makes their life easy.
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Best Rugged Power Bank Zendure A3
Zendure A3 has undergone a number of upgrades and the latest generation comes with 10000mAh capacity which is more capable and affordable than ever.
The original focus on strength and toughness has not changed as the battery pack is made from a crushproof PC/ABS composite material. In fact, it is not only tough but also stylish, which quite often are two mutually exclusive attributes.
There is only one port on the power bank, but a capable one. It is rated at 2.1A which is equivalent to quick charging without the actual support of Qualcomms Quick Charge feature.
The manufacturer claims that the power bank has 80% efficiency rate which is in line with the numbers observed throughout our testing. This gives you 8000 mAh of pure usable power. Zendure A3 can be charged in under four hours, which is a pretty good result compared to the competition. Moreover, the smart technology integrated into the unit retains 95% of the charge for up to 6 months.
| Bottom Line |
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Zendure A3 has found a sweet spot and made a power bank which is durable, efficient, stylish and reasonably affordable. If you are after something tough that also looks good you cant go wrong with Zendure A3, it is the best-rugged power bank you can get in this size. |
Bluetti Ac50s Portable Power Station
Bluetti are a fairly big company in the world of portable power packs, and they encompass the Poweroak and Maxoak brands within their ownership.
Built with a 500Wh battery, the Bluetti AC50S is an excellent mid-range camping power pack which will cater to a high proportion of your on-site needs. This is not a device which you can carry solo in a backpack. Instead you should consider it as a portable power station for wild camping when youre travelling in a vehicle i.e. car or campervan/motorhome and you dont have access to mains electricity.
The maximum power the AC50S can deliver is 300W. This is enough to power a TV, an electric cool box, a laptop and even a low power electric camping kettle. However, these could not all be operated at the same time.
Out of the box, it measures 26 x 19.1 x 19.6 cm and weighs 6.2kg. Very manageable even in the smallest of campervans.
And boy does it look great. Available with either blue, orange or dark gray edging, the AC50S really made an impression on us and I was immediately looking around for items to run off it in the garden. In the end I plugged in a mini fridge which worked really well for several hours, and barely dented the capacity.
The AC50S power pack features a total of 11 outputs youre very well covered! These include 2 DC ports, one car cigarette lighter 12V port, PD 45W Type C, 4 USB-A, and 2 AC 230V outlets. The power charger also features a useful display to show how much juice is left.
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Riapow 26800 Solar Power Bank
- Comes with an innovative wireless charging feature
- Can charge four devices at the same time
- Designed with a durable housing
- Equipped with an LED flashlight for emergencies
- Fast charging capacity
- Cannot be fully submerged into water
- A bit bulky and heavy compared to other models
Another brand you can trust to provide you with a powerful solar power bank is Riapow. Its products are all about power and efficiency. This solar power bank has a 26800mAh power capacity and can charge your mobile phones, iPads, cameras, and tablets.
One reason why we highly recommend this solar power bank is not only because of its vast capacity but also because of its fast charging feature. It automatically detects your devices current and charges it as the fastest possible charging. Your phone can go up to 50% in less than an hour.
But whats even better is that this supports wireless charging. Aside from having 3 USB ports, it can charge QI-enabled phones. With the additional cable-free charging, you can charge four different devices simultaneously with just one power bank. It is perfect for sharing with your family and friends. Not one of you will ever run out of battery while you are out camping.
As an outdoor essential and a real lifesaver, this power bank comes with an LED flashlight. It has both a steady mode and an SOS mode perfect for emergencies. You can use it as a torch to lead you through the night or in case of a power outage.
Panergy Portable Laptop Charger 40000mah/148wh Ac Outlet Usb Power Bank
This portable battery power bank offers a standard AC outlet in addition to USB and USB type C charging inputs. This allows you to power standard electrical devices in addition to charge mobile phones while camping. The small form factor makes it perfect for carrying in your backpack as well as it weighs only 2 lbs.
In addition to the input and weight features, this power bank comes with a flashlight built in, offering an additional utility for the night while your out camping in the wilderness. An easy to read light based display also keeps you up to date on its remaining power level.
Based on my research of power banks for the price, this one hits a sweet spot with the total charge Wh vs mAh. As per the listing it offers he battery enough juice to charge a MacBook Pro 13 over 5 times, or charge a iPhone 11 over 9 times. The AC power bank is able to charge laptops, phones, cameras, fans, and other electronic gadgets and appliances.
Overall, I consider this to be the best portable battery power bank for camping as a result of its charge, weight, and functionality.
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Multiple Device Charging Speed
As you might guess, when tasked with the challenge of charging multiple devices at once, the more powerful models performed better than lower wattage models. Smaller panels such as the 5W and 7W models don’t have the power to sustain two gadgets at once. If this is a priority for you, then select a panel with a higher wattage. Generally, our testing found lower watt models to be less capable in this metric than the higher watt devices that can charge two devices.
The Big Blue, Anker 21, and SunJack were high scorers, as was the Goertek. As discussed above, the results show that models with higher wattage are more effective at charging multiple devices at once. We were impressed by the SunJack’s overall power and efficiency in this metric. Panels with built-in battery packs also excel in this metric, with the Goertek holding its own.
Karusale 50000mah Solar Power Bank
- Huge 50000mAh power capacity
- Can charge two devices at the same time
- Compatible with most electronic devices
- Has a robust and durable construction
- Equipped with flashlights and a compass
- No clear instruction included
- Solar charging is slow
Do you want more power? We have just the perfect product for you. One of the trusted brands in the solar industry is KaruSale. They are committed to delivering innovative and top-quality products for their customers satisfaction. Their 50000mah solar power bank rightfully belongs on this list with its massive capacity and maximum efficiency.
This high-powered solar power bank can charge two devices at the same time with its dual USB output. You can use this single power bank to charge your smartphone, iPads, tablets, and other USB digital devices.
Aside from its power and general compatibility, I also like this power bank for the maximum protection it offers. It is complete with advanced safety operations such as overload, overheating, and overvoltage protection. You dont have to worry about overcharging or discharging. Your battery is well protected.
The extra flashlight and compass feature on this power bank makes it even more of a complete package. The two LED flashlights are bright and very convenient to have when you are out camping, and you need some light to lead you through the dark. And you never know when you need a trusty compass to guide you to where you need to go.
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