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#291466 - 12/21/18 10:34 PM Power Banks?
hikermor Offline
Geezer in Chief
Geezer

Registered: 08/26/06
Posts: 7705
Loc: southern Cal
Looking for information on these items. More and more, I am using my cell phone/camera when out in the field, as well as lights (headlamps, flashlights, lanterns). More and more I am using rechargeable batteries, and power banks look like a fairly versatile item to keep everything topped off.

Ideally, I would carry something light enough to be feasible for backpacking, but also able to top off the phone or light a few times - probably somewhere around 10,00mAh capacity.

The problem is I know squat about these gadgets, so looking for guidance and advice.

Power bank gurus, please chime in...
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#291468 - 12/22/18 12:50 AM Re: Power Banks? [Re: hikermor]
Russ Offline
Geezer

Registered: 06/02/06
Posts: 5357
Loc: SOCAL
I have the 20K big bro’ to the Anker PowerCore 10000mAh

IIRC Anker uses standard Li-ion 18650 cells.
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#291469 - 12/22/18 01:18 AM Re: Power Banks? [Re: hikermor]
chaosmagnet Offline
Sheriff
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 12/03/09
Posts: 3819
Loc: USA
I like Anker and Jackery for manufacturers of smaller USB power banks. On the larger size I have an OmniCharge and it’s outstanding.

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#291472 - 12/22/18 03:08 AM Re: Power Banks? [Re: hikermor]
gonewiththewind Offline
Veteran

Registered: 10/14/08
Posts: 1517
I have had good luck with Anker and Limefuel, but it looks like Limefuel is no longer available.


Edited by Montanero (12/22/18 03:09 AM)

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#291475 - 12/22/18 07:09 AM Re: Power Banks? [Re: hikermor]
UncleGoo Offline
Enthusiast

Registered: 12/06/06
Posts: 390
Loc: CT
A good year ago, I picked up a 10k one from Walmart--off the shelf, and impulse purchase. I didn't pay attention to the brand--it was on sale cheap, maybe $10? It has been convenient in that, when the phone has been drained, I can plug it in, drop the phone and battery in a cargo pocket, and find it charged rather shortly via the 2.1 amp socket. Seems like I'm using it twice a week, for the last three months, now.

No affiliation, just a satisfied customer...
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#291478 - 12/23/18 04:27 AM Re: Power Banks? [Re: hikermor]
GoatRider Offline
Old Hand

Registered: 08/28/04
Posts: 835
Loc: Maple Grove, MN
I have a 100wH Goal Zero (sherpa 100 I think it's called), I like it a lot. With this and a 28w solar panel, it keeps my iPad pro charged for a week of camping and reading. They just came out with a new version of it that looks thinner and lighter, and also has a USB-c that should charge my iPad pro quicker. If I don't get it for christmas I'll get it for myself.
100 watt-hours is the maximum the TSA allows in carry-on luggage. The "10k" ones you're talking about are milliamp-hour (kilo-milliamps? just say 10 amps), multiply by the nominal battery voltage of 3.8 and that's about 38 watt-hours.
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#291487 - 12/24/18 01:53 PM Re: Power Banks? [Re: hikermor]
Ors Offline
Namu (Giant Tree)
Addict

Registered: 09/16/05
Posts: 664
Loc: Florida, USA
+1 for Anker products.

I EDC an Anker Astro E1...it’s 6700 mAh. I haven’t checked the weight, but I’m guessing carrying two of them would still weigh less than a 10000 mAh, and they are small enough to fit well in backpacking gear.

Well made product that I have been very happy with.

I keep a Nomad keychain charging cord in the included pouch with the Anker...it doesn’t have much reach, but I always have the cable to charge with.

Not as cool as having a solar rig with you... laugh
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#291491 - 12/24/18 03:58 PM Re: Power Banks? [Re: hikermor]
haertig Offline
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 03/13/05
Posts: 2322
Loc: Colorado
RAVPower and Anker are good brands. These power banks are handy. I rarely use mine (since I keep my devices well charged), but when I've had to press my power bank into service, it works great.

The one I have is probably not made any more (1-1/2 years old), but it is a 12K model by RAVPower that I got for $17. I picked this particular one for the best balance of cost per power unit and physical size, with a trusted brand name.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LYX73Q3/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

All of my charging needs are met by products made by either Anker or RAVPower. You can find cheaper brands, but these two are top quality and only cost a little more than the junk brands.

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#291496 - 12/25/18 01:39 AM Re: Power Banks? [Re: hikermor]
CJK Offline
Addict

Registered: 08/14/05
Posts: 601
Loc: FL, USA
We use OLALA power blocks. Liked them enough to get one for my father in law. Multiple charges. Compact. Good.

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#291503 - 12/26/18 01:18 AM Re: Power Banks? [Re: hikermor]
Quietly_Learning Offline
Member

Registered: 05/29/12
Posts: 164
I have done some research to use for EDC, backpacking, and with portable solar power for power outages.

I have both Anker and RAVPower power banks. I also have USB chargers and micro USB cables from both. I would recommend either company and they both run discounts on Amazon from time to time.)
(Usual disclaimer, happy customer, no financial interest.)

The key to buying a power bank is deciding what you plan to use it for. For backpacking a 10-12k mAh capacity will charge the items you mentioned for a couple of days without being too heavy.

For others who may be looking:
A 5-6k mAh power bank weighs very little and is good for when you're unable to get to an outlet for a day. I EDC one and it gets used often.
A 26.8k mAh power bank is the standard biggest size that's FAA approved and is a good car camping or home power outage choice. It will weight you down on foot.

There are many different models so it's important to look at the inputs/outputs, and charging technology.

I would recommend a unit with both micro USB and USB C inputs/outputs as they will give you more options.

A fast charge input and output are important. Most cell phones have fast charge capabilities so it is a good feature to have.
The unit itself should charge quickly since the larger it is the longer it takes to charge.

One important thing is to use it like a spare gas can. You wouldn't overfill your gas tank and lose backup gas. Don't charge items past 90% so you can keep more power for later.

RAVPower has a good blog to learn about power banks, http://blog.ravpower.com

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