When you’re miles from the nearest outlet, reliable power isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for safety, navigation, and capturing memories. The right battery pack can be the difference between a confident journey and a stressful situation. This roundup focuses on the best lightweight and reliable power solutions to keep your essential electronics charged on the trail.
We’ve evaluated a range of options, from ultra-compact power banks perfect for fast-and-light trips to rugged solar-charging units for extended expeditions. Whether you need to power a smartphone, a GPS device, or even a laptop, our selection features products that prioritize weight, durability, and charging speed to meet the unique demands of backpacking.
Our Recommended Battery Packs for Backpacking
- FlexSolar 10W Portable Solar Chargers
- EverBrite 3-Pack Camping Lights
- EXTRASTAR 2 Pack LED Battery Operated Lights
- TACAMO Solar Power Bank Portable Charger
- yikosam 30-Pack Super Bright Mini Flashlight
- Anker Power Bank(PowerCore 10K)
- Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD Wireless Portable Power Bank
- BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank 10,000mAh
- UGREEN Power Bank 25,000mAh 145W Laptop Portable Charger
- Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2
FlexSolar 10W Portable Solar Chargers
For extended trips where wall charging isn’t an option, the FlexSolar panel offers a renewable power source. It directly harnesses sunlight to charge smartphones, small power banks, and other USB devices via its built-in 5V/2A port. This is an ideal solution for trickle-charging your gear during long hiking days.
Built with high-efficiency monocrystalline cells and a weather-resistant ETFE film, this panel achieves a 24% energy conversion rate and features an IP67 rating for durability. It includes smart IC technology to optimize charging and provides built-in safeguards against overcurrent and overheating. It’s important to note this is a solar charger, not a power bank; it has no internal energy storage and requires sunlight to function.
EverBrite 3-Pack Camping Lights
Lighting is a critical component of any backpacking kit, and the EverBrite pack offers a versatile and lightweight solution. Each bulb-shaped light is constructed from ABS plastic, weighing a mere 30 grams, making them easy to distribute among your group or stash in different parts of your pack without adding noticeable weight.
These lights feature three useful modes—high, low, and strobe—making them suitable for everything from ambient tent lighting to emergency signaling. The integrated carabiner clip is a simple yet effective design, allowing you to securely hang the light from a tent ceiling, backpack, or tree branch, ensuring your light source won’t get lost or blown away.
EXTRASTAR 2 Pack LED Battery Operated Lights
The EXTRASTAR lanterns provide reliable, 360-degree illumination for your campsite. Powered by three AAA batteries, they offer a dependable light source independent of your main power bank, which is perfect for conserving device charge. The warm yellow light is soft and easy on the eyes, creating a comfortable atmosphere in the tent.
With three adjustable brightness levels, you can conserve battery life by using the lower settings for reading or the high setting for tasks requiring more light. Like other models, these feature a handy carabiner hook for easy hanging. Their IPX4 water resistance rating adds a layer of protection against rain or splashes, making them a robust choice for the outdoors.
TACAMO Solar Power Bank Portable Charger
The TACAMO power bank combines energy storage with solar charging capability, offering a self-contained power solution for backpackers. Its dual USB ports allow you to charge two devices simultaneously, keeping your phone and GPS powered. The unit is built to withstand the elements with its IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating.
Beyond just charging, this power bank includes practical emergency features. A 3-mode LED flashlight provides light when you need it, and an integrated mini-compass can be a helpful backup for navigation. Its TSA-compliant design also makes it a convenient option for travelers who need a reliable power source before and after their trek.
yikosam 30-Pack Super Bright Mini Flashlight
This bulk set of flashlights is an excellent choice for group leaders or families who need to equip multiple people with a reliable light source. Each flashlight is compact and features a durable aluminum alloy shell that is more resilient than plastic models, standing up to the rigors of outdoor use.
A key feature is the fluorescent button, which glows in the dark, making the flashlight easy to locate in a dim tent or backpack pocket. The extended 6.5-inch lanyard allows for secure handling or attaching to a zip pull, ensuring your light is always within reach when you need it most.
Anker Power Bank (PowerCore 10K)
Anker is renowned for its reliable electronics, and the PowerCore 10K is a standout for backpackers who prioritize a minimal weight penalty. It’s one of the slimmest and lightest 10,000mAh power banks available, providing approximately two full charges for a smartphone while taking up very little space in your pack.
Its compact form factor doesn’t sacrifice durability, as it’s engineered to be scratch-resistant and has been certified to survive a 3.2-foot drop. With PowerIQ technology, it automatically identifies your connected device to deliver an optimized, high-speed charge, making it a simple and effective power source for all your USB devices.
Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD Wireless Portable Power Bank
For the backpacker who needs to power more demanding devices like a laptop or professional camera, the Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD is a high-capacity solution. With 95Wh of power, it is the maximum capacity allowed on any airline, making it perfect for international adventures. It can seriously extend the life of your USB-C laptops and other gear.
This power bank offers incredibly fast charging, with a 100W USB-C output for rapid device top-ups and a convenient 15W wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones. Built with a rugged aluminum unibody, it’s designed for longevity and is backed by a 2-year warranty, representing a premium and dependable power investment.
BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank 10,000mAh
The BLAVOR unit is a feature-packed power bank that incorporates solar charging as a backup. It uses a high-grade Lithium-cobalt battery for safety and longevity, offering a real-rated 10,000mAh capacity. Its compact design makes it one of the smallest solar power banks on the market.
It stands out with its 20W USB-C fast charging, which can quickly power up modern phones, and includes Qi wireless charging for cable-free convenience. You can charge up to three devices at once. Additionally, it features a dual flashlight, adding to its utility as a multi-functional tool for any backpacking trip.
UGREEN Power Bank 25,000mAh 145W Laptop Portable Charger
When your backpacking trip involves remote work or powerful electronics, the UGREEN Nexode offers massive power and speed. Its huge 25,000mAh capacity can recharge a laptop over once and phones multiple times, eliminating power anxiety for longer journeys without resupply points.
Its most impressive feature is the 145W total output, with a single USB-C port capable of delivering 140W. This means it can charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro from 0 to 56% in just 30 minutes. The power bank itself can be recharged rapidly in about two hours, ensuring you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time on the move.
Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2
The Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2 is the gold standard for ultralight backpackers who refuse to compromise on performance. It is specifically engineered to provide a high 10,000mAh capacity while being one of the lightest power banks in its class, shaving off every possible gram for those counting ounces.
Beyond its minimal weight, it features fast charging capabilities both for your devices and for itself, reducing downtime. Constructed from durable composite materials, it maintains a robust build without the heft of metal housings. For the weight-conscious adventurer, the Nitecore represents the peak balance of capacity, functionality, and minimal pack weight.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Battery Pack for Backpacking
When I’m planning a multi-day trek, my power bank is almost as critical as my shelter and sleep system. It keeps my phone, GPS, and sometimes even my camera and headlamp, functioning. But not all battery packs are created equal for the demands of the trail. The key is finding the perfect balance between capacity, weight, and durability. Here’s what I always consider before making a purchase.
First, let’s talk about capacity, measured in watt-hours (Wh) or milliamp-hours (mAh). This tells you how much energy is stored. For a weekend trip, a 10,000mAh pack is usually sufficient to recharge a smartphone a couple of times. For longer excursions or if I’m powering multiple devices, I look for 20,000mAh or more. Remember, higher capacity means more weight, so it’s a trade-off. I also pay close attention to the weight. Every ounce counts in my pack, so I seek out the lightest option for the capacity I need. Some manufacturers specialize in ultra-lightweight models that shave off precious grams without sacrificing too much power.
The physical build and durability are non-negotiable. A battery pack for backpacking needs to withstand being jostled in a pack, potential drops on rock, and exposure to the elements. I look for a robust, often rubberized casing and, crucially, a high IP (Ingress Protection) rating for water and dust resistance. An IPX4 rating, for example, means it can handle splashes from any direction, which is great for rain. Port selection is another practical point. I make sure the pack has the right number and type of ports for my gear. At least two USB-A ports is standard, but more devices are moving to USB-C, so having a USB-C port that can both input and output power is a huge plus for faster charging.
Finally, I consider the charging speed and any extra features. Power Delivery (PD) technology via USB-C allows for much faster charging of compatible devices, which is fantastic for quickly topping up a phone during a short lunch break. Some packs even feature wireless charging, though I find that less efficient and slower than a cable. While solar charging sounds ideal for endless power, integrated solar panels on power banks are typically too small to be genuinely effective; you’d need a separate, larger panel to make a real difference. For me, the best battery packs for backpacking are the ones I can forget about until I need them—lightweight, reliable, and tough enough for the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many charges can I get from a 10,000mAh power bank?
It depends on your device, but as a general rule, a 10,000mAh power bank can fully charge a modern smartphone with a 4,000-5,000mAh battery around two to two and a half times. You never get a 100% efficient transfer due to energy loss as heat, so you should always factor in a little less than the raw math suggests. For a typical weekend backpacking trip, this is often the perfect sweet spot for keeping a phone and a headlamp powered.
Are solar-powered battery packs worth it for backpacking?
In my experience, integrated solar panels on power banks are more of a gimmick than a practical solution. The panels are usually too small to generate meaningful power, and you’d need to leave it in direct sunlight for many hours to get a small charge, which isn’t always possible on a wooded trail. You’re better off carrying a power bank with a larger capacity and, if you truly need solar, investing in a separate, foldable solar panel that can efficiently charge your battery pack during the day.
Can I take a large power bank on an airplane?
Yes, but there are strict rules. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and most international agencies limit lithium-ion power banks to a capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh). You can calculate Wh by multiplying the mAh by the voltage (usually 3.7V) and dividing by 1000. For example, a 26,800mAh power bank is typically around 99.16Wh, which is just under the limit. Power banks between 101-160Wh may require airline approval. All power banks must be carried in your carry-on luggage, not checked bags.
What does “Power Delivery” mean and do I need it?
Power Delivery (PD) is a fast-charging protocol that uses USB-C. If you have a newer smartphone, laptop, or other gadget that supports PD, having a PD-compatible power bank means you can charge those devices much faster. For example, it could charge a phone to 50% in 30 minutes. For backpacking, this is a fantastic feature if you need to quickly top up your devices during a short break without unpacking your entire camp.
How should I care for my power bank on the trail?
To maximize its lifespan, I avoid extreme temperatures. Don’t leave it baking in the sun or freezing in your tent’s vestibule overnight. I also try not to let it fully discharge too often; I’ll recharge it when I get to a town or back to my car. Physically, I keep it in a dry bag or a protected pocket in my pack to prevent any accidental damage from rain or a heavy impact. A little care goes a long way in ensuring your source of power remains lightweight and reliable for many adventures to come.