How To Choose A Power Bank
When planning for a long-distance hike, one of the essential things to consider is the power supply. In today’s world, we all depend on electronic devices like smartphones, GPS, cameras, and other gadgets. All these gadgets require a power supply, and when you are hiking, you may not have access to electricity. So, to keep your devices charged, you need a power bank. However, buying a power bank for long-distance hiking is not as easy as it seems. In this article, we will discuss the critical considerations when buying a power bank for long-distance hiking.
Critical Considerations When Buying a Power Bank for Long Distance Hiking:
Capacity
Capacity is one of the most critical considerations when buying a power bank for long-distance hiking. The capacity of a power bank is measured in mAh (milliampere-hour). The higher the mAh, the more power the power bank can store. When buying a power bank, make sure to consider the capacity of the power bank, depending on the number of devices you are carrying and the length of your hike.
Weight and Size
Another essential consideration when buying a power bank for long-distance hiking is the weight and size of the power bank. The power bank should be lightweight and compact so that it can fit easily in your backpack without adding too much weight. A heavy and bulky power bank can be a burden on your hike and can make it uncomfortable.
Charging Time
Charging time is an important consideration when buying a power bank for long-distance hiking. You want a power bank that can charge your devices quickly and that can also be recharged quickly when it runs out of power. Here are some factors that can affect charging time and how to estimate the charging time for your power bank:
Battery Capacity
The battery capacity of your power bank is a primary factor in determining the charging time. The larger the battery capacity, the longer it will take to charge. However, a higher capacity also means that the power bank can provide more charges for your devices. For example, a 10,000mAh power bank may take around 5-6 hours to fully charge, while a 20,000mAh power bank may take around 8-10 hours to charge.
Charging Cable
The type of charging cable you use can also affect the charging time. A high-quality cable that can transfer data quickly can charge your devices faster than a low-quality cable.
Charging Source
The charging source can also affect the charging time. If you use a high-power charging source, such as a wall charger, you can charge your power bank faster than if you charge it through a computer’s USB port.
Charging Technology
The charging technology used by your power bank can also affect the charging time. When looking for a fast-charging power bank for long-distance hiking, look for technologies like Quick Charge, Power Delivery, Voltage Boost, and Adaptive Charging.
Quick Charge (QC) Technology
Quick Charge is a fast-charging technology developed by Qualcomm that can charge your device up to 80% in just 35 minutes. It is compatible with devices that have Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. If you want a fast-charging power bank, look for a power bank that supports Quick Charge technology.
Power Delivery (PD) Technology
Power Delivery is another fast-charging technology that can charge your device up to 50% in just 30 minutes. It is compatible with devices that support USB-C charging. Power Delivery can provide up to 100W of power, making it an ideal choice for power-hungry devices like laptops. If you plan to carry a laptop on your long-distance hike, look for a power bank that supports Power Delivery technology.
Voltage Boost Technology
Voltage Boost is a technology that can increase the charging speed of your devices by up to 4 times. It provides a stable and efficient charging current to your device, which can reduce the charging time significantly. Look for power banks that have Voltage Boost technology for faster charging.
Adaptive Charging Technology
Adaptive Charging is a technology that can adjust the charging speed based on the device’s battery level and the charging status. It can provide a faster charging speed when the battery is low and slow down the charging speed when the battery is almost full. Look for power banks that have Adaptive Charging technology for optimal charging speed and battery life.
Input and Output Ports
Input ports are where you connect the power bank to a power source for charging. Most power banks come with a micro-USB port for charging, but some newer models also have USB-C input ports.
Output ports are where you connect your devices to the power bank for charging. Most power banks come with one or more output ports, and you need to make sure that they are compatible with your devices.
The output ports of a power bank are essential when buying a power bank for long-distance hiking. The power bank should have multiple output ports so that you can charge multiple devices simultaneously. Moreover, the output ports should be compatible with the devices you are carrying.
Durability
When hiking, you may encounter challenging conditions like rain, dust, and extreme temperatures. So, the power bank you choose should be durable and rugged enough to withstand these conditions. Look for power banks that are water-resistant, dust-resistant, and shock-resistant.
Solar Charging
Solar charging is an eco-friendly and sustainable way to charge your power bank during your long-distance hike. However, solar charging is slower than regular charging, and it may not be suitable for all situations. If you plan to use solar charging, make sure to choose a power bank that has a solar panel with high conversion efficiency.
Bottom Line
Buying a power bank for long-distance hiking requires careful consideration. You need to choose a power bank that is lightweight, compact, durable, and has enough capacity to keep your devices charged. The power bank should also have multiple output ports and a shorter charging time. Moreover, a solar-powered power bank can be an added advantage for long hikes.
By keeping these critical considerations in mind, you can choose the perfect power bank for your long-distance hiking needs. Remember, the power bank is not just a gadget but an essential piece of equipment that can keep you connected with the outside world during your hike. So, choose wisely and enjoy your hike without worrying about the power supply.
FAQs:
Q: How much time does it take to fully charge a power bank?
To estimate the charging time for your power bank, you can use the following formula:
Charging time (hours) = (Battery capacity (mAh) ÷ Charging speed (mA)) + Charging efficiency loss
For example, if you have a 10,000mAh power bank and you are using a charger that provides a charging speed of 2A (2000mA), the charging time would be:
Charging time (hours) = (10,000mAh ÷ 2000mA) + Charging efficiency loss
Charging efficiency loss is usually around 10% to 20% and should be factored in for a more accurate estimate.
Q: What is the ideal capacity of a power bank for long-distance hiking?
A: The ideal capacity of a power bank for long-distance hiking depends on the number of devices you are carrying and the length of your hike. However, a power bank with a capacity of 10,000mAh or higher is recommended. Check out our top-pick power banks for hiking.
Q: How many output ports should a power bank have for long-distance hiking?
A: The power bank should have multiple output ports so that you can charge multiple devices simultaneously. Look for power banks that have at least two output ports.
Q: Is a solar-powered power bank a good option for long-distance hiking?
A: Yes, a solar-powered power bank is a good option for long-distance hiking, as it can be charged using solar energy during the daytime. If you plan to use solar charging, make sure to choose a power bank that has a solar panel with high conversion efficiency.