How Do You Charge Your Phone While Backpacking?

Last Updated:

We may earn commissions for purchases made through links on our site. Learn more on our about us page.

Man in black jacket with a backpack in his back - How Do You Charge Your Phone While Backpacking?

We rarely leave our phones behind on our longest, most remote backpacking journeys.

Using a portable charger or power bank with enough milliampere hours (mAh) is the best way to fully recharge any gadgets, including your phone, as many times as you anticipate needing to throughout your backpacking trip.

 

What Kind of Portable Batteries Can You Use?

In the backcountry or on the campground, you can keep your electronics powered for days with a lightweight, portable battery pack.

Most weekend-long campers and backpackers will find the Anker Astro E1 6700 the most convenient and reliable portable battery pack. It’sIt’s only 4.3 ounces, but it can fully recharge a smartphone 1.5-2 times.

A few campers and hikers, though, will find that the Astro isn’t adequate. The Anker PowerCore II 10000 is an excellent option for those who travel more frequently and for longer periods.

It adds only a handful of extra ounces to your bag and can fully charge a smartphone between 2.5 and 3.5 times.

 

Should You Buy Charging Cables?

Packing a micro USB cable, which is required to charge all battery packs, is a good idea if you expect to need to top off your battery pack while you’re on your trip.

Although these cables should be included with your battery pack purchase, it is always best to be safe and buy a spare in case the original breaks or gets lost.

 

What Kind of Power Banks Should You Use?

Power banks are very handy when it comes to keeping your phone charged while backpacking as long as you make sure to charge it up at home before your trip.

A power bank would best serve most hikers and backpackers with a capacity of around 10,000 mAh. The Nitecore NB 10,000 appears to be the best 10,000 mAh power bank after carefully considering several factors.

It is one of the most efficient, lightweight, and weather-resistant power banks there is. Making it a worthy essential to your backpack.

For backpackers on a budget, the Anker Powercore 10000 has been around for a few years now and is still widely used by hikers and backpackers. Although it is an older model, it is still reliable.

 

What is the Best Choice for a Longer Backpacking Trip?

Portable battery packs are fine for weekend trips to the campgrounds. But a power bank may be the best choice for hikers and backpackers who like to spend long periods out in nature.

The Naztech all-in-one power bank is a great example. It has enough power to charge all the devices you need. In addition, it has built-in lightning and USB-C cables, so you’ll never have to rummage around for a charging wire again.

 

Can You Use Bluetooth Chargers?

Although wireless chargers exist, you cannot charge any device via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Most wireless chargers, like the charging pad, will still need to be connected to an outlet to charge your phone.

Other wireless chargers will work similarly to power banks. However, they will not have enough power to keep your phone charged up during a long trip.

 

Final Thoughts on How to Charge Your Phone While Backpacking

For backpacking, the best option is to bring a power bank with you. When fully charged, they have the power to charge multiple devices while you are on your backpacking trip.

The power bank will come with cables, but it’s always best to get a spare in case the original gets worn out or broken.

A power bank will also last for a long period, so you will have no worries when keeping your phone charged on long trips.