Best portable power bank

Jon StokesStaff - December 8, 2019

Keep one (or two) of these in your emergency go-bags. We bought and field tested 16 of the top models.

[See the full post at: Best portable power bank]

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Thanks for this review peeps! I’ve recently switched phones with different types of charging ports and so my old power bank (an Anker – can’t remember the model) does not work for me anymore. I’ll definitely be looking into the NOVOO or the Anker compact (love that NOVOO is rugged and suitable for outdoors, and the Anker for being really compact). Was surpsised at how light they both are in comparison to my older Anker. Technology must really be moving fast in this space. Anyway, keep up the good and nerdy work – love how thourough you are!

 

Howdy,

I  bought the Anker 20000 and a Blue panel, as well s the fist full of extra cords. The big kicker is- the Big Blue does not charge the Anker 20000. It only charges from the wall according to customer service:

— — — — –[#61333951]– — — — —

Dear Bill Bateman,

Thank you for your email.

PowerCore Essential 20000 PD charges via a Power Delivery wall charger such as an Apple 18W/61W/87W USB-C wall charger or Nintendo Switch wall charger, and of course Anker PD wall chargers. With a non-PD wall charger, it charges very slow. While the power supply of a solar panel is even smaller than a non-PD wall charger, what’s more, the supply is not steady. Therefore, the solar panel cannot charge the PowerCore Essential 20000 PD.

Please charge the PowerCore with a PD wall charger. If you don’t have one, I recommend the Anker 30W 2 Port Fast Charger with 18W USB C Power Adapter, Foldable PowerPort PD 2 ( Amazon ASIN: B07GWQ2GJC).

If you should have any further questions or concerns, please simply reply to this email to get our speedy hassle-free support.

Regards,

Jane

Ticket#61333951

AnkerDirect Customer Support

 

It might be a good time to update the products and clarify the system capabilities.

Thanks

Bill

 

 

Just test drove my Anker PowerCore 10000-BigBlue 3 combo on a road/van-camping trip to British Columbia and I was really pleased with it. The Anker charges slowly, but I think that’s just a function of how much power it actually stores— I never had it run out on me. My iPhone doesn’t hold a charge well (even after a battery replacement earlier this month— thanks Apple! :/ ) so I relied on the Anker pretty heavily. I see from Bill’s comment that the PowerCore 20000 only charges from the wall, but that doesn’t seem to be true of the 10000 (fortunately for me).

 

Glad to hear you were able to maintain power during your trip. Thanks for your review and update. Do you feel like you could run your phone indefinitely by the rate that the solar panel and power bank are able to stay charged?

 

Certainly on that trip, I could have. I was often out of range so the phone didn’t get as much use as usual, but I did take a lot of pictures, etc. The power bank never ran out all the way, and I only charged it a couple of times in two weeks on the road, and never all the way. I think it’s the strongest link in the panel-power bank-phone chain.

 

I just got back from a couple day trip and used a power bank to top off my phone as well. I like using the power bank because I don’t have to fumble around with a charger and a worn out wall outlet behind the bed in a hotel and can charge my phone in the car on the go as well. 

It’s good to test out your gear and know what it is capable of and where it’s limits are. 

 

Agree! I’m also doing one of those long-distance relays soon and am planning to use my power bank to charge my Garmin, my phone, my headlamp (for the night running), and my handheld flashlight (ditto) between my turns, so that will be another test of how much juice it provides (shorter duration, but many more devices). We’re so space-limited that I don’t want to bring my solar panel, but I’m pretty confident the Anker can handle it without a top off.

Sometimes I have to remind myself that there is a difference between “double-dipping” and taking advantage of opportunities to actually use one’s preps and gain experience with them.

 

Zippo just came out with a new rugged rechargeable hand warmer that doubles as a power bank. It’s called the Heatbank 6 Pro and sells for $55.

Here are some of the stats:

• Has big rubber bumpers on the ends to protect against drops
• IP57 water and dust proof rating
• Charges USB compatible devices like your phone
• Integrated 24 lumen LED flashlight
• 360° heat up to 120°F / 50°C operating temperature with three (3) heat settings for adjustable and comfortable warmth
• Battery and heat indicator lights
• Rechargeable 5,200 mAh lithium-ion battery for up to 6 hours of heat. 

While it doesn’t have the same capacity as some of the other power banks on this list, having the additional feature of being able to be a source of warmth is something people might be interested in.

There seems to be a little door that needs to be opened to access the ports. This keeps the water out, but I might be a little concerned on the durability of this. It also seems to be sticking with the old micro usb cable for charging the device. Would have liked to see a more modern USB type C port. The three LED lights also are a subpar approach to showing battery capacity and heat setting. I would rather it say 12% than just one blinking LED light.

 

The Poseidon Pro looks to be the most durable power bank on the market, at least more durable than anything from this article.

Their website says – 

Submersible – the capability to be completly underwater for 45+ minutes is an ability only one charger holds, this one. Certified ip68, the highest water and dustproof rating available, provides you with power in most water enviroments.

Armored – a steel-like polymer is used to construct these shells. it has taken falls from 75+ ft on to rock, a blast from a shotgun, an explosion from one pound of tannerite, & the crushing force of 1,000+ lb. the list goes on. need we say more?

• Operates in -4 to 140 degrees F
• USB C in/out
• 10,200MAH battery capacity
• 6″X3.25″X0.63″, 9.6oz
• $120

 

I am new to this website and new to prepping in general so what I read here on The Prepared is making the whole process of “getting ready” feel do-able.  I do notice, however that many of the review and guides for buying BOB items are old and may not be updated to the latest technology changes.  Specifically the ‘best portable power bank’ top recommendation is not on amazon anymore and the second best recommendation is not either.  How can I find updated recommendations?  Thank you, 

 

Same situation as Tracy, who is spot-on with comments.  Info is outdated, hardly any of the power bank options are available.  The testing methodologies seem more thorough than other sites that simply are hawking gear, so the info in articles can help a little in making some decisions but you’re on your own for finding products.