How big a power bank do you need for camping
How big a power bank for camping? A small one covers a phone for a weekend, but add capacity for kids, a headlamp, cold nights and a long trip.
Karim Belkacem2 min read
Count how many times you need to charge, and add one spare. That is the size you need. For one person on a weekend trip, a modest power bank is usually enough.
A worked example
This is an example with round numbers, not a promise. Say a phone battery holds about 3,000 to 5,000 mAh (the unit printed on banks and phones). A 10,000 mAh bank gives less than that number in real use, because some power is lost as heat. Many owners report getting about two phone charges from it.
| Trip | Rough need | Bank size to look at |
|---|---|---|
| One person, 2 nights | 2 phone charges | Small, 10,000 mAh |
| Two people, 3 nights | 4 charges, plus a lamp | Medium, 20,000 mAh |
| Family of four, weekend | Several phones and a tablet | Medium to large, 20,000 mAh or more |
Check the label on your phone and the bank. The numbers vary.
One reason to size up
Cold drains batteries faster. Many phone batteries lose charge quickly in very cold air, and some banks work less well too. Keep the bank and phone warm inside your jacket or sleeping bag. Read the maker's guidance for the working temperature range.
One exception
If you have a headlamp that takes its own batteries, or a lantern that is rechargeable, your need changes. See headlamp vs flashlight for camping to choose, and count that charge too.
Common mistakes
- Packing the cable at home. Take a spare.
- Leaving the bank in the car on a hot day, or a cold night.
- Using the phone for the camera all day and being surprised.
- Not charging the bank before you leave.
Turn on airplane mode or battery saver when you do not need a signal. In remote places, a phone also searches for a signal harder, which uses more power. Download maps before you go, and read weekend car camping packing list for a full list.
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