Best Power Banks for Hiking, Camping and Keeping Your Phone Alive Outdoors

A dead phone outdoors is annoying at best.

At worst, it’s your map gone, weather forecast gone, train ticket gone, emergency contact gone, camera gone, and your smug “I’ll just use my phone” navigation plan suddenly looking a bit fragile.

Power banks are not exciting outdoor gear. They do not feel rugged. They do not make you look adventurous. They just sit in your bag doing nothing until the exact moment they become one of the most useful things you packed.

For UK hikes, campsites, festivals, wild camps and long days outside, a compact power bank is a simple way to keep your phone, head torch, earbuds, GPS watch or small lantern alive.

This guide covers the best power banks for hiking, camping and keeping your phone alive outdoors, plus what capacity you actually need.

If you’re packing for a UK walk, this day bag guide covers the other basics worth carrying without overpacking.

Quick Picks: Best Power Banks for Hiking and Camping

Best overall power bank: Anker 313 Power Bank PowerCore 10K
Best lightweight hiking power bank: Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3
Best budget power bank: INIU B61 10000mAh Power Bank
Best slim power bank: Anker 523 PowerCore Slim 10K PD
Best camping power bank: BioLite Charge 40 PD
Best compact backup power bank: Goal Zero Flip 24
Best high-capacity power bank: Anker 737 PowerCore 24K
Best simple 20W option: UGREEN 10000mAh PD 20W Power Bank

Why Carry a Power Bank Outdoors?

Because phones do too much now.

On a normal outdoor day, your phone might be doing all of this:

That is a lot to ask from one battery.

A power bank gives you a safety net.

It is especially useful for:

A power bank will not fix poor planning, but it can stop a small battery problem becoming a bigger outdoor problem.

If you rely on your phone for navigation, this beginner map and compass guide explains why having a backup still matters.

What Size Power Bank Do You Need?

Power bank capacity is usually shown in mAh, which stands for milliamp hours.

In plain English: bigger number, more stored energy.

But bigger also usually means heavier, bulkier and slower to recharge.

For most outdoor use:

• 5,000mAh is good for emergency top-ups
• 10,000mAh is the best all-round size for hiking
• 20,000mAh is better for camping weekends or multiple devices
• 24,000mAh+ is for heavy users, tablets, cameras, laptops or longer trips

For most UK walkers, a 10,000mAh power bank is the sweet spot. It gives enough backup for one or two phone charges without feeling like you’ve packed a brick.

For camping weekends, festivals or phone-heavy trips, go bigger.

Capacity Isn’t the Same as Real-World Charges

A 10,000mAh power bank does not always give a perfect 10,000mAh into your phone.

There are conversion losses, heat, cable loss, device efficiency and real-world nonsense.

So treat charging estimates as rough.

A 10,000mAh power bank might give many modern phones around one to two full charges, depending on the phone, battery size and how you use it.

A 20,000mAh model gives more breathing room, but weighs more.

The best approach is simple: carry more power than you think you’ll need if your phone is doing navigation.

If you’re checking the forecast before heading out, this weather reading guide shows what to look at before a UK hike or wild camp.

What to Look for in an Outdoor Power Bank

A good hiking or camping power bank should have:

For most people, USB-C matters now. It keeps charging simpler and means you can often use one cable across your phone, head torch, lantern, earbuds and power bank.

The dream is fewer cables, fewer adapters and less rummaging around in the dark muttering at a zip pouch.

1. Anker 313 Power Bank PowerCore 10K — Best Overall Power Bank

The Anker 313 Power Bank PowerCore 10K is the easy all-round pick.

It is simple, compact and has enough capacity for most UK walks, campsites and backup charging. Anker lists it with a 10,000mAh capacity, one USB-C port, one USB-A port and one Micro-USB port. It supports USB-C input and output, which makes it easier to use with modern phones and cables. (anker.com)

Best for: day walks, camping, everyday carry, festivals and general backup power.

Why it earns its place:

• 10,000mAh capacity
• compact size
• trusted brand
• USB-C input and output
• USB-A option
• good all-round value
• simple enough for most people

Possible downside: it is not the fastest or most technical option here, and the Micro-USB port feels dated.

If you want one reliable power bank for normal outdoor use, this is the sensible first pick.

If you’re building a useful starter setup, this guide to five EDC pieces under £50 is a good next read.

2. Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 — Best Lightweight Hiking Power Bank

The Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 is the one for lightweight hikers and wild campers who care about grams.

Nitecore lists the NB10000 Gen 3 as a 10,000mAh power bank with 22.5W fast charging, dual USB-C ports, an IPX5 rating and a weight of around 150g. It uses a carbon fibre composite shell, which helps keep the weight down. (nitecore.com)

Best for: lightweight hiking, wild camping, fast packing and minimalist outdoor kits.

Why it earns its place:

• very light for 10,000mAh
• 22.5W fast charging
• dual USB-C ports
• IPX5 rating
• carbon fibre composite shell
• excellent for lightweight kits

Possible downside: it costs more than basic 10,000mAh power banks.

If you count pack weight but still want proper phone backup, this is one of the strongest choices.

If you’re trying to keep your kit light, this wild camping setup guide covers practical ways to build an overnight kit without overdoing it.

3. INIU B61 10000mAh Power Bank — Best Budget Power Bank

The INIU B61 is a strong budget-friendly option if you want fast charging without spending too much.

INIU lists the B61 with a 10,000mAh capacity, 22.5W fast charging, USB-C input and output, three output ports, and a weight of around 195.6g. It also includes a short USB-A to USB-C cable and travel pouch. (iniushop.com)

Best for: budget hikers, casual campers, everyday carry and phone backup.

Why it earns its place:

• good value
• 10,000mAh capacity
• 22.5W fast charging
• USB-C input and output
• three output ports
• travel pouch included
• lighter than many budget banks

Possible downside: not as outdoorsy or rugged-feeling as the Nitecore.

If you want an affordable power bank that still feels current, this is a very sensible pick.

If you’re keeping outdoor kit affordable, this budget camping chair guide follows the same value-first approach.

4. Anker 523 PowerCore Slim 10K PD — Best Slim Power Bank

The Anker 523 PowerCore Slim 10K PD is a good choice if you want a slim power bank that slips into a day bag or pocket more neatly.

Anker lists the 523 Power Bank with one USB-A output port, one USB-C input/output port, dimensions of 5.89 x 2.7 x 0.57 inches, and a weight of 7.5 ounces. (service.anker.com)

Best for: day bags, everyday carry, commuting, travel and slim packing.

Why it earns its place:

• slim design
• 10,000mAh capacity
• USB-C input and output
• USB-A output
• trusted brand
• easier to pack than chunky banks

Possible downside: slim is not always the same as ultralight, and it is less rugged than outdoor-specific options.

If your power bank lives in a day bag as often as a hiking bag, this is a neat middle ground.

5. BioLite Charge 40 PD — Best Camping Power Bank

The BioLite Charge 40 PD is a good camping-focused power bank because it sits in that useful 10,000mAh zone while feeling designed for outdoor and travel use.

BioLite lists the Charge 40 PD with 10,000mAh capacity, USB-C PD fast charging, 2.5 phone charges and FAA carry-on compliance. It is designed for phones, earbuds, tablets and other personal devices. (bioliteenergy.com)

Best for: camping, travel, festivals, campsites and outdoor weekends.

Why it earns its place:

• 10,000mAh capacity
• USB-C PD
• camping-friendly brand
• good for personal devices
• packable shape
• useful weekend size

Possible downside: may cost more than basic power banks with similar capacity.

This is a good choice if you already like BioLite kit or want a power bank that feels more outdoors-focused than a generic charger.

6. Goal Zero Flip 24 — Best Compact Backup Power Bank

The Goal Zero Flip 24 is a compact backup charger rather than a full weekend power solution.

Goal Zero lists the Flip 24 at 4.6oz, with dimensions of 3.7 x 1.63 x 0.83 inches, and a battery size of 24.12Wh. (goalzero.com)

Best for: emergency top-ups, short walks, EDC, travel and backup charging.

Why it earns its place:

• compact
• simple
• easy to carry
• good emergency option
• trusted outdoor power brand
• useful for short trips

Possible downside: lower capacity than 10,000mAh models.

This is the sort of charger that makes sense if you mostly want a safety net rather than a big charging setup.

7. Anker 737 PowerCore 24K — Best High-Capacity Power Bank

The Anker 737 PowerCore 24K is the heavy-duty option.

This is not the power bank I’d carry for a quick dog walk. It is for bigger trips, multiple devices, tablets, cameras, high phone use, longer camps or people who want serious backup power.

Anker lists the 737 Power Bank with 24,000mAh capacity, 140W max output, two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, three outputs, dimensions of 155.7 x 54.6 x 49.5mm, and a weight of 630g. (anker.com)

Best for: camping weekends, multiple devices, tablets, laptops, camera kit and heavy users.

Why it earns its place:

• huge 24,000mAh capacity
• 140W max output
• two USB-C ports
• one USB-A port
• three outputs
• serious backup power
• useful for more than phones

Possible downside: it is heavy. At 630g, it is overkill for many day walks.

If you need big power, this is excellent. If you just want your phone to survive a walk, it is probably too much.

If your campsite setup includes lights and small electronics, this camping lantern guide covers rechargeable lights worth pairing with a bigger power bank.

8. UGREEN 10000mAh PD 20W Power Bank — Best Simple 20W Option

The UGREEN 10000mAh PD 20W Power Bank is another sensible everyday outdoor option.

UGREEN lists this 10,000mAh 20W PD power bank at 200g, with dimensions of 13.2 x 6.6 x 1.7cm and a lithium polymer battery. (ugreen.com)

Best for: everyday carry, day hikes, travel and simple phone charging.

Why it earns its place:

• 10,000mAh capacity
• 20W PD output
• 200g weight
• slim-ish size
• good everyday charger
• useful for phone backup

Possible downside: not as lightweight as the Nitecore and not as high-capacity as camping-focused banks.

This is a good straightforward power bank if you want something useful for both walks and normal life.

Best Power Bank for Hiking

For most UK hikes, I’d choose a 10,000mAh power bank.

The Anker 313 PowerCore 10K is the best all-rounder.

The Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 is better if you care about weight.

The INIU B61 is the better budget pick.

For hiking, avoid huge heavy power banks unless the route, weather or phone use genuinely justifies it. A power bank that is too heavy gets left at home, which makes it impressively useless.

Best Power Bank for Camping

For camping, you can justify more capacity.

A campsite or weekend camp might involve:

For most camping weekends, the BioLite Charge 40 PD or a good 10,000mAh Anker is enough for simple use.

If you need to charge multiple devices or stay out longer, the Anker 737 PowerCore 24K makes more sense.

If you’re sorting camp lighting, this guide to camping lanterns and small lights will help you choose what actually needs charging.

Best Power Bank for Wild Camping

For wild camping, I’d choose the Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 if weight matters, or the Anker 313 PowerCore 10K if you want better value.

A wild camping power setup should be simple:

• phone fully charged before leaving
• compact power bank
• correct cable
• phone in battery saver mode
• offline maps downloaded
• head torch charged
• waterproof pouch for electronics

That is enough for most one-night trips.

You do not need to pack a massive battery unless you are filming, navigating heavily, using multiple devices or staying out longer.

If you’re heading out overnight, this wild camping setup guide covers budget-friendly kit choices for UK conditions.

Best Power Bank for Festivals

Festivals are where bigger power banks start making sense.

You may be using your phone for:

For festivals, I’d choose at least 10,000mAh. For a full weekend, 20,000mAh or more is safer, especially if you cannot easily recharge.

The Anker 737 PowerCore 24K is powerful but heavy. A 20,000mAh mid-range bank may be a better comfort choice for most festival bags.

Also, take the right cable. The wrong cable turns a brilliant power bank into a weighted rectangle of shame.

Power Bank Features That Actually Matter

How to Keep a Power Bank Dry Outdoors

Power banks and rain are not friends.

Keep your power bank in:

• waterproof pouch
• small dry bag
• zip pouch inside a dry bag
• inner rucksack pocket
• jacket pocket only if properly protected

Do not charge devices in heavy rain unless you have proper protection.

Water in ports is a quick way to turn useful kit into electronic sadness.

How to Make Your Phone Battery Last Longer Outdoors

A power bank helps, but good habits matter too.

Before the walk:

Your phone battery often dies faster outdoors because of cold, poor signal, GPS use, screen brightness and constant checking.

Use it deliberately.

Do not keep opening the map every thirty seconds because you are anxious. Stop, check properly, then walk.

Power Bank Mistakes Beginners Make

Simple Power Setups by Trip Type

Flying With Power Banks

Most normal hiking power banks are fine for travel, but battery rules matter.

Power banks generally need to go in hand luggage, not checked luggage, and there are airline limits based on watt-hours.

For typical 10,000mAh power banks, this is usually not an issue. Larger high-capacity banks need more attention.

Check your airline’s latest rules before flying.

For UK walking and camping, this is not usually relevant. For overseas hiking trips, it is.

Final Verdict: Which Power Bank Should You Buy?

If I had to recommend one power bank for most UK walkers and campers, I’d choose the Anker 313 PowerCore 10K.

It is simple, compact and enough for most outdoor phone backup.

If you care about pack weight, choose the Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3.

If you want budget value, choose the INIU B61 10000mAh.

If you want a slim everyday option, choose the Anker 523 PowerCore Slim 10K PD.

If you want something for campsite weekends, the BioLite Charge 40 PD is a good outdoor-friendly pick.

If you need serious capacity, go for the Anker 737 PowerCore 24K.

The main thing is simple: charge it before you leave, pack the right cable, and keep it dry.

A power bank is only boring until your phone is on 3% and your route is still on the screen.

Then it becomes the best thing in the bag.

For more practical outdoor kit ideas, this dry bags and waterproof pouches guide covers the storage that keeps electronics protected.

Power Bank FAQs