Running out of battery on a long hike is more than just annoying, it can be a safety issue. Your phone is your GPS, your emergency contact, your camera. We have learned the hard way that not all power banks are created equal, and a cheap one that dies in the cold at 600 metres is no use to anyone.
After testing several options across Peak District circuits and longer routes, here is what actually works.
What to look for in a hiking power bank
Capacity matters, but so does weight. A 20,000mAh brick is no good if you leave it at home because it is too heavy. We look for something in the 10,000 to 20,000mAh range that charges at least one phone fully and fits in a hip belt pocket or the lid of a pack.
Cold weather performance is the other big one. Lithium batteries lose capacity in low temperatures, and the UK hills are cold more often than not. Look for banks that specify performance down to 0 degrees or below.
Our top picks
Anker PowerCore 10000 Slim is our go-to for day hikes. It charges an iPhone from empty once and a half, weighs next to nothing, and fits in a jacket pocket. Brilliant value.
Anker 737 Power Bank is what Ads carries on longer routes. 24,000mAh, fast charge, and a built-in display showing exact battery percentage. Heavier, but worth it for overnighters.
Hiluckey Solar Power Bank is worth mentioning for multi-day trips where you genuinely have no access to power. The solar charging is slow, but having a trickle coming in on a sunny day on an exposed ridge genuinely adds up.
Tips for keeping your devices alive longer
Turn on aeroplane mode when you do not need signal. Download your OS Maps or AllTrails route offline before you set off. Reduce screen brightness. If it is cold, keep your phone and power bank in an inside pocket close to your body. A warm battery is a happy battery.
Whatever you choose, do not rely on your phone being fully charged at the start and call that good enough. Carry backup power. It is one of those bits of kit you never think about until the moment you really need it.