Portable chargers for your next trip……Okay, let me just start by saying this: I used to be that person. You know the one. The person who boards a 5-hour flight with 12% battery, zero shame, and “I’ll be fine” energy.
Spoiler: I was not fine.
Somewhere over Chicago, my phone died mid-playlist, and I sat there in the middle seat — no music, no podcasts, no notes app rambling — just me and the sound of someone loudly chewing pretzels next to me.
Never again.
That’s when I promised myself I’d never travel without a good portable charger again. And since I’ve made that vow, I’ve tested a bunch — from the clunky ones that could double as dumbbells to the sleek little lifesavers that fit in your pocket. So yeah, I’ve got opinions.
And trust me, these are portable chargers you need for your next trip if you value sanity, selfies, or just, you know, your phone actually working when you land.
The “Oh Crap, I Forgot My Charger” Era
Let me take you back to 2019. I was flying out of LaGuardia (already a nightmare), running late because the M60 bus decided to ghost me. I reach the gate, sweating, starving, and then I see it — 37 people huddled around one single outlet like pigeons around a dropped bagel.
I walk over, holding my dying phone like a lost child, and some guy goes, “You can plug in… after I’m done.”
He wasn’t done for 45 minutes.
That was the day I realized — power banks aren’t optional travel gear anymore. They’re survival tools. Like hand sanitizer or noise-canceling headphones.
My Top Picks (a.k.a. The Real MVPs of Travel)
⚡ 1. Anker PowerCore 10000 Redux — “The Classic Workhorse”
Listen. You can’t talk about portable chargers without mentioning Anker. It’s like the Beyoncé of power banks — reliable, stylish, and has never once let me down.
This thing is compact — fits in my jeans pocket — but can fully charge my phone twice before it gives up. I’ve had it since my “I’m not paying $60 for airport juice” era, and it’s still going strong.
Pros: lightweight, durable, fast charging.
Cons: only one USB-A port (but honestly, who’s charging three devices at once on a plane?)
🔋 2. Zendure SuperMini GO — “The Show-Off”
This one looks like a mini Game Boy. I’m not kidding — it’s adorable. Metallic finish, digital display, and somehow, it’s powerful as hell.
I brought this on a weekend trip to Philly and ended up becoming everyone’s favorite person because I could charge three phones at once. Plus, it has USB-C and fast-charging support for laptops (if you’re that person answering emails in the hotel lobby at midnight).
Pros: cute, compact, charges everything.
Cons: scratches easily — keep it in a pouch if you care about looks.
⚙️ 3. Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2 — “The Minimalist Athlete”
Okay, if you’re into ultra-light travel gear or hiking, this thing’s your new best friend. It’s carbon fiber, which means it’s tough but barely weighs anything. I used this during a day trip upstate and it kept my phone alive through a full day of navigation, music, and about 50 photos of trees that all looked the same.
Pros: super light, water-resistant, sleek.
Cons: pricey for its size, but worth it if you travel often.
🧲 4. Apple MagSafe Battery Pack — “The Bougie Minimalist”
Ah, the Apple tax.
I bought this one when I was deep in my “I want everything to match” phase. It’s magnetic, snaps onto the back of your iPhone, and looks clean.
Now, does it have the best capacity? No. You’ll get maybe one full charge. But if you’re hopping between cafes or sightseeing around a city, it’s so convenient. No cords, no bulk — just snap and go.
Pros: seamless, magnetic, aesthetic.
Cons: expensive, only works well with MagSafe iPhones.
🔌 5. Baseus Blade Laptop Power Bank (20,000mAh) — “The Big Boss”
If you’re like me and travel with your laptop, tablet, phone, camera, and maybe even a mini fan (don’t judge me), you need this. It’s thin — like a tablet — and powerful enough to charge a MacBook Air.
When I did a cross-country Amtrak trip last summer (because flights were chaos), this thing kept everything alive. It even has a digital screen that tells you exactly how much juice is left, so you don’t get caught off guard.
Pros: multiple ports, laptop support, battery display.
Cons: not pocket-sized — more “carry-on hero” than “pocket buddy.”
“You Don’t Realize You Need It… Until You’re Screaming at 3%”
You ever try finding a working outlet in an airport or a train station? It’s like a scavenger hunt for grown-ups, but the prize is “not having to sit silently for hours.”
I once found myself crouched behind a vending machine at JFK just to charge my phone. Some guy walked by and said, “That’s desperate.” He wasn’t wrong.
That was before I discovered the power of keeping a small charger in every bag.
Now, I’ve got one in my backpack, one in my car, one in my wife’s purse (she doesn’t know — it’s for emergencies).
You never know when you’ll need it — dead phones don’t discriminate.
The “What Size Should I Get?” Confusion
Here’s the deal:
If you’re traveling light — think day trips, road trips, weekend getaways — go for 10,000mAh. It’s the sweet spot: light, compact, and enough to charge your phone 2–3 times.
If you’re flying long-haul or living that “digital nomad” life, go for 20,000mAh or higher. Just make sure it’s FAA-approved (most airlines cap it at 27,000mAh).
And yes, TSA will stop you if it’s suspiciously chunky. Ask me how I know.
A Random Rant About portable chargers for your next trip
Why is it that no matter how many charging cables I buy, they all end up tangled like spaghetti in my bag?
Also, how do they disappear? I swear I had three USB-C cables last week. Now I have one. ONE.
Anyway, my pro tip: grab a cable organizer pouch. It’s not glamorous, but it’s life-changing. I use one from this small Etsy seller who makes them out of old denim (linking because they deserve the love: RewiredCrafts on Etsy)
“What About Solar Chargers?” (Because People Ask)
Okay, listen. Solar chargers sound awesome. The idea of charging your phone with the sun? Feels very eco-warrior.
But in reality — unless you’re camping or living off-grid — they’re slow. Like, “watch paint dry” slow. I brought one to Coney Island last year, and by sunset, it had charged… 6%.
So unless you’re backpacking through Arizona, stick with a regular power bank.
Random Travel Charger Tips I Learned the Hard Way
- Always fully charge your power bank before leaving home. (Obvious, but I’ve forgotten more than once.)
- Keep it in your carry-on, not checked luggage. TSA will take it out if it’s too big.
- Don’t trust hotel USB outlets. Half of them don’t even work.
- Bring a short cable for charging on the go — you’ll thank yourself when you’re walking and charging at the same time.
The Ultimate Combo That Works for Me
Here’s my personal travel setup:
- Anker PowerCore 10000 Redux for daily use.
- Baseus Blade for my laptop + long trips.
- Apple MagSafe Pack for short errands or photo walks.
It’s overkill, maybe. But hey, I’ve never had to beg for an outlet since.
Wrapping Up about portable chargers for your next trip
Portable chargers might not sound exciting — like, “Wow, what riveting tech talk!” — but they’re the unsung heroes of travel.
You won’t appreciate them until your phone’s at 2% and your boarding pass is digital. Or when you’re trying to take a photo of that perfect sunset and your camera app just says, nope.
So yeah — invest in a good one. Your future self (and probably your travel buddies) will thank you.
Outbound Links:
.){kind=link}