Power banks or chargers are useful for outdoors enthusiasts. If you have any rechargeable gadgets then there will be occasions when they need a boost.
It’s a good idea to carry a portable power bank with you when embarking on an adventure, whether a long hike, run or bike ride. If heading off grid, it’s almost essential to have some kind of charging device for phones, head torches etc.
Even if you are simply setting off for a long car or train journey, a power bank can help to keep devices charged. I have often booked a train ticket with a seat next to a plug socket only to find there is no socket, or it doesn’t work.
I have been testing three different EnergyQC power banks. They are different sizes. Note, a higher mAh rating means a higher storage capacity of the battery.
EnergyQC Mini Power Bank 5000mAh
- Size: 10 x 3 x 3.4cm
- Battery storage: 5000mAh, which offers a least one full charge for a phone.
- Features: 2 hours to fully charge a phone; 1 x USB output; 4 LED lights to indicate level of charge; charging cable.
- Weighs: 127g
- Price: £15.88
- Buy from Amazon.
The smallest of the power banks in this test, it’s neat enough to fit into a pocket or a small place in a rucksack. I’d take this for a one or two-day outing, when all I want to do is recharge my iPhone and maybe a head torch, too. It has just one USB output port.
EnergyQC Power Bank 10000mAh
- Size: 10 x 4.8 x 2.4 cm
- Battery storage: 10,000mAh, which offers a least two full charges for a phone.
- Features: 1 x USB output; 4 LED lights to indicate level of charge; charging cable; auto shut-off.
- Weighs: 172g
- Price: £21.88
- Buy: Amazon
This is a rectangular-shaped power bank that is also easy to carry with you. It has the capacity to charge a phone up to twice, or a phone and another device, such as a head torch.
It weighs 50g more than the Mini Power Bank but could be a useful addition to a longer adventure, such as an off-grid multi-day walk or run. Again, it has just one USB output port.
EnergyQC Power Bank Pilot X7 20000mAh
- Size: 15.4 X 7.5 x 1.9cm
- Weighs: 340g
- Battery storage: 20,000mAh, which offers three to four full charges for a phone, or you could use it to charge a tablet or laptop.
- Features: 2 USB A and 1 USB C output; 4 LED lights to indicate level of charge; charging cable, useful flashlight,
- Price: £28.99
- Buy from Amazon.
This is a larger and heavier power bank but still very portable. It also has a greater charging capacity. You can charge a couple of items at once with two USB A and one USB C output ports so there are more option for charging different items.
The flashlight is a useful extra, although many people have this facility on their phones anyway. Make sure the power bank is fully charged if you want to ensure it will add the maximum recharge to your electronic gadgets.
All the power banks seem to be of good quality. None of them are fully waterproof so you should make sure they are protected from the elements in a waterproof bag if carrying them in poor weather.