The cardinal rule in a frequent traveler’s handbook? Expect the unexpected.
From lengthy flight delays and missed connections to losing luggage or being stranded in an unfamiliar place, part of the experience of exploring the world includes being well-equipped to handle whatever comes your way.
Thirty years ago, you may have never left home without traveler’s checks, but these days, constant connectivity to your cellphone or laptop is essential. Especially if you’re going on a work trip or landing somewhere remote where you need to have reliable cell service, a portable charger is as important as your toothbrush. Why risk hoping to find a plug for your wall charger when you can have an additional battery with you at all times?
Here, the latest, greatest, and most trusted portable battery packs for vacations, getaways, business trips, and all of the above.
Tech Armor ActivePower USB Power Bank
This affordable yet effective power bank is a smart investment for your next adventure. It’s compact, lightweight, and with 6000 mAh, it can provide most phones with two full charges. Bonus: it also features a built-in flashlight and dual USB-charging points, so you can plug in your tablet and iPhone at the same time.
To buy: amazon.com, $40
Anker PowerCore+ mini
For when you’re set to travel across the globe for several months (or even a year) you might need more than just one extra battery. Consider this the one you always keep on hand, just in case you need to give your phone a quick charge. It’s the size of a tube of lipstick, but far more long-lasting, packing six additional hours of phone (or Face) time.
To buy: amazon.com, $14 (originally $40)
Mophie Juice Pack
When traveling in Europe, it’s not hard to mix up airline baggage restrictions, especially for those puddle-jumpers that may even make you weigh your carry-on. Save the added weight and space with this smartphone-charging phone case. Mophie’s “Charge Vault” technology gives the case the ability to hold battery life for extended periods of time. (Read: when you’re stranded on the tarmac without a gate.) They also use rubberized support pads inside of a hard-shell case to protect against the inevitable moment you drop your phone taking a selfie.
To buy: (iPhone) bloomingdales.com, from $60; (Samsung Galazy) amazon.com, $60
Smartphone Charging Wristlet
For when the party is only getting started at 11:00 p.m. in Barcelona, your nightlife outfit might not pair so well with your anti-theft backpack. Instead, carry this chic, simple wristlet to house your Euros, your travel rewards credit card, your Airbnb key, with a slim, recharging battery already tucked inside. It’ll give your phone an additional charge, if you just can’t stop taking Boomerangs of the DJ.
To buy: uncommongoods.com, $80
Cynthia Rowley Universal Portable Charging Battery
For a gift to give your mom, your sister, or a beloved pal, consider this stylish charger from Cynthia Rowley. While it’s not as heavy-duty as some other portable chargers on this list, for weekend getaways to the Cape, while she’s lounging on the shore, the rose gold back-up battery will match just about any beach bag.
To buy: amazon.com, from $23
Goal Zero Flip 30
Don’t let the size of this guy fool you; great power comes in small packages. For slightly less space than a deck of cards would take up, this 7800mAh charger can power your smartphone up to three times and a small tablet once. If you’re heading into the backcountry, Goal Zero also makes a kit equipped with solar panels that can spend eight hours hanging from your pack in the sun for a full charge.
To buy: amazon.com, $50
Valfre Bruno Portable Charger
For a go-to charger that fits in your handbag, your carry-on, or even your back pocket, consider this power bank that provides hours of texting, snapping, Instagramming, and calling. Once you fire up this cute cat, you’re good to go for 16 hours of extra battery life. Best of all? It’s compatible with all USB-charged devices, so you can charge up that digital camera after a day of sightseeing, too.
To buy: valfre.com, $40
Kate Spade Stripe Slim Battery Bank
When you’re jet-setting for a girl’s weekend, there’s plenty of sharing going on — and not just your sunscreen and margaritas. A dozen travelers in a new place celebrating the bride means there are dozens (upon dozens) of photos snapping and uploading at any moment. Since it eats up your battery faster than the Miami heat, pack this cute charger by Kate Spade, complete with a hidden cable to keep it chic. Might we suggest buying a second one for the Mrs.-to-be?
To buy: katespade.com, $60
MyCharge RZ12D RazorUltra Portable Charger
For an inexpensive-ish way to stay charged from San Francisco to New York City when the mood (or the business opportunity) strikes, carry this durable portable charger that delivers several extra hours of power. In a rush and need it… yesterday? Luckily for you, this 12000 mAh battery comes pre-charged, so you can grab it on the way to the BART and be ready to jet.
To buy: bedbathandbeyond.com, $100
NIFTY Mobile Charger
For some travelers, a five-hour flight means catching a movie and a snooze. But for you, digital nomad? That’s 300 minutes of (mostly) uninterrupted working. That’s why an ailing laptop battery can ruin everything between takeoff and landing. This super-compact, but powerful mobile charger is the first to offer four different charging capacities in one device. This means you can plug it directly into your smartphone (Apple or Android), your digital camera, or your laptop — two at a time. Consider that deadline met.
To buy: amazon.com, $80
