[Wheel Wander]

Hey fellow adventurers! As someone who spends more time in the great outdoors than in my own living room (and let’s be honest, my living room could use a little more dust), I know how crucial it is to keep our devices charged while hiking. Whether it’s for snapping epic selfies, navigating those tricky trails, or just playing “Who Can Spot the Most Birds?” with our friends, having a reliable power bank can really save the day.

So, grab your trekking poles and get ready—I’m excited to share three of my absolute favorite hiking power banks. Each one has its own quirks and perks, and I’ll sprinkle in a little buyer’s guide magic at the end to help you pick the right partner for your outdoor shenanigans. Let’s dive in!

• Anker PowerCore 10000
• Goal Zero Venture 35
• Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2

[Wheel Wander]

Anker PowerCore 10000

Well, fellow hikers, let me tell you about the time when the Anker PowerCore 10000 was my saving grace during my trip in the Rockies. 😊

Size and Weight: This little guy is about the size of a Snickers bar and, trust me, you’ll be glad it’s not another snack to weigh you down. Weighing less than a piece of fruitcake—yay for minimizing your pack load! Surprisingly, it didn’t attract any bears, which is always a plus when you’re trying to become one with nature and not end up on its menu.

Battery Life: I tested its capacity by deliberately letting my GPS and phone battery dwindle faster than the resolution I made to hike more at the start of the year. True to its claim, the PowerCore charged both with plenty of juice left over, making me feel like a battery-sipping wizard. Nothing is more comforting than knowing you can catch the sunset without worrying about whether you’ll have enough power to call for an Uber chopper ride back because you’ve lost your way (again).

Durability: I may or may not have accidentally dropped it down a hill, and it kept on powering through like a champ. It seems impervious to my clumsy attempts at sabotage, which makes us a perfect pair. 😂

• Pros: Compact, lightweight, and keeps your devices as alive as the river streams around you.
• Cons: While it charges like a campfire blazing brightly, it does take a little while to fully recharge the unit itself. Bring patience or your favorite wilderness book.

To sum it up, the Anker PowerCore 10000 is now a must-have in my hiking toolkit. It’s basically my hiking wingman, minus the snoring. For anyone looking to venture off into the wild while staying connected to Instagram (because did you really hike if no one sees it?), the PowerCore is your go-to gadget. And no, they’re not paying me to say this, although I’m open to negotiations, Anker. 😄

For those interested, here’s a link to check it out—or buy before your next epic journey!

[Wheel Wander]

Goal Zero Venture 35

Hey fellow trail enthusiasts!

Just got back from my most recent adventure, and I have to share my experience with the Goal Zero Venture 35. Let me tell you, this little powerhouse was my MVP (Most Valuable Power-brick) during the hike.

First off, let’s talk about its epic durability. It’s like the Chuck Norris of chargers — it laughs in the face of rain and dust. Thanks to its IP67 rating, it’s both waterproof and dustproof. I accidentally dropped it into a puddle (rookie move, I know), but this thing kept on going like it was on a mission from the Energizer Bunny himself.

On the power front, it maxes out at about 9600mAh, which means it was more than capable of powering my phone, headlamp, and that emergency candy bar warmer… just kidding on that last one, but hey, a hiker can dream! I was able to keep things charged and keep my Spotify playlist going without a glitch. My buddy joked that I had the power output of a small city in my pack, which I took as a compliment, of course.

Now, full disclosure, it weighs a bit over half a pound. But when you’re on a long hike, being able to prep for awkward selfie angles and capturing panoramic views without worrying about your phone dying is a total win. Besides, lugging that extra weight around is practically a workout bonus — you’re welcome, muscles.

Goal Zero even thought of including a built-in Micro-USB cable and a fast USB-C port. Trust me, when you’re digging through your gear in the middle of the night trying to find the right cable, you’ll appreciate having that one tethered to the pack.

In conclusion, if you’re a serious hiker or, like me, a lover of comfort who happens to enjoy long walks in the wilderness, the Goal Zero Venture 35 is worth every penny. If you’re on the fence about it, just remember — it’ll keep your devices charged and your hiking buddy from having to take too many ‘naps’ due to phone withdrawals.

Happy hiking, folks!

[Wheel Wander]

Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2

Alright, folks, let’s dive into the magic (and sometimes mishaps) of the Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2, a power bank that recently tagged along with me on a hiking trip.

We all know that dreaded moment when your phone battery icon turns red in the middle of a forest, sending your blood pressure soaring higher than Everest. That’s where our little friend, the Nitecore NB10000, comes in. Weighing in at a mere 150g, it’s so light that even my grandma’s fruitcake could take a lesson or two. And trust me, when you’re halfway up a mountain, every gram matters.

Let me break down my experience:

• Impressive Capacity: With 10,000mAh, this little gadget charges my phone about three times over, which is enough to get that perfect sunset Snap or Google my way back to civilization without missing a beat.
• Rough and Tough: The carbon fiber body didn’t just make it look cool; it survived a few accidental drop tests. I mean, who doesn’t occasionally sacrifice their electronics to the trail gods?
• Fast Charging: The USB-C port didn’t waste any time powering my devices, which was perfect for my impatient soul. After all, who wants to endure the suspense of a slowly reviving battery?
• Smart Features: With a nifty little LED indicator, it told me exactly how much juice it had left. It’s like that friend who gives you honest life advice – brutally clear and exactly what you need.

If I had to nitpick, though…

It’s not solar-powered, which would have been the ultimate green badge for us nature lovers. I guess you can’t have it all, but hey, that’s why power banks are the sidekicks, not the superheroes of camping trips.

In conclusion, the Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2 was a trusty companion on my adventure, ensuring my tech stayed alive, so I didn’t have to pretend to “find myself” without a digital map. If you’re looking for a reliable power source to hike with, this little powerhouse should be on your packing list. Just don’t try to toast marshmallows with it. I promise it’s not that versatile!

Check out more about it here if you want your own portable lifeline. Happy hiking, and may your batteries be ever in your favor!

[Wheel Wander]

Best Hiking Power Banks Buyer’s Guide

Hey fellow adventurers! So, you’re looking for the best hiking power bank, huh? Trust me, I’ve been down that trail—literally—more times than I can count. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from being stuck on a mountain with a dead phone, it’s that a reliable power bank is as essential as the snacks in my backpack (and I don’t mess around when it comes to snacks).

Here’s what I’ve gathered from my own experience and from countless chats around the campfire with other fellow hikers:

1. Capacity Matters
When I’m out in the wilderness, I want to stay connected in case of emergencies—or, you know, to Instagram the amazing view from Mount What’s-It-Called. Look for a power bank with at least 10,000mAh, which should charge your phone about 2-3 times. High capacity is your friend, just like a trusty hiking buddy who carries the heavy gear.

• Lightweight Backpackers: Consider a 5,000mAh bank if you’re ultralight! Sure, you might have to ration your power like your last granola bar, but your back will thank you.
• Eco-friendly Enthusiasts: Solar-powered banks are great if you’re planning on long hikes. Mother Nature will love you for it, just don’t expect super-fast charging if you’re hiking in Seattle.

2. Portability Is Key
I mean, I love my brick-sized power bank… for at-home use. When you’re hiking, every ounce counts. Look for a slim, lightweight design that won’t weigh down your backpack—or your mood.

3. Ruggedness for the Rugged
I once dropped my power bank off a cliff. It wasn’t my proudest moment, but I learned that having one with a rugged, waterproof exterior would’ve been ideal. Look for labels like water-resistant and shockproof. Trust me, nature is unpredictable—I’ve learned this the hard way.

4. Fast Charging Capabilities
When you’re chowing down trail mix during a quick stop, fast charging is your best buddy. Look for power banks with Quick Charge or Power Delivery features. They’ll juice up your gadgets faster than I can finish a packet of beef jerky.

5. Number of Ports
Usually, I’m the designated gadget person among my friends, so a power bank with multiple ports is a lifesaver. Whether you need to share power or just have a multitude of devices yourself (no judgment here!), more ports mean fewer arguments over who gets to charge first.

My Personal Picks
Here are a couple of options I’ve tried, tested, and would willingly be stuck on a mountain with again:

• Anker PowerCore 10000 – Compact, reliable, and pretty much as essential as my canteen.
• Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC – For when you need serious juice and multiple outputs. It’s a bit heavier, but worth it if you’re a gadget guru like me.

And there you go! Hopefully, this guide powers up your next adventure and keeps your devices as energized as you are. After all, there’s a whole world out there to explore—and document—in full battery glory! Safe hiking, everyone!

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