Never watch your phone die in a foreign city again.
A dead phone means no maps, no tickets, no way to find your hostel. Here’s how I pick a power bank for every kind of trip, plus a quick calculator so you buy the right size the first time.
Work out what I needHow much power does your trip need?
Tell me what you carry and how many days you’ll be away from a wall socket. The estimate allows for the energy every power bank loses in conversion.
Estimate assumes about one full charge per device per day and roughly 70% usable capacity. Heavy use needs more.
Three sizes that cover almost every trip
I group power banks by capacity, not brand, because the right size matters more than the logo. Swap in your own picks and links below.
The pocket top-up
- About 2 phone charges
- Slim enough for a jacket pocket
- Best for city breaks and day hikes
The everyday traveler
- 4 or more phone charges
- Handles a tablet or camera too
- Best for week-long trips and long travel days
The laptop-ready workhorse
- Look for 65W or higher USB-C output
- Charges a laptop and a phone together
- Best for digital nomads and remote work
Before you fly with one
Most airlines follow similar rules, but check yours before you pack.
Carry-on only
Lithium power banks generally can’t go in checked bags. Keep them in your cabin bag.
Mind the 100 Wh limit
Most airlines allow up to 100 Wh without approval, which is roughly 27,000 mAh. Larger ones usually need airline permission.
Check the label
The watt-hour rating should be printed on the unit. If it isn’t, leave it at home.
Ask about in-flight use
Some airlines now restrict using a power bank during the flight. Look up your carrier’s current policy.