Keeping your phone, laptop, and other devices charged while traveling can make or break a trip. We’re sharing our favorite portable power banks to help you find the right one for your next outing. 

Best Portable Power Bank for Outdoor Adventures 

Even the toughest adventurers could use some extra power from time to time. The Venture 75 power bank is our favorite portable charger for river rafting trips, hiking dusty desert trails, camping in the backcountry, and climbing impressive peaks. It is waterproof and dustproof so you can take it anywhere—and as a bonus, it has a built-in emergency flashlight. 

Venture 75 Key Features: 

• 71 watt hours 
• IP67 Waterproof and Dustproof Rating 
• Protective rubber sleeve 
• Recharge with solar 
• Airline approved 
• USB-A port 
• USB-C port 
• Flashlight 
• Weight: 1.27 lbs. 

Best Portable Power Bank for Beach Days 

Heading to the beach? Toss the rubberized Venture 35 power bank in your bag. Its IP67 rating means it can handle the sand and water so you can charge portable speakers, cameras, phones, and more while you enjoy the scenery. 

Venture 35 Key Features: 

• 35.5 watt hours 
• IP67 Waterproof and Dustproof Rating 
• Protective rubber sleeve 
• Recharge with solar 
• Airline approved 
• USB-A port 
• USB-C port 
• Flashlight 
• Weight: 0.63 lbs. 

Best Portable Power Bank for Working 

Our favorite power bank for working travelers is the Sherpa 100AC. This portable charger has an AC outlet as well as lots of other ports so you can charge your laptop at the same time as your phone and tablet.  

Sherpa 100AC Key Features: 

• 95 watt hours 
• Wireless charging 
• Color LCD display 
• 100 W AC port 
• Recharge with solar 
• Airline approved 
• 2 USB-A ports 
• 2 USB-C ports 
• Weight: 2.1 lbs. 

Best Portable Power Banks for City Sightseeing 

We like the Flip 36 and Sherpa 100PD power banks for city wandering. You don’t need as much backup power in a city as you would off grid, but it never hurts to keep your phone and camera charged while you explore—especially if you want to listen to music on your headphones, look up directions, order a ride share, or take lots of photos and videos while you wander. The lightweight Flip 36 is perfect if you want something pocket-sized, while the heftier Sherpa 100PD works well if you are carrying a small bag.  

Flip 36 Key Features: 

• 35.5 watt hours 
• Pocket-sized design 
• Airline approved 
• USB Port 
• Weight: 0.43 lbs. 

Sherpa 100PD Key Features: 

• 95 watt hours 
• Wireless charging 
• Color LCD display 
• Recharge with solar 
• Airline approved 
• 2 USB-A ports 
• 2 USB-C ports 
• Weight: 1.5 lbs. 

Why should I pack a power bank when I travel? 

We’re big supporters of heading off-grid, roughing it, and getting away from it all, but a little bit of backup power can help make your travels safer, easier, and more enjoyable. With a power bank, you can charge phones, headphones, cameras, laptops, headlamps, portable speakers, and more. 

Are power banks allowed on planes? 

Yes, you can take a power bank on a plane, but there are battery size limits. Lithium-ion batteries must be less than 100 watt hours. In some cases, an airline can make an exception for a larger batteries. If you’re using a portable power bank with more than 100 watt hours, we suggest checking with the airline ahead of time and making sure you’ll be able to keep your power bank for any connecting or return flights.  

For more details, check out the FAA Guidelines.  

What can my power bank charge? 

Goal Zero power banks can charge a variety of small devices. Check out the table below for an idea of how much each power bank can charge.