What Should You Charge on a Camping Trip? Build Your Device List
Safety: Power banks contain lithium-ion cells. Use the cables the manufacturer supplies or recommends, keep the unit away from heat...
By GadgetsDiary Editorial Team
Updated November 12, 2026
Safety: Power banks contain lithium-ion cells. Use the cables the manufacturer supplies or recommends, keep the unit away from heat and water, and follow the manual. This guide is general information, not a substitute for the manufacturer’s instructions.
Before you pick a power bank for a camping trip, list what you will actually charge. Phones are small; a camera, a headlamp, a GPS and a tablet add up. This guide shows how to build that list and turn it into the capacity you need.
When you are ready to choose, read how to choose a camping power bank and how long a power bank lasts on a camping trip.
Step 1: List Every Device
Write down phones, headlamps, a GPS or satellite messenger, a camera, earbuds, a watch and any tablet or e-reader. Skip anything with a replaceable battery you can carry spares for.
Step 2: Find Each Battery Size
Look up the battery capacity in each device’s specifications, in mAh or Wh. Phones and tablets use the most, and small accessories use little. If a device lists only mAh, see how to convert mAh to Wh so you can add them together.
Step 3: Count Recharges per Day
Estimate how often each device needs a full recharge on a normal day, and multiply by the number of days away from an outlet. Heavy photo and video use drains a phone quickly, and cold weather reduces capacity.
Step 4: Add a Margin
Power banks deliver less than their label, and cold or fast charging lowers that further. Add a safety margin to your total. See mAh vs real capacity.
Step 5: Choose What to Skip
Put the phone in airplane mode, lower the screen brightness and turn off unneeded devices. A smaller list means a lighter pack.
| Device | Typical demand |
|---|---|
| Phone | Highest daily draw of the small items |
| Tablet or e-reader | Large battery, charged less often |
| Camera | Varies with use |
| Headlamp, earbuds, watch | Small |
Power Banks to Consider
Once you have your list from Steps 1 to 4, match it to a bank. These suit the usual device sets.
- INIU Outdoor Rugged 10,000mAh 45W Power Bank: compact, IP67 as listed, 6.9 ounces. A phone and a headlamp.
- ELECOM NESTOUT 15000mAh Rugged Power Bank: 32W USB-C PD, IP67 as listed, 0.80 pounds. Several phones, a GPS or a small camera.
- Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC Power Bank: 25,600mAh, 100W AC inverter, 100W USB-C, about 3.2 pounds. A laptop, with an AC inverter and a 100W USB-C port.
Check each device battery rating against the bank output before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What devices do campers usually charge?
Phones, headlamps, GPS units, cameras and earbuds are the most common.
How do I know what power bank size I need?
Add up your devices’ battery sizes and recharges, then add a margin. Compare watt-hours across banks.
Can I charge several devices at once?
Many banks have multiple ports, but output is usually shared, so each device charges more slowly.
Related Guides
- How to Choose a Camping Power Bank
- How Long Does a Power Bank Last on a Camping Trip?
- Best Lightweight Power Banks for Hiking
About the author
The GadgetsDiary editorial team compares portable power and charging products using manufacturer specifications and Amazon listing data. Read how we choose and rank products on our How We Review and Editorial Policy pages.