Last Updated on 27/08/2023
In this guide to the best waterproof power banks, you will learn which power banks will give you the most charge for their weight and size as well as which can withstand a knock or getting wet. Find out how to choose a power bank size for maximum output and minimum weight.
For the backpackers, travelers, and digital nomads of today, technology is a staple that cannot be ignored.
Whether it be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or camera, they all need a supply of power to run. Finding that power supply is not always easy in remote places, which is why we recommend getting one of these best waterproof power banks to keep you going along the way.
As someone who resisted smartphones for about 5 years or more, since I started using one I really appreciate how easy it is to stay in touch with people. This is especially true when I am traveling and either need to make plans on the fly or keep in touch with people at home – the phone is crucial to making this happen. It doesn’t take long to realize that the battery runs out pretty fast and so a power bank is essential for traveling.
Having relied on my smartphone to get me out of sticky situations on the road many times before, I can say that a power bank is one of the most well-used items in my backpack.
What are the Best Waterproof Power Banks For Travel?
The best power bank for travel is the one that provides the most power while weighing the least and being the smallest. Anker make over a dozen different models, all of which are among the top of their class.
Not only are the best waterproof power banks ideal for backpacking but they actually come in handy more often than you might think on a daily basis. Maybe you forgot to charge your phone last night and need to use it in the morning. No problem, just use your power bank.
7 Best Waterproof Travel Power Banks
Goal Zero Venture 75 19200mAH Outdoor Portable Charger
- Capacity: 19,200 mAh
- Waterproof Rating: IP67
The Goal Zero Venture 75 19200mAH Outdoor Portable Charger is perfect for outdoor living because it can power almost all of your small electrical devices (including laptops) and can be recharged using solar panels. If using a 60W USB-C Power Delivery port then you can recharge from 0 to 100% in 1.5 hours which is absolutely remarkable for a portable battery charger of this size.
With a massive 19,200 mAh capacity, you can recharge a large iPhone several times or keep a laptop running all day and night. It has a 50-lumen LED torch on it, which will last for days, if not weeks, if that is all you use it for. You can charge multiple devices at once using the dual output ports and settings to control the watts.
If we had to choose between this and the larger TECHSMARTER power bank, we would still choose this because it has a higher waterproof rating for added reassurance. If there is a chance your power bank will become submerged, then this is the one you want.
Powerness U36 10050mAh Power Bank Charger with LED
- Capacity: 10,050 mAh
- Waterproof Rating: IP67
The Powerness U36 10050mAh Power Bank Charger with LED is perfect for day trips and keeping in your backpack on hikes. The new carabiner fastener also means you can fasten it to your backpack if using it with a solar charger. Built to handle drops and falls, the rubber edging protects the most vulnerable areas and can take a real beating.
Dust, shock, and waterproof to down to 1 meter for 30 minutes, the battery is plenty big enough for 3-5 day adventures into the wild, and the wide lens LED torch helps on a night. A nice cheap option for chucking in your rucksack on day trips and overnighters and is easy to spot, so less likely to get lost in the woods.
If you only need a small waterproof power bank to use in emergencies to charge your phone, then this is perfect. It stays charged for weeks at a time if you don’t use it, and it doesn’t matter if it gets covered in dust, mud, or soaked in the rain.
myCharge 6700mAh Waterproof External Battery Power Bank
- Capacity: 6,700 mAh
- Waterproof Rating: IP67
The myCharge 6700mAh Waterproof External Battery Power Bank is even smaller than the Powerness U36 above, but it will still charge the largest of phones at least once or twice. It has been around for a while now but didn’t feature on our previous list of power banks. It is still one of the best waterproof power banks for sale and is now even cheaper than it was before.
It measures about 7 x 5 inches which is about the size of an adult hand, and is less than 2 inches deep, so it fits in a jacket pocket if needed. I must admit there are much smaller power banks out there with much more power, but waterproof portable chargers are always chunkier. One thing is for sure with the myCharge 6700mAh it is almost indestructible, and it stays charged for months.
TECHSMARTER 30000mah Rugged & Waterproof Power Bank
- Capacity: 30,000 mAh
- Waterproof Rating: IP66
The TECHSMARTER 30000mah Rugged & Waterproof Power Bank is a rugged, waterproof power bank that is great for outdoor use and backpacking. The tough casing can withstand drops of up to 1 meter and has been tested to IP66 levels which is enough for all but full immersion underwater. The massive 30,000 mAh is enough for up to 13 full charges of most smartphones and is so powerful that it can be used with laptops and portable gaming devices.
If you need a waterproof power bank to use outdoors and last for multiple days at a time while still charging all your gadgets, this is 100% the one to get. It has a flashlight, different outputs, USB-C, and all the other essentials you might need. It is quite heavy and bulky but if you need a lot of power, then this is the best available.
Dark Energy Poseidon 10,000 mAh Waterproof Power Bank
- Capacity: 10,000 mAh
- Waterproof Rating: IP68
The Dark Energy Poseidon Waterproof Power Bank is our number one choice for traveling because of the fact that it almost indestructible. With the highest possible IP rating, you can be sure that this portable battery pack will work no matter where you take it. The 10,000 mAh battery can charge most smartphones three to six times and will recharge in just over a couple of hours. Featuring a built-in light and two charging ports with a 3.4 amp output.
Hobest 12,000 mAh Waterproof Solar Charger Power Bank
- Capacity: 12,000 mAh
- Waterproof Rating: IP67
The Hobest Solar Charger is one of the best waterproof power banks for outdoor enthusiasts because not only can it hold enough charge to charge your phone up 3 or more times, it can also be recharged using the sun. But the features don’t end there. Dual charging ports with 1A and 2.1A outputs for smartphones and tablets, LED power level display, and dual-LED torch lights with three modes. The casing is tough and sold as waterproof but no IP rating is given.
EasyAcc 20,000 mAh Rugged Outdoor Power Bank
- Capacity: 20,000 mAh
- Waterproof Rating: IP67
The EasyAcc 20,000 mAh rugged outdoor power bank is our close third choice because of its larger capacity and overall reliability. It has been around for a while and is trusted by many outdoor people to charge their personal electronics on the go. Ideal for multiple devices like your smartphone, GPS tracker, and GoPro camera. With dual charging ports and a built-in LED light, you have some great features to work with. With the 20,000 mAh capacity, you can expect to charge any smartphone at least five to seven times as well as being big enough to charge iPads and tablets up to two times.
Features to Look for in a Power Bank
There are a few things to take into consideration when choosing the best waterproof power bank for you, and it is not always clear what they mean. Below is a breakdown of some of the features to look out for and what they mean in terms of performance. Bigger doesn’t always mean better, but if you have specific requirements, then this power bank guide should help you figure out the specs.
Capacity
Capacity is the amount of power that can be charged and stored in the unit and is measured in mAh (milliamp hour). To give you an idea of what to look for, I would say that anything below 5,000 mAh will likely be too small for your needs, and anything over 20,000 mAh would be considered to have a very large capacity. I personally like to mix and match a large and a small power bank on longer backpacking trips, but a medium-sized power bank for travel works well, too (12,000 mAh – 18,000 mAh).
Charge Cycles
This relates directly to the capacity but is worth knowing before you buy. For example, you might get three full charges for a smartphone but only one charge for a laptop. Knowing what you can expect to get out of a portable battery pack is important and can often be estimated fairly accurately using the capacity rating.
Charge Time
‘The larger the capacity of the battery, the longer it takes to charge’ is a fair enough statement to make. But some batteries are notoriously slower than others, and understanding how long it will take to recharge your power bank is good to know before you buy. Most brands make the charge time available in the specifications, but if not, you can usually read some Amazon reviews to find out.
IP Rating – Waterproof, Shock and Dust Resistance
Ingress Protection or IP Rating is the standard referencing system for the level of dust and water protection on a device. The first number refers to solid particle protection (dust), and the second refers to liquid ingress protection (water). As you can see from the chart below, an IP68 would be the highest possible rating. However, most of the best waterproof power banks are rated to IP67, which is more than enough protection for rugged outdoor use.
Size
The size of the unit can be important for people who are short of space in their backpacks or plan on keeping it in their pockets at times. You don’t really want to be carrying a big old brick of a battery around with you anyway. Most power banks are very compact and portable, but if you check the dimensions before you buy, there won’t be any surprises when it arrives.
Weight
Much like the size of the power bank, the weight can be an important factor for lightweight packers and distance hikers who cannot afford the extra weight. Sometimes, two small power banks can weigh less than one large power bank of the same combined capacity, which can be worth taking into account.
Input and Output Ports
How does it charge, and how does it recharge? How many output sockets are there? Can they be used more than one at a time? What is the amp output? If you have a specific use in mind for the rugged power bank, then you should make sure that it has the ability to fulfill that task before you buy.
Torch
Some power banks have an in-built LED torch which is a fantastic benefit to have in your bag, and used as a flashlight alone would last a very long time. Even a small charge display can be a big advantage, as knowing how much power you have left allows you to ration it better.
Are Anker Power Banks Waterproof?
Anker power banks are not waterproof and nor do they claim to be. The casing is made from waterproof materials but does not have a waterproof construction. Water can get in through the joints and the charger input, so it won’t fare well if submerged. If you spill water on it or it gets a little bit wet in the rain though, you should be ok.
What to do if Your Power Bank Gets Wet
If your power bank gets wet and it isn’t waterproof, then the best steps you can take is to dry it with a towel and try and shake as much water out as possible. Then you should submerge the power bank in uncooked rice, which will draw the moisture out. You can also try and use sustained low heat, like wrapped in a towel on top of a radiator.
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