Best Power Bank for Backpacking in Canada (2025)

Backpacking through the Rockies or deep into Algonquin? One thing's for sure—you don't want your phone, GPS, or headlamp running out of juice halfway through. A reliable power bank isn't just a luxury anymore; it's practically essential for safety and convenience. But with so many options out there, finding the best power bank for backpacking in Canada isn't as simple as picking the one with the highest number on the box. You need one that strikes the right balance between power, weight, durability, and speed.

Let's take a look at the top Anker power banks built to handle real trails in 2025—plus a few tips to help you get the most out of them.

Alt: Backpacker charging laptop with a portable power bank during a flight for on the go convenience

Best Power Banks for Backpacking in 2025

Here are three standout models from Anker that offer serious reliability for anyone planning a trip off the grid. Each one comes with unique strengths depending on your style of backpacking and gear setup.

Anker Prime 27650mAh Power Bank (250W)

This is Anker's most powerful power bank yet. It has two USB-C ports (up to 140 W each), one USB-A, and can charge three devices at once. The LCD tells you battery, watts, and charge stats. That makes it great for long backpacking trips.

It weighs about 660g, so it's a bit heavy to carry in a pocket. But it still fits in a daypack. Tests show it can fully charge a 16‑inch MacBook Pro and still have juice left. You can recharge the power bank fast using two USB-C cables at up to 170 W.

For serious hikers, this is a beast. It meets airline rules (under 100 Wh). It gives days of power for phones, tablets, or even laptops. The price is high, but the power and speed are top‑tier. If you need a reliable, high-capacity device for remote trips, the Anker Prime 27650mAh Power Bank (250W) is the one to trust.

Alt: Anker prime 27650mah power bank 250w

Anker Prime Power Bank (9.6K, 65W, Fusion)

This compact charger packs a lot in—a 9,600 mAh battery with 65 W output, GaN-powered efficiency, and a clear LCD display that shows real-time charging info. The Fusion's standout feature? It doubles as a fast wall charger, thanks to its fold-out AC prongs—swapping between charging your gear on the go and recharging itself via the wall is a breeze. That means you can just plug it in overnight and have one device that handles both power bank and wall charging duties.

One Amazon user says, “The ability to plug this into the wall to recharge it is so simple and obvious that I don't know why more battery banks like this don't have this feature.”

Downside? It drops to about 45 W and 20 W when the dual port is used. That's enough for a phone and a small laptop.

If you're backpacking light and want fast, reliable juice without the bulk, the Anker Prime Power Bank (9.6K, 65W, Fusion) is a strong contender—especially when you only need moderate power. It may not win for biggest battery, but when you're focused on compact gear, it's one of the best power bank for thru hiking setups around.

Alt: Anker prime power bank 96k 65w fusion

Anker Power Bank (25K)

This middleweight option delivers a solid 165 W output, equipped with three USB‑C 100 W ports, a USB‑A port, and two integrated USB‑C cables—no more hunting for cords. Tests show it charges devices quickly—up to 51% for a MacBook Air and 53% for an iPhone in 30 minutes.

It stores over 90 Wh, which is below the 100 Wh airline limit, so you can bring it onboard without notifying the airline. Weighing \~595 g, it's lighter than the Prime 27k but still substantial.

One standout feature is how quickly it recharges. It can jump to 30% in just 20 minutes—faster than most models. From 0 to full, it only takes about 1.7 hours with a 100 W charger. That's a major plus when you're on the move and time is tight.

In a word, the Anker Power Bank (25K) is a smart midweight option with ample capacity, fast charging, airline-safe, and built-in convenience—ideal for weekend trips or 3–4 day hikes. It's the best power bank for trekking with its perfect balance of performance and portability.

Alt: Anker power bank 25k

Quick Comparison

Feature	Prime 27.6k (250 W)	Fusion 9.6k (65 W)	25k (165 W)
Capacity & Output	★★★★★ (multi-device heavy use)	★★☆☆☆ (phones/tablets)	★★★★☆ (balanced power)
Weight (~g)	~660 g (heavy brick)	~260 g (light & pocketable)	~595 g (mid-range)
Best for	Long trips + laptop use	Light travel/commute	Weekend trips + cords built in
Drawbacks	Price/weight	Not laptop-worthy	Slightly heavy for small packs

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Power Bank for Backpacking

When choosing the best power bank for backpacking, it's not just about mAh numbers. Here's what really matters when you're out in the woods:

1. Capacity vs. Weight

Higher capacity gives you more charges, but also adds bulk. For backpacking, most people aim for 10,000–26,000mAh.

Under 10,000mAh: Good for emergencies or day hikes

20,000–27,000mAh: Best for 3–6 day trips

Over 30,000mAh: May not be allowed on planes, and the weight adds up fast

According to CATSA, you can bring power banks up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) in carry-on luggage. To convert mAh to Wh: (mAh × 3.7V) ÷ 1,000 = Wh
The right balance between capacity and weight ensures you're not burdened with excess weight but still have the power you need for your trip.

2. Output Speed

Look for USB-C PD (Power Delivery) output—preferably 45W or more. This ensures your devices charge fast and efficiently, especially important when using it sparingly or with solar.

3. Port Options

You'll want at least one USB-C port and one USB-A. Dual USB-C is ideal if you're charging phones and a GoPro, for example.

4. Charging Time

Some large banks can take up to 10 hours to recharge. Look for options that support fast recharging—like Anker's 250W version, which supports high input wattage and recharges faster.

5. Durability and Temperature Tolerance

Backpacking means exposure to the elements. Cold weather especially drains battery life fast. Choose banks with good heat/cold management. And while few banks are fully waterproof, rugged designs with strong casing matter.

Tips for Maximizing Your Power Bank's Efficiency During Backpacking

To get the most out of your best hiking power bank, try these:

Put devices in airplane mode when not in use. It cuts power drain significantly.

Use low-power mode or battery saver on your phone.

Charge devices during the day when the temperature is higher—batteries perform better in moderate temps.

Avoid overnight charging unless necessary. It can slowly drain the bank without supervision.

Bundle cables smartly to reduce port damage. A torn cable in the wild is just dead weight.

Conclusion

Finding the best power bank for backpacking comes down to how you hike and what gear you carry. If you need serious output for laptops and drones, the Anker Prime 27650mAh is a beast. If you're traveling light or just need a safety net, the Anker Prime Fusion 9.6K has you covered. And for most backpackers in Canada, the Anker 25K strikes the perfect balance between weight, capacity, and reliability.

No matter which one you pick, it's good peace of mind knowing you've got power in your pocket—just in case your map app, flashlight, or camera battery doesn't last as long as your legs do. Ready to power up your next adventure? Check out the best power banks for backpacking and make sure you're always charged on the trail!

FAQs

What is the best power bank for backpacking?

It depends on your trip length and gear, but the Anker 25K Power Bank is the most balanced pick for most Canadian backpackers. It's light enough to carry comfortably, charges fast, and has enough juice for several days.

How many days can a 20000mAh power bank last?

If you're mostly charging a phone (let's say 3,000mAh per full charge), you can expect around 4–5 full charges, depending on efficiency. That should comfortably last 3–4 days on the trail with moderate use.

Can I bring a 30000mAh power bank on a plane?

It depends on the watt-hour rating. Airlines (and CATSA in Canada) allow batteries under 100Wh in carry-on bags. A 30,000mAh power bank at 3.7V = 111Wh, which may be over the limit. Always check your bank's Wh rating and pack it in carry-on, not checked luggage.

Is 5000 or 10000mAh better?

For backpacking, 10,000mAh is usually the minimum you'd want. A 5,000mAh bank might give you one full phone charge, which isn't enough if you're out overnight or using GPS. Go for at least 10,000–20,000mAh for more flexibility.