#power-banks

#power-banks

Spring 2026 promises record-breaking travel numbers as airports worldwide brace for unprecedented passenger volumes. The post-pandemic wanderlust shows no signs of slowing, and savvy travelers know that the right gear makes the difference between smooth sailing and terminal meltdown. Smart packing isn't about cramming more into your carry-on; it's about selecting tools that adapt to chaos, keep you powered up, and maintain your sanity when delays inevitably occur.

There was a time not too long ago when buying a power bank was as easy as choosing the cheapest portable battery that could charge your phone and quickly slip into your pocket, purse, or backpack. The hardest part was deciding whether it was time to ditch USB-A ports. Recently, however, brands have been slathering on features, many of which are superfluous, in an attempt to both stand out from the commodified pack and justify higher price points.

If there's a "secret" that power bank manufacturers don't want customers to know, it's that most power banks are built for a gentle life. When I talk about durability, several companies have told me that power banks are primarily used at in warm, dry air-conditioned homes and offices, on sofas and beds and carpeted floors, not in cold, damp woodlands or icy mountains.

With a 27,650mAh/99.54Wh capacity, the Rapid Pro is about as big as power banks can get -- and there's a reason for that, because beyond the 100Wh point they aren't allowed on commercial airliners without a load of regulatory hassles. Also: 10 DIY gadgets I never leave out of my toolkit (and why each one earns its spot) The Rapid Pro is a power bank built to have presence.

Small power banks are a dime a dozen, but Iniu's Pocket Rocket P50 stands out for its combination of size, capacity, and features. We saw this model drop in price during Amazon's recent October Prime Day sale, but a fresh discount has now made the power bank cheaper than ever. Right now, you can pick it up at Amazon in black for just $13.74 (a little over $19 off) after applying the automatic 45 percent off coupon at checkout.

Small form factor power banks that can charge at up to 45W aren't all that common. Iniu makes one of the smallest, most capable models we've tested, though, and it's currently receiving a steep discount as part of Amazon's October Prime Day sale. Typically priced at $32.99, the Pocket Rocket P50 is now on sale in black for $27.99. That's a solid deal, although we've recently seen it available for as low as $16.49 during a brief sale.

Like many backpackers, I'm a sicko. I have weighed all my gear in order to maintain a spreadsheet for pack weight on every trip I'm on. I've spent more money than I care to think about in order to drop pounds, or even ounces. This is why I'm the proud new owner of a power bank that looks like a toy.

IFA 2025 was all about smart home gadgets. From Philips Hue's launch to the new Rokid Glasses, there were a lot of cool gadgets at IFA this year. While I was on the ground looking for big launches, seven small accessories caught my eye. Some of them can make traveling easier, while others add convenience to your day-to-day tasks. A few of them were launched last week, while others have been on sale for a while now.

Emirates prohibits passengers from using power banks on flights starting October 1, 2023, in response to a spike in lithium battery-related incidents, with strict regulations in place.

The Voltme Hypercore 10K Pro is a 10,000mAh/37Wh power bank designed with soft, grippy materials, rounded corners, and optimal port orientation.

BMX's SolidSafe line addresses fire risk associated with lithium-ion batteries by using a non-flammable solid-state format, significantly enhancing consumer safety in portable charging.

Baseus is introducing its Enercore line of chargers and power banks globally, equipped with retractable USB-C cables, up to 100W charging speeds, and 20,000mAh capacities.

The Sharge Icemag 2 is one of the few power banks that remains cool during the charging process, providing a safe and effective solution for traveling users.