Whether you’re setting out for a weekend getaway or embarking on an off-pavement bicycling and camping, staying powered up is just as important as keeping your bike in good shape. Keeping your GPS and phone charged or ensuring your bike lights stay bright is easier with a reliable cycling power bank—it can make or break your trip.

Here are some practical tips and actionable advice to ensure your power bank is up to the task. 

In this article:

• What Should You Charge with a Cycling Power Bank?
• Key Features to Look for in a Cycling Power Bank
• Tips and Tricks for Using a Bikepacking Power Bank
• Bike Touring? Know These Airline Restrictions Before You Go
• Wrap-Up
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Should You Charge with a Cycling Power Bank?

Depending on the gadgets you're carrying, you'll need a bikepacking power bank that meets specific demands:

• Mobile Phone: Usually your primary device for photos, navigation, and communication.
• GPS Device: Essential for tracking your route and ensuring you don’t get lost.
• Smartwatch: For fitness tracking and other functions.
• Bike Lights: Particularly important for visibility, especially at night.
• Small Gadgets: Include a camera, speaker, or even a small fan for hot climates.

Key Features to Look for in a Cycling Power Bank

• Capacity: mAh vs. Wh 

When evaluating bikepacking power banks, you’ll see capacity listed in either mAh (milliamp-hours) or Wh (watt-hours). While mAh is commonly used for small devices, Wh is better for larger gadgets. 

Beginner Tip: To convert mAh to Wh, multiply by 0.0037. A 20,000mAh power bank equals about 74Wh (20,000 x 0.0037 = 74Wh).

• Portability: The Balance Between Size and Power

More capacity means more weight. For extended trips, consider two smaller cycling power banks (10,000mAh each) to help with weight distribution and faster charging.

• Durability

Look for a bikepacking power bank with a high IP rating (e.g., IP67) for water resistance and shockproof durability. This ensures it can handle unpredictable terrain, rain, drops, splashes, and exposure to the elements.

• Multiple Charging Ports

Having multiple USB ports (USB-A and USB-C) lets you charge several devices at once. Look for power banks with enough ports to handle all your gear.

Tips and Tricks for Using a Bikepacking Power Bank

1. Redundancy and Flexibility

Using two smaller cycling power banks (e.g., 10,000mAh each) ensures redundancy if one fails and lets you charge devices while resting. Plus, two 10,000mAh power banks charging at 18W will charge faster than a single 20,000mAh power bank, providing a quicker turnaround for your devices.

2. Detailed Comparisons for Cyclists

Choosing the right bikepacking power bank involves understanding capacity, weight, and efficiency. For a comprehensive list of power banks ranked by weight, capacity, Wh/kg, charge, and recharge time, check out this resource: List of Power Banks (credit to /u/ormagon_89 in Reddit).

3. Efficient Charging Practices

• Charge Between 20% and 80%

To extend your device's battery life, keep it between 20% and 80%. Charging within the 40% to 60% range is more efficient and less stressful on the battery than charging from 0% to 100%. Avoid consistently charging below 20% or above 80% to prevent faster wear.

• Avoid Wireless Charging

Wireless charging tends to waste more power than wired charging, so opt for wired whenever possible.

4. Power Bank Maintenance and Care

• Keep Cycling Power Bank Warm in Cold Weather

Cold temperatures reduce battery performance. If camping in temperatures below 5°C/41°F, keep your cycling power bank inside your sleeping bag or close to your body at night to prevent it from losing charge. For trips in extreme climates, check your power bank’s operating temperature range.

• Consider Pass-Through Charging

Some bikepacking power banks allow you to charge devices while the power bank itself is charging (called pass-through charging). This is helpful if you’re limited to a single outlet while camping or charging overnight.

5. Maximize Efficiency in Power Transfer

• Use a Multi-Port Charger for Efficiency

Carry a charger with multiple USB ports to charge all your devices at once. This will save time and allow you to keep everything charged up when you have limited outlets available.

• Use a USB Voltmeter to Monitor Efficiency

A small USB voltmeter helps you measure how efficiently your devices and charging setup work. It allows you to test combinations of chargers, cables, and power banks to find the most efficient options for your gear.

6. Specialized Gear Considerations for Cycling Power Banks

• Pair with a Solar Panel or Dynamo

Consider adding a solar panel or dynamo hub to your gear to keep your cycling power bank topped off during the day. However, there are a lot of reviews from other cyclists that solar chargers take forever to charge anything and come with a myriad of issues. So, carrying a backup 10,000mAh bikepacking power bank is a smart idea.

• Tiny Adapters and Shorter Cables Save Weight

Tiny adapters (e.g., USB-C to micro-USB) and shorter cables save space and reduce weight. For faster charging, choose shorter, thicker cables as they transfer power more efficiently. The efficiency difference between a 1-foot and 3-foot cable is minimal (only 1-2%), so if saving space and weight is your priority, shorter cables are the best choice.

• Low-Power Mode Considerations

For charging small devices like bike lights or earbuds, choose a cycling power bank with a low-power charging mode. Some power banks may not support these devices unless they have a dedicated low-power mode to handle small power draws.

Bike Touring? Know These Airline Restrictions Before You Go

Planning to fly to your next bike touring destination? You’ll need to know about airline restrictions on power banks. Most airlines have a strict policy when it comes to battery capacity, especially for larger power banks. Here’s what you need to know:

• Carry-On Only: Power banks must be packed in carry-on luggage as they pose fire risks if placed in checked baggage.
• Capacity Restrictions: Airlines typically allow power banks up to 100 watt-hours (Wh), with a limit of two power banks per passenger. So, for power banks above 100Wh, confirm with the airline beforehand to avoid unexpected issues.
• Verify Airline Policies: Capacity limits may differ by airline, so always confirm their rules before flying.
• Battery Condition: Damaged or swollen power banks are strictly forbidden.

So, if you’re flying with a big power bank, make sure it fits within these limits to avoid any surprises at security! To learn more, check out our article ‘Power Bank in Airplane Travel: What’s Allowed and What’s Not’.

Wrap-Up: Stay Powered in Every Ride

With the right cycling power bank and a few simple tips, you can focus on the joy of the journey rather than stressing over dead batteries. Think ahead, choose wisely, and let your adventures take you as far as your pedals can go!

Key Takeaways:

Stay prepared, stay charged, and enjoy every pedal-powered adventure! 

Got tips or stories about your favorite bikepacking power bank? Drop them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions: 

How to charge while bikepacking?

Bikepacking expert Chris Bennett recommends using a charging cable with a 90-degree angled connector and secure it with a rubber strap to keep it in place. Ensure the cable is oriented so the plug points away from the device, preventing strain and making it easier to charge while riding.

What’s the best battery charging setup for multi-day trips?

The ideal setup depends on your needs. Here are some examples—choose what works best for you:

• Two 10,000mAh Power Banks: Recharge at every café stop, ideal for flexibility and redundancy.
• 26,800mAh Power Bank with Accessories: Includes a 67W charger with 3 USB ports, 2 USB-C to C cables, and 1 USB-A to C cable. Charge devices like phones, GoPro, and lights during café stops while recharging the power bank overnight. Works for 1.5 to 2 weeks with daily stops but may need longer stops for camera batteries.
• 20,000mAh Battery and Dynamo Hub: Great for 4-day trips. Charge your phone and GPS while powering lights with a dynamo hub for night riding.

For extended rides, add a dynamo hub-to-USB converter to charge batteries during the day. If staying at a hotel, bring a charger with multiple USB outputs and cables for each device. Choose the setup that fits your journey and device requirements.

How do you keep devices charged on multi-day trips?

Use a 20,000mAh power bank, which lasts 8–10 days with mindful usage (e.g., GPS battery saver or standby mode). Recharge at stops, and for longer trips, consider adding a solar panel or dynamo hub. 

Related Articles:

Power Bank in Airplane Travel: What’s Allowed and What’s Not

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