Power Bank Capacity And Weight Tradeoffs

Power banks allow hikers to use smartphones, satellite devices, headlamps, and cameras over many days between towns. The main decision revolves around how much stored energy is needed and how much weight is acceptable to carry.

Larger capacity units provide more recharges but can be a significant portion of an electronics kit's total weight. Smaller units are lighter but may require more frequent charging in towns or tighter limits on daily device use. Real-world needs depend on how often navigation apps are consulted, whether media is recorded, and how much satellite communication is used.

Efficiency losses during charging, temperature effects, and cable quality mean that the labeled capacity on a power bank does not directly translate into device battery percentages. Hikers often observe actual performance over several days and adjust expectations accordingly.

Time between guaranteed outlets also plays a role. Routes with frequent town access may allow smaller power banks, while more remote sections with long gaps between services may call for larger ones or a combination of sizes within a group.

Over the course of a thru hike, many hikers refine their setup based on experience, carrying more capacity in electronics-heavy sections and less in shorter or cooler segments where consumption is lower.