Best Portable Chargers for Hiking 2026: Keep Your Devices Powered on the Trail
Quick Summary
- Best Overall: Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K) — outstanding capacity, fast charging, and rugged reliability for multi-day hikes
- Best Budget: Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 — ultra-thin, lightweight, and affordable for day walkers on a tight budget
- Best Premium: Goal Zero Sherpa 100 AC — solar-compatible, aircraft-grade build, and versatile output for serious adventurers
Whether you’re navigating a remote Scottish glen with GPS, photographing Snowdonian peaks, or staying safe with a charged emergency phone on the South Downs Way, a reliable portable charger is now as essential as a good pair of boots. In 2026, the market is flooded with power banks claiming to be trail-ready — but not all of them can handle drizzle, cold temperatures, rough rucksack handling, and the demand of modern smartphones simultaneously. We’ve tested and researched the very best portable chargers for hiking to help you pick the right one for your next adventure, whether you’re a casual weekend walker or an experienced long-distance trekker.
What to Look For in a Hiking Power Bank
- Capacity (mAh): For a day hike, 10,000mAh is usually sufficient to fully charge a modern smartphone twice. For multi-day expeditions, look for 20,000mAh or more to cover GPS devices, headtorches, and cameras.
- Weight and size: Every gram counts on the trail. Balance capacity against portability — a 26,000mAh behemoth is impressive at home but miserable on a 20-mile mountain route. Aim for under 300g for day hikes.
- Durability and weather resistance: Look for an IP rating of at least IPX4 (splash-proof) or higher. Drop-resistant casings and reinforced corners are a bonus when your pack takes a tumble down a scree slope.
- Charging speed and port variety: USB-C with Power Delivery (PD) allows fast charging of phones, tablets, and cameras. Check for multiple output ports if you carry several devices, and consider whether a solar input option suits your route.
Comparison at a Glance
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K) | £90 | Multi-day hikes & basecamp charging | ★★★★★ |
| Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 | £22 | Day walks & budget hikers | ★★★★☆ |
| Goal Zero Sherpa 100 AC | £189 | Expeditions & solar charging | ★★★★☆ |
Our Top Picks
Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K)
The Anker 737 PowerCore 26K is the power bank we’d reach for before any serious UK hiking trip. With a 26,600mAh capacity, it can charge a typical smartphone around six times over, making it ideal for weekend wildcamping trips or multi-day routes such as the Pennine Way. Its 140W USB-C Power Delivery output is impressively fast — a near-dead iPhone 15 reaches 50% in under 30 minutes. The dual USB-A ports mean you can juice up a GPS device and a headtorch simultaneously, and the built-in smart display shows remaining charge as a precise percentage rather than an unreliable LED strip. Weighing 668g, it’s not the lightest option, but its robust construction and Anker’s class-leading reliability make it worth every gram for multi-night adventures.
Pros
- Massive 26,600mAh capacity for multi-day use
- 140W USB-C PD fast charging
- Clear percentage display for accurate power monitoring
- Three output ports simultaneously
Cons
- 668g is heavy for ultralight packers
- No IP water-resistance rating
Anker PowerCore Slim 10000
If you’re a weekend day-hiker who simply needs to keep a phone topped up without spending a fortune or carrying unnecessary weight, the Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 is the sensible choice. At just 180g and roughly the size of a chocolate bar, it slips effortlessly into a hip-belt pocket or the side pouch of a daysack. The 10,000mAh capacity is enough for two full phone charges — more than adequate for a 6–8 hour day on the Brecon Beacons or the Lake District fells. It charges via USB-C (though output is limited to 12W, so don’t expect rapid results), and its clean, minimalist design has proven durable through UK weather conditions. For under £25, it’s exceptional value.
Pros
- Ultralight at 180g — barely noticeable in a pack
- Superb value under £25
- Slim profile fits in any pocket
Cons
- 12W output only — no fast charging
- Limited to one device at a time (single USB-A + USB-C)
Goal Zero Sherpa 100 AC
For the serious adventurer — the person planning a Highland traverse, a long-distance solo trek, or a technical alpine route — the Goal Zero Sherpa 100 AC is in a league of its own. Its 25,600mAh battery is compatible with Goal Zero’s Nomad solar panels, meaning you can recharge it from sunlight on clear days, an invaluable feature on week-long expeditions where access to mains power is impossible. The built-in AC outlet (100W) lets you charge laptop chargers and camera batteries directly, while the 60W USB-C PD port handles phones and modern GPS units at speed. The aircraft-grade aluminium housing is rugged enough for serious mountain use, and the intuitive LED display provides clear capacity information even in bright sunlight. It’s expensive, but for expedition trekking it’s genuinely irreplaceable kit.
Pros
- Solar panel compatible for off-grid recharging
- Built-in AC outlet charges laptops and cameras
- Aircraft-grade aluminium — bomb-proof build quality
- Wireless Qi charging pad built in
Cons
- Premium price of around £189 is a big investment
- Weighs 680g — similar to the Anker but much pricier
Who Should Buy a Hiking Power Bank?
If you use a smartphone for navigation, photography, or safety communication on the trail — and that means most hikers in 2026 — a portable charger is no longer a luxury, it’s a piece of safety equipment. Modern navigation apps such as OS Maps and Komoot are battery-hungry, and the last thing you want is a dead phone in poor visibility on a remote hillside. Even a compact, budget-friendly 10,000mAh power bank can be the difference between a confident descent and a genuinely dangerous situation.
Multi-day hikers, wildcampers, and anyone tackling routes like the West Highland Way, Offa’s Dyke, or the Coast to Coast should prioritise capacity and solar compatibility over pure weight savings. If you also carry a camera, GPS device, or satellite communicator such as a Garmin inReach, look for a power bank with multiple output ports and ideally USB-C Power Delivery to handle varied devices efficiently. The small additional weight of a quality power bank is absolutely justified by the safety margin and convenience it provides.
Final Verdict
The best portable charger for hiking in 2026 depends entirely on how far and how long you walk. For most hikers, the Anker 737 PowerCore 26K at around £90 hits the sweet spot of capacity, speed, and reliability — it’s our top pick without hesitation. Those counting every penny and every gram should grab the Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 for under £25; it’s a brilliant day-hike companion. And for expedition trekkers who need solar compatibility and mains-level output, the Goal Zero Sherpa 100 AC justifies its £189 price tag for serious off-grid adventures. Whatever your budget, never head into the hills without one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many mAh do I need for a day hike?
For a typical day hike of 6–10 hours using your phone for navigation and photography, 10,000mAh is more than sufficient — it provides roughly two full charges for most modern smartphones. If you’re also running a GPS watch or Bluetooth speaker, consider stepping up to 15,000–20,000mAh for comfortable headroom.
Are portable chargers allowed on aeroplanes if I’m flying to a hiking destination?
Yes, but with restrictions. Most airlines follow the same rules: power banks up to 100Wh (roughly 27,000mAh) are permitted in hand luggage only — they cannot go in the hold. Always check with your specific airline before travelling, as individual policies can vary slightly for larger capacity units.
Do solar power banks work well for hiking in the UK?
Standalone solar power banks (with panels built into the charger) are generally too small and slow to be practical in the notoriously overcast British climate. A far better approach is to pair a high-capacity power bank like the Goal Zero Sherpa 100 AC with a dedicated foldable solar panel, which provides a much larger surface area and meaningfully faster charging on sunny days.
Will cold temperatures affect my power bank’s performance on winter hikes?
Yes — lithium-ion batteries lose capacity noticeably in cold temperatures, sometimes by 20–30% below 0°C. To minimise this on winter hikes, keep your power bank close to your body (inside a jacket pocket or sleeping bag lining) rather than in an exposed outer rucksack pocket. Starting the hike with a fully charged battery also gives you a useful buffer.
Is it worth paying for a waterproof power bank for hiking?
For UK hiking, at least a splash-proof rating (IPX4 or higher) is strongly recommended given our unpredictable weather. A fully waterproof unit (IPX7 or IPX8) is worth the extra investment for wild swimming routes, coastal paths, or Scottish mountain terrain where downpours are frequent. Alternatively, store a non-rated power bank inside a dry bag within your rucksack as a cost-effective workaround.