Phones may be getting smarter, but battery life isn’t getting longer. These power banks will keep you going, anywhere.
Especially if it’s off-the-grid, where you’re unlikely to find any electricity to charge electronics. You know, for when you really need to check Google Maps.
1. Powertraveller Mini-G
R2500, capeunionmart.co.za
Charge two devices at once with the powerful energy store and two USB outputs on the 12000mAh Powertraveller Mini-G. Lightweight (323g), this hard-wearing unit has an uninterruptible power supply and can also be powered via the Solargorilla (the solar panel is sold separately for R3499). Use the Mini-G to charge a smartwatch up to 20 times and more powerful tech such as a tablet or a DSLR camera battery.
2. Romoss Freemos 10 Wireless Charging Power Bank
R849, takealot.com
Charge your phone even if you forgot the cord at home with the 10000mAh Romoss Freemos 10 Wireless Charging Power Bank. You simply place it or another similar device on top of the power bank and its battery is topped up wirelessly. This device is only wirelessly compatible with some phone models such as the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Huawei P8 (no Apple device) but it can still charge other models via the normal cable.
3. SunStream Plus Kit
R550, sunstreamenergy.com
The charge comes directly from the sun with the SunStream Plus Kit, so there’s no waiting around for the unit to charge itself before it can charge your phone. The solar panel is built to international standards, withstands direct hot sun and wet weather, and it’s drop-proof. Included is the Plus Kit, a 3400mAh PowerStream backup battery, which stores energy and has a small flashlight – handy for charging in the dark.
4. Coghlans 6000 mAh Portable Power Pack
R999, campandclimb.co.za
In cooler, wet conditions, consider the Coghlans 6000 mAh Portable Power Pack, which has a durable water-resistant casing and includes a bright LED light. The pack can power up a smartphone, digital camera or tablet using a dynamo crankinghandle, and its battery can be recharged via USB and solar too.
5. 2800mAh Goal Zero Switch 10 Multi-Tool Kit
R2430, sustainable.co.za
Weighing just 573g, this 2800mAh Goal Zero Switch 10 Multi-Tool Kit is foremost a power bank (best suited for smartphones), but it also includes a compact fan and a decent 110-lumen flashlight. Charge the kit, either via the weather-resistant solar panel or with any USB port – it takes about four hours.
6. 10000mAh Ultra Compact Power Bank
R659, chargedpower.com
Compact with a big built-in battery capacity (it’ll fully charge your phone at least twice) this pocket-sized power bank is great for weekends away or summer festivals. It charges devices quickly, has a nice grippy surface and little blue indicator lights so you can easily see how much juice is left. It also comes in a variety of designs, the one we tested had a nice South African flag on it.
This story first appeared in the July 2017 issue of Getaway magazine.
Our July issue features the best places to stay in the Midlands, budget family breaks in Durban, and the best (and mostly free) things you have to do in New York.
