Hello from Ottawa, Canada

[les404]

Hi all,

My name is Leon. I like hiking, camping and gadgets.

Nice to meet you all.

[John B]

welcome!

[les404]

Nice meeting you,

I have question. I am thinking of buying an external battery charger/pack for hiking. This battery charger will be used to power smartphones and tablets that we take with us. I am considering two models: Innergie PocketCell Duo and Anker Astro 5600. Have you used these batteries before? If yes, what did you like/didn't like about them?

Based on your experience, what are the most important features for an external battery pack for hiking?

Thanks,

Leon

[PaulGS]

Hi Leon. I don't own an external battery charger (yet) so I can't help you with that, but welcome to TrailGroove.

Do you have any trips planned for this summer?

Edited March 19, 2016 by PaulGS

[les404]

I am planning a trip to Northern Ontario lakes. How about you?

Leon

[John B]

Les,

I have a NetZero external charger.  I believe it is supposed to be able to fully charge an IPhone twice.  Frankly, I have never had to use it in the backcountry, as I am not a heavy user of electronic gadgets in the backcountry.  I have a GPS that runs on AA batteries, never had issues in running out of juice with it.  I also carry my cell phone (it's ALWAYS turned off, just for emergencies!).  The cell phone and my steripen can be charged from the NetZero, as it has just a USB port.  Ultimately, I carry the NetZero as an insurance policy.  Don't take tablet into the backcountry.  So, as Paul above, not sure if this helps?

[les404]

From what I found, you usually need to use an external charger for smartphones and other devices it you trip is over two days.

How long on average are your hiking trips?

Regards,

Leon 

[John B]

Les,

I will typically be in the back country for 5-7 days.  As I said, my smartphone is off, and don't bring tablet.  The two items that are re-chargeable are the smartphone, and my Steripen.  The Steripen claims to be able to filter 50 liters of water with re-charge.  I have not come close to that amount, nor have I had an issue in it not working (my backup is iodine tablets).