Last year before driving up to Alaska, I bought a solar power bank so I could recharge my phone or Kindle any time and any place. The power bank did not charge much via solar. Instead, I kept it charged the other way, by plugging it into my converter via a mini USB plug/port. The converter was plugged into the car battery using a 12-V plug or connected via cables directly to the battery if I was not driving for a few days. I didn’t really need the power bank because I could also just plug the phone, Kindle, and computer directly into the converter. Besides, the power bank was heavy, at least a pound or more, so it was not convenient to carry it anywhere.
This year, I need a power bank that is both reliable and lightweight so I can carry it in my day pack. I am forgoing another solar power bank at the moment since I have not been too impressed. I can simply charge a regular power bank at night if need be, like last year. I decided to check with the Camino de Santiago FB group to see what they are using. Of course, many people are from Europe and use brands we don’t have; however, plenty of Americans have also dealt with the matter of a reliable power bank. The overwhelming majority prefer the Romoss Candybox ($27.99), available through Amazon. It comes in mint green and pink.
I ordered the mint green and have it charging right now. It is plugged into the 12V plug in the RV that I also use for my Bluetooth speaker (via mini USB and a 12-V plug with two ports so both can charge at once). The following (poor quality) photo shows my Bluetooth speaker and the Candy Box plugged into the 12-V plug in the RV. You can also see that my cable TV comes in there and the wiring is in place if I wanted to use satellite TV. You can also see that time is sometimes crooked here.
As I mentioned, the Candybox is highly rated by the Camino users, probably because it is only 3 inches square. It weighs a hefty 7 ounces but is doable in terms of a backpack. Besides, it is probably as light as this technology gets, at least for now!
The latest update from My Gal and Moondancer! As always, we will be ready when the time comes for another adventure.
Hi Jane
I’ve used an Anker powerbank for a few years now and find it excellent. It will charge a smartphone several times and my tablet twice on a single charge. At this point I was going to give you the technical information but it was printed on the bottom and has rubbed off. I have carried this backpacking and it travels everywhere with me. I have a very good opinion of Anker. Hope this helps.
Thanks, I will see if we can buy them over here!!