Essential Travel Tech: Keeping Your Devices Charged on the Go

Discover the best strategies and products to keep your electronics charged while traveling, including power bank recommendations and TSA guidelines.

Q: I’m traveling soon and plan to bring all the devices I usually use, including my smartphone, tablet and laptop. What should I buy to keep everything charged?

A: Ah, the modern traveler’s dilemma: keeping all those gadgets alive. For trips close to home, grab a hefty power bank for the heavy lifting and a petite one for quick top-ups. Toss in a foldable charging station (because who has time for a mess of cables?), and you’re golden. Oh, and those cables and adapters you’ve got lying around? Bring ’em. Heading abroad? An outlet adapter is your new best friend. And if you’re flying, remember the TSA has opinions about your electronics—check their latest musings before you pack.

Picking Your Power Sidekick

After playing with more portable batteries than I’d like to admit, Anker’s Laptop Power Bank steals the show (despite its name, it’s not just for laptops). I also stash a couple of smaller banks for those ‘just in case’ moments. When shopping, think about how much juice you need, how much you’re willing to carry, and whether it’ll actually connect to your stuff.

How Much Juice?

Aim for at least 10,000mAh. But here’s the kicker: thanks to physics being a buzzkill, a 10,000mAh bank won’t give your 5,000mAh phone two full charges. More like one and a half, with a side of disappointment.

The Weight of Power

More power = more weight. The big guns (up to 27,000mAh) tip the scales at 2 to 2.5 pounds—still TSA’s idea of ‘acceptable’.

Ports Galore

Make sure your power bank speaks the same language as your devices. USB-C is the cool kid now, but don’t forget about USB-A for those gadgets clinging to the past.

Navigating the Skies with Your Tech

TSA and FAA have rules, because of course they do. Spare batteries (yep, that includes power banks) must ride in your carry-on and can’t be more than 100 watt-hours (that’s about 27,000mAh). You can bring as many as you like, as long as they’re for you and not about to explode. Chargers and cables? Toss ’em wherever. Flying internationally? Double-check the rules—some places are cool with up to 160Wh in your carry-on.

At the end of the day, the TSA agent has the final say. So, unless you enjoy unpacking your bag at security, stick to the guidelines like they’re the secret to eternal youth.