Battery Backups & Your Everyday Carry.

In this digital age, our phones have become more than just a device to communicate with friends and family. From cameras to video calls, Instagram to Snapchat filters, our phones are essentially our portals to the world around us. It’s why most of us will be caught with a dead phone battery at least once or twice a week. So what’s the best way to prevent that from happening again? Investing in a good portable charger is probably your best bet for your EDC (Everyday Carry).

What to look for in a reliable USB battery backup

There are two important factors to consider when you’re buying a USB battery backup: capacity and output. Capacity refers to how much charge the battery can hold, while output tells you how many devices you can charge at once. Ideally, you want to be looking for a portable charger with at least 10,000 mAh of capacity and two ports, so that you can charge two devices at once. Other things to keep in mind include the device’s build quality and durability, the ports and cables included, and the weight and portability. Finally, you’ll also want to consider whether you’re looking for a car jump start.

Battery capacity: How much charge can you get?

All USB battery backups are rated based on their mAh (milliamp hours), so you can easily compare one battery to another by reading its mAh rating. Essentially, the higher the mAh, the more charge it can hold. As a general rule, 10,000 mAh is a good minimum to go for, though better setups go up to over 20,000 mAh. As for how long the battery can last, it’s worth remembering that most manufacturers test their products based on the assumption that you’re only using them for charging your phone. If you’re charging multiple devices at once, the battery will deplete much faster. On the other hand, you can extend the battery life if you avoid charging your phone to 100%.

Ports and cables included

This is one of the most important things to consider when buying a USB battery backup. Ideally, you want a device with two ports, so you can charge two devices at once. When it comes to cables, USB-C is the latest standard, followed by Micro USB and USB-A, which are the most common for everyday use, as well as Apple Lightning. Other than that, it’s also worth checking whether the cables come with a built-in fuse and surge protection, as that could come in handy in an emergency. A built-in flashlight can also be useful if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to use your phone as a flashlight.

Build quality and durability

This is an essential factor to keep in mind, as a well-made portable charger will last you a long time and prove to be worth the investment. It’s worth going for a device with an IP67 or IP68 rating, which means that it’s been built to withstand water and dust. Many portable chargers are also rated for shock and vibration resistance, further increasing their durability. Over and above just being water resistant, a good-quality portable charger should be able to protect your devices from power spikes, surges, and other electrical hazards. When it comes to the build, look for a charger that has a solid and durable construction. Avoid chargers made with cheap and flimsy materials as they may break more easily.

Portability and weight

Some chargers weigh more than others, depending on their features and construction. That’s why it’s important to find a balance between a high capacity and a low weight. Given that most people are always on the move, it makes sense to go for a lightweight charger that you can easily carry in your bag or carry on. One thing worth considering is that some chargers come with a carabiner, which can make them easier to carry around.

Car jump starters

Some USB battery backups come with a built-in car jump starter, which can prove to be a lifesaver in some situations. If your car battery dies in the middle of nowhere, you can use a car jump starter to give it some power and get back on the road again. Car jump starters generally have a higher capacity than your average USB battery backup, which means they can hold more charge and power more devices. They are also built to withstand extreme temperatures, which makes them even more reliable. Given their higher capacity and added functionality, car jump starters tend to cost a bit more than your average portable charger. That said, they are definitely worth the investment.

Final Words

Buying a portable charger is not only great for prolonging the life of your phone, but it also helps prevent the dreaded “dead phone” situation, which can be frustrating when you’re in the middle of nowhere and your phone is dead. Whether you’re looking for a fast charger or you need a portable battery backup for your car, there are a number of different options available. While there are many great portable chargers on the market, it’s worth spending a little extra money on a quality, well-made piece of equipment that will last you a long time (and help save those precious battery percentage bars while you’re at it).