Traveling Cart Battery Pack: Worth The Buy?

If you're looking to keep your devices charged while on the go, a battery pack from a traveling cart might be worth considering. Battery packs, also known as power banks, are portable chargers that can provide extra battery life to your smartphone, laptop, or tablet when you're away from a power source. They are especially useful during long days of travel or when you need to stay connected but don't have access to an outlet.

When it comes to buying a battery pack, there are a few factors to consider, such as the type and number of devices you'll be charging, the charging speed you require, and the number and type of ports on the battery pack. Additionally, it's important to be aware of any safety guidelines and restrictions, especially when traveling by air.

Overall, while a battery pack from a traveling cart can be a convenient option, it's important to weigh your own needs and preferences before making a purchase decision.

Lithium-ion batteries are allowed in carry-on luggage but prohibited in checked luggage

When it comes to travelling with lithium-ion batteries, it's important to know the rules and regulations to ensure your safety and a smooth journey. Lithium-ion batteries are a common power source for many everyday devices, from smartphones and tablets to laptops and headphones. While they are a convenient and portable energy solution, special care must be taken when travelling with them.

Lithium-ion batteries are permitted in carry-on luggage but prohibited in checked luggage. This rule applies to both installed and spare batteries. Devices containing lithium-ion batteries, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, can be carried in your hand luggage. However, if you are packing spare lithium-ion batteries or battery packs, there are specific guidelines to follow.

Firstly, the watt-hour rating of the batteries matters. Lithium-ion batteries with a rating of 100 watt-hours or less are typically allowed in carry-on baggage. If you need to bring larger spare batteries, those with a rating of 101-160 watt-hours, you may be able to do so with airline approval, but this may vary depending on the airline. It's always best to check with your airline beforehand to ensure compliance.

Secondly, protecting the batteries from damage and short circuits is crucial. Tape can be used to cover battery terminals, and original packaging or separate bags can provide additional protection. These measures help prevent accidental activation and reduce the risk of fire, as lithium-ion batteries can catch fire if damaged or short-circuited.

Lastly, it's important to be mindful of the number of spare batteries you carry. Different airlines have varying policies on the quantity of spare batteries allowed, so checking their guidelines in advance is essential. Some airlines may also have specific requirements for packaging or wrapping the batteries.

In summary, when travelling, it is important to keep your lithium-ion batteries with you in your carry-on luggage. By understanding the regulations and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure a safe journey for yourself and your electronic devices.

Battery packs with multiple ports are ideal for charging multiple devices simultaneously

There are many options available for battery packs with multiple ports. For example, the Anker PowerCore Slim 10K PD offers high-end features like Power Delivery for fast charging, as well as both types of USB ports at a reasonable price. The Otterbox Fast Charger Power Bank is another option, which also offers fast charging with PD and both types of USB ports, and comes in several battery capacity options ranging from 5,000mAh to 20,000mAh.

If you are looking for a more eco-friendly option, the Nimble Champ Portable Charger is made from 90% certified recycled plastic and has a 10,000mAh battery, dual 20W USB-C PD outputs, and comes in five colours.

When choosing a battery pack, it is important to consider the power input and output. You will want to match the battery’s output to your device’s input. For example, if you have an iPhone, look for a USB-C or Lightning connector, or at least support for the cable you need.

Another factor to consider is how quickly a power bank can charge your device. Battery output is measured in voltage and amperage, and the most common phones support charging rates of up to 45W. Therefore, it is best to look for batteries that get as close to your phone’s maximum rate as possible.

Power banks with higher power-to-weight ratios offer more battery for less bulk

When shopping for a power bank, it's important to consider its power-to-weight ratio. This metric indicates how much power you get for the size and weight of the power bank. A higher power-to-weight ratio means you get more battery power without the bulkiness and weight of the power bank.

Anker Nano Power Bank

Anker's Nano Power Bank is one of the smallest and lightest power banks available, weighing just 3.5 ounces. It has a built-in USB-C connector, making it easy to use without a separate charging cable. However, its design may not be the most comfortable to hold, as it leaves a gap between the power bank and your phone when connected. It also has a lower battery capacity than other options, providing only half the battery life of some of our top picks.

TravelCard Plus

The TravelCard Plus is a slim and lightweight power bank that easily fits in your wallet or pocket. It has built-in USB-C and Lightning cables and can fast-charge most smartphones or other handheld devices. While it doesn't have passthrough charging, its built-in cables can deliver up to 15W of power to connected devices. Its rated capacity of 3,000 mAh is enough to top off or revive a dying device, but may not fully charge most smartphones.

Scosche GoBat 10K

The Scosche GoBat 10K is a less expensive alternative to the Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K, offering similar power, capacity, and build quality. It has a USB-C PD port for fast charging and a USB-A port for older devices. Although it has a slightly chunky shape, it weighs only 6.4 ounces, making it lighter than the Belkin option. It also comes with a USB-C charging cable, which is handy if you need a backup.

Mophie Powerstation Plus

The Mophie Powerstation Plus offers slightly more power than our top picks, with a built-in USB-C PD cable, a built-in Lightning output cable, and a USB-C PD port with passthrough charging. It has a capacity rating of 10,000 mAh, similar to our top pick, and weighs 8.4 ounces. However, it only comes in black, and its built-in cables can be tricky to slide in and out of their holsters.

Anker PowerCore Fusion 10000

The Anker PowerCore Fusion 10000 is a versatile option that doubles as a wall charger and a power bank. It has a handy fold-up input plug, a USB-C PD port, and a USB-A port, providing a combined output power of 20 W. It has a capacity rating of 10,000 mAh, similar to our top pick, but it is significantly bigger and heavier, weighing 9.6 ounces.

TSA guidelines allow for consumer-sized lithium-ion batteries in carry-on bags

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict guidelines for travellers carrying batteries. While TSA allows various batteries to be carried in carry-on luggage, there are some restrictions.

Lithium-ion batteries, including those in laptops and power banks, are allowed in carry-on luggage but are limited to 100 watt hours per battery. Consumers can carry up to two larger 101-160-watt-hour batteries with airline approval. These batteries must be protected from damage and short circuits, such as by keeping them in their original packaging or using tape to cover the terminals.

Spare (uninstalled) lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only. Lithium metal batteries are limited to 2 grams of lithium per battery.

Other battery types, such as dry cell alkaline batteries like AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt, are permitted in carry-on luggage. Rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH) and nickel cadmium (NiCad) batteries are also allowed.

Power banks are prohibited from being placed in checked luggage. This restriction is in place because loose lithium batteries in checked bags pose a greater fire risk if they are damaged. By keeping them in carry-on luggage, crew members can respond quickly in the event of an incident.

If in doubt, travellers can consult the TSA's website, which provides a helpful "What Can I Bring?" tool that outlines prohibited items in checked and carry-on luggage.

Battery packs with faster charging speeds are generally more expensive

When it comes to battery packs, faster charging often comes at a higher cost. While there are many options available in the market, with a range of prices and capabilities, those seeking quicker charging speeds will typically need to invest in a more expensive model. This is because higher charging speeds usually require more advanced technology and higher-capacity batteries, which come at a premium.

The relationship between charging speed and cost can be observed in the Anker PowerCore+ 26800mAh PD 45W battery pack. This top-rated battery pack offers rapid charging, reaching a full charge in less than three and a half hours. However, it is priced higher than some other options due to its faster charging capability.

Another example is the Anker 737 Power Bank, which offers 140W output for charging larger devices like laptops, in addition to phones and tablets. This higher output capacity comes at a cost, making it a more expensive option than some other choices on the market.

The Belkin BoostCharge Pro Magnetic Power Bank is another instance where faster charging incurs a higher price. This power bank supports wireless charging speeds of up to 15W and is designed to easily connect to iPhones. The higher charging speed of this power bank makes it thicker, heavier, and more expensive than slower-charging alternatives.

Additionally, the Otterbox Fast Charger Power Bank, known for its durable build quality, offers fast charging with Power Delivery (PD) technology. This feature, along with its multiple capacity options, contributes to a higher price tag compared to other options in the market.

In summary, while there are various battery packs available with different features and price points, those seeking faster charging speeds will typically need to invest in more advanced and costly options. The faster charging capability of these premium models is often a result of higher output capacities and more sophisticated technology.

Frequently asked questions