The allure of off-grid adventures captivates many individuals. The idea of leaving behind the often chaotic pace of contemporary life for the tranquility and simplicity found along remote trails is incredibly rejuvenating. Nature possesses a unique ability to center us, immerse us in the present, and reconnect us with the environment.
However, few are willing to embark on a journey into the wilderness entirely disconnected from civilization. Taking the concept of “off-grid” to its fullest extent implies a complete absence of electricity. This lack of power translates to no communication with family and friends, no reliable light sources, no digital navigation aids, and no capability to capture photographs.
For this reason, especially during extended excursions, it is crucial to carry a portable power bank for both safety and enjoyment. Whether it’s keeping your smartphone or GPS device charged or ensuring your headlamp has sufficient battery life for nighttime activities, a power bank serves as a valuable safety measure, ensuring your devices remain operational.
So, here are our 5 reasons you need a power bank when venturing out into the backcountry.
What is a power bank?
Power banks are compact, portable devices designed to store electrical energy for charging purposes. Equipped with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, they can retain a charge for several days. When linked to another electronic device, typically through a USB connection, they transfer their stored energy, revitalizing your gadgets while depleting their own reserves. The capacity of a power bank varies by model; generally, smaller, lighter units hold less energy compared to larger, bulkier ones, which can often recharge your devices multiple times.
It is essential to ensure your power bank is fully charged before embarking on any journey. Most models feature LED indicator lights that show the remaining battery level. Additionally, some contemporary power banks are equipped with solar panels, allowing them to harness extra, eco-friendly energy from sunlight.
Ability to stay in contact
Many of us who have been around long enough can recall a time when mobile phones resembled water bottles in size, featured extendable antennas, and were primarily used for making calls. While today’s smartphones offer a vast array of functionalities, the core ability to make calls and send text messages remains essential. During a backcountry adventure, this capability is invaluable for keeping loved ones informed and is critical in emergency situations.
A power bank is an essential tool for ensuring your phone remains charged, which can be a lifesaver if you find yourself in a perilous situation requiring a call to mountain rescue. While there are alternative methods to seek assistance, none are as effective as being able to communicate your circumstances directly to the appropriate services.
For those embarking on serious expeditions, a satellite messenger is often carried, typically offering a battery life that far exceeds that of standard smartphones. Nevertheless, these devices also require periodic charging.
Digital navigation
The discussion regarding the merits of traditional navigation methods, such as map and compass, versus digital navigation tools has persisted since GPS technology became widely available. Proponents of the conventional methods often contend that maps and compasses offer greater reliability, as they do not rely on electrical power. They also emphasize that mastering these skills significantly improves a user’s ability to navigate in remote areas.
While there is considerable validity to this perspective, it is arguably best to have access to both navigation options. A compass is not entirely foolproof, and human mistakes can occur when relying solely on maps and compasses, especially in low-visibility conditions. Whether utilizing a smartphone application, a sports watch, or a specialized GPS device, ensuring that your device remains charged serves as an important safety measure.
Illuminate your adventures
Nowadays, the most effective headlamps typically utilize a lithium-ion battery that can be charged through USB. If you use your headlamp for extended periods on a high brightness setting, it will require recharging relatively quickly. Therefore, if you have an early morning outing and expect to be outside after dark, having a power bank in your backpack ensures you won’t have to worry about losing illumination.
It is also standard practice to carry a backup headlamp, as they are lightweight and easy to transport. This allows you to focus on your communication and navigation devices, only needing to recharge a headlamp in urgent situations. This guideline is equally applicable to flashlights and camping lanterns.
Less essential gadgets and apps need power too
The reasons I have outlined thus far possess the potential to be critical to your mission. A non-functional phone and the absence of a headlamp after sunset could result in a dangerous scenario. If your adventure is particularly demanding, I strongly advise prioritizing the energy in your power bank for these essential devices.
Nonetheless, there are additional gadgets that may require some power while you are in the wilderness. It can be quite disappointing to anticipate enjoying a book on your Kindle, only to discover that it has run out of battery. Additionally, if you’ve promised the kids some screen time during your camping trip, that plan could fall through if they neglected to charge their tablet. Nowadays, there are even cooking appliances for campsites that can be powered via USB.
Keep your inner photographer happy
You may be thrilled at the prospect of capturing an exhilarating ridge traverse, only to discover that your GoPro’s battery is dead. The excitement of spotting a golden eagle can quickly diminish when you realize your costly camera has run out of power. Perhaps you’ve been using your smartphone extensively, and the battery level is critically low—it’s wise to refrain from taking more photos to conserve its remaining charge.
The importance of a power bank becomes clear, as it enables you to capture countless photos and videos, limited only by your memory card’s capacity.
