Did you realize altitude drains batteries faster? Learn about batteries, powerbanks, and solar chargers to keep your camera, phone, and other equipment charged on a high-altitude journey.

Many high-altitude climbs, especially those in remote areas (aren't those the best?), lack electricity outlets. On hikes like Nepal's Annapurna Circuit, hotels provide power, although it may be intermittent.

So make a strategy if you want to use all your digital gadgets throughout your high-altitude excursion, however long. This may involve taking additional batteries for some gadgets. It would require a powerbank and potentially a solar charger for your smart gadgets.

So let's discuss these three items to assure you'll have everything you need on your walk and have considered all the practicalities.

Read also: Travel Gear Guides For Solo Female Travelers

Know all about batteries

  • Due to intense cold, high altitude batteries last less.
  • Both standard cell batteries and lithium-ion batteries for Internet-connected or smart gadgets are covered here. (Smart gadgets like smartphones, tablets, and GPS watches are called IoT devices, short for Internet of Things). Knowing this acronym aids internet research.
  • Since extreme cold reduces battery longevity, put them deep in your backpack for optimal warmth. The best spot may be your sleeping bag or a woolen sock in your backpack. Alternatively, you might buy elegant insulated bags for each gadget.
  • Place your batteries in your sleeping bag at night to warm them with your body heat.
  • Treat your batteries like little darlings who need additional care at high altitude and put them to bed each night.
    Since cell batteries deplete faster at high altitude, bring more spares than for a walk of the same length at lower level.

Best extreme-cold cell batteries

Lithium-based AA or AAA batteries are preferable for very cold areas since they're stabler and perform better. They're simple to find because Energizer, Duracell, and Phillips make them.

Battery conservation tips

  • When hiking at high altitudes, it's best to extend the life of your batteries to limit the number of times you need to recharge them.
  • Here are some ideas for preserving IoT device batteries on a high-altitude trek:
  • Turn off GPS, Bluetooth, and WiFi and deactivate unnecessary applications.
  • Minimize screen brightness.
  • Put your gadget on plane mode to avoid it constantly searching for a signal in your backpack.
  • Consider staying present instead of using your device.

Read also: Best Gear Guide For Fitness Enthusiasts

Airline battery rules

  • When flying in for a hike, ask the airline how to transfer your batteries (e.g., detached from the device and in your hand luggage).
  • Don't let airports take your batteries.
  • Always check how the airline(s) you're taking to get to your trekking destination requires you to bring different batteries. If you don't cooperate, the batteries may be seized, leaving you powerless.
  • Did you know certain airlines don't accept loose batteries in hand luggage? Or that a checked-in luggage laptop battery can be confiscated?

Everything about powerbanks

While hiking, powerbanks, also known as portable chargers, enable you charge your electronics without a power outlet.

Powerbanks vary in size and storage. What you need depends on hike length.
Shop around for a lightweight, durable, and trustworthy powerbank with good power storage. If you're carrying a lot of hiking gear or can't give over a certain weight to a porter, you don't want a brick powerbank.

Best 2025 powerbanks

For dependable and lightweight powerbank brand and model suggestions, check out:

  • Goal Zero Flip 24 Nitecore Ultra-Slim Power Bank.
  • Slim INIU PowerBank.
  • BioLite Power Bank.

Please check your powerbank's compatibility with your gadgets before the hike. Pack the connection cord also!
If you're going on a long walk and care more about powerbank storage capacity (not weight), consider the well-reviewed:
Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD, Nitecore NB10000 Gen II, Dark Energy Poseidon Pro 10200, Anker PowerCore III Elite.

Everything about solar chargers

Solar chargers are eco-friendly ways to charge batteries and gadgets like powerbanks. Some hikers use a solar charger instead of a powerbank, while others use both. The average solar charger can charge and discharge electricity simultaneously and lasts longer than a powerbank. However, solar chargers cost more than powerbanks. Additionally, solar chargers need the light to shine! Some love them, while others believe they're pointless.