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    Power Bank Picker

    For your pocket, your travel bag, and your emergency kit.

    Sizing them out

    • 5,000-10,000 mAh — pocket size. 1-2 phone charges.
    • 20,000-26,000 mAh — travel size. 4-5 phone charges. TSA carry-on max.
    • "Power station" (200-2000 watt-hours) — runs medical equipment, lights, phones during outages.

    Anker 313 PowerCore (10,000 mAh)

    $25-30

    Charges an iPhone 2-3 times. Pocket-sized. Anker is the most reliable brand.

    Best for everyday carry.

    Anker 737 Power Bank (24,000 mAh)

    $130

    Charges a laptop. Big enough for a full weekend trip.

    For travelers.

    Mophie Snap+ Wireless

    $50

    MagSafe — sticks to back of iPhone, no cable. Convenient at restaurants.

    iPhone 12+ only.

    Jackery Explorer 240

    $200

    A real "power station" — runs CPAP machine, phone, lights for hours during outages.

    Should be in every emergency kit.

    EcoFlow River 2 Pro / Bluetti

    $500-1500

    Bigger power stations. Solar-rechargeable. Real backup for medical equipment.

    For people on home oxygen, CPAP, or insulin.

    Charging tips

    • Charge the power bank every 1-3 months even if not using — battery degrades faster when fully drained.
    • Don\'t leave in hot car for hours — heat kills lithium batteries.
    • Bring it on flights in carry-on, NEVER in checked luggage (FAA rule).
    • For laptops, you need a "USB-C PD" power bank with at least 60W output.

    Surge protectors worth knowing

    • APC P11VT3 / P11U2 — basic 11-outlet, $30. Good for most homes.
    • Tripp Lite Isobar — premium, longer warranty, better filtering.
    • Whole-house surge protector — $250-500 installed by electrician at the panel. Stops big surges before they reach individual outlets.
    • UPS (uninterruptible power supply) — $80-150. A surge protector with battery backup. Keeps computer alive 5-15 minutes during a flicker, lets you save and shut down properly.

    For medical equipment

    If you use a CPAP, home oxygen concentrator, or other plug-in medical device — a Jackery or EcoFlow power station is genuinely lifesaving in an outage. Add solar panels for $200-400 if you live in storm country.