The use of personal and portable electronics in the outdoors continues to grow. Devices include digital cameras, music players, cell phones GPS units and emergency locator beacons. Additionally, expeditions are often outfitted with laptop computers, iPads and satellite phones.
Most of these devices rely on an internal rechargeable battery for power. Functionality is lost when the battery is discharged. To meet the need for recharging these devices when a wall outlet is not convenient, a growing choice of portable battery chargers is available. These provide auxiliary power to recharge or operate your device. Most have the versatility to charge a range of electronics, but some are designed for specific items only, like the iPhone.
Some portable battery chargers offer just a USB (standard, mini or micro) output connection or cable. Some offer adaptor tips to suit the most common brands of electronic devices, with other tips available as optional accessories. Check to see what sort of connectors you need for your electronics.
The storage capacity of any battery is expressed in Amp hours (Ah) or milliAmp hours (mAh). The rechargeable battery inside your electronic device will have this information printed on it. The battery in a power pack will also have a mAh rating, stated in the technical specifications for the product. This storage capacity determines how much charge the power pack can store and then send out before it in turn needs recharging. |