Charging solutions for out of battery stresses on the road

It may be the ultimate first world problem, but the existential dread caused by a mobile phone, laptop or tablet battery going dead can be cured.

It’s not good to run out of battery when on the move. Image by Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

When at home, it is usually easy to plug in somewhere during the day, but while travelling, opportunities to top up devices can become more limited.

Fortunately, the prospect of a dead phone, and the possibility of a real face-to-face human conversation, is avoidable with on-the-road chargers available in all shapes and sizes.

The Anker Astro Pro2 is on the big side but with 20,000 mAh (milliampere hour: the higher this number the better) will be enough to charge a phone several times over.

On the tiny side is the Anker Astro Mini, the size and shape of a lipstick tube, and with enough power to give the average phone a single full charge.

Good Wi-Fi and battery power is essential when travelling. Image by Daveynin / CC BY 2.0

If getting the portable charger charged up in the first place is an issue, then the PowerBee Executive Solar Phone Charger may be the solution.

Roughly the size and shape of an average smartphone, it can be charged via cable in around 8 hours or in direct sunlight with a full charge delivered within 36 hours.

Another option, although in a higher price range, is the Mophie Space Pack – which looks to all intents and purposes like a sturdy mobile phone case.

In-built in its design however, is a battery that will double the life of your mobile phone and also storage of 16 to 32GB for extra photos or music while on your travels.

If it is not just a mobile phone that needs charging, luggage options with in-built chargers are increasingly becoming an option.

One of them the Drifter Energy Laptop Backpack has integrated its battery into the bag design with universal charging for phones, tablets and computers.

The Bracketron SmartLantern is an alternative for trips that might take you to out of the way places. It works as a lamp, flashlight and mobile charger with enough energy to charge an iPhone or iPad several times over.