Power Bank for a Soldier

Submitted by picassomoon65 t3_10kfeks in BuyItForLife

Hey everyone, I am looking for a portable power bank/battery to send to my cousin in the military. I was hoping people in here could help guide me towards brands and products that are better suited to withstand the general rigors of military life in a desert environment. Ideally, the battery would be:

  • at least 20,000 mAh
  • IP67 certified
  • if possible, solar capability
  • USB and USB-C inputs/outputs
  • small enough to fit in a pack
  • ~$100

It seems like reviews, especially on Amazon are conflicting, even if a product seems to have a generally high star rating, and I want to make sure he gets something that's reliable, efficient and durable. I appreciate any and all help yall can give. : )

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Comments

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Background-Peace-912 t1_j5qdgfw wrote

Anker is a solid brand. Think they have a 20k mah one.

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Hefty-Inspector8662 t1_j5qdnbr wrote

If you want a quality powerbank, Anker should be anyone's go-to.

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donksdonks42 t1_j5qf4l6 wrote

Nice, I’m glad you guys feel this way. I’ve always gone w Anker.

So perhaps a 20k mah one with three ports and usb-c capacity ($60?) and a thin folding solar panel to go with it?

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Hefty-Inspector8662 t1_j5qfbd7 wrote

Yeah that sounds like a good combo, though I'm not sure how much those mini solar panels charge... Not a lot, though.

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AceofJax89 t1_j5rxpkg wrote

I am a soldier, 12 years in may, still using the same Anker block. Great for the field. Get a case and some nice wires too

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Own-Safe-4683 t1_j5qoqqv wrote

Came here to say the same. We have two. One is 5 years old one is 7 years old. We use them all the time plus take them camping in the summer.

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ThisIsNotAFarm t1_j5qasj5 wrote

Any solar panel small enough to fit on a battery bank will be running at sub-watt levels.

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R4nd0m_acnt t1_j5qdcas wrote

I have yet to find any that I'd say are "buy it for life" quality. I buy mine from Walmart for like $15-40 and store them in the MRE drink bags as improvised water protection, and most of my guys do the same. Other than the Walmart ones, guys tend to go with anchor. On a really cold field exercise, I can usually charge my phone 2 to 3 times on the medium-sized power bank and at least 1 full charge on the small, and they easily fit into a ruck or into a magazine/ admin pouch.(if you have more questions reach out and I can try to help, I can also look to see if I can find the battery size on the ones I currently have. )

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Background-Peace-912 t1_j5qjo98 wrote

Don't think there's such a thing as bifl batteries. They all tend to start to deteriorate after 3-5 years, depending on usage. Def get one with usb c since most products are upgrading to it.

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Dalakaar t1_j5rjljj wrote

Before you spend the money I'd just double-check you're able to mail him this kind of item. Depending on the country/postal system some types of batteries won't be accepted.

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fazalmajid t1_j5qlfoh wrote

Soldiers already carry too much gear, he will appreciate a light one. IP67 is a pretty tough requirement to meet. The Nitecore Carbo 20000 is IPX5, and comparatively lightweight, with a tougher shell than the NB20000 it is derived from.

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Thepressureofaname22 t1_j5qg3wo wrote

I’ve had a large Anker one for about 7 years and still use it.

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Junish40 t1_j5rguv1 wrote

Oldest anker battery we have is 6 years old. Got various models and sizes. All work perfectly.

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