Essentially it is not so easy to answer the question what is the best external battery charger for GPS or other on the go devices.
Click on picture to see offers
This topic is very broad, so I will stick to handheld GPS devices and related to this smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
There are so many external battery chargers on the market today but I found Zendure as one of the best.
As always, I made a thorough study of themes, but this does not mean that my conclusions are the most correct. Experience and common sense led me to the following results.
So, depending on a situation and mainly of the time interval when no other power sources as wall 110-220 V or 12V car or boat socket, I prefer Zendure A5 Portable Charger 16750mAh – Ultra-durable External Battery Power Bank and Goal Zero 42011 Sherpa 100 Solar Recharging Kit.
Which manufacturer will say that his product is from So-So Lines– not the best, not the worst?
While reading the manufacturer’s specifications and characteristics I look only to the purely specific values such as Amperage, Voltage and the dimensions. I am rarely interested in their songs of praise. Which manufacturer will say that his product is from So-So Lines– not the best, not the worst?
The best way, except your own real experience, is read reviews from different sources. My favorite is Amazon Customer Reviews and the theme forums. Although about the information obtained from the forums should be careful to make decisions.
Just for information. I have Philips 1000mA Power Bank, and I checked to know how long can operate my good old TomTom GO720 GPS navigator. Philips completely discharged after two hours. It is no doubt that GPS device with Zendure A5 16750mAh capacity will run much longer.
Well, Zendure A5 is powerful (not the most one from A series) portable charger for handheld GPS, cell phones, tablets and other on the go devices.
Just a brief introduction, read the remaining here:
„ Originated from one of the most successful external battery projects on Kickstarter. Trusted by hundreds of thousands of fans worldwide. Join the Zendure experience today.“
Why I choose Zendure from hundreds of similar brands?
The first, durability. There’s no doubt, see the video can not be tampered with.
Second, third and so on; long-lasting charging, 95% of charge after half a year, excellent indicator.
Made in the USA, at least I could not find other data.
Zen+, Ultimate compatibility. The USB Ports automatically detects your device and fine tunes the output. By me, it is the significant value.
…and other good features.
Let’s be realistic; it is for up to two to four days without other electric power access.
I found that Zendure A5, PC Advisor Winner 2014-2017, is one of the best power bank or external battery charger for on the go devices. Let’s be realistic; it is for up to two to four days without other electric power access.
What about a month long wild nature adventure?
It is nothing new that solar power is another alternative.
Sounds great but manufacturers producing tons of solar powered battery chargers. Honestly, I have very bad experience with this kind of electric energy powered things. Either it is pool fountain or gardens solar lights, scrap for a couple of dollars.
But in fact, it is not so hopeless and you just need to know how to choose a Solar Charger.
Only you need to know is voltage, amperage and some other technical terms like watts…OMG.
I will not be burdensome to you with these high school physic values as a lot of them I have already forgotten. I found the great solution for long independence from electrical sources. One of the key features is solar power integration.
It is „Goal Zero 42011 Sherpa 100 Solar Recharging Kit“. Actually, it is power bank.
You can charge it in three ways the car, wall and the Sun. Theoretically and partly in fact with Sherpa Kit you can 
pretend to be a modern Robinson Crusoe on a desert uninhabited tropical island and listen the Deep Purple for months without leaving the bungalow.
You can charge almost everything, even AC powered tools by attached inverter.
Here are lines from Amazon Customer Reviews
„…I recently spent 40 days doing survival training and needed packable solar charging system that would keep my cameras and iPhone/s alive in the field so that I could communicate and shoot video… and my Goal Zero Sherpa 100 did just fine.
The Sherpa 100 Kit includes the Sherpa 100 charger with removable AC inverter AND the Nomad 20 foldable and packable solar panel. I won’t get into ALL of the ridiculously well thought out aspects of this package but I will say that this guy works and does charge up to full in 10 – 20 hours of direct sunlight.
…One last story… so when I went to my 40 day survival training, 3 of the other guys also showed up with Goal Zero units… and all of us agreed… For portable Solar Power… Goal Zero is the best choice because it works – PERIOD.“
What else to add, clear and real user verdict.
For me, both external battery chargers for GPS could be a smart solution for next sailing trips as not all sailboats have 12V sockets.
Hello Andrejs,
You have put together some very interesting information about external battery chargers. From your review, I could learn that you have first hand experience in using such devices and you are able to advise would be purchasers of which ones to choose.
I would surely recommend anyone in the market for a device like this to look up your site for a better understanding before they run off to purchase such a device.
What would you say is the life span of the solar panels used in the device that you have reviewed? What is your experience?
Thanks for stopping by.
Answering your question I would say that solar panels warranty is about 20 to 30 years as they have no any moving parts only keep away from physical damages.
I have a real experience with a solar panel on the sailing boat to charge navigational equipment batteries. It was about twenty years ago when first very expensive was possible to buy. As far as I know a new owner still using the same panels regardless of stormy sailing voyages the yacht had made.
Great post! The thing I’m most afraid of is those incredible devices that we’d be lost without (literally) running out of batter power at the wrong time. I couldn’t believe how long some of these newer ones are lasting! Half a year and still that much left on a charge? Wow. These devices have really come a long way. Thanks again for the post!
Thanks Eric for the comment.
I recently was ice fishing and convince once again that my a year old iPhone 6s Plus running out battery very quickly when GPS app is enabled plus below zero on the street. So all who claim that the smartphone without any power backup can run a whole day long even with only one GPS navigation app on, they are lying. Good power bank like Zendure or similar is must have tool if you like to use your smartphone as GPS navigator when car or boat 12V socket is not available.
I can say with confidence that good brand power bank can hold a charge for half a year by 80-90% as I have one three years old Philips, but about to buy more powerful Zendure A5 or A8. Luckily prices are down and almost 20x more powerful power bank now cost just 2 times more than my Philips three years ago.
Just what I needed to read. I have an external GPS battery and it is absolute crap, to be honest. After reading your post I see that you are very informed on this item. The video really sold me, though. I now know all I need to know about this item and will consider purchasing it in the near future.
Thanks for stopping by.
I had my first power bank from China cheap online shop. It keeps about ten charging cycles and died. Known brand models as Philips, Zendure and some others are durable and long lasting.
A GPS is always nice to have; especially one of high quality. I’ve always wondered, is it worth upgrading to a real GPS instead of just using my phone? A big factor is that on a phone, GPS uses up a lot of battery, so having a separate electronic for the job would help in times where one needs both. Thank you for the information!
Thanks for stopping by. I always feel more comfortable having an external battery in the backpack when I am on the go. Yes, and when GPS app is enabled, then phone’s battery is discharging very quickly.
Amazing my husband and I were just talking about this very subject. You have done a lot of great research. The feature that caught my attention is this charger can maintain up to 95% charge after six months in stand by. Terrific for emergency situations, also Crush proof material. You said that you look for Amperage, Voltage and the dimensions, my husband totally agrees that is all you need. Thanks for narrowing our search. We are seriously considering the Zendure A5.
Seems to me that these chargers being as small as a cell phone could be designed into the phone itself. Would you agree?
Hi, Sherry and John.
I am glad that my post has helped you. I guess that there are other similar power banks around but Zendure definitely is on the top line. When it comes to replaceable smartphone batteries than my mind is that it is technically quite possible, but it is not profitable for manufacturers.
It is no secret that a large percentage of people satisfied with one phone at least five years but have been forced to change primarily due to the weak battery.
I have this issue a lot when i am using my GPS out in the canoe. I have a solar charger but doesn’t work that great. After reviewing your website I now realize there are a lot more options that may suit me better. I will me making my purchase soon thanks for the great information.
Thanks Gareth for stopping by.
Zendure power banks are durable and capacity remains for long but when you are about to canoeing or other water activities then better keep it into a tight plastic bag either purchase the original Zendure case. Tests showed it is splash resistant but I wouldn’t recommend submerging it as water can still penetrate the zipper.
I have a bad experience with so-called waterproof cases for iPhone so for more protection keep it in the plastic bag similar for airline quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols and other.
Hi Andrel, thanks for your effort to summed up the info about external battery charger that consumer can use for GPS. I often have this problem where the batter of the GPS gone flat maybe just half of the day and may also encounter some really bad batter charger in the market. This post is quite informative and useful for me personally. Appreciate your effort on writing up for this.
Hi, Nico and thanks for stopping by.
I just wanna say that regardless of quite widespread belief that always be available opportunity to charge your gadgets from car’s or boat’s 12V sockets the real life prove that an external battery charger or power bank is a must-have tool in your backpack.
This is quite interesting. I go on long treks quite often so I feel that this is something that is quite relevant. I’ve taken external battery chargers, but the big problem is that they die out quite quickly as well. Most of them that I take with usually last for 1 or 2 charge the most. And then it doesn’t work so this is quite frustrating. The review from Amazon is so great – it shows real experience. Works from sunlight too eh? This is quite something and so grateful that these things exist.
Zendure A5 Power Bank 16750mAh cost around $50. You can find a cheaper China made but as you mentioned these not holding a volume. Zenduro holds up to 95% for about half a year. The USB Ports automatically detects your device and fine tunes the output to charge it at maximum speed (up to 2.1A). And it is hard to find a more durable alternative on the market.
Nice article. For some time now I was thinking into buying a solar charger but it seems if you want the best from both world i will have to buy separately a solar charger and a power bank. There are so many products out there and most of them are coming from China with unknown OEM brands that’s why I was a bit reluctant to give my money for any of these without knowing how good they were. What you suggest seems pretty good so I will keep these in mind.
Hi Stratos and thanks for comments.
You are right about China products. Quality often is deplorable, and even those 5 or 10 bucks better add to buy a long life product.
I would prefer the Zendure external battery charger or power bank if it sounds better. This brand is offering a wide range and capacity products. The most durable on the market.
Thank you very much for a very comprehensive review on the best external battery charges. I love camping, hiking and fishing. I often visit remote areas and I just cannot go without my GPS. Although I love doing all these things my navigation skills are not too good. I rely on my GPS. I always worry the battery will die and that is not a good thing, because I am suppose to relax and enjoy my trips.
I normally go on 2 to 3 day trips. Do you recommend I get a ultra durable battery charger or would a solar charger be a better option?
Hi Rika. Thanks for commenting on my review.
I would recommend Zendure 26800mAh Quick Charge 3.0 Portable Charger instead of the solar option. Maybe the price is a bit steep but with this, You will be safe both for GPS and for charging the phone.
Hi ANDREJS,
Thanks for sharing a comprehensive review on Zendure and Goal Zero 42011 Sherpa 100 Solar Recharging Kit. This article is full of useful information and I can’t wait to dig deep to learn more about what makes this power bank shine amongst the rest and help me to make decision as to which power bank will suits my needs well.
Hi Glenda and thanks for the comment. You are right Zendure power banks are the best on the market for today and the most durable as well.
Thank you.for sharing this. I found it very informative as I have been seeking an external charger that had some quality and I have not taken the time to research it myself. You explained your reasons for your choice very well and I can solve my problem of charging without hours of research.
I would recommend that anyone look at your site before rushing out to buy an external unit.
Well done site and simple even for this old man to understand.
It has been a real pain for me for charging and I did not wish to run out and buy another battery for a laptop.
You have made my choices for purchase much easier and I hope to have one soon.
I often thought of solar but did not realize that something of value was out there.
Thank you again for your time. And for sharing your knowledge.
Steve
Thanks, Steve for such a great comment.
When it comes to solar chargers, then I would say it could be the smart solution if you are about to go for a long wild hiking adventure with no options to get access to any AC/DC sources. I hardly believe that you could charge nothing but your phone.
For daily or two day fishing or hunting, it is better to choose the more powerful Zendure external battery charger.
I really like the look of the goal zero sherpa charger, seems like all round good charger.
Thank you for this thorough review i will certain be visiting your site next time we are purchasing a charger of any sorts. Its so easy to get this wrong so hearing from someone who has put in the time to research what is on the market and how they perform is great help!
Maybe external battery charger will never need to, either, but you can never know. It may be very helpful, and Zendure is one that hold power for a long time and held in a bag up to half a year.
The power bank technology continues to improve. Zendure sounds very interesting as I have not heard of them before now. The durability and battery health sound amazing. 95% after 6 months is very impressive.
I really like the idea of solar charging. like you I also have only experienced small solar garden lights. Goal Zero sounds like the right thing to get me hooked on solar energy.
Thanks for sharing.
I really enjoyed viewing your website and like the way you are using Amazon links. I still haven’t figured how to use them on my website, since I am new here. But back to your website the layout looks great and catches the eye, so keep up the good work until we can talk again. Thanks Ray
Hello Ray. If there is something unclear you can PM me, maybe I can help.
Great post and thanks for sharing it.
I actually need an external battery, my phone is dying too soon in the day and then I’m left without battery for a half a day, and that is bad.
I was looking for some, but never found good ones, so I’m happy I came across your post, and I will check them out.
Great info, this will help me.
This is amazing… who would of thought buying an external battery for a GPS device would’ve been so complicated? For me, I’m totally into technology – so going with one of the solar options would be my preference. However, the downside of going solar is the cost. Yet, the upside is you can charge it in three ways the car, wall and the Sun (which in my opinion is priceless).
Do you think the rising cost of Solar will eventually start to decline as technology improve – like with any other new technology that hits the market place?
Thanks!
Thank you for the commenter and the valid question. After recent data, solar costs are down sharply. Today to produce one megawatt-hour of solar power it cost $50 v.s.coal $102. Conclude for yourself.