Power Bank for Hiking: Keeping a GoPro HERO10 and Phone Charged
Updated 2026-09-17 · Power Bank Guide
When you’re trekking for a full day, the last thing you want is a dead GoPro HERO10 or a silent phone. A portable power bank that can handle both a high‑draw action cam and a smartphone is essential for any hike that includes photo‑journalism, navigation, or emergency calls. In this guide we’ll break down how many charges you can realistically expect, what USB‑C Power Delivery (PD) 22.5 W means for laptops, tablets, and other gadgets, and why the INIU 20000 mAh Portable Charger (Flight‑Safe) is a solid choice for trail‑side power.
Understanding Power Bank Capacity and Real‑World Efficiency
Power banks are rated in milliamp‑hours (mAh) at a nominal cell voltage of 3.7 V. To compare that to the battery in your phone or GoPro, convert to watt‑hours (Wh):
Wh = (mAh ÷ 1,000) × 3.7 V
A 20,000 mAh unit therefore stores about 74 Wh (20,000 ÷ 1,000 × 3.7). The FAA limits carry‑on batteries to 100 Wh, so a 74 Wh pack is safely under the TSA/flight‑safe threshold.
Because energy is lost in voltage conversion, cable resistance, and heat, most banks deliver 60‑70 % of the rated capacity to the device. Using a 65 % efficiency assumption:
- iPhone 17 (≈3,300 mAh, 12 Wh) → ~5 full charges
- Samsung Galaxy S23 (≈4,000 mAh, 15 Wh) → ~4‑5 charges
- GoPro HERO10 (≈1,600 mAh, 5 Wh) → ~12‑13 charges
These numbers are approximations; actual results vary with temperature, cable quality, and whether you’re using the device while it charges.
USB‑C Power Delivery 22.5 W: What It Can Power on the Trail
USB‑C PD negotiates voltage and current to deliver up to a specified wattage. A 22.5 W bank typically offers 5 V × 3 A (15 W) or 9 V × 2.5 A (22.5 W). That’s enough to fast‑charge most phones and tablets, but it falls short of the power draw of many laptops.
What you can reliably run:
- Smartphones (5‑9 V fast‑charge)
- Tablets and iPads that accept 9 V PD (most 10‑12 W tablets)
- Power‑efficient ultrabooks that support 15 W USB‑C charging (e.g., some 13‑inch models)
- Accessories: earbuds, smartwatches, Bluetooth headphones
What you likely cannot sustain:
- Full‑size gaming laptops (30‑65 W minimum)
- Nintendo Switch in docked mode (≈18 W) – possible for short bursts, but not prolonged play
- Steam Deck (up to 45 W) – will charge very slowly, better to bring a higher‑wattage bank
For a 22.5 W bank, expect a 15‑W tablet to reach 80 % in roughly 1.5 hours, while a 9‑V‑capable phone can hit 50 % in 30‑40 minutes.
Keeping Your GoPro HERO10 and Phone Charged on Multi‑Day Hikes
The HERO10 draws about 1.5 A at 5 V (7.5 W) when recording video. Pair that with a smartphone that may need 9 V × 2 A (18 W) for fast charging, and a 22.5 W bank can handle both, but you’ll need to prioritize.
Strategy:
- Start the day with a fully charged power bank (100 %).
- Charge the GoPro first, as its battery is smaller and depletes quickly during active shooting.
- When the GoPro is at 80 % or higher, plug in the phone for a fast‑charge burst (15‑20 minutes gives ~50 %).
- If you have a solar panel, use it to top off the bank during long rests; most panels output 5‑9 V, compatible with USB‑C PD.
With a 20,000 mAh bank, you can expect roughly 10‑12 full GoPro charges and 4‑5 full phone charges before the pack itself needs a recharge.
Why the INIU 20000 mAh Portable Charger (Flight‑Safe) Fits the Hiking Checklist
The INIU 20000 mAh Portable Charger checks the boxes that matter on the trail:
- Capacity & Compliance: 74 Wh, safely under the 100 Wh TSA limit for carry‑on luggage.
- Fast‑Charge Output: 22.5 W USB‑C PD, enough for quick phone top‑ups and modest tablet charging.
- Included Accessories: A USB‑C to USB‑C cable eliminates the need to pack an extra cord, and an integrated flashlight adds a handy safety feature for low‑light camps.
- Durability: Pocket‑size, rugged housing, and a non‑slip surface survive the bumps of backpacking.
Because it can charge an iPhone 17, Samsung, Xiaomi, or Google phone multiple times, the same unit comfortably covers the power needs of a GoPro HERO10 plus a smartphone for a typical 2‑day hike.
Charging Other Trail Gadgets: Laptops, Switch, Steam Deck, Cameras, and Earbuds
If you’re bringing a lightweight laptop or a tablet for map work, check the device’s PD profile. Many 13‑inch ultrabooks accept 15 W (5 V × 3 A) and will charge slowly but steadily from a 22.5 W bank. The iPad Pro (up to 30 W) will only charge at the lower 15 W rate, extending charge time.
The Nintendo Switch in handheld mode draws ~7 W, so a 22.5 W bank can keep it alive for a few hours, but docked mode (≈18 W) will quickly drain the bank. The Steam Deck needs 45 W for full speed; a 22.5 W bank can trickle charge it, but you’ll see a net loss while playing.
Small cameras (e.g., Sony RX100) and wireless earbuds typically need 5 V × 1 A (5 W) or less, meaning a 20,000 mAh pack can power them for dozens of cycles—practically unlimited for a weekend trek.
FAQ
Can I bring a 20,000 mAh power bank on a commercial flight?
Yes. At 74 Wh it falls below the FAA’s 100 Wh carry‑on limit. Always confirm with your airline, as policies can vary.
How many times can the INIU 20000 mAh charger replenish a GoPro HERO10?
Assuming 65 % efficiency, a 74 Wh bank provides roughly 48 Wh usable. The HERO10’s 5 Wh battery means you can get about 9‑10 full charges, or more partial charges if you top it up between shoots.
Is 22.5 W enough to charge a laptop while I’m hiking?
Only if the laptop supports low‑power USB‑C charging (usually 15 W). Most mainstream laptops need 30‑65 W, so a 22.5 W bank will charge very slowly or not at all while the device is in use.