For a while, backpacks and suitcases have been available that have built-in battery packs for on the go charging. The issue I’ve run into with these combo sets is that I’ve never found a backpack or suitcase that I really liked that came with built-in power. The solution?
I make my own battery and bag or suitcase combo, which is exactly what I’ll be doing with the RAVPower 22000mAh External Battery Pack.
Inside the package, you’ll find the external battery, two short microUSB cables, and a storage bag.
The battery is approximately 6.5″ long by 2.75″ wide by 0.75″ thick; it weighs 15.5 ounces. To be sure, this is heavier than most portable battery packs, but when you consider the power that it packs, it seems a fair exchange.
At first touch, the battery’s shell feels like a metal alloy, but it’s not. As RAVPower explains,”On the outside, the same material used by Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and others for their luxury cars – UL94 V-0 fire-resistant thermoplastic alloy (PC/ABS) shell provided by Germany-based Bayer Technology Services. On the inside, an advanced battery coming from the same manufacturer and undergoing the same quality control as the iPhone’s battery.”
This battery features three iSmart 2.0 USB charging ports “for a total current output of 5.8A and 2.4A max per port.” What this means is that the battery can “simultaneously charge two iPads and one iPhone 6s at their optimal charging speed thanks to iSmart 2.0 technology.” If you have a laptop that uses USB-C for charging (like the MacBook or the new HP tablets), this battery should be big and powerful enough to keep it topped off as well.
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- The power button is on the side
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- There are three iSmart USB ports to plug your charging cables into
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- MicroUSB charging port on the side
There are four blue LEDs on the battery that will indicate charging status: they blink until glowing solid as the battery fills by fourths. When charging is complete, the four LEDs will glow solid. When you need to check battery status on the go, you press the power button on the side and power remaining will display in 25% increments.
Included in the RAVPower package the battery shipped in, was something that every iPad or iPhone user can use: the RAVPower 3ft/6ft Lightning Cable 2-Pack. In this package are two ruggedized charging cables, one is 6 feet long and the other is 3 feet long. Constructed with military-grade Kevlar and measuring 3.5mm in diameter, they are both specifically made to handle USB 2.0 charging. At $16.99, this is a great deal for anyone who wants to replace their flimsy OEM Apple cables.
The combination of the RAVPower 22000mAh External Battery Pack and the 3ft/6ft Lightning Cable 2-Pack is exactly what I need to slip in the front zippered compartment of my carry-on for charging while traveling. No, it’s not as elegant as having a bag with a specially built-in pocket for the battery, but it’s the perfect solution for me — someone who has a carry-on (or backpack) that they love but wants a solid battery to keep in it.
The RAVPower 22000mAh External Battery Pack with Triple iSmart 2.0 USB Ports retails for $39.99, and it is available from Amazon [affiliate link]. The RAVPower 3ft/6ft Lightning Cable 2-Pack retails for $16.99, and it is also available from Amazon [affiliate link].
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
What I Like: Super high-capacity portable battery with three USB 2.0 capable, 2.4A max, iSmart ports; Perfect for charging larger devices such as iPads or MacBooks; Compact enough to slip into a backpack or carry-on luggage; the cable kit has a 3ft and 6ft ruggedized cable for $16.99 — one of the best aftermarket cable deals I’ve seen
What Needs Improvement: Nothing
Great article!