By kazimladimeji 
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through one, BicycleGear may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This is a specification-based comparison; we have not tested these power banks on a ride.
A power bank can be useful on a bikepacking trip if you rely on a phone for navigation, carry a bike computer or spend nights away from mains sockets. The trade-off is simple: extra capacity adds weight, and a high wattage number matters only if your device can use it. Here I compare two Anker models with built-in USB-C cables: a 10,000mAh option at 215g and a 20,000mAh option at 439.4g. Specifications were checked against Anker’s UK pages on 4 November 2026.
Quick answer: for a lighter setup and charging a phone or small electronics, start with the 10,000mAh Anker Nano. For longer stretches between sockets or charging several compatible devices, the 20,000mAh Anker has twice the stated capacity and more output, but it weighs 224g more. Neither is weatherproof according to the product information reviewed here, so plan to keep a power bank dry and protected in your luggage.
At a glance: 10,000mAh or 20,000mAh?
| Model | Stated capacity | Maximum output | Weight | A sensible fit for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker Nano Power Bank (A1259) | 10,000mAh | 30W USB-C; Anker lists 22.5W max USB-A and 24W total | 215g | Shorter trips and riders prioritising lower carried weight |
| Anker Power Bank 20K (A1383) | 20,000mAh | 87W shared across three devices; up to 65W to one device | 439.4g | Longer trips between sockets or several compatible devices |
These are manufacturer figures, not results from our own tests. Capacity in mAh is measured at the battery cells; it does not translate directly into the same number of phone recharges. Conversion losses, the phone’s battery size, temperature and how you use the device all affect what you get in practice.
1. Anker Nano 10,000mAh: the lighter option
ASIN B0C9D7R1B6. Anker lists the Nano A1259 at 10,000mAh and 215g, with a built-in USB-C cable, a separate USB-C port and USB-A output. The manufacturer states up to 30W two-way USB-C charging; its published specifications list USB-A up to 22.5W and a 24W maximum total output. It measures 104 × 52.3 × 26mm.
For bikepacking, the main appeal is the lower weight and the integrated cable: fewer loose bits to remember when you stop to top up a phone. A 10,000mAh pack is a reasonable starting point for a shorter trip when you are mainly keeping a phone and small electronics going and can recharge the bank at a café, hostel or campsite.
The limitation is capacity. If your route keeps you away from a socket for several days, or you expect to top up more than one device repeatedly, the smaller pack may mean rationing screen time or carrying a second source of power. Check the charging requirements for your own phone and computer before buying; the maximum output figures do not mean every device will charge at that rate.
See the Anker Nano 10,000mAh listing on Amazon UK.
2. Anker 20,000mAh 87W: more capacity, more weight
ASIN B0CXDMYS8C. The A1383 has a stated capacity of 20,000mAh and weighs 439.4g. Anker says its 87W output is shared across up to three devices, with a single device able to receive up to 65W. The built-in USB-C cable, USB-C port and USB-A port give you more ways to charge compatible kit; the body measures 157.5 × 73.7 × 25.4mm.
That extra capacity is useful when a multi-day route has fewer reliable charging stops or when you are keeping a phone, GPS unit and another USB device topped up. The stronger single-device output can also suit some tablets and laptops, provided their charging requirements are compatible. It is a poor fit if every gram matters: at 439.4g, this is 224.4g heavier than the Nano, before you add a protective pouch or cable.
Its 87W headline is a shared maximum, not a promise that each connected device receives 87W. Anker specifies up to 65W for one device and describes the total as distributed across three. As with any multi-port pack, charging several devices at once changes the available output per device.
See the Anker 20,000mAh 87W listing on Amazon UK.
| Photo | Product | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Anker Power Bank, 20,000mAh 87W Portable Charger, Built-in USB-C Cable | Fast Charging Battery Pack, 2 USB-C and 1 USB-A, iPhone 18 Series, Samsung, Switch, and More | £37.98 |
|
Which one makes more sense for your ride?
- Choose the 10,000mAh Nano if you want the lighter of these two options, usually ride one or two nights between sockets, and primarily need to top up a phone or small electronics.
- Choose the 20,000mAh A1383 if you need more stored capacity for a longer gap between charging stops, carry several USB devices, or have a device that benefits from higher USB-C output.
- Look beyond both if your priority is the absolute lightest setup, or you need a unit with a specific outdoor ingress-protection rating. Neither reviewed product page specifies a waterproof rating, so do not treat either as suitable for exposed rain.
For a practical choice, list the devices you actually take, their charging ports and how often you can plug in. Then compare that plan with the bank’s weight and capacity. A phone used continuously for mapping can need a different approach from a phone kept in aeroplane mode and checked at stops. If you can charge during a lunch break or overnight, carrying the larger pack may be unnecessary.
What to check before buying a bikepacking power bank
Capacity is not the whole story
Two power banks marked 10,000mAh and 20,000mAh are useful for comparing their stored cell capacity, but actual energy delivered to your phone is lower than the printed number suggests. The voltage conversion and charging process lose energy, while phone battery sizes vary. Treat the capacity as a guide for comparing models, not an exact count of recharges.
Match the output to your devices
Check the device maker’s recommended input and the bank’s port-by-port output. USB-C Power Delivery support, cable capability and the bank’s combined output can affect charging speed. A high maximum wattage is most useful when a device can accept it; it does not make a low-power GPS unit charge faster by itself.
Include weight and where it will ride
Both models have an integrated cable, but you still need to decide where the bank will sit and how it will stay protected. The 10,000mAh unit is smaller and lighter; the 20,000mAh unit is nearly twice its weight and longer. Measure the bag opening and leave room for a pouch. Keep charging electronics dry and avoid leaving them loose where they can rub against tools or sharp objects.
Plan charging stops, not just capacity
For a supported route with regular cafés, accommodation or campsites, a smaller bank that you refill when you can may be enough. On a remote route, capacity and your device-use plan matter more. Our Topeak Midloader frame-bag guide can help you think about where heavier kit sits; the Route des Grandes Alpes kit list is another useful starting point for longer cycling trips. For other campsite kit, see our guide to portable coffee machines for camping and bikepacking.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10,000mAh enough for bikepacking?
It can be enough for a shorter trip if you are mainly charging a phone and can top up the bank between nights. Continuous navigation, multiple devices and long gaps between sockets point towards more capacity. Your devices and usage matter more than a simple days-away estimate.
Is a 20,000mAh power bank too heavy for cycling?
Not automatically, but the Anker A1383 weighs 439.4g, compared with 215g for the A1259. That difference is worth carrying only if you expect to use the extra capacity or higher output. Riders trimming weight for a short trip may prefer the smaller option.
Can either model charge a bike computer?
They have USB outputs, but check the computer’s instructions and cable connection. Neither manufacturer page promises compatibility with every bike computer or charging setup.
Are these power banks waterproof?
The Anker UK product pages reviewed for this comparison do not list an IP water-resistance rating for either model. Keep one protected from rain and condensation rather than assuming it is weatherproof.
Our take
For most riders who want a compact backup for a phone and small electronics, the 215g Anker Nano is the more bike-friendly starting point. Choose the 20,000mAh A1383 when your route and device list make the extra capacity worthwhile, and accept the additional weight. Neither is a substitute for planning charging stops or keeping electronics dry.
Sources: Anker UK product information for the Nano A1259 and A1383 20K, checked 4 November 2026. Product and stock image details may change; check the manufacturer and retailer listings before ordering.