I wrote a post last year about how I optimize my device charging while traveling, and since it’s evolved with some new gear, I thought I would do a new post explaining what I’ve changed. This will only be interesting if you are a travel nerd 🤓 that likes to optimize everything. Behold, the Mini Charging Pack v2!
Mini Charging Pack v2 | 17.6oz / 499g
The v2 kit is 32% heavier than the v1, and when you travel weight matters, but I believe this is worth the extra weight for what it gives me. Here’s what I carry in the v2 (new items are marked with a ⭐️):
- The same Alpaka Zip Clutch in Bahama Blue X-Pac VX21 – it’s just so perfect!
- ⭐️ Anker 2 in 1 USB-C cable (4 foot) – I switched to a white version just because.
- ⭐️ 3.3 foot USB-C cable (my Google Pixel 9 Pro cable) – something with extra reach.
- ⭐️ Flextail ZERO POWER 10,000C Battery Bank – 10,000mAH of power (double what I had before), but only 145/9.9mm thickness with two USB-C ports.
- ⭐️ UGREEN Nexode Pro 65W GaN USB C Slim Wall Charger – This gives me the same total 65W of power as before, but instead of having a single USB-C port, I get two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. Math says that’s 200% more ports!
- ⭐️ Flextail 35W charger: this is a very small, slim 35 watt charger with 1 x USB-C port. I bought as an add-on when I purchased the ZERO POWER battery, but it seems they don’t sell it anymore. It’s glossy and scratches easily, but nice and small.
- ⭐️ Two USB-C charging docks for watches: Google Pixel Watch 2, OnePlus Watch 2.
- ⭐️ Geometrical Pocket Tripod Pro V2 in Panda White – This is a clever and well-constructed folding phone stand that takes up next to no space, but works incredibly well in a variety of scenarios. I love that it can be adjusted to different phone and case thicknesses so it’s something I can keep for a long time.
- One Snug Plug: I have yet to use this, but I bought it after having an experience on a plane where the plug was so loose I couldn’t connect a charger. I’m prepared now!
- USB-C to USB-A adaptor (to connect to a USB-A port on the plane). Until we are in the glorious future where all the things are USB-C, this is still mandatory.
⛔️ I removed the small microfiber cloth because I carry a different microfiber cloth in a different pouch.
Anything else?
When I travel outside the USA/Canada, the only other thing I’ll take with me for power is the Anker Nano Travel Adaptor, and it goes in a specific zippered pouch. The Max Charging Pack has been disassembled, and only when the whole family is traveling would I create a version of it that includes the SlimQ USB charger (because it’s just so perfect for multi-device charging).
Go forth and charge smartly, carrying only what you need and nothing more!