Top Battery Packs for Action Cameras to Extend Your Adventure

Maximize your action camera’s runtime with high-capacity, portable battery packs designed for adventure. Whether you’re hiking, diving, or capturing extreme sports, these reliable power solutions ensure uninterrupted recording in any environment—featuring rugged builds, fast charging, and universal compatibility with top action cam brands.

Key Takeaways

• Choose high-capacity packs: Opt for 10,000mAh+ to power multi-day shoots without recharging.
• Prioritize fast charging: Look for USB-C PD to minimize downtime between adventures.
• Check waterproof ratings: Ensure IP67 or higher for reliable performance in wet conditions.
• Verify compatibility: Match battery output to your camera’s voltage requirements for optimal performance.
• Pack lightweight options: Compact designs reduce bulk while maintaining extended runtime.
• Use dual-port models: Charge camera and phone simultaneously for efficient power management.

Why You Need a Battery Pack for Your Action Camera

Imagine this: you’re halfway up a mountain trail, the golden sunrise painting the sky in hues you’ve never seen before. Your GoPro is rolling, capturing every breathtaking moment. Then—bam—the dreaded low-battery alert flashes. You’re left with a half-finished story, a dead camera, and a sinking feeling in your stomach. Sound familiar? If you’ve ever relied on an action camera to document your adventures, you know how frustrating it is when the battery gives out too soon.

Action cameras like GoPro, DJI Osmo Action, and Insta360 are incredible tools for capturing high-octane moments. But their batteries? Not so much. Most offer only 60 to 90 minutes of recording time per charge, and that’s under ideal conditions. Add in cold weather, 4K resolution, or image stabilization, and you’re looking at even less. That’s where battery packs for action cameras come in. These compact powerhouses extend your recording time, keep you rolling through long shoots, and ensure you never miss a moment. Whether you’re filming a multi-day hike, a surf session, or a family vacation, a reliable battery pack is your best adventure buddy.

Understanding Action Camera Battery Packs: What to Look For

Types of Battery Packs: External vs. Internal

When it comes to extending your action camera’s runtime, you’ve got two main options: external battery packs (like power banks) and internal battery systems (like extended or dual battery grips). Let’s break them down.

• External battery packs: These are portable power banks you connect to your camera via USB-C or micro-USB. They’re great for long shoots, travel, and situations where swapping internal batteries isn’t practical. Think of them as your camera’s backup generator.
• Internal battery systems: These include dual-battery grips, extended battery doors, or even modified housings that hold more than one battery. They’re seamless to use and don’t require extra cables, but they’re often model-specific and can make your camera bulkier.

I once hiked the Grand Canyon and used a dual-battery grip with my GoPro Hero 10. I started at dawn and finished at dusk—12 hours later—and still had juice to spare. But the trade-off? The grip made the camera feel top-heavy on my chest mount. So, your choice depends on your adventure style: portability and flexibility (external) vs. seamless integration (internal).

Key Features to Consider

Not all battery packs are created equal. Here’s what matters most when picking one for your action camera:

• Capacity (mAh): Measured in milliamp-hours, this tells you how much power the pack holds. A 5,000mAh pack can charge a typical action camera battery (1,200mAh) about four times. But don’t go too high—bigger packs are heavier and may not be worth the extra weight.
• Output Power (Wattage): Look for at least 10W (5V/2A) output. Some high-end cameras support USB-C PD (Power Delivery), which allows faster charging. If your camera supports PD, a 18W or 30W pack will keep you rolling with minimal downtime.
• Durability and Water Resistance: You’re using this outdoors, right? A rugged, water-resistant (IP67 or higher) battery pack is essential. I once dropped my power bank into a river—luckily, it was IP67-rated and survived. Lesson learned.
• Size and Weight: You don’t want to lug around a brick. Aim for something compact enough to fit in a backpack pocket or attach to a chest mount.
• Smart Charging Features: Overcharge protection, short-circuit prevention, and auto-shutoff keep your gear safe. Bonus points if it has a built-in flashlight or LCD power display.

Pro tip: Always check if the battery pack supports pass-through charging. This lets you charge the pack itself while it’s powering your camera—perfect for all-day shoots with access to a power source.

Top 5 Battery Packs for Action Cameras in 2024

1. Anker PowerCore 5000mAh (Best Overall)

The Anker PowerCore 5000 is a favorite among action cam users—and for good reason. It’s compact (fits in your palm), delivers 12W output, and has Anker’s legendary reliability. I’ve used this on ski trips, beach outings, and even during a rainy mountain bike ride. It survived all of them.

• Pros: Lightweight (130g), USB-C and micro-USB inputs, 2-year warranty, excellent customer service.
• Cons: No PD support, so charging times are standard (about 2 hours per full charge of a GoPro).
• Best for: Weekend warriors, travelers, and anyone who wants a reliable, no-fuss pack.

Real-world example: During a 3-day camping trip, I used this to charge my GoPro twice and my smartphone once. Total weight added to my pack? Just 130g. Worth every gram.

2. DJI 12000mAh Battery Pack (Best for DJI Osmo Action Users)

If you’re a DJI Osmo Action 3 or 4 owner, this one’s a no-brainer. DJI designed this pack specifically for their cameras, so it’s a perfect fit—literally. It connects via a magnetic USB-C cable and even has a built-in kickstand for tabletop use.

• Pros: 12,000mAh capacity (enough for 8+ Osmo Action charges), PD 20W output, magnetic attachment, IP54 splash resistance.
• Cons: Bulky (320g), only ideal for DJI users (not universal).
• Best for: DJI fans who want seamless integration and long runtime.

I used this during a week-long kayaking trip. The magnetic connection stayed secure even when my kayak flipped (don’t ask). And the 12,000mAh capacity meant I didn’t need to recharge the pack until day 6.

3. GoPro Dual Battery Charger + 2x 1720mAh Batteries (Best Internal Option)

GoPro’s official dual battery system is a game-changer. It comes with two extended-capacity batteries (1,720mAh each—about 40% more than standard) and a charging dock. Pop both into your camera, and you’re good for 3+ hours of 4K recording.

• Pros: No cables, seamless use, extended battery life, charges two batteries at once.
• Cons: Adds bulk to your camera, not water-resistant (don’t submerge it), expensive.
• Best for: GoPro users who hate cables and want maximum recording time.

Tip: Use the charging dock to pre-charge both batteries overnight. That way, you can swap them in the field without missing a beat.

4. Zendure SuperTank Pro 27,000mAh (Best for Multi-Device Adventures)

Need to power your camera, phone, drone, and GPS all at once? The Zendure SuperTank Pro is your answer. With 27,000mAh capacity and four USB ports (including USB-C PD 100W), it’s a beast. I used this on a 5-day backpacking trip and powered everything from my Insta360 to my satellite communicator.

• Pros: Massive capacity, 100W PD output, durable aluminum shell, LCD power display.
• Cons: Heavy (580g), overkill for short trips, expensive.
• Best for: Expedition photographers, drone pilots, and tech-heavy adventurers.

Note: This isn’t for the minimalist. But if you’re filming a documentary or leading a group, the peace of mind is priceless.

5. RAVPower 10000mAh PD Pioneer (Best Budget Pick)

Want great performance without breaking the bank? The RAVPower 10000mAh PD Pioneer delivers 18W PD output and charges your camera in under 90 minutes. I’ve used this as a backup on countless trips—it’s small, reliable, and costs under $30.

• Pros: Affordable, PD support, compact (190g), two USB outputs.
• Cons: No water resistance, slower charging than premium models.
• Best for: Beginners, budget-conscious users, and as a backup pack.

Real talk: I keep this in my camera bag at all times. It’s saved me more times than I can count.

How to Maximize Battery Life (Beyond Just Packs)

Optimize Your Camera Settings

Even the best battery pack won’t save you if your camera is guzzling power. Here’s how to make every milliamp count:

• Lower resolution when possible: 4K uses way more power than 1080p. Use 4K only for key moments, then switch to 1080p or 2.7K for b-roll.
• Turn off Wi-Fi and GPS: These features drain batteries fast. Disable them unless you need them (e.g., for geotagging).
• Use auto power-off: Set your camera to shut down after 2–5 minutes of inactivity. No more accidental overnight drains.
• Disable stabilization if not needed: Hypersmooth (GoPro) or RockSteady (DJI) are power-hungry. Use them only for shaky shots.

I once forgot to turn off Wi-Fi on a GoPro during a 6-hour hike. The battery died in 4 hours. Lesson learned: settings matter.

Smart Charging Habits

How you charge your batteries affects their lifespan. Follow these tips:

• Don’t fully drain batteries: Lithium-ion batteries last longer when kept between 20% and 80%. Avoid 0% if possible.
• Store at 50% charge: If you’re not using your batteries for weeks, store them at half-charge. This prevents degradation.
• Use a smart charger: Cheap chargers can overcharge or undercharge. Stick to branded or third-party chargers with overcharge protection.

Bonus: Keep spare batteries in a battery case. I lost a GoPro battery once because it rolled out of my pocket. A $10 case would’ve saved me $20.

Field Tips for Long Shoots

Out in the wild? Try these tricks:

• Use a solar charger: Pair a small solar panel (like Anker PowerPort Solar) with your battery pack. Great for multi-day trips.
• Carry a car charger: Most action cameras can charge via 12V car outlets. Use this during road trips or at camp.
• Pre-charge everything: Charge your camera, battery pack, and spare batteries the night before. No surprises in the field.

I once filmed a sunrise at 4 a.m. and realized my spare battery was at 10%. That was the last time I skipped a pre-trip charge check.

Real-World Use Cases: Matching Battery Packs to Your Adventure

Weekend Hiking and Camping

For 1–3 day trips, you don’t need a 27,000mAh monster. A 5,000–10,000mAh pack like the Anker PowerCore or RAVPower PD Pioneer is perfect. They’re light, reliable, and can charge your camera 2–4 times.

Example: On a 2-day backpacking trip, I used the Anker PowerCore to charge my GoPro once and my phone twice. Total weight added: 130g. No regrets.

Water Sports (Surfing, Kayaking, Snorkeling)

Water and electronics don’t mix. For water sports, choose a battery pack with at least IP54 splash resistance or better. The DJI 12000mAh pack (IP54) or a waterproof case for your Anker/RAVPower pack works well.

Pro tip: Use a lanyard to attach the pack to your board or kayak. I lost a power bank once because it slipped into the ocean. Not cool.

Multi-Day Expeditions

For trips longer than 3 days, you need serious capacity. The Zendure SuperTank Pro or a solar + battery combo is ideal. Pair it with a dual-battery grip (like GoPro’s) for maximum runtime.

Example: On a 5-day trek in Patagonia, I used the Zendure SuperTank to charge my camera, phone, and headlamp. The solar panel kept the pack topped up during the day.

Urban Vlogging and Daily Use

For city adventures, portability is key. A slim 5,000mAh pack like the Anker PowerCore fits in your pocket and charges your camera on the go. Bonus: it doubles as a phone charger.

I use this setup for daily vlogs. I charge my GoPro at lunch and keep rolling all afternoon.

Data Table: Battery Pack Comparison

Model	Capacity (mAh)	Output (W)	Weight (g)	Water Resistance	Best For
Anker PowerCore 5000	5,000	12W	130	None	Weekend trips, travel
DJI 12000mAh Pack	12,000	20W (PD)	320	IP54	DJI Osmo Action users
GoPro Dual Battery	1,720 x2	N/A (internal)	+150 (bulk)	None	GoPro users, long shoots
Zendure SuperTank Pro	27,000	100W (PD)	580	None	Multi-device expeditions
RAVPower 10000mAh PD	10,000	18W (PD)	190	None	Budget users, backups

Final Thoughts: Power Your Passion, Not Your Frustration

At the end of the day, your action camera is a tool for storytelling. And nothing kills a story like a dead battery. Whether you’re scaling a cliff, chasing waves, or exploring a new city, the right battery pack for action cameras keeps your camera rolling when it matters most.

You don’t need the most expensive or highest-capacity pack. You need the one that fits your adventure. For weekend trips, go lightweight and affordable. For expeditions, invest in durability and capacity. And for seamless use, consider a dual-battery system.

Remember: it’s not just about power—it’s about peace of mind. The next time you’re halfway up that mountain, chasing the sunrise, or filming your kid’s first bike ride, you’ll be glad you packed extra juice. So charge up, hit record, and let the adventure begin. Because the best moments aren’t just captured—they’re powered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best battery packs for action cameras?

The best battery packs for action cameras offer high capacity, fast charging, and rugged durability. Look for models like the GoPro Enduro or DJI Osmo Action Battery, which are designed specifically for extended outdoor use and extreme conditions.

How long do action camera battery packs last?

Most action camera battery packs provide 1.5 to 3 hours of continuous recording, depending on resolution and settings. Higher-capacity packs, like those with 1,700mAh or more, can extend usage time by up to 50% compared to standard batteries.

Can I use third-party battery packs with my action camera?

Yes, many third-party battery packs are compatible with popular action cameras, but ensure they match your camera’s voltage and connector type. Brands like Wasabi Power and Tether Tools offer reliable, cost-effective alternatives to OEM options.

Are battery packs for action cameras waterproof?

Most dedicated action camera battery packs are water-resistant or waterproof when sealed in a housing. Check the IP rating—IP68 or IPX7-rated packs can withstand submersion, making them ideal for underwater adventures.

How do I charge multiple action camera batteries at once?

Use a dual or quad battery charger designed for your camera model, which allows simultaneous charging. Portable power banks with USB-C PD can also charge multiple batteries on the go, perfect for remote locations.

What features should I look for in a portable battery pack for action cameras?

Prioritize high mAh capacity, compact size, and rugged construction for outdoor use. Additional features like USB-C fast charging, built-in LED indicators, and compatibility with solar chargers enhance versatility during long adventures.