Best External Battery Pack for Action Camera Power on the Go

The best external battery pack for action cameras delivers reliable, on-the-go power to keep you shooting longer in any environment. With high-capacity cells, rugged designs, and fast-charging USB-C ports, these packs ensure your GoPro, DJI, or other action cam never misses a shot. Top models offer 10,000mAh+ capacity, weather resistance, and dual-device charging for maximum versatility in the field.

Key Takeaways

• Choose high-capacity packs: Opt for 10,000mAh+ for extended action camera use.
• Prioritize fast charging: Ensure 18W+ PD/QC support for quick power-ups.
• Check portability: Lightweight, compact designs are ideal for outdoor adventures.
• Verify compatibility: Match voltage/output to your action camera’s requirements.
• Look for rugged builds: Water/dust/shock resistance ensures durability in harsh conditions.
• Dual-port versatility: Charge camera and phone simultaneously with multiple USB ports.

The Ultimate Power Boost: Why Your Action Camera Needs an External Battery Pack

Remember that one time you were halfway up a mountain, capturing the perfect sunrise with your action camera, only for the battery to die just as the golden rays peeked over the horizon? We’ve all been there. Action cameras like GoPro, DJI, and Insta360 are built for adventure, but their compact size comes with a trade-off: limited battery life. A single charge might last 60 to 90 minutes under ideal conditions, but add in cold weather, high-resolution video, or constant GPS tracking, and you’re lucky to get 45 minutes. That’s where an external battery pack for action camera becomes your best friend.

Whether you’re a weekend hiker, a professional content creator, or a parent documenting your kid’s first mountain bike race, uninterrupted recording matters. An external battery pack doesn’t just extend your shooting time—it gives you peace of mind. No more cutting trips short or missing key moments because “the battery’s low.” But not all battery packs are created equal. Some are too bulky, others don’t deliver enough power, and a few might even damage your camera. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to pick the best external battery pack for action camera power on the go, based on real-world use, performance tests, and a few hard-earned lessons from the trail.

How External Battery Packs Work with Action Cameras

Understanding the Basics: Power Delivery and Compatibility

At first glance, an external battery pack might seem like just a portable charger. But when it comes to action cameras, there’s more to it than meets the eye. Most action cameras use USB-C or Micro-USB for charging, and they’re designed to draw power efficiently—but only if the battery pack can keep up. Here’s what’s happening under the hood:

• Voltage and Amperage: Action cameras typically require 5V/2A (10 watts) for optimal charging. Some newer models support fast charging (e.g., 9V/2A), but most rely on standard USB power. Using a pack that delivers too little current can slow charging, while too much might trigger safety cutoffs.
• Smart Charging Protocols: High-quality battery packs use protocols like USB-PD (Power Delivery) or Qualcomm Quick Charge to communicate with your camera. This ensures safe, fast charging without overheating.
• Pass-Through Charging: Some battery packs let you charge the pack while simultaneously powering your camera—a game-changer for long shoots.

Real-life example: I once used a cheap 5,000mAh pack with my GoPro Hero 10. It charged at a snail’s pace—about 1% every 3 minutes—and the camera overheated. Switching to a USB-PD pack with 20W output cut charging time in half and kept temps stable.

Types of External Battery Packs: Pros and Cons

Not all battery packs are built for the outdoors. Here are the main types you’ll encounter, and when each makes sense:

• Standard Power Banks (20,000mAh or less): Lightweight and affordable. Great for day trips. Downsides: May not support fast charging, and lower capacity means fewer recharges.
• High-Capacity Packs (20,000–30,000mAh): Ideal for multi-day adventures. Can charge your camera 3–5 times. But they’re heavier (1–2 lbs) and take longer to recharge.
• Waterproof/Shockproof Rugged Packs: Designed for extreme conditions. Think IP68 rating, drop resistance, and cold-weather performance. Worth the investment if you’re into skiing, kayaking, or desert hikes.
• Solar-Powered Packs: Eco-friendly, but slow. Useful as a backup in sunny environments, but don’t rely on them as your primary source.

Pro tip: Always check your camera’s input specs. For example, the DJI Osmo Action 3 supports up to 18W charging, while older GoPros cap at 10W. Match your pack’s output to your camera’s needs.

Top Features to Look for in an External Battery Pack

Capacity: How Much Power Do You Really Need?

Capacity (measured in mAh or Wh) is the first thing people look at—but it’s not the whole story. A 10,000mAh pack sounds great, but real-world efficiency matters more. Here’s how to calculate your needs:

• Camera Battery Size: Most action cameras have 1,200–1,720mAh batteries. A 10,000mAh pack *theoretically* offers 5–8 recharges, but energy loss (due to heat, voltage conversion, and cable resistance) cuts that to 3–5.
• Usage Time: If you shoot 2 hours daily, a 20,000mAh pack (≈4 recharges) lasts 2–3 days. For week-long trips, aim for 30,000mAh+.
• Weight Trade-Off: Every 10,000mAh adds ~0.5 lbs. Balance capacity with portability.

My rule of thumb: For weekend trips, 10,000–15,000mAh is enough. For extended adventures, go 20,000mAh+. I once carried a 30,000mAh pack on a 5-day backpacking trip and still had juice left for my phone.

Charging Speed and Output Ports

Not all ports are equal. Here’s what to prioritize:

• USB-C (PD): The gold standard. Delivers up to 100W (but 20W is plenty for most action cams). Reversible and future-proof.
• USB-A (Quick Charge 3.0): Older but still useful. Great for phones, but slower for cameras.
• Multiple Ports: Need to charge a camera and phone? Look for packs with 2+ ports. Just note: total output drops when using multiple ports.

Example: The Anker PowerCore 26K has a 20W USB-C port and two 12W USB-A ports. When charging my GoPro (via USB-C) and iPhone (via USB-A) simultaneously, the GoPro charged at 10W instead of 20W—but it still worked fine.

Durability and Weather Resistance

If you’re shooting in the rain, snow, or dust, your battery pack needs to keep up. Look for:

• IP Rating: IP67 or IP68 means it’s dustproof and can survive submersion in water (1m for 30 mins). IP65 is splash-resistant but not submersible.
• Drop Resistance: Rugged packs can survive 1–2 meter drops onto concrete.
• Temperature Range: Lithium batteries lose capacity in cold weather. Some packs (like the Goal Zero Flip 24) work down to -20°C (-4°F).

Lesson learned: I once used a non-waterproof pack in light rain. Water seeped into the USB port and killed it. Now I only use IP67+ packs for outdoor shoots.

Best External Battery Packs for Action Cameras (2024)

1. Anker PowerCore 26K (Best Overall)

Capacity: 26,800mAh (98.8Wh)
Ports: 1x USB-C (20W PD), 2x USB-A (12W)
Durability: IP67, drop-tested
Weight: 1.1 lbs (500g)

• Pros: Fast charging, rugged build, excellent efficiency (≈85% energy transfer).
• Cons: Slightly bulky for ultra-light hikers.

This pack is my go-to for multi-day trips. It charged my GoPro Hero 12 four times and my phone twice. The IP67 rating survived a sudden downpour during a hike, and the 20W PD port charged my camera from 0% to 80% in 45 minutes.

2. DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Battery (Best for DJI Users)

Capacity: 13,400mAh (48.2Wh)
Ports: 1x USB-C (18W PD)
Durability: IP54 (splash-resistant)
Weight: 0.6 lbs (270g)

• Pros: Perfect match for DJI Action 3/4, ultra-compact, fast charging.
• Cons: Lower capacity, not waterproof.

DJI’s pack is a no-brainer if you own a DJI camera. It charges the Action 3 from 0% to 100% in 50 minutes and fits in your pocket. The only downside? It’s not submersible, so avoid deep water.

3. Goal Zero Flip 24 (Best for Cold Weather)

Capacity: 6,700mAh (24Wh)
Ports: 1x USB-C (15W), 1x USB-A (12W)
Durability: IPX4, works down to -20°C
Weight: 0.4 lbs (180g)

• Pros: Cold-weather optimized, lightweight, solar-compatible.
• Cons: Low capacity, slow charging.

Used this on a ski trip in -15°C weather. My GoPro died after 30 minutes, but the Flip 24 kept it alive for another 90 minutes. The small size is perfect for stuffing in a jacket pocket.

4. RAVPower 20000mAh (Best Budget Option)

Capacity: 20,000mAh (74Wh)
Ports: 1x USB-C (18W PD), 1x USB-A (12W)
Durability: IP65
Weight: 0.9 lbs (410g)

• Pros: Affordable (~$40), solid performance, IP65 splash resistance.
• Cons: No fast charging, slightly heavier than competitors.

Great for beginners or casual users. Charged my Insta360 ONE X3 three times at 15W. The IP65 rating handled a dusty trail with no issues.

How to Maximize Battery Life (Even Without a Pack)

Smart Settings: Reduce Power Drain

An external battery pack isn’t the only way to extend runtime. Tweak these settings:

• Lower Resolution: 4K/30fps uses 30% more power than 1080p/30fps. Use 4K only when needed.
• Turn Off Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Disables remote control, but saves 10–15% battery.
• Disable GPS: Adds location data to videos, but drains battery fast.
• Use a Higher Frame Rate: 60fps uses less power than 120fps for the same resolution.

Example: On a hike, I set my GoPro to 1080p/60fps, turned off Wi-Fi, and got 120 minutes of recording—double the usual time.

Pro Tips for Battery Management

Even with a pack, these habits help:

• Keep Batteries Warm: In cold weather, store spares in an inner pocket. Cold batteries lose capacity fast.
• Use a Dummy Battery: Some packs (like the Anker 737) let you plug a dummy battery into your camera for continuous power.
• Carry a Short Cable: A 6-inch USB-C cable reduces strain on your camera’s port.
• Charge Strategically: Top up your pack at every opportunity—hotel outlets, car chargers, solar panels.

Warning: Never use a battery pack while recording in extreme heat (e.g., deserts). Overheating can damage both devices.

Data Table: Battery Pack Comparison

Model	Capacity	Ports	Durability	Weight	Best For
Anker PowerCore 26K	26,800mAh	1x USB-C (20W), 2x USB-A	IP67, drop-resistant	1.1 lbs	Multi-day trips, pros
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Battery	13,400mAh	1x USB-C (18W)	IP54	0.6 lbs	DJI users, day hikes
Goal Zero Flip 24	6,700mAh	1x USB-C (15W), 1x USB-A	IPX4, -20°C	0.4 lbs	Cold weather, emergencies
RAVPower 20000mAh	20,000mAh	1x USB-C (18W), 1x USB-A	IP65	0.9 lbs	Budget buyers, casual use

Final Thoughts: Power Your Passion, Not Just Your Camera

Choosing the best external battery pack for action camera isn’t about picking the biggest or most expensive option. It’s about finding the right balance of capacity, durability, and portability for *your* adventures. Whether you’re scaling a mountain, surfing waves, or chasing your kid around the park, the right pack ensures you never miss a moment.

Here’s my final advice: Start with a mid-range pack like the Anker 26K or RAVPower 20K if you’re unsure. They’re versatile, reliable, and won’t break the bank. Upgrade to a rugged or cold-weather pack if you need it. And always—*always*—test your setup before a big trip. There’s nothing worse than realizing your pack doesn’t work with your camera halfway up a cliff.

Remember, technology should serve your creativity, not limit it. With the right external battery pack for action camera, you’re not just capturing memories—you’re empowering them. Now go out there, press record, and let the world see what you see.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best external battery pack for action camera use?

The best external battery pack for action camera models like GoPro or DJI Osmo Action offers high capacity (10,000mAh+), USB-C PD support, and rugged, waterproof design. Look for options with dual outputs to charge both your camera and phone simultaneously.

How long can an external battery pack power my action camera?

Most 10,000mAh battery packs provide 2-3 full charges for action cameras, lasting 4-6 hours of continuous 4K recording. Actual runtime depends on camera model, resolution, and battery health.

Are external battery packs for action cameras waterproof?

Many premium external battery pack for action camera options feature IP67 or IP68 waterproof ratings, making them ideal for underwater filming or rainy conditions. Always check the product’s IP rating before use.

Can I charge my action camera and phone at the same time?

Yes! Top-tier action camera battery packs include dual USB-C and USB-A ports, allowing simultaneous charging of your camera and smartphone. This is perfect for vloggers needing constant power.

Do I need a special charger for my action camera’s external battery?

Most modern action cameras work with standard USB-C PD chargers. However, ensure your external battery pack supports at least 18W fast charging to maintain optimal camera performance.

How do I know if a battery pack is compatible with my action camera?

Check if the pack’s output matches your camera’s input requirements (e.g., 5V/2A). Most brands like GoPro or DJI list compatible power banks in their official specifications.