Lightweight Power for Travel and Trail: Anker 313 Power Bank (PowerCore 10K) Review

I first tested the Anker 313 Power Bank (PowerCore 10K) ($26) on a cross-country trip. I carried it through airports, where it kept my phone alive between flights, and relied on it during long drives when GPS and streaming drained my battery fast.

Back home in the Tetons, I threw it in my daypack for a dozen hikes this summer where my phone doubles as a camera and trail map. In both settings, airplanes and alpine ridges, it proved to be the kind of power bank you forget you’re carrying until it saves the day.

In short: The Anker 313 packs reliable charging into a compact, travel-friendly size. It’s light enough for hiking yet powerful enough to handle full travel days, making it one of the best everyday chargers I’ve tested.

Compare the Anker 313 Power Bank to others I’ve tested in our Buyer’s Guide to the Best Power Banks.

Anker 313 Power Bank (PowerCore 10K) Review

Compact Design, Big Utility

With a 10,000mAh capacity, the PowerCore 10K delivers two to three full smartphone charges. It’s about the size of a large smartphone, just a little thicker, and weighs about the same as a deck of cards or a big chocolate bar. That makes it slim and light enough to slip into a pocket, purse, or carry-on without hassle. Designed for on-the-go lifestyles, it offers a rare balance between size and performance.

Built for Travel

On my trip back East, this power bank quickly became indispensable. It kept my phone charged during long airport waits, powered GPS on hours of highway driving, and handled streaming and photos without a hiccup. Instead of hunting for outlets or worrying about battery life, I had steady, reliable power wherever the day took me.

Adventure-Ready Minimalist

At under 9 ounces, this bank virtually disappears in a daypack, yet provides enough backup to keep a phone alive through long hikes or ski tours. Even when my phone pulled heavy duty for GPS, photos, and videos, the PowerCore 10K kept it running well past sunset. It’s a no-brainer addition for outdoor adventures where weight and space matter.

On one outing, I actually forgot it at home and paid the price. I missed capturing a bull moose crashing through willows because my phone died before I could hit record. Since then, it’s become a permanent fixture in my pack.

On the flip side, when I had it with me, it kept my phone alive throughout the day in Yellowstone so I could continue recording grizzly bears through my spotting scope, footage I would’ve lost without the extra charge.

Fast and Safe Charging

Anker’s PowerIQ technology provides up to 5V/3A charging speeds, fast enough to keep up with heavy phone use. The trickle-charge mode handles smaller electronics like earbuds and speakers, while the MultiProtect safety system ensures overload and overcharge protection. It’s not just convenient, it’s dependable and safe.

Durability

Despite its slim build, the PowerCore 10K feels sturdy. The casing resists scratches from daily use, and it handled being tossed into packs, dropped onto hard floors, and carried through crowded airports without complaint. Anker rates it to survive a 3.2-foot drop, and in my testing, it shrugged off the kind of bumps and scrapes that come with both travel and trail use.

Room for Improvement

The PowerCore 10K does come with some trade-offs. It only charges one device at a time, which can be limiting if you’re juggling a phone and earbuds. It lacks Qualcomm Quick Charge and Power Delivery, so tablets and laptops won’t charge at their top speeds.

Anker 313 Power Bank: Who Is It For?

The Anker 313 Power Bank is best for travelers, hikers, and everyday users who want a compact, reliable charger at a reasonable price. It’s not meant for multi-device setups or laptop charging. But, for anyone who just needs a phone to last through flights, road trips, or mountain adventures, it’s one of the strongest options in the 10,000mAh class.