I like to travel light. But I am still addicted to my tech devices. You know, smartphone, iPad, cameras (yes, that is plural), sound recorders. You get the idea. Keeping these power hungry miracles of modern technology happy and operating can be a bit of a challenge. Previously I’ve written about some mobile power devices I have used to operate my tech ( related article). I’ve added a couple of really neat items to my power kit and wanted to share them.
Anker Astro E5 16000mAh Portable Charger External Battery Power Bank
This is a powerful (16000mAh) unit. Charge this mobile power device and then take it with you on your outings. If your tech device needs to be refreshed, simply plug it into the USB power port on the Anker and it will power up. The Anker has 2 USB ports so you can actually recharge 2 devices at the same time. It provides lots of power – enough to charge an iPhone 5s seven times and an iPad Air “more than one time” according to the manufacturer. It includes “Power IQ Technology” so it provides each device with just the amount of power it needs. Simple – that’s the way I like it. It’s really quite small -Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 2.4 x 0.9 inches, and weighs in at a “solid” 10.9 ounces. Not super light weight I agree. But light enough considering it’s power. It’s a great backup mobile power device for travel.
Kikkerland UL03-A Universal Travel Adapter
I don’t know about you, but I always get a bit confused about what type / shape of electrical plug each country uses. In the past I’ve traveled with a bag full of plug adapters just to be sure I had what I needed. Well, those days are gone now that I discovered this handy device by Kikkerland. Remember those “Transformer” toys of the past? The ones where, with a few twists and adjustments you could transform a toy car into a toy airplane and such? Well think of this Kikkerland device as the Transformer of the plug adapter world. It consists of two pieces which can be arranged and rearranged into a number of different configurations allowing it to fit into electrical outlets of more than 150 countries. It’s small and lightweight (1.6 ounces). I now carry two of these on my travels.
( 2 different configurations above to work with different 3 pronged outlets used in Myanmar – yes it looks a bit weird – the 3 prongs protruding to the right in the photos would be active and plugged into the outlet. The other protrusions aren’t active in these configurations.)
I use these plug adapters to plug my Monster MP Outlets to Go Strips into the power supply / wall outlet. If you travel much you know that there are never enough outlets when you need them. With the Kikkerland adapter plugged into the Monster strip I don’t need a separate plug adapter for each of the many devices I carry. I simply power the Monster strip via the adapter and then I can plug devices into the Monster using their own plugs – no additional adapters needed.
Monster Power Strip
( Here’s an example configuration for Myanmar. The 3 pronged adapter fits into the wall outlet and the Monster strip is plugged into this. The Monster now has 4 standard American style outlets which you can use. Above I show my Apple power block/converter for my iPhone along with the lightning cable which would then attach to the iPhone)
Be aware. The Kikkerland is a plug adapter, not a power converter. The Monster Power Strip provides additional outlets but it is not a power converter. Fortunately, most of today’s devices handle a wide range of power inputs. But always – and that is ALWAYS – check your devices to know what type of power it can handle.
Disclaimer: As always, I receive no compensation for my product reviews. I’ve purchased these items on my own and the opinions shared are mine alone as well. These items are available for purchase from Amazon. If you purchase by “clicking through” on the items below – your purchase will help support this site and there will be no extra cost to you.
Power Up ……………… And Enjoy The Journey!
Dr.B, The Photo Trekker
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