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This is my hands-on review of the Anker 313 Power Bank (formerly known as the Anker PowerCore Slim 10K). I tested it alongside 4 of the best lightweight battery packs over the course of 2 weeks.
After using it on my hiking trips, performing a capacity test, and comparing its specs and features to other comparable battery packs, I think the Anker 313 is a decent battery pack at a great price. It performs the simple job of charging up your phone and other portable electronics while on the trail and at camp. It can only charge one device at a time through its single USB-A port, though, and there are lighter options if you’re an ultralight backpacker.
A good, lightweight battery pack at an affordable price.
Keep reading for my full Anker 313 Power Bank review, as well as my thoughts on how it compares to the other best portable battery packs for camping and backpacking.
Video Review
Here’s a short video version of my Anker 313 review. Check it out below and consider subscribing to my YouTube channel if you like hiking and outdoor gear videos!
Anker 313 Power Bank Review
First Impressions
Upon opening up the box, I was impressed with the Anker 313’s slim and small size. It’s approximately the same size and shape as a phone without a case, making it very portable and easy to carry around. It’ll fit in most pockets and bags without issue.
It’s pretty lightweight for a 10,000mAh battery pack. Additionally, the battery pack comes with a micro USB cable to charge it and a mesh carrying case for storage.
The pack has a button which provides an indication of how much battery life is left. With a press, you can quickly get a sense of how much battery is left.
Battery Capacity Test
I tested the usable capacity of the Anker 313 and got a result of 34.89 watt hours (Wh), which works out to 9,430mAh at 3.7V or 6,798mAh at 5V. That’s slightly less than the listed capacity of 37Wh (10,000mAh at 3.7V or 7,400mAh at 5V).
However, this amount is still significant and can charge most phones around 2 times. Additionally, this amount of battery capacity is also sufficient for charging other portable electronics — such as tablets, GoPros, and other cameras.
It’s important to note that battery capacity can vary depending on a variety of factors such as usage patterns, temperature, and age. In my test, I used a USB load tester with a steady 1A output to measure capacity. In practice, you’ll probably be charging your devices at a faster rate than 1A (most likely 2A or more), so you’ll probably get a little less usable capacity than I did.
Weight
According to the listed weight, the Anker 313 weighs 7.5 ounces. However, when I measured it using my digital scale, the weight came out to be 8.4 ounces. Despite the difference, the battery pack still provides a solid ratio of 4.15 watt hours per ounce (34.89Wh ÷ 8.4 oz).
The battery pack’s weight may seem insignificant, but for some hikers, every ounce counts. The Anker 313 is lightweight, but a battery pack with a higher ratio of watt hours to ounces — such as the premium Nitecore NB10000 — is a better option for ultralight backpackers.
Charging Output
The Anker 313 battery pack has only one output port for charging, and it’s a USB-A port. Compared to the newer USB-C ports that are becoming increasingly common, the USB-A port is a bit outdated.
The power bank does have a USB-C port, but it is only meant for input (i.e. charging the pack itself). Most new battery packs have a USB-C port for output, so this is one area where the Anker 313 lags a bit.
Having only one output port means you can only charge one device at a time. Additionally, having USB-C output ports is preferable since it is a newer technology that charges devices more quickly. While the Anker 313 battery pack falls short in these areas, it still provides a solid charging option for those who do not require multiple ports or the latest charging technology. It will still help you keep your phone and other electronics charged while backpacking.
Charging Input
The Anker 313 has two input ports: a micro USB port and a USB-C port. While having two input ports may seem useful at first glance — could you use both to charge the battery pack super quickly?? — the two inputs ports cannot be used at the same time.
The micro USB port is outdated and a cheaper and slower charging port. To use the USB-C port, you will need to buy your own USB-C cable. In my opinion, it would have been better if the battery pack had only one input port, preferably a USB-C port, as it provides faster charging capabilities.
A good, lightweight battery pack at an affordable price.
What I Like
- It’s a good value. For its size and capacity, the Anker 313 is an affordable price from a reputable brand.
- It can charge at up to 12 watts. That’s decently fast for a standard USB-A port.
- The capacity I measured is inline with the listed capacity. When I performed a battery capacity test, I measured a total of 34.89Wh. That’s very close to this pack’s listed 37Wh capacity.
What I Don’t Like
- It has only one output port. Some battery packs let you charge 2 or more devices at a time. With the Anker 313, you can only charge one.
- The included charging cable is a micro USB cable. Micro USB doesn’t charge as fast as newer technologies, such as USB-C.
- It’s a bit heavy compared to other battery packs. This gripe is for ultralight backpackers: In terms of watt hours per ounce, this battery pack lags behind the competition a bit.
Who This Battery Pack Is for
- You want a simple and affordable battery pack. It’s lightweight and portable and it’ll charge your phone just fine. If that’s all you need, this charger is a great value.
- You don’t care about the weight of your power bank. Most people don’t, making this a great option for most people.
Who This Battery Pack Isn’t for
- You want to charge multiple devices at once. The Anker 313 can only charge one device at a time.
- You want to fully charge lots of devices. If you have 3 or more devices you need to charge fully, I’d recommend looking at larger battery packs, such as 20,000mAh sizes.
- You’re an ultralight hiker. Ultralight backpackers should look towards battery packs with better watt hours-per-ounce ratios, such as the Nitecore NB10000.
Best Anker 313 Power Bank Alternatives
- Anker 325 Power Bank. If you like Anker and their value-oriented portable chargers but need more than a 10,000mAh capacity, check out the Anker 325, a 20,000mAh pack. It has double the battery capacity and an extra output port.
- Nitecore NB10000 Power Bank. This is the best lightweight power bank for backpacking I’ve used. If you’re an ultralight backpacker, this is the charger I’d recommend.
The Bottom Line
Overall, I think the Anker 313 offers good bang for your buck. It’s an affordable and portable 10,000mAh battery pack that does the simple job of charging your devices on the go. You don’t get the fastest charging speeds or the latest USB-C input ports, though, and you can only charge one device at a time.
A few years back, Anker’s power banks used to be the go-to for ultralight backpackers. However, now they’re just mediocre for that use case and are designed more for the general consumer who just needs to charge their devices at a park or concert. Of course, if weight doesn’t matter that much to you then it’s also a good option for those scenarios as well as travel, hikes, and backpacking trips.
A small ask: If you found my Anker 313 Power Bank review helpful and are planning on getting one, please consider purchasing through one of my affiliate links below. I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you) which will help fund more outdoor gear reviews like this one. Thank you! 🙏
A good, lightweight battery pack at an affordable price.
