Lightweight long USB-C cable recommendations?

[DirtAmy]

I work away. A lot. So I've always had a long (3m - 10ft in 'old money') charging cable for my phone and it's perfect for any sleeping arrangements I find myself in. I automatically took it in 2017 and it was the best accidental non-decision I made with my kit.

But I've just replaced my phone. And the new one uses USB-C. Which is great, you can insert it in the dark and it's likely to become more universal than micro USBs. Brilliant. Except my charging cables are all now redundant.

I've tried buying new 3m USB-C cables but they're so much heavier than the micro USB cable I had. I swear, I bought one that was the width of a domestic appliance cable and had a weight to match and I discovered with another that nylon braiding was essentially armour plating so they're both relegated to home use. I believe it's to do with the current running through them and their ability to fast-charge but, currently, I only care about weight.

While away from home, I'm using one weighing 94.972g (I really shouldn't abuse my access to scales that give milligrams - I'm totally not comparing milligram differences between toothbrushes on them, no no no no....). But it's still significantly heavier than my previous cable and I'm at an obsessive stage of preparing for 2020 where every gram matters and I'm deciding whether to return home or to work by the weight of the keys. I do have the option of a small adapter on my old micro USB cable, it's a lighter weight combined but feels like asking for trouble by introducing more elements to go wrong/lose.

Does anyone have recommendations for long USB-C cables under 80g?
You would not believe the variations in advertised weight to reality. And I'm not just talking milligrams. However, if someone trusts a brand as opposed to having in-hand experience then I am game for buying cables advertised low and putting them on the scales (that I totally do not use for my own purposes, no no no no....).
Very many thanks for any help (sssssshh, this is not feeding-an-obsession).

 

[Former member 91017]

I don't... but have an alternate that might help:
I purchased from amazon a charger that is for EU sockets and has 4 (four!) USB ports and a 3 meter cord. I will be taking my phone, my watch and a battery bank -- so that's 3 ports in use right there. I won't always need to charge the battery, so I was figuring on being able to offer two ports to other pilgrims while I am charging up (i.e. I won't be hogging spots).
I will still take my shorter USB-C cables, but will get good distance on the charger itself.
There were many options as far as brands went.
I simply chose the brand offering a cord coloured int eh same tone as the rest of my gear so that it would be identifiable as mine.
Cheers!
Faye

 

[DirtAmy]

Ooooh, that is interesting. I have a four port device that has proven useful in sharing ports but it sits at the socket. Definitely something to consider, many thanks!

 

[t2andreo]

I recommend and suggest a plug adapter to convert from your present cable’s micro USB tip to a USB-C configuration. This will likely be the lightest weight result.

As it is only low voltage / amperage current, this should not make a difference. If we we talking about data transfers, the consideration would be different, one would want a cable with larger capacity data cables. But in any such cable, the power transfer cables are the thinnest in the cable bundle.

I just checked. You can find these adapters on Amazon.

Hope this helps.

 

[Deleted member 43985]

Have you considered a small battery bank instead? I see 10,000 mAh batteries that would charge your phone a couple of time and weigh 150gm. I use something similar so I never have to leave my devices charging while I’m not there so if someone wants to steal my battery bank it only costs me >$30 instead of replacing an expensive phone. I usually charge my phone as I’m doing the last bit of my daily walking so it’s charged before I reach the Albergue and then just plug in my battery bank. Good luck in your search.

 

[trecile]

The brand new 10 ft long USB C cable that I brought for my latest Camino turned out to be a dud - it charged my phone, but very slowly. So, when I was in León I went to one of the Flying Tiger stores and bought an inexpensive 3 meter cable that has been fantastic, and charges my phone quickly. I just put it on the scale, and it weighs 72 grams

 

[Deleted member 67185]

I work away. A lot. So I've always had a long (3m - 10ft in 'old money') charging cable for my phone and it's perfect for any sleeping arrangements I find myself in. I automatically took it in 2017 and it was the best accidental non-decision I made with my kit.

But I've just replaced my phone. And the new one uses USB-C. Which is great, you can insert it in the dark and it's likely to become more universal than micro USBs. Brilliant. Except my charging cables are all now redundant.

I've tried buying new 3m USB-C cables but they're so much heavier than the micro USB cable I had. I swear, I bought one that was the width of a domestic appliance cable and had a weight to match and I discovered with another that nylon braiding was essentially armour plating so they're both relegated to home use. I believe it's to do with the current running through them and their ability to fast-charge but, currently, I only care about weight.

While away from home, I'm using one weighing 94.972g (I really shouldn't abuse my access to scales that give milligrams - I'm totally not comparing milligram differences between toothbrushes on them, no no no no....). But it's still significantly heavier than my previous cable and I'm at an obsessive stage of preparing for 2020 where every gram matters and I'm deciding whether to return home or to work by the weight of the keys. I do have the option of a small adapter on my old micro USB cable, it's a lighter weight combined but feels like asking for trouble by introducing more elements to go wrong/lose.

Does anyone have recommendations for long USB-C cables under 80g?
You would not believe the variations in advertised weight to reality. And I'm not just talking milligrams. However, if someone trusts a brand as opposed to having in-hand experience then I am game for buying cables advertised low and putting them on the scales (that I totally do not use for my own purposes, no no no no....).
Very many thanks for any help (sssssshh, this is not feeding-an-obsession).

I like Anker products. They have a USB to C that is 6 foot long/ 1.83 m. which weighs in at 64 grams.

PowerLine+ USB-C to USB 3.0 (6ft)

The Anker Advantage: Join the 55 million+ powered by our leading technology. Fast Sync & Charge: Supports up to 15W charging for phones and tablets. Offers SuperSpeed transfer of 5 Gbps¡ªtransfer an HD movie in under 5 seconds. Lasts 5X Longer: Double-braided nylon exterior, toughened aramid...

www.anker.com

 

[jgiesbrecht]

You can buy adapters to keep using all of your old cords, from microusb to typec

USB Type C Adapter - GLUBEE Micro USB to USB-C Female to Male Support Fast Charge and Data Transfer Adapter for Google Pixel 3, Galaxy S10 Note 9 and more devices (Set of 6, Black): Amazon.ca: Electronics

USB Type C Adapter - GLUBEE Micro USB to USB-C Female to Male Support Fast Charge and Data Transfer Adapter for Google Pixel 3, Galaxy S10 Note 9 and more devices (Set of 6, Black): Amazon.ca: Electronics

www.amazon.ca

 

[Barbara]

I use an adapter. I got a pack of four for about 8 euros from Amazon. They work just fine.

 

[DirtAmy]

Thanks all, I have the adapter option as a back-up but I'm now inspired that I will find the long lightweight cable I desire. Especially as I am only looking to charge and, as @t2andreo says, they're the lightest cables in the bundle. I'm not planning to take a battery bank this time, @jozero has a good system but it's not one that works for me.
I've ordered an Anker that I now suspect will come in under the advertised weight, @davebugg many thanks.
And I've ordered a cable that looks a lot like @trecile has (although I am utterly coveting her purple) and they will go on the scales.... when no one else is in the room (I know you all get it, you've probably been found weighing combs too....).

 

[ortemio]

Longer cables = higher resistance and slower charging, the shorter cables help charge faster and weight less...

 

[trecile]

Longer cables = higher resistance and slower charging, the shorter cables help charge faster and weight less...

But if you want to be sure that you can reach an electrical outlet from an upper bunk a long cable can be invaluable.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Longer cables = higher resistance and slower charging, the shorter cables help charge faster and weight less...

Good observation. Also, not all cables are created equal, and for cables that are used to pass data, there can be a large disparity in 'speed'. So when assessing the purchase long-length charging cables, data cables, or both, it is important to evaluate whether or not the construction, materials and manufacturing compensate to allow for normal rates of function. . . be it bandwidth or speed of charging.

Reviews from users of the product can help one determine the performance of a cable, as well as purchasing cables that are made by a known manufacturer.

 

[DirtAmy]

Just checking in to let you know that my search has concluded in a 3m cable that uses 'fast charge' and is under 80g!
Unfortunately, I'm no longer sure which purchase produced the winner so can't share the link....

 

[BombayBill]

Just checking in to let you know that my search has concluded in a 3m cable that uses 'fast charge' and is under 80g!
Unfortunately, I'm no longer sure which purchase produced the winner so can't share the link....

Never buy a cheap one. They are slower to charge. Buy Anker or Aukey. I’ve learned the hard way that cheap cables can damage your phone.