Android Phone

[P & L]

Attempting out first Camino soon Just not sure what to get to charge our android phones. Is a converter needed? Also, any recommendations on chargers/battery packs. or whatever is needed. Any opinions on solar chargers? Appreciate this forum, read it everyday!!

 

[trecile]

A voltage converter is not needed. You can use your charger with just a plug adapter. I recommend that you tape the adapter to the charger so that you don't accidentally leave it in an outlet.

I bring a ten foot long charging cable, because oftentimes there is no outlet right near your bed, especially if you have a top bunk. I also bring a small power bank that gives me up to two full charges.
Rather than use my US plug charger I actually bought a European plug charger with two USB ports on Amazon.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

If your phone uses a USB port to charge, this adapter is all you need. It has two USB ports and can charge two devices at the same time. It is lightweight, and is a stellar performer.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MV6UBIC/?tag=casaivar02-20

 

[SabsP]

Hi and welcome.
Maybe these threads can be of help

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/forums/mobile-phones-and-tablets.120/

 

[trecile]

I know that some people bring solar chargers, but it takes them a long time to fully charge from the sun, and you're not in the wilderness. There are plenty of places to charge your phone and back up power pack if you bring one.

 

[trecile]

If your phone uses a USB port to charge, this adapter is all you need. It has two USB ports and can charge two devices at the same time. It is lightweight, and is a stellar performer.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MV6UBIC/?tag=casaivar02-20
View attachment 39606

We were posting at the same time. That's the same charger that I have.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

We were posting at the same time. That's the same charger that I have.

Great minds and all that I really like the adapter. Relatively compact, very lightweight, and simple to use.

Caleb and I each carried one as a backup (just in case we left one plugged in and left it) or if a power-starved pilgrim happened to be in need.

 

[trecile]

Great minds and all that I really like the adapter. Relatively compact, very lightweight, and simple to use.

Caleb and I each carried one as a backup (just in case we left one plugged in and left it) or if a power-starved pilgrim happened to be in need.

I brought a cheaper European plug charger on my first Camino, but it got very hot when it was charging. I didn't have any problems with this one from Amazon.
I also want to advise against bringing a charger with LED lights, unless you want to annoy everyone in the albergue.

 

[Dave C.]

Never needed a “power bank”. I would just turn off my phone and turn it back on if needed. Sometimes I would just put it in airplane mode to take pictures. I would charge it at night in the Albergue if needed. No issues.

 

[trecile]

Never needed a “power bank”. I would just turn off my phone and turn it back on if needed. Sometimes I would just put it in airplane mode to take pictures. I would charge it at night in the Albergue if needed. No issues.

You're right, a power bank isn't necessary, but as a woman traveling alone I like to be prepared.

 

[C clearly]

a power bank isn't necessary

That also depends on how old your battery is and how long it stays charged! Before I got my new one, I couldn't keep a mapping app running all day without a recharge.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

You're right, a power bank isn't necessary, but as a woman traveling alone I like to be prepared.

And now, the newest technologies produce tiny power banks which can fully charge an iPhone 8 two times and still have charging power left over. Smaller than a lipstick, you can toss one in your backpack and it might add 4 to 6 ounces.

 

[stevov]

I had an adapter but also had a solar charger. The latter, somewhat to my surprise, proved very useful during the day as my phone battery is about 8 hrs max and walking for hours meant I could plug in while walking (i attached it to my baclpack) and have a fully effective smart phone at all times. In the end I was charging the solar charger in the evenings from the mains to top that up ready for the next day.

 

[Former member 49149]

Don’t worry if your battery dies on a Dublin bus and you left your charger in an albergue outlet...

 

[Sharonih]

Hi there I do a lot of minimalist travel though this is my first Camino, I have used both Android and Apple products. I bring 2 power banks, with a converter tip for the wall outlet but one of my few luxury items I am bringing is a short extension cord with a power bar. The weight is minimal but it is one of the most used items that I have ever brought on all my travels. If it gets busy more than one person can use it to charge their items as well. Reminder if you need to there are a lot of places you can buy things but just not everywhere. Enjoy

 

[P & L]

Great help! Grateful for all your responses! Looks like a simple solution!!

 

[imlomer]

Is a converter needed?

Sure .