How to Keep Devices Charged on a Road Trip
When you're logging long hours on the road, keeping your devices charged is a must… especially if you're navigating with your phone, taking photos at every overlook, or trying to document wildlife sightings before they sprint (or fly or slither) away.
But dead batteries and hard-to-reach charging cords can turn an epic drive into a tech scramble fast. So here’s our go-to gear and best practices for staying charged and stress-free on the road.
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1. Use an Extra-Long Phone Charger
A standard phone charging cable might reach from the front seat to the cupholder, but what about your backseat co-pilot? Or your road trip partner who just wants to scroll while you drive?
An extra-long phone charger (6–10 feet) is one of the cheapest and most useful upgrades you can make. It makes it easy to charge from any seat, stretch your phone to the dash for navigation, or even plug in from the back of an SUV while camping.
Pro tip: Look for braided cables. They’re more durable and less likely to get tangled or frayed in your glove box.
2. Invest in a Good Car Adapter or Power Inverter
Your car’s USB port might work, but if you’ve ever had your phone die after hours of “charging,” you know not all ports are created equal.
Instead, grab a reliable 12V car adapter with multiple high-speed USB-C and USB-A ports. These plug into your car’s cigarette lighter and offer fast charging for multiple devices at once.
Want to charge laptops or camera batteries? You’ll need a power inverter that converts your car’s 12V outlet into a standard AC plug. We use one that looks like this: 🔄 Power Inverter with Dual USB + AC Outlets
Great for working from the road or charging bigger devices like camera batteries, drones, or even a travel blender if you’re feeling fancy. Basically, a power inverter turns your car's power into regular wall outlet power, so you can plug in a laptop, camera battery charger, or anything that needs a regular plug!
3. Pack Portable Power Banks (And Keep Them Charged!)
When you’re out hiking, sightseeing, or off-grid camping, you’ll be glad you brought a power bank. These portable batteries come in all shapes and sizes, from slim, single-charge units to beefy bricks that can juice up a laptop.
We recommend:
Small + light for your daypack
High-capacity (20,000mAh or more) for extended off-grid days or charging multiple devices
RTL tip: Always top these up the night before you hit the road. We keep ours on a designated “charging shelf” by the front door, so we don’t forget them. (Always pick the outlet closet to the door—you’ve got a better chance of spotting it on your way out.)
4. Don’t Forget Camera Battery Backups 📸
If you’re a photographer (or even a casual wildlife spotter), your camera battery will go fast, especially in cold weather or when you're constantly shooting.
Bring at least two extra batteries for your camera (and drone, if you’re using one) and a car charger or USB wall charger that works with your battery model.
RTL tip: We keep camera batteries and memory cards in a our camera bag so they’re always organized and ready to swap. No digging around in your glovebox with bison approaching!
5. Consider a Solar Charger (for Off-Grid or Eco-Friendly Trips)
Planning to spend a lot of time in national parks without power? A foldable solar charger or solar power bank can be a game-changer.
It’s not always fast, but it is dependable if you’ve got sunshine and patience.
Great for: Backpacking, base camps, national parks, or charging small items like your phone or headlamp while out for the day.
6. Charge Smart at Stops
Every stop on your road trip is an opportunity not just to stretch your legs or grab snacks, but to boost your battery life.
Whenever you pull over for gas, food, or a bathroom break, make it a habit to plug in your devices. Even a quick 10–15 minute charge can make a big difference, especially if you’re topping off a phone, power bank, or camera battery.
If you're stopping for a longer break—say, lunch or a scenic viewpoint—take advantage of any available outlets (yes, even in gas stations or fast food restaurants).
Bonus: How to Stay Online on the Road
Whether you're working remotely, uploading photos, or just trying to stream a show from your cabin or campsite, staying online during a road trip takes a little strategy, especially once you leave major cities behind.
Here are your best options for reliable road trip Wi-Fi:
Use Your Phone’s Hotspot
Most smartphones (especially iPhones and Androids) can be used as Wi-Fi hotspots, letting your laptop or tablet connect to the internet through your phone’s data plan.
What you’ll need:
A cell plan that includes or allows hotspot usage
A decent signal (at least 2–3 bars of LTE or 5G)
Pro tip: Turn off video autoplay and limit large file uploads while tethered to avoid eating up your data allowance.
Bring a Dedicated Hotspot Device
If you need stronger connectivity or don’t want to burn through your phone battery, consider a dedicated hotspot device (sometimes called a MiFi). These small, portable devices pull data from a cellular network and create a private Wi-Fi network.
You can usually get them through major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, and some offer prepaid data plans perfect for occasional use. These are great if you're juggling work calls, uploading large files, or traveling with multiple people who all need to be online.
Here are some examples of portable WiFi hotspots for working while traveling:
Skyroam Solis Lite - This portable hotspot works in over 130 countries, providing a reliable connection wherever you go, and you can pay as you go for data.
GlocalMe G4 Pro - This device offers global connectivity and comes with a touchscreen interface, making it easy to set up and use while traveling.
SIMO Solis Lite 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot - This hotspot is perfect for remote workers and digital nomads, providing secure and reliable mobile internet in over 135 countries without the need for a SIM card.
Consider Starlink for Remote Travel
For full-time travelers, van lifers, or RVers heading deep into the wild, Starlink Roam (by SpaceX) has become a game-changer.
This satellite internet service offers surprisingly fast speeds in off-grid areas with no cell signal, perfect for remote national parks or long-term camping. It’s a splurge, but for those living or working from the road full-time, it can be worth every penny.
Other Wi-Fi Options Along the Way
When in doubt, don’t underestimate the Wi-Fi oasis of a good roadside stop:
Libraries (free Wi-Fi, quiet spaces, and A+ bathrooms)
Coffee shops and fast food restaurants (Starbucks, McDonald's, etc.)
Campgrounds or RV parks with included internet (though it can be hit or miss)
Just keep in mind public Wi-Fi isn’t always secure, so avoid banking or logging into sensitive accounts without a VPN.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your devices charged on a road trip doesn’t require a lot of gear, but it does require the right gear.
A little prep means:
You won’t miss the perfect photo because your battery died.
You can keep navigating even after 12 hours in the car.
You can actually relax at night, knowing you’re good to go for tomorrow.
Happy travels!
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As remote work continues to be an option for many, thoughtful gifts to enhance productivity or comfort are great for those who work from different locations. Whether you’re shopping for a digital nomad, a road tripper, or someone constantly on the move, here are 10 thoughtful and practical gifts for people who work from the road!