One of the most terrifying moments in my running life occurred on the way back from a trip to Central Oregon. It was a beautiful evening, and I decided to squeeze in a medium-sized trail run before heading home. The trails were stunning, but as I made my way back, I realized I had gotten a bit turned around. That’s when the real panic set in — I only had a few percentage points of battery left on my phone.
Fortunately, there was just enough internet coverage to pick up my location, but I was sweating at the thought of what would happen once my phone died. Thankfully, I made it back safely, but I swore that day that I would never leave for a trail run without a power source again. You just never know. After that experience, I knew I needed to upgrade my power source, and this device has a lot of great features that make it a perfect companion for any runner or traveler.
What I may have needed was the BioLite Charge 100 Max.
The Charge 100 Max comes with a 25,000mAh battery, which honestly, I don’t fully understand outside of knowing that it’s powerful and charges fast. What’s more important is that it’s not just about how quickly it charges devices — it can also go from empty to full in just 90 minutes. This is crucial when you’re heading out the door and need to top up your power bank before a run or trip.
This power bank is built for versatility, featuring both USB-C and USB-A ports. Like many people, I still have devices that need both types, and this covers all my bases. The Charge 100 Max isn’t just a one-and-done device either — one full charge can power up your smartphone seven times, your smartwatch 38 times, and your running headlamp 30 times. This makes it perfect for endurance events like backyard ultras, where your headlamp needs to stay charged even as your body wears down from exhaustion.
Though I don’t have a phone that supports magnetic charging yet, this feature is a game-changer for those who do. You simply lay your phone on top of the device, and it starts charging — no cables required. It’s a nice feature to future-proof your gear.
The Charge 100 Max isn’t just for running or hiking — it’s an excellent option for travel, too. It’s FAA compliant, so you can bring it on planes without any hassle. If you’re a remote worker or someone who likes to work from coffee shops, this power bank can keep your laptop, phone, and headphones charged all at once. No more scrambling for outlets in crowded cafes.
At approximately 1.25 pounds, it’s a little heavier than what you’d carry in a running belt or pocket, but given its capacity, that’s to be expected. With dimensions of 5.4 x 4.4 x 1.4 inches, it fits easily into a running pack, gym bag, or hiking backpack. It’s not too bulky for its power, but you probably wouldn’t carry it on shorter runs unless you’re prepared for the extra weight.
The BioLite Charge 100 Max is a solid upgrade for anyone who needs reliable power, whether on the trails or while traveling. Its fast charging, high capacity, and multiple port options make it ideal for runners, hikers, and even remote workers. While it’s a bit heavy for day-to-day runs, it’s perfect for longer adventures where you need the extra peace of mind that you’ll stay charged no matter what.
