Pedestrian navigator without the Internet. Yandex.Maps has learned to lay out walking routes

With the onset of the warm season, more and more people prefer to spend time outside. Walking and cycling allow you to relieve stress at the end of the day, improve your health and gain fresh impressions. Moreover, with the help of “” you can now lay new walking routes at least every day.

In the web version of the maps, all you have to do is click on the “Routes” button, and then set the starting and ending points. A smart algorithm will build the shortest route between these points using roads with sidewalks, pedestrian paths, paths, stairs, arches, passages between buildings, and so on.

Please note that it is possible to assemble a route from several points. So if you want to visit several places during the time, then this is not a problem. On the map you can also see the distance to each point and the total time to complete the route. Maximum length The route is 50 kilometers. However, in most cases this is quite enough.

This function looks no less nice in mobile application. Here, Yandex.Maps will not only build a walking route for you, but will also guide you along it from start to finish in navigation mode.

Please note that navigating the footpaths and paths is quite challenging task due to the fact that in any area there are hundreds of times more of them than highways. However, the developers of Yandex.Maps managed to solve this problem with honor. During my short testing, I got directions to places I knew well, and the app almost always found best option.

This result is achieved due to the fact that not only developers, but also ordinary users took part in filling the Yandex.Maps cartographic database. You can also contribute, because who else, besides you, knows so well all the yards, paths in parks and paths in your area. For this purpose, there is a “People's Map”, the data of which, after approval by moderators, is used when constructing walking routes. Currently, this function works in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine.

This article lists three of the best apps for Android. Everyone knows that many people prefer to use their smartphone as a navigator. Among them large percentage users choose the Navitel application for Android. A good choice, if you are willing to pay a certain amount for using the program. Plus you need to buy additional cards. On the other hand, there are free cards, for example from Yandex, which are installed on almost every device. Definitely the positive side such applications are free use, plus always fresh cards. But, unfortunately, there is one drawback - Yandex.Maps almost always requires an Internet connection.

Navigation- This modern navigator, which has a rich set of functions. These include: route guidance without an Internet connection, Russian voice acting, indication of road signs and radars. Another main advantage is the maps, which can be downloaded and used for free. On this moment The map of Russia takes up about 900 MB.

Yandex.Navigator- This free service from Yandex, which complements Yandex.Maps. Thanks to this navigator, you will always have an updated map that can show accidents, traffic police posts, traffic jams, etc. At the moment, the application works via the Internet, but you won’t have to download the map every time. It is automatically saved upon first or preliminary launch. And if you have access to Wi-Fi, you can download it in advance.

2Gis— this guide should be on every smartphone. I consider this application to be the best city guide. All data about companies, firms, stores, etc. that are located on the map is collected here. To use, you need to download a map from the list of available cities. Maps take up very little space due to vector rendering.

The application can also be used as a navigator for motorists and pedestrians. In the settings you need to indicate what you are moving on and the application will navigate the route itself. desired route. For pedestrians there is navigation on public transport.

GPS navigation on a smartphone for modern man is one of the most requested features. After all, it is so important to be mobile and have current access to your location data. Not only when exploring a foreign city, but also if you need to find some street in your own, traveling or following some route for work purposes, it is important to get to the required place as quickly as possible.

But how to find the most best navigator for Android? After all, there are a huge number of such navigators. And there is simply no time to test each one. That is why we have carefully analyzed this software and especially for you, we have compiled the top navigators for Android of 2018-2019, which will help to significantly optimize traffic on pedestrian and automobile routes.

#10 – MapFactor

This program is free and can be used on phones and tablets on the Android platform. Since the cards are installed directly into the gadget’s memory (optionally on an SD card), it is quite possible to use them without an Internet connection, which is very convenient. Maps are updated periodically. As a rule, this happens once a month.

The functionality of the application allows you to plan your route in advance, choosing the most optimal option from the list of those offered to choose from. What is noteworthy is that if you exceed the speed limit, a characteristic sound warning appears. In addition, this free program fully satisfies the demand for full-fledged satellite navigation.

Important features of this program are:

Drawing up a route plan;
Intuitively clear navigation in various languages;
Color schemes (day and night);
You can add your own routes and places;
Rotate the map in the direction of your movement;
Permanent updates and periodic map improvements;
Work in 2D and 3D display format.

#9 – SYGIC

The SYGIC program has a worthy place in the category of the best navigators for Android. This modern application, which brings together 3D offline maps from TomTom. The functionality allows you to find your way even in a completely unfamiliar place. Since the developer is trying to be among the leaders, an innovative option is provided to give commands by voice. The main purpose of such an application is to help motorists. Using the functionality of the program, it is easy to control the situation on the road, create your route almost instantly, without wasting time on traffic jams.

Ability to work offline without availability active compound with the World Wide Web;
Projection (navigation recommendations can be projected onto the windshield of a car, this is the highlight of the program);
Search for the most successful route among the many offered to choose from;
Driver warnings about speed limits, sharp turns, cameras that monitor traffic;
Maps are constantly updated;
Built-in information about attractions.

No. 8 – OsmAnd

The program will become a good helper for tourists, drivers, those who are in a foreign city on a business trip. It is implemented in two versions - paid and free. Unfortunately, the functionality free version substantially cropped. For example, it is limited in loading maps and does not provide support for local Wikipedia. Paid version can also be used in away mode active connection to the Internet. Access to the network is only required to download the program, maps, and then you can use the navigator offline.

Features of the program are:

Availability of free and paid versions;
Switching to night and day mode;
Possibility of use without an Internet connection;
Availability useful functions– changing the text size, the “show horizontal lines” option, “rendering style”, etc.

No. 7 – Navigator Seven Roads

If you need high-quality navigation in Russia, this option is quite suitable. What are its advantages and features? IN Play Market about 15 thousand users rated it this navigator 4.2 points, which is quite good. The program itself is easy to use, its interface is very comfortable and intuitive.

The main features of the application are:

Ability to use maps offline: download once and use;
You can search for an object by name, not just by address;
Choosing the most convenient and shortest route;
Voice prompts;
Saving routes;
Customizing the program to suit your requirements.

No. 6 – Offline navigator OsmAnd for Android

A very worthy option for high-quality navigation that captivates simple interface and a whole package of convenient options.

Among the features of the program, the following deserve attention:

Possibility of use without connection to World Wide Web Internet.
Smart routing functionality.
In case of deviation from the previously specified route, it can be recalculated.
Determining the time remaining before arriving at your destination.
Ability to track movement on the map and zoom objects.
Voice prompts.

No. 5 – Navitel GPS & Maps

The program attracts with its very accurate navigation even in offline mode, detailed high-quality maps of 64 countries and other useful functionality.

Main features this application:

Ability to work on almost all phone models, even the weakest ones;
Accuracy, speed and a whole set of the most accurate and fresh maps in many cities around the world;
Work in the absence of an active Internet connection;
Convenient navigation;
Informative cards.

#4 – Waze

Free program for fast and easy-to-use navigation. The program is available not only on the Android platform, but also on almost all other platforms. operating systems, which makes it especially convenient.

The features of this application are:

Ability to monitor traffic conditions online;
Laying out the most optimal and shortest routes;
Providing information about the location of radars.

No. 3 – 2GIS

High quality modern program for comfortable navigation, with a pleasant interface that is convenient enough for daily use.

The main features of this application are the following:

Selection of the most successful route option, taking into account the current traffic situation;
You can calculate the time it will take to achieve the final goal;
Displays information about the distance between objects;
Opportunity automatic change route, taking into account open bridges, traffic jams, blocked streets, etc.;
Warning about speeding and presence of traffic police cameras;
Building a route bypassing toll roads;
Availability of night mode;
Possibility to work offline, but in this case you will not be able to use the option to build a route, taking into account the current traffic congestion.

#2 – Google Maps Navigation

This application is an indispensable assistant on the road. It has truly powerful functionality that will delight you with its comfort and ease of use. Using such a program, you will spend a minimum of time on the road even during the busiest times. You can easily find a cafe, restaurant or gas station along the road, or find your way around a completely unfamiliar city.

The important features of this application are the following:

GPR navigation support;
Information about traffic jams, public transport;
Automatic route restructuring, taking into account current situation on road;
In addition, such an application will tell you in advance which lane is best to choose for exiting or turning;
Use offline, without an active Internet connection;
You can plan your route by car, on foot or by public transport;
The application database includes data and maps of 220 countries, descriptions of over 100 million places.

No. 1 – Yandex Navigator

The main features of this program are:

Ability to plan a route taking into account traffic jams;
Voice prompts, including in the background;
Reflection of traffic events and even house plans;
Demonstration of the current speed, distance to the target and the expected time it will take for the route;
Search nearby option necessary objects, such as restaurants, cinemas, gas stations;
Work online and offline;
Constant traffic updates in real time;
Travel history;
Reflection of data on permitted free and paid parking spaces;
Hints that a parking space has become available;
Addition own comments to places or routes;
Markings on maps – information about traffic accidents and road repairs;
Satellite view.

For modern user There are many high-quality navigators to choose from. The functionality of each program is different, but each of them is able to satisfy basic queries when moving in a large city or unfamiliar place. Which navigator is better to install on Android - the decision is up to you.

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In the online market Google Play There are many applications for navigation on Android. Many of them require access to fast internet, which even today not all users have and not all over the country. Fortunately, there are so-called “offline navigators”. In other words, these are stand-alone navigators that do not require active smartphone or tablet. At the same time there is how paid options, and free.

All you need for offline navigation on Android is special application and a map of the country you need. One of the best - Sygic GPS Navigation, CityGuide, Navfree, OsmAnd, MapFactor. I tested on a Nexus 7 2013 tablet ( Wi-Fi version) only the first 3.

Sygic GPS Navigation

The most popular app autonomous GPS navigation, as evidenced by the fact of more than 30 million downloads. Uses cards for work High Quality from TomTom. Has great navigation functionality, has voice accompaniment. Maps of a particular country are installed in the program folder in the Maps section and updated for free.

Sygic is the best offline navigator for Android devices. At least at the time of writing.

Peculiarities :

High quality offline maps from TomTom and other providers.
Sound accompaniment of a given course of movement.
Construction of alternative routes.
Optimized graphics for HD displays.

I liked this navigator more than others. I still use it now. The downside is that during testing the program stopped working several times, but in principle there is nothing fatal about this.

CityGuide

A fairly convenient and high-quality navigator, supported by free OSM maps from OpenStreetMaps, paid HERE from Nokia, as well as maps from national manufacturers. CityGuide stands out good quality work and speed. Great for traveling or business trips across Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Latvia and other CIS countries.

Peculiarities :

Smooth operation.
A unique algorithm for constructing routes.
Clear and convenient interface.

The name speaks for itself. It's really completely free software, which supports great HD maps. Guarantees accurate navigation anywhere on the planet. Navfree is used by more than 15 million Android device owners.

Peculiarities :

Detailed HD maps from OpenStreetMap for smartphone and tablet.
Fast automatic route re-routing.
Complete sound accompaniment and the availability of the Search function.

The OsmAnd application, like the others described above, also has all the necessary tools and navigation functions. This is one of the best apps on Android as a navigator without the Internet. There are paid and free versions. Maps of any country can be downloaded through the corresponding section in the program menu. Depending on the country, files occupy memory from several tens to hundreds of megabytes.

OsmAnd and Navfree can safely be called brothers. They are similar to each other in many ways and have a right to exist.

Peculiarities :

Search by address and places.
Support for working with raster and vector maps.
Operating modes: car, pedestrian, bicycle.

Enough popular navigator, using 2D and 3D maps from OpenStreetMaps. It is suitable for navigation in transport and for pedestrians, since it has the appropriate operating modes. If you use it in a car, it is possible to make settings under specific model by entering weight vehicle, its length, width, height, axle load and other parameters.

Peculiarities :

Easy to use.
Navigation in car, truck, pedestrian mode.
Voice guidance on different languages, including in Russian.
Can be downloaded to an SD memory card.

Conclusion

First of all, I note that this is not all of the existing navigation software on Android today. But these are the applications that have proven themselves well and continue to find new users. Each does not require an active Internet connection.

Programs differ from each other in their interface, speed of operation different devices and some additional functions. Install, test and define best software specifically for yourself.

Mandatory!

The problem of turning a smartphone into a hiking GPS navigator has been solved. The main navigator is now a smartphone; in terms of functionality and ease of use, it leaves far behind all existing special travel navigation devices. GPS navigators. And in terms of reliability, sensitivity and time battery life he matched them.

I must say, it was not me who solved the problem, but the manufacturers of smartphones, batteries and software. I only selected worthy candidates and tested them in practice. I won’t make any secrets, I’ll be happy to share detailed recipes, use them and continue experimenting.

First about the software.

There are dozens of programs that turn a smartphone into a navigator. The choice according to my requirements left only one program: Locus Map (Locus Map). It is written only for Android, so the choice of smartphones has narrowed significantly. There is a free, slightly trimmed version of Locus Free, the full version of Locus PRO costs $6 one-time, I advise you to install it right away, because when Free update Before Pro, all the settings will have to be done again, and there are a lot of them.

So, the main advantages of Locus, because of which it turned out to be out of competition:

Availability of high-quality free offline vector maps of the whole world based on OSM (Open Street Maps). Here's a link to one of them. There are terabytes of regularly updated maps.
The program understands raster maps, which are easy to make yourself from scanned paper maps. For example, using the Mapc2Mapc program. The beloved General Staff will easily take root here. Here is a gift for you: a map of Crimea and the Lycian Way in Turkey that I made. You will find instructions for using the Mapc2Mapc program just below.
Convenient recording of track and waypoints. You can draw the track manually, put waypoints anywhere, not just in your current location.
Conveniently upload your tracks and points. Both of them can be placed in unlimited quantity folders, enable/disable folders, or individually.
There is no limit on the number of points, tracks and points in tracks.
The ability to disable auto-locking of the display (the display will still turn off to save energy) and assign functions to the volume keys, such as zooming. In practice, this means that the navigator can be controlled without pressing the screen. This is also true when the screen is wet and does not respond correctly to gestures.
It is possible to locate directories with maps on an SD card.
Absolutely everything is customizable: the type and size of the cursor, its position (in the center or on ¼ of the screen), the color and width of the tracks, the size of the point icons, options for displaying the names of the points (permanently, open by tap or when approaching)…
Unlimitedly customizable trip computers: amount of data, location, font (size, transparency and color) - in any combination.
Fine-tuning the recording of track points by time, distance and accuracy. This allows you to record only the points of real movements, and not wandering around the bush and jumping hundreds of meters when bad connection with companions.
Configuring the use of the internal compass and barometer: filtering depth, on and off limits.
Shutdown setting GPS receiver to save energy (always on, always off, only on when in use)
Customize all buttons on the top and two side panels, auto-hide.
Running the application as a service, which eliminates failures when other applications are running simultaneously (calls, photos...). For example, for me, track recording pauses during calls, if not turned on as a service.
The program is developing and constantly improving, new ones appear convenient features, bugs are fixed when working on new smartphones and versions of Android.

Is it really more than a list? I only wrote down what was interesting to me. The capabilities of the program are simply incredible; the developers are trying to create the most universal application GPS based. Because of huge amount settings, it’s not easy to understand them. I will describe how to make the most necessary things for the hike.

This is what my program window looks like with a vector map of Crimea. The difference from the default one is only in the buttons at the top, on the side and in the trip computer.

Setting up Locus.

1. Select all default directories- in the phone memory, Not on external map SD. This is done in the settings - miscellaneous. Directories for vector maps locus/mapsVector and raster maps locus/maps can also be placed on an external SD card by specifying this in the program settings.

2. Download a map of the area where you are so that you have something to work with.

First, copy vector maps (in .map format) to locus/mapsVector, and raster maps to locus/maps. If you took vector map follow the link above, then go to them own styles, which Necessarily you need to install it by going to the site with maps from your smartphone https://www.openandromaps.org/en/legend/elevate-mountain-hike-theme. In a collumn " Quick install in Android" Click Locus. Then you need to enable themes. First, activate the vector map. Then drag the bookmark at the bottom left. there you select “external” and there will be “Elevate” and “Elements”. They are exactly the same, but the first is by default designed for wild areas, the second for the city. The only difference is in the checkboxes that include different elements on the map. The theme needs to be installed once, suitable for all cards.

The map can be downloaded directly to the smart phone. The maps are multilingual, the language can be switched for each map separately, click the three dots in the catalog with maps to the right of the map name.

There is a big drawback to maps from the openandromaps.org resource. Trouble with street names populated areas. There are either none, or they are displayed only on a couple of scales. But in terms of detail in the wilderness, these maps have no equal.

It happens that the program sees newly downloaded maps after rebooting the smartphone.

3. Now some important settings. The rest can be left as default.

If you don’t want to deal with long disputes, you can just copy my settings. Download the settings file, copy it to the phone in the Locus/Backup folder (do not unpack it, just as downloaded, with the .zip extension), and then in the program menu select “Additional functions” - Backup manager - Restore. Please note that in these settings, map folders are configured in the phone memory by default. If you want, change to an external SD card. You can also pick up my Trip Computer. This trick only works in Pro versions. Download the computer file, copy it to the Locus/data/dashboard folder. Then select it (called kravchik1) long tap by the computer icon (with an eye, top second from the right).

If you still want to figure it out yourself (due to constant updating Settings applications can be in other sections and renamed):

Editing the top and right sidebar buttons.

Login to the editor – long tap for any panel element - panel settings. Set the number of buttons to top panel 5, right panel 2 and change the elements (remove unnecessary ones and add new functions): GPS, Data, Maps, Track recording, Trip computer, New point, New route. Move elements by clicking on the icon. "GPS" is the satellite visibility icon. Yellow - no signal, green - there is a signal. “Data” is a directory of your tracks and points. “Maps”—entrance to the catalog with maps. "Record Track" opens additional panel track recording (it can be adjusted, I recommend placing it below). “Trip computer” turns on/off the selected computer, and with a long tap you select the computer. You can draw whatever you want through settings/additional functions/route editor. I didn’t like any of the ready-made ones - the symbols were too large and covered half the screen. I made simple little black numbers at the top of the card, on the left. It shows the speed, altitude, distance traveled. "New point" records the center of the screen as new point, asks for the name and destination folder. “New Route” allows you to draw a route manually. I use this function as a distance meter.

The first five buttons will be on the top panel, the rest on the side panel.

The sixth, leftmost element of the top panel changes differently: just click and select from several options. I advise you to choose GPS here. Will show accuracy and quantity visible satellites. If the accuracy is displayed at, say, 50m, then the navigator can fool you at 300m; you should not take such readings seriously.

Controls/Screen:

“Lock auto-rotate” - check “all screens” and “ portrait mode"(this will disable auto-rotate display)
“Disable screen lock” - check the “Disable all locks” checkbox (the screen will still turn off when not in use, but it will not need to be unlocked with gestures)

Controls/Map Screen

hardware buttons: zoom control

Controls/panels and buttons

left panel buttons - map style switch - check the box. This is a switch of those very topics. Different themes for different purposes
It is better not to enable auto-hiding of the top, bottom and function bars, they do not interfere if the screen is more than 4.5 inches

Recording tracks:

pedestrian profile: 20m/10s/35m
view of the track recording panel - bottom panel

GPS and sensors:

launch at application startup - always
Disable when inactive - I advise you to uncheck the box.

compass-auto switching, 2km/h
use true path angle: yes

Miscellaneous:

exit confirmation: yes
Locus as a service: yes

Points and tracks:

track line style: I advise you to choose purple color so as not to blend in with any symbols on the map, track width: 4px

Instructions for converting raster maps into the Locus.sqlitedb format using the Mapc2Mapc program.

Download the Mapc2Mapc program and install it. In the free version, the functionality is the same, but the map will be littered with red crosses. If this is critical for you, the license costs a one-time fee of $20. Or look for the broken version. I've only seen older versions, they have a lot of bugs and worse functionality.

The program has the ability to link a card: File/load image for calibration. But I haven’t figured out this option and am linking maps in oziexplorer. How the binding is done is a separate topic, read specialized sites and forums.

Opening the desired card: File/Load calibrated map. Sometimes the program finds it difficult to select a projection. For example, for Pulkovo1942 (our favorite General Staff) you need to choose from the list, this is Russia, Georgia or Asia.

Then File/Write map for mobile device, select from the list Locus/Rmaps/Galileo .sqlitedb. You can leave Zoom and all the checkboxes as default. Click OK. Now attention! A page will open where the map is divided into squares and you can disable any. If you click OK here, the number of squares increases 4 times so that you can select more accurately. If you do not need to throw out individual pieces of the card (or you have already thrown it away), check the “No more selections” checkbox and click OK. The conversion will begin. Depending on the size of the card and the performance of the computer, it can take a lot of time, up to several hours. Look for the converted map next to the original one.

About smartphones and increasing their reliability.

Once Locus is selected, Iphone and others automatically disappear, leaving only Android. It would be nice to use a special protected smartphone. They are not only protected from damage and water, but can also work normally in temperatures down to -20. True, they are so hefty, in Everyday life I don't feel like carrying it. And if you don’t have the means to buy a separate device for a hike, you can get by regular smartphone with water protection. Super impact protection is useless. You need to put the smart in silicone, stick it on protective glass and tie the device with a cord to your backpack or belt. The cord is ordinary, 35-40 cm long, so that the phone does not reach the ground and does not interfere with putting it to your ear. If your phone doesn't have an eyelet for a lanyard, you can attach it to the silicone case.

This is how I carry mine in my backpack pocket.

Experience has shown that minimum requirements such: 4 nuclear processor 1.2 GHz, 2 GB RAM, 4.5″ screen. It is vital that the screen can be operated normally in the rain, that is, when there are drops of water on it and your fingers are wet. For example, Samsung S7-S10 has such screens. I'm currently using the S7 edge and am very pleased.

Autonomy of the smartphone.

Conventional devices can withstand 1.5 hiking days under the following conditions: constant track recording, moderate use of the screen, constantly in touch, 10 minutes of calls, 5 MB of Internet (mail, weather forecast). If you turn off the connection, it lasts for 2 days. Not much. Removable batteries are a thing of the past, now there is only one option - to charge. Charging option from solar battery Not suitable for active hiking. Attaching it to a backpack is inconvenient and ineffective. Can be used normally solar charging only on vacation.

Therefore, there is only one way out: charging from a power bank with lithium-ion batteries. I have already tried a dozen of them, of different designs. You need to choose according to the optimal combination of main parameters: capacity, weight, price, reliability and convenience. With weight and price, everything is simple and clear. But with the most important thing - capacity, manufacturers are messing up. First: absolutely everyone indicates the capacity of the internal battery for a voltage of 3.7V. But it comes out of the power bank 5V. Second: no one indicates the efficiency of the converter from 3.7 to 5V. And it ranges from 70 to 88%. Typical figure is 80%. So it turns out that it is written 10000mAh, but in reality it is 5400-6400mAh. This power bank will charge a 3600mAh smartphone battery from 5 to 100% 1.5 times.

Manufacturers also mess with the charge and discharge current. Of course, to a lesser extent. How more current charge, the faster the power bank charges. And the greater the current supplied (per discharge), the faster the phone will charge. Take power banks with fast charging capabilities, this is very important when you only have a short opportunity to connect to an outlet while on a hike.

From the point of view of reliability and convenience, I consider it optimal to use power banks with a “written” capacity of around 10000mAh. One large one is certainly more economical in price and weight. But power banks are often lost, forgotten and broken. Therefore, it is safer to take several smaller pieces.

A solar panel on a power bank is a useless weight. It takes 2 weeks for her to charge it!

The built-in flashlight is a dangerous thing because it likes to turn on accidentally and wastes its charge.

I measure the capacity of power banks with a USB tester. And it’s even better not to compare capacity, but Watt hours. Then we avoid the need to take into account the voltage, which changes during the measurement process and produces an incorrect result.

Here are some tested options for comparison to get an idea of how different they are.

Globex 11500mAh: weight 240 g (plastic body), actual capacity 6000mah/30Wh. Charges with a current of 1A, outputs up to 1.5A. Full charge time 10 hours.

Drobak power roverII 10000mAh: weight 280 g (steel case), actual capacity 5400mAh/27Wh. It charges and produces 0.85A. Full charge time 12 hours.

Xiaomi 10000mAh: weight 210g (aluminum body), actual capacity 6400mAh/32Wh. Charges 2.2A, outputs 1.8A. Full charge time 5.5 hours.

Xiaomi 2 10000mAh (with fast charging): weight 222g (aluminum body), actual capacity 6520mAh/32.6Wh. Charges 2.2A/5V, 1.5A/9-12V, outputs 2A/5V, 1.5A/9-12V. Full charge time is 3-5.5 hours.

If you consider that Xiaomi is also not expensive, then they win in all respects! Here is a photo of the hero:

One BUT: the market is flooded with fakes of terrible quality. Look for an original item in trusted stores with a good reputation, and under no circumstances look at one-page sites with a discount of many%. By the way, do not buy anything on such sites! The real price per 10,000 is 15-20 dollars.

The rest of the tested power banks were collapsible, using standard 18650 batteries. Here is the best of them, TOMO:

The charger separately weighs 108 grams, each battery weighs 46 grams. All together weighs 292 grams. It charges and outputs 1.8A. In terms of money, it’s a little more expensive than the previous ones. TOMO has 4 independent charge/discharge channels, one for each battery. There is a charge indicator separately for each battery. And it even shows the strength of the recoil current. It is not necessary to insert all 4 batteries, it will work from one. Of course, the key here is the quality of the batteries. And I took the best ones - industrial Panasonic NCR 18650B with a real capacity of 3300-3400 mAh. This is the discharge capacity, measured with a special charger. That is, the total was 13400mAh. When discharged, 7200 mAh comes out of the TOMO. Obviously, the efficiency of the converter is only 72%. Very bad. More important nuance: when switched off, the discharge current is 0.34 mA per battery. This means that 8% of the charge will go to waste in a week. So you need to remove the batteries if it is temporarily lying around idle.

I also tested similar charges, but with one charge/discharge channel, with parallel connection batteries. The results are similar to TOMO, but the execution is poor and the quality is low. During the hike, I didn’t dare rely on such things; they would let me down at any moment. One plus is that when the device is turned off, there is no discharge at all.

What are the advantages of charging on 18650 batteries: You can take one charger for 2-4 batteries, and take as many batteries as you need! Yes, at least 10. It will be cheaper and easier.

The main drawback was discovered on the very first trip. Often bad contact with batteries. You have to wipe them and rotate them. You think it's charging, but it's not really charging or it's weak. Such a serious drawback offsets the advantages in price and weight. In addition, all of them have low efficiency. So I recommend non-separable power banks.

Another use for power banks is charging batteries for cameras and video cameras. If their charging only works from 220V, it doesn’t matter: on aliexpress you will find USB 5V chargers for all types of batteries.

Please note: per month lithium ion batteries self-discharge by 10%. Therefore, be sure to recharge them before going on a trip.