Power outages don’t announce themselves. Your phone dies during storm evacuations, camping trips stretch longer than expected, and roadside emergencies happen without convenient charging stations nearby. ToughTested’s latest CES 2026 announcements target exactly these scenarios with two new rugged power bank lines designed for when convenience charging isn’t enough.
Beyond Basic Backup Power
The outdoor-focused brand is expanding beyond their current Explorer and MESA series with distinct approaches for different survival needs. Portable power banks planned for May emphasize everyday carry that doubles as emergency backup. The larger crank-powered units planned for June target extended outages where hand-generated charging becomes essential—think hurricane season or backcountry expeditions where solar panels won’t cut it.
Rugged Engineering Meets Modern Charging
Based on ToughTested’s current lineup, expect capacities ranging from 10,000mAh to 20,000mAh+ across both lines. Their existing Explorer 10 delivers 20W USB-C Power Delivery plus hand-warming functionality through IP54-rated housing, while the MESA60 pushes 60W PD for laptop charging through weatherproof construction. The new models should extend these capabilities with integrated LED flashlights and—for the June release—hand-crank generators that restore some charge without external power sources.
When Convenience Becomes Survival
These aren’t sleek travel companions. ToughTested’s approach trades slim profiles for functionality when cell towers go down and power grids fail. The hand-crank mechanism won’t quickly revive a dead iPhone—that’s physics, not marketing—but it provides critical emergency communication capability during extended disasters. Combined with multi-mode flashlights and five-year warranties following current model precedent, these tools target users building genuine emergency preparedness rather than collecting gadgets.
Emergency Kit Economics
ToughTested’s rugged approach commands higher prices than mainstream alternatives from Anker or Mophie, but serves different priorities. While standard power banks optimize portability, this lineup optimizes resilience. You’re paying for IP67 weatherproofing, shock-resistant housing, and emergency features that matter when Amazon Prime can’t deliver replacement gear.
The portable line launches in May with the larger emergency units following in June. For users prioritizing preparedness over convenience, ToughTested’s expanded arsenal offers genuine peace of mind—assuming you don’t mind carrying tools that look the part.
