Nitecore NB 10000 Gen 3

Backside Line

One of many lightest, most effective, and most transportable energy banks available on the market, it’s no marvel that the Nitecore NB 10000 Gen 3 is one among our favourite energy banks. Whereas testing the Nitecore over the course of a number of weeks, we had the chance to weigh it, run it by some effectivity and charging checks, and convey it together with us on backpacking journeys within the San Juan Mountains. 

We like how straightforward it’s to hold on account of its low weight. It additionally packs a punch with many fees out there in its small body. Its draw back is that it was inconvenient throughout testing that there weren’t any USB-A ports, which meant we would have liked to discover a new charging cable. And although it’s a bit pricier, the Nitecore is a incredible alternative for anybody seeking to reduce weight on their subsequent backpacking journey.

Effectivity

One other large win for Nitecore is that it packs an infinite punch in a small package deal. It had essentially the most energy out there per ounce of any financial institution we examined. Whereas the bigger capability energy banks have extra Watt hours out there total, their heavier weight means they aren’t as environment friendly because the Nitecore. To check this, we used a multimeter and a dummy load resistor to measure the entire energy output of every financial institution. The Nitecore was the clear winner and a very good alternative for anybody who needs the utmost quantity of energy within the smallest attainable package deal.

Weight & Packability

It’s exhausting to beat the Nitecore in the case of weight. When positioned on our scale, this financial institution got here in at 5.3 ounces, making it the lightest 10,000 mAh financial institution we examined and one of many lightest available on the market. The distinction in weight is important sufficient to be noticeable when held even with energy banks that solely weigh a bit extra. Equally, its small dimension makes it straightforward to make use of in numerous conditions, corresponding to whereas watching a film within the tent at night time or for a mid-day recharge in a backpack aspect pocket.

Sturdiness

Because of some new options, the Gen 3 has elevated sturdiness and carried out nicely throughout our hands-on checks. This technology has an IPX5 score, which suggests it may possibly survive getting rained on, and the brand new rounded rubber corners assist it deal with drops higher than earlier than. We examined this by dropping it from a peak of eight ft onto loosely packed dust, and it may possibly nonetheless cost a telephone afterward. 

Although some scratches turned obvious after a number of weeks of carrying the financial institution round in a bag, the carbon fiber body usually reduces and hides scratches. Nitecore energy financial institution merchandise have traditionally had a popularity for poor high quality and sturdiness, however this was not our expertise. After a number of backpacking journeys, the NB10000 Gen 3 continues to work like new.

Charging Velocity

A lackluster efficiency space for the Nitecore NB10000 is the time it takes to recharge. Now we have discovered the recharge time to be common at finest. Throughout our checks, we used a QC 3.0 wall charger and normal USB-C twine with the offered USB-A to USB-C adapter, and it took 4 hours and 9 minutes to cost totally from empty. This charging time is longer than a lot of the 10,000 mAh energy banks we examined. We have been disillusioned with this efficiency given the worth level. On the plus aspect, there have been enhancements to the battery life indicator, which make it simpler to learn, and it nonetheless fees sooner than larger-capacity energy banks.

Options

The NB10000’s options are streamlined and easy. Some could discover this to be factor, whereas for others, it might depart one thing to be desired. This is dependent upon person choice and the meant use for the facility financial institution For instance, we discovered the dearth of a USB-A port to be irritating as there have been a number of occasions once we went to make use of it and realized we had the flawed twine. Nonetheless, different individuals could discover the USB-C-only interface factor as electronics are step by step transferring away from USB-A cords. 

Another options are price mentioning, together with the Gen 3’s pass-through charging means. Which means that one other machine may be charged from the facility financial institution whereas the machine itself is charging. One other is its means to detect when trickle charging is required and alter accordingly with out urgent any buttons. Lastly, we admire that Nitecore eradicated the hibernation mode that earlier generations sported, because it gave many backpackers essential issues within the backcountry.

Chilly Charging

The essential flaw for the NB10000 is the numerous lower in effectivity in chilly temperatures. We all know it isn’t at all times attainable to maintain an influence financial institution heat, significantly when recreating in shoulder season or winter, so we examined all our energy banks with that in thoughts. After putting the NB10000 within the fridge with our multimeter and dummy resistor load attached, we discovered that it had an 8.9% lower in effectivity. This was essentially the most important lower out of all of our energy banks. Fortuitously, this drawback may be mitigated by maintaining the financial institution in a heat location, corresponding to a sleeping bag or near the physique when utilizing it to cost a tool.

Ought to You Purchase the Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3?

As one among our favourite energy banks, the Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 makes a terrific all-around alternative for nearly anybody. Those that rely each ounce and wish the very best stage of efficiency in a ten,000 mAh energy financial institution will discover that this one is difficult to beat.

On the flip aspect, hikers on a finances or those that want a bigger capability energy financial institution for longer journeys would possibly discover that different decisions will higher go well with their wants.

What Different Energy Banks Ought to You Contemplate?

Zendure Tremendous Mini: In the event you just like the portability of the Nitecore however need one thing smaller and extra inexpensive, this is a superb choice. 

OKZU 10,000 Evaluate: This can be a cheaper choice with a sooner recharge time and a barely bigger body.

INIU Megapower 10000 Evaluate: This one is nice for its stable total efficiency and quick recharging occasions. It’s also a contender in the case of weight and portability.