Nitecore NB 10000 Gen 3

Backside Line

One of many lightest, most effective, and most moveable energy banks in the marketplace, it’s no marvel that the Nitecore NB 10000 Gen 3 is certainly one of 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 means of some effectivity and charging exams, and convey it together with us on backpacking journeys within the San Juan Mountains. 

We like how straightforward it’s to hold attributable to its low weight. It additionally packs a punch with many prices 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 improbable alternative for anybody seeking to lower weight on their subsequent backpacking journey.

Effectivity

One other huge 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 general, 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 doable package deal.

Weight & Packability

It’s onerous to beat the Nitecore in terms 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 in the marketplace. 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 varied conditions, equivalent to whereas watching a film within the tent at night time or for a mid-day recharge in a backpack facet pocket.

Sturdiness

Because of some new options, the Gen 3 has elevated sturdiness and carried out nicely throughout our hands-on exams. This technology has an IPX5 score, which suggests it will 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 toes onto loosely packed filth, and it will possibly nonetheless cost a cellphone afterward. 

Although some scratches grew to become 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 repute 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 Pace

A lackluster efficiency space for the Nitecore NB10000 is the time it takes to recharge. We now have discovered the recharge time to be common at greatest. Throughout our exams, 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 absolutely 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 value level. On the plus facet, there have been enhancements to the battery life indicator, which make it simpler to learn, and it nonetheless prices quicker than larger-capacity energy banks.

Options

The NB10000’s options are streamlined and simple. Some could discover this to be factor, whereas for others, it might go away one thing to be desired. This is determined by consumer choice and the supposed use for the ability financial institution For instance, we discovered the dearth of a USB-A port to be irritating as there have been a number of instances after we went to make use of it and realized we had the fallacious twine. Nonetheless, different individuals could discover the USB-C-only interface factor as electronics are regularly 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 system may be charged from the ability financial institution whereas the system itself is charging. One other is its means to detect when trickle charging is required and regulate accordingly with out urgent any buttons. Lastly, we recognize that Nitecore eradicated the hibernation mode that earlier generations sported, because it gave many backpackers crucial issues within the backcountry.

Chilly Charging

The crucial flaw for the NB10000 is the numerous lower in effectivity in chilly temperatures. We all know it isn’t at all times doable to maintain an influence financial institution heat, notably when recreating in shoulder season or winter, so we examined all our energy banks with that in thoughts. After inserting the NB10000 within the fridge with our multimeter and dummy resistor load connected, 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 downside may be mitigated by protecting the financial institution in a heat location, equivalent 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 certainly one of our favourite energy banks, the Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 makes a terrific all-around alternative for nearly anybody. Those that rely each ounce and need the very best stage of efficiency in a ten,000 mAh energy financial institution will discover that this one is tough to beat.

On the flip facet, hikers on a finances or those that want a bigger capability energy financial institution for longer journeys would possibly discover that different selections will higher swimsuit their wants.

What Different Energy Banks Ought to You Take into account?

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

OKZU 10,000 Assessment: It is a inexpensive choice with a quicker recharge time and a barely bigger body.

INIU Megapower 10000 Assessment: This one is nice for its strong general efficiency and quick recharging instances. It’s also a contender in terms of weight and portability.