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 one in all 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 way of some effectivity and charging assessments, and convey it together with us on backpacking journeys within the San Juan Mountains. 

We like how straightforward it’s to hold because 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 selection for anybody trying to reduce weight on their subsequent backpacking journey.

Effectivity

One other large win for Nitecore is that it packs an unlimited punch in a small bundle. 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 selection for anybody who needs the utmost quantity of energy within the smallest attainable bundle.

Weight & Packability

It’s arduous to beat the Nitecore with regards to 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 critical sufficient to be noticeable when held even with energy banks that solely weigh a bit extra. Equally, its small measurement makes it straightforward to make use of in varied conditions, similar to whereas watching a film within the tent at night time or for a mid-day recharge in a backpack facet pocket.

Sturdiness

Due to some new options, the Gen 3 has elevated sturdiness and carried out nicely throughout our hands-on assessments. This era has an IPX5 score, which implies it will probably 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 top of eight toes onto loosely packed filth, and it will probably 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 status 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. We’ve got discovered the recharge time to be common at greatest. Throughout our assessments, 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 had 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 fees sooner than larger-capacity energy banks.

Options

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

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

Chilly Charging

The vital flaw for the NB10000 is the numerous lower in effectivity in chilly temperatures. We all know it isn’t all the time attainable 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 putting 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 vital lower out of all of our energy banks. Luckily, this drawback may be mitigated by preserving the financial institution in a heat location, similar 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 in all our favourite energy banks, the Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 makes a terrific all-around selection for nearly anybody. Those that depend each ounce and wish 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: When you just like the portability of the Nitecore however need one thing smaller and extra reasonably priced, this is a superb possibility. 

OKZU 10,000 Overview: It is a cheaper possibility with a sooner recharge time and a barely bigger body.

INIU Megapower 10000 Overview: This one is nice for its stable general efficiency and quick recharging occasions. It’s also a contender with regards to weight and portability.