Two Nitecore NB10000 Power Banks on a wood table. One is black and one is silver
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Nitecore NB10000 Power Bank

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With more paddlers carrying electronic devices on their trips, there’s a need for a lightweight and small power bank that can charge a phone or other devices several times. If that’s you, then you may want to check out the Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2 Power Bank. It weighs only 5.4 ounces. Nitecore claims it is the world’s thinnest and lightest 10,000mAh power bank. In the past it only came in black, but it now comes in silver, too.

I’ve been using the Nitecore NB10000 for several years and have found it a lightweight and reliable piece of gear. When in the field, I’ve used it to recharge a phone, camera batteries and an InReach. Those three items are usually all the electronics that I carry with me, and the Nitecore handles it all fine. I also have a pair of Bluetooth headphones that I’ve recharged with it.

The power bank has a built-in low current mode that is compatible with low current gear, such as headphones or smartwatches. Typically, you’ll want to use the faster charging if your device supports it. The power bank offers USB-A and USB-C dual output. It supports both PD and QC quick charging with the USB-C port up to 20W.

Here are the charging output and input specs so you don’t have to go looking for them. They are also engraved near the USB ports on the 2nd Generation version.

  • USB-C Input 5V⎓2.4A / 9V⎓2A
  • USB-C Output 5V⎓3A / 9V⎓2.22A / 12V⎓1.68A
  • USB-A Output 5V⎓3A / 9V⎓2A / 12V⎓1.5A
  • Dual Ports Output 5V⎓3A (max)
  • Total Power Output 20W
two power banks and a cord on a wooden surface
My charging kit (left to right): USB to USB-C cord with a USB-C to USB-Mini adapter (I need to update this cord to USB-C), Nitecore NB10000 Gen2 in silver, Nitecore NB10000 Gen 1 in carbon black.

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If you’ve only used the first generation, the second generation has updated LED lights that make it easier to decern the charge level. Three lights are 100% charged. Two lights are 70% charged, and three are 30%. A blinking light means it needs to be recharged. There’s a single white LED that indicates low power mode.

One thing to note when you are recharging your gear is that some gear, such as your smartphones, will draw off the power bank in a phantom mode even after fully charged. While this bank offers the typical protections from overcharging, etc., if you leave your phone to charge overnight you may notice that you don’t get as many charges. That’s true for every power bank though and something to watch out for. Once you notice a full charge on your device, you should disconnect it to avoid unnecessary power drain.

I’ve been fully satisfied with the Nitecore NB10000 and have found it the perfect companion for my outdoor adventures. It’s light and compact. And it works well for me when on paddling trips.

Highly Recommended.

Get the Nitecore NB10000 at Amazon.

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Bryan Hansel is a freelance writer, award-winning photographer and a former American Canoe Association L4 Open Water Coastal Kayaking Instructor. His home port is on Lake Superior in Grand Marais, Minnesota. He also teaches photography workshops.

One Comment

  • Josh Balisteri

    I have similarily loved this bank. It’s radically lighter than other options. I love it for canoeing, backpacking, and everyday use.

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