Nitecore NB 10000 Gen 3

Backside Line

One of many lightest, most effective, and most transportable energy banks in the marketplace, it’s no surprise 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 checks, and produce it together with us on backpacking journeys within the San Juan Mountains. 

We like how simple it’s to hold as a consequence of its low weight. It additionally packs a punch with many expenses accessible 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 wanted 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 large win for Nitecore is that it packs an infinite punch in a small package deal. It had essentially the most energy accessible per ounce of any financial institution we examined. Whereas the bigger capability energy banks have extra Watt hours accessible 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 whole energy output of every financial institution. The Nitecore was the clear winner and a very good alternative for anybody who desires the utmost quantity of energy within the smallest potential package deal.

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 simple to make use of in varied conditions, equivalent to whereas watching a film within the tent at evening 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 effectively throughout our hands-on checks. This era has an IPX5 score, which suggests it could actually 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 filth, and it could actually 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 typically 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 Velocity

A lackluster efficiency space for the Nitecore NB10000 is the time it takes to recharge. We have now discovered the recharge time to be common at greatest. Throughout our checks, we used a QC 3.0 wall charger and commonplace USB-C twine with the supplied 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 many of the 10,000 mAh energy banks we examined. We have been upset with this efficiency given the value level. On the plus aspect, there have been enhancements to the battery life indicator, which make it simpler to learn, and it nonetheless expenses sooner 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 depart one thing to be desired. This relies on consumer desire and the supposed 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 incorrect twine. Nonetheless, different folks could discover the USB-C-only interface factor as electronics are regularly shifting away from USB-A cords. 

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

Chilly Charging

The important flaw for the NB10000 is the numerous lower in effectivity in chilly temperatures. We all know it isn’t at all times potential 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 vital lower out of all of our energy banks. Thankfully, this drawback will be mitigated by preserving 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 one in all our favourite energy banks, the Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 makes an amazing all-around alternative for nearly anybody. Those that depend each ounce and wish the very best degree of efficiency in a ten,000 mAh energy financial institution will discover that this one is tough to beat.

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

What Different Energy Banks Ought to You Think about?

Zendure Tremendous Mini: If you happen to just like the portability of the Nitecore however need one thing smaller and extra reasonably priced, this is a wonderful possibility. 

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

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