Finally, a long-lasting power bank that's lighter than competing accessories I've tested

I don’t usually worry too much about the weight of power banks, but a multi-day adventure I am planning has got me thinking about every gram I’ll be carrying for the 10 days or so of hiking. I’ll definitely need a power bank, but my go-to units – such as the Anker 737 or Cuktech 20 — are too big and heavy to lug about at a time when I want to be as lightweight as possible.

Also: The best power banks you can buy: Expert tested

That’s why I’ve been on the hunt for a compact and lightweight power bank that won’t weigh me down. After extensive research and consideration, I believe I’ve discovered the ideal solution for my outdoor escapade: the Nitecore NB10000 Gen III.

Let’s start with the power bank’s features. This is a 10,000 mAh pack with two USB-C ports. I like that both ports can be used for input and output — I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve put a power bank to charge overnight, only to find that it didn’t charge because I plugged it in the wrong port.

It has a maximum output of 22.5W, and can charge two devices simultaneously or charge one while the pack is being charged. The capacity is enough to charge one and a half to two modern smartphones, and the pack can be fully recharged in about two and a half hours.

The power bank features a polymer frame sandwiched between two sheets of carbon fiber — the carbon fiber is genuine, not the fake printed stuff — and it’s tough enough to resist bumps and drops. The pack is rated IPX5, which means it can shrug off water and dirt. That’s exactly what you want in a power bank that’s designed to be outdoors. The corners of the unit are soft and rounded, which helps reduce damage from impact and prevents the power bank from damaging backpack fabrics or human skin while it’s bouncing about.

Its size and weight set this power bank apart from the competition. At 0.42 inches and 5.29oz, this is the power bank you want to have with you if you’re going to be carrying it for days on end. Its lightness was quite shocking the first few times I picked it up. It’s significantly lighter than other 10,000mAh power banks that I would have considered “lightweight,” such as the 216-gram Anker Zolo.

Also: The best portable power stations you can buy: Expert tested

In fact, the only power bank that comes close to the NB10000 Gen III is the Klarus K5. That one comes in at only 7 grams heavier than the NB10000 Gen III, but it has a USB-A and a USB-C port rather than dual USB-C ports.

I tested the NB10000 Gen III in cold conditions — I threw it into a freezer at -18°C/0°F overnight — and found that while the output was reduced, I could still get a respectable 8,000mAh from a fully charged pack.

ZDNET’s buying advice

The Nitecore NB10000 Gen III is perfect for anyone who wants power without carrying too much weight. At 150 grams, this is the lightest 10,000mAh power bank I’ve used, and I have to admit that it manages this drastic weight reduction without compromise.

At $65, it’s not cheap, but lightweight packs that are water — and dust-resistant aren’t cheap, and for the money, you’re getting a fantastic lightweight pack that is perfect for adventures.

Nitecore NB10000 Gen III tech specs

• Capacity: 10,000mAh 3.85V (38.5Wh)
• Rated energy: 5,400mAh 5V (TYP 2A)
• Input: USB-C (IN1): 5V⎓2A / 9V⎓2A / 12V⎓1.5A (18W max)
• USB-C (IN2): 5V⎓2A / 9V⎓2A / 12V⎓1.5A (18W max)
• Output: USB-C (OUT1): 5V⎓3A / 9V⎓2.22A / 12V⎓1.87A (22.5W max)
• USB-C (OUT2): 5V⎓3A / 9V⎓2.22A / 12V⎓1.87A (22.5W max)
• Dual ports: 5V⎓3A (max)
• Dimensions: 122.0 x 59.2 x 10.6 mm/4.80 x 2.33 x 0.42 inches
• Weight: 150g/5.29 oz
• Energy density: 257mWh/g
• Pass-through charging: Yes
• Low-current device compatible: Yes, down to 60mA
• IP rating: IPX5