We’ve tested plenty of portable power banks, backup batteries and chargers over the years. But when it comes to keeping devices like phones and high-tech watches powered on backpacking trips, every ounce (and gram) matters. So we put two of backpacking’s most popular ultralight power banks to the test and weighed their pros and cons (literally) to find out which we’ll be taking on all our backpacking adventures from here on out.
Nitecore Air NB 5000: The Weekender
Weight: 3.14 oz
For weekend solo or couples trips where we only have a few devices to keep charged (namely phones for use capturing photos and consulting offline digital maps), there’s no power bank we turn to more often than the NB Air 5000. It’s super lightweight and can charge an iPhone 15 about 3 times before it’s drained. That’s generally plenty for us for a three-day trip. Plus it powers up our favorite ultralight pad pumps without missing a beat.
It is easy to use–just plug devices in and they start charging–but only has one USB-C power port, so make sure to bring a compatible cable in this time of transition between USB and USB-C. Pro tip if you’ll be thru-hiking or hanging with a lot of other UL backpackers: slap a sticker on it so you know which power brick is yours. I’ve never seen as many Nitecore batteries in one place than when in trail towns while hiking part of the PCT with a friend.
Nitecore NB Plus 10000: The All-Weather Powerhouse
Weight: 5.47 oz
Sometimes you need more power. Like when sharing a power bank between family and friends, going on a longer wilderness adventure, or when you need to charge a number of devices over a few days. Fortunately, larger ultralight power banks exist, perhaps none lighter than the Nitecore NB Plus 10,000. It can charge an iPhone 15 about six times.
What’s more, unlike most other power banks (including those from Nitecore), it’s rated IPX7 waterproof. That means if you get caught in the rain and forgot to stash it in a waterproof stuff sack, it’s no big deal; you can still charge your devices once they (and you) dry out. If it flops out of your pocket into a shallow creek it should still be OK! It has both a USB-A and USB-C port for charging devices, which offers flexibility, and blue indicator lights let you know about how much power is left.
Bottom Line
There aren’t a ton of power banks out there that can claim to be ultralight, but these from Nitecore can. And just as importantly, they bring both power and peace of mind into the backcountry when you need it. So keep your devices juiced up, never leave home without a backup battery, and wander on with confidence.
