NITECORE Pocket 10000 USB-C Power Bank Review

NITECORE makes flashlights, power banks, and other tech gear. In the case of the NITECORE Pocket 10000, simplicity and functionality are top dogs. With a built-in cable, the Pocket 10000 provides nearly everything most travelers need to charge their devices. That said, we’ve had durability concerns with similar products in the past; will this model be the same? Let’s dive in and find out!

The Rundown

Like most of their battery banks, the NITECORE Pocket 10000’s outer shell is carbon fiber. It’s durable, lightweight, and unique. If you aren’t familiar with battery banks, you might not know this is one immediately. We dig that and how it matches the muted look we often strive for while traveling. The sides are hard plastic and have held up well in testing, though they don’t feel as rugged as the carbon fiber.

The battery bank has an IP65 rating, ensuring its safety from water and dust in most situations. You can’t throw it into the ocean and expect it to survive; however, there shouldn’t be any issues in rain, snow, or hanging out next to a sweaty water bottle.

At this point, you might be wondering why you need a portable power bank. Well, in the modern era, travel evolves around technology. You need your phone for maps, boarding the airplane, storing your hotel info, and communicating with people you’re meeting with or back home. You can do all those things the old way, with paper and a laptop, but most modern accommodations expect you to use your phone, and it’s easier that way.

If your phone dies, you’ll likely survive, but you may have to wait for it to charge again before you can check in or get directions. That’s where a battery bank, especially one like the NITECORE Pocket 10000, comes into play.

This model has two ways to charge your devices. First is a standard USB-C port, which can charge the device or another piece of gear. It has a maximum input of 18 watts and an output of 22.5 watts, which is pretty solid for a battery bank.

The most exciting part of this battery bank is the attached charging cable. It can charge the device or an external one with an input of 18 watts and an output of 20 watts. Though you don’t have the same maximum output as the USB-C port, this works perfectly for phones, which typically max out around 20 watts anyway, so anything extra is lost. Some newer models have higher input capabilities, so ensure you know how fast yours can charge before purchasing a battery bank.

The attached cable feels more durable than other models we’ve tested that use this formula, including the Clutch Charger, which we feel may have inspired the design team at NITECORE while crafting the Pocket 10000. A more durable cable prolongs the life of the device, as it isn’t removable, so if you break it, that part of the battery bank is useless.

The Pocket 10000 has all the features we’ve come to expect from NITECORE battery banks, like the ability to charge two devices at once, pass-through charging so you can charge the battery bank and your phone at the same time, and automatic low-current mode for sensitive items, like headphones. These have become the industry standard for battery banks in recent years, but we still appreciate the inclusion.

A single button on the side of the device turns on the four small lights next to it. These lights indicate how much battery is left in the device and are handy for planning the rest of your day. Four bars? Go ahead and watch the latest Pack Hacker video. Only one left? Still, watch the latest Pack Hacker video, but memorize the directions back to your hotel first because you’re almost out of juice!

There isn’t a ton going on here, and we like that. Not everyone needs extra ports or features; though it isn’t as functional, this is all most travelers need.

Packability

You can find the specifics on the size of this device at the top of this page, but let’s talk about the vibes it gives off. You can palm it, which indicates how small it is. It also fits into every masculine-pant pocket we’ve tested and multiple feminine-sized pants pockets. If you have tighter pants, you might not be able to fit it into your pocket with your phone, which is a big selling point of this device. We were able to fit it into most back pockets, but if you have a well-endowed back side, the width of this device might cause problems there, too.

The battery bank weighs 5.64 ounces or 159.9 grams, heavier than some 10,000 mAh battery banks we’ve tested. However, in practice, it’s close enough to go undetected in your pack. It’ll fit inside your daypack, travel backpack, or large sling without issue and shouldn’t make too many waves in a smaller sling, like the Moment MTW Mini Fanny Sling 1L.

The attached cable makes it incredibly simple to charge on the go, whether using your phone or gaming. Our primary tester slapped the seasoning off their opponent’s chicken with a blue shell in Mario Kart and promptly beat two Gym Leaders in Pokemon Sword at the dining room table with the NITECORE Pocket 10000 dangling below the Switch in handheld mode. You can charge your headphones (not while you’re wearing them, unfortunately), a USB-C powered MP3 player, a GoPro, your camera, and thousands of other USB-C powered devices using the attached cable on the NITECORE Pocket 10000.

Quick Comparison

One of our most recommended battery banks is the NITECORE NB10000. Although both offer 10,000 mAh, there are a few significant differences between them.

Regarding size, the NB10000’s 4.697 cubic inches is just 84% of the Pocket 10000’s 5.585 cubic inches. If you prefer a shorter battery bank to fit into a small tech pouch or pocket in your pack, go with the Pocket 10000. If you want something skinnier in your pocket, go with the NB10000. In reality, there isn’t a vast difference between the size of these models, despite the difference in volume.

Both devices offer two USB-C ports, even if they’re packaged differently. If you charge various devices, not all of which are USB-C, the NB10000 is more versatile. However, if you have a USB-C charging phone and most of your other devices use a USB-C port, too, the Pocket 10000 probably makes more sense. Though less versatile, the USB-C cable is taking over, making the Pocket 10000 more useful for many travelers.

Both devices max out at 22.5 watts, have automatic low-current mode and pass-through charging, and can charge multiple devices simultaneously.

The choice comes down to the form factor you prefer and the kinds of devices you’ll be charging. As more devices shift towards our USB-C overlords, battery banks like the Pocket 10000 will become increasingly useful and popular.