160g carbon fiber power bank — gram-counting ultralight backpackers only
Nitecore NB10000 Gen2: The lightest serious power bank money can buy
160g for 10,000mAh. That's the Nitecore NB10000 Gen2's entire pitch, and it delivers on it. The carbon fiber composite shell shaves weight that plastic and aluminum designs can't touch. For hikers and backpackers who weigh their toothbrush, this is the only power bank worth considering.
What works
160g is remarkable for a 10,000mAh battery. Competing 10,000mAh packs typically weigh 200-250g. The carbon fiber construction — the same material found in premium bike frames and aerospace components — achieves this without sacrificing structural integrity. The shell is notably rigid, not flex-prone like cheaper lightweight plastics.
22W USB-C output fast-charges any modern phone, and a standard USB-A port handles older devices. Two simultaneous charges work correctly without one starving the other.
Nitecore makes headlamps and tactical flashlights for professional outdoor use — build quality and reliability expectations are higher than typical consumer electronics brands.
What doesn't
10,000mAh is moderate capacity. Most phones get two full charges; a high-drain phone like a Samsung Galaxy S Ultra might get slightly less. For multi-day trips requiring significant reserve, you'll need either a larger bank or solar input.
22W is fast for phones but doesn't touch laptop territory. The NB10000 Gen2 is strictly a phone and accessory charger.
Who should buy this
The ultralight backpacker, trail runner, or technical climber who needs a real battery backup and can't afford the weight of larger options. If your phone is your GPS, your camera, and your emergency communication device, the NB10000 Gen2 gives you insurance at the lowest possible weight cost.
Who should look elsewhere
Laptop chargers: Anker 737 (140W, $90). Maximum capacity: Anker PowerCore 26800 (26800mAh, $60). Casual users who don't count grams: any of the above at lower cost per mAh.