Nitecore NB10000 Gen 4 Power Bank Review (2026)

Although I use hiking and backpacking to try to escape technology, I have had to incorporate it into my adventures, probably more than I would care to admit. On most of my adventures, I have a phone, satellite communicator, Garmin watch, headlamp, spare camera batteries, and even a mini sleeping pad inflator (don’t judge).

Throughout my time hiking, I have relied on Nitecore power banks to ensure my electronics stayed powered in the backcountry. My previous reviews of Nitecore products reveal their exceptional qualities for outdoor adventures, such as their durability and lightweight designs. Recently, Nitecore reached out to me to test and review the fourth generation of the popular NB10000. Having used the previous generation of this exact power bank, I was eager to get my hands on the newest model.

Author’s Note: The Nitecore NB10000 Gen4 in this review has been researched and tested by me. Nitecore provided it in exchange for this honest and unbiased review.

How I Tested

I field-tested the Nitecore NB10000 over a weekend hiking trip along the Knobstone Trail in late February 2026. I used it in temperatures ranging from highs around 65°F to lows below freezing, around 30 °F. It performed well, charging my phone after a full day’s use and powering my air pump enough to inflate my sleeping pad. Because it was a shorter trip, I did not use up enough battery on my other electronics to warrant charging them.

Quick Overview

In-Depth Review

What’s in the Box?!:

The NB10000 comes with a manual, a warranty card, a lanyard, and a small USB-C to USB-C cable.

Power & Performance:

As its name suggests, the NB10000 has a rated capacity of 10,000mAh. The abbreviation mAh stands for “milliampere-hour.” It is a unit that measures electric power over time. It is used to measure the energy capacity of a battery. Both USB-C ports deliver up to 22.5W rapid charging. If you use both ports simultaneously, the output drops to 15W. I was able to charge my Google Pixel 9 Pro XL phone from 1% to 100% in exactly 4 hours and 33 minutes. After it was fully charged, there were still two blue indicators remaining on the power bank (approximately 50% remaining charge). I would estimate that I would get close to two full phone charges on it before having to charge the NB10000.

The power bank itself can also be charged at a max of 22.5W. Using a QC 3.0 wall charger, I was able to fully charge the power bank from 0% to 100% in ??? hours.

Author’s note: My tests were done indoors, and the air temperature was around 70°F. Expect less efficiency at colder temperatures, like hiking during the shoulder seasons.

The Nitecore NB10000 also allows simultaneous use of input and output (aka pass-through charging). This means that if I need to charge the power bank, I can connect it to the port (IN/OUT1). Meanwhile, I can still use the USB-C (OUT2) port available for output at a slower speed (10W MAX).

Charging Modes:

The Nitecore NB10000 offers 2 output modes: regular and eco mode. To switch between modes: When no device is connected, long-press the touch power button to cycle through modes. Green charging port = eco mode; yellow charging port = regular mode. The regular output mode is rated at 6,800mAh at 5V (TYP 3A), while the eco output mode is rated at 7,200mAh at 5V (TYP 1A). These numbers don’t mean much to me, but in layman’s terms, in eco mode, you get slower, more efficient charging, while in regular mode, the power bank charges devices faster, but the battery will drain faster. I prioritize more efficient charging, so I mostly use eco mode.

Knock-to-Wake-Function/Dynamic RGB Lights:

Nitecore added new features to the Gen 4, a knock-to-wake function and dynamic RGB lighting. Knock on the upper part of the product to activate the power indicators and display the remaining battery level. After 10 seconds, the indicators will automatically shut off. The charging ports will light up yellow or green, depending on the selected output mode, before switching to the dynamic RGB lighting for about 1 minute, after which they will turn off. Upon first charge/discharge, the knock-to-wake function will be automatically activated. If the knock-to-wake function is disabled, the dynamic RGB lights will also be disabled.

• Disable the knock-to-wake function & RGB lights: While the power bank is charging, long press the touch power button for approximately 6 seconds until the port indicators flash twice. The RGB lights and knock-to-wake function will then be disabled. Once they are disabled, each time you tap the touch power button, the port lights and blue power indicators will illuminate for approximately 10 seconds before turning off.
• Enable the knock-to-wake function & RGB lights: While the power bank is charging, long press the touch power button for approximately 6 seconds until the port indicators flash twice. This enables both the knock-to-wake function and the port lights.

The knock-to-wake function is an intriguing addition; in the cold weather, this feature makes it easier to activate with gloves on. Personally, I keep it deactivated because I’m worried it might accidentally activate and consume more battery while it’s getting tossed around in my pack. I’m not sure how realistic that is, but that is my perspective on it.

Power Level Display:

To find out how much battery the power bank has left, tap the touch-sensitive power button, and the corresponding blue power indicators will light up to display the remaining power level. Listed below is a chart that shows what each indicator light means in terms of battery percentage.

Build Quality/Durability:

Designed to withstand rugged, demanding environments, the NB10000 Gen4 is made from a carbon fiber-reinforced frame. It is also rated at IPX7, which means it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes, allowing it to handle rain and wet environments. Basically, this thing can handle some serious punishment.

Weight:

All the added features and pretty lights are fun and all, but this is probably the most important data point in this review, and I’m happy to say the NB10000 shines in this area. On my scale, it clocks in at 5.35 oz with the included lanyard and cable. Without the lanyard and cable, it drops to 5.1 oz. These numbers are extremely impressive for a 10,000 mAh power bank. The previous generation Nitecore NB10000 weighs nearly the same while lacking features and being less efficient.

What do all these numbers mean in the field? Well, due to the number of electronic devices I have, I bring a Nitecore 20,000 mAh power bank along with a 10,000 mAh one for long-distance treks. If I’m only going out for a weekend, the NB10000 is more than enough to keep all my devices powered up without concern.

Price:

As of February 2026, the cost of the Nitecore NB10000 is $83.95. It is more expensive than any other 10000mAh power bank that Nitecore offers, but with the added features such as faster, more efficient charging capabilities and a lightweight design, it is worth considering an upgrade if you are looking to do so. Still, the previous-generation NB10000 is approximately $20 cheaper and is still a fantastic option to consider.

Last Word

As I stated in my opening statement, Nitecore power banks have been my choice for keeping my electronics charged in the wilderness for many years. Their combination of ultralight weight, energy output, durability, and added features is unparalleled. So far, I have no complaints about the NB10000 (Gen 4), and it will be a staple in my pack for all future backpacking trips.

Check out the Nitecore NB10000 (Gen 4) HERE.