At this year's IWA outdoor trade show, Nitecore unveiled a torrent of new gear that is redefining what backpackers, trail runners, and everyday carry (EDC) enthusiasts can expect from portable power and illumination. Leading the charge is the NB10000 Gen 4, a 10,000mAh power bank that tips the scales at just 146 grams — making it, according to the company and verified by reviewers, the lightest and most compact battery of its capacity on the market. But it doesn't stop there: from waterproof 20,000mAh bricks to MagSafe-compatible models with built-in cables, and from ultra-throw flashlights to a USB-C air pump, Nitecore is aggressively expanding its lineup.

The Verge's Thomas Ricker, known for his obsession with shaving grams off his backpacking kit, put the NB10000 Gen 4 through weeks of field testing. His verdict: "Haribo be damned!" — a cheeky reference to a gummy-bear-shaped power bank that previously caught his attention. Ricker praised the device for its featherweight design and lack of feature creep, calling it the ideal companion for endurance athletes.

The Ultra-Light Power Bank Revolution

The NB10000 Gen 4 is the fourth iteration of Nitecore's ultralight series, and it represents a significant leap forward in battery technology. It uses silicon-carbon cells, which offer higher energy density than traditional lithium-ion cells while maintaining a slim profile. The battery measures just 1.45 x 11.6 x 4.68 cm (0.57 x 4.57 x 1.84 inches) and delivers an effective output of 35 watt-hours out of a theoretical 39 watt-hours — a conversion efficiency that NotebookCheck highlighted as exceptional.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the IPX7 rating is a game-changer. The NB10000 Gen 4 can withstand immersion in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes, making it a reliable companion in rain, river crossings, or accidental drops in a lake. The USB-C port supports fast charging, and the battery can recharge itself in under three hours when connected to a compatible wall adapter.

"I hate the feature creep associated with modern power banks, and I love shaving grams off the gear I carry when backpacking, bikepacking, and trail running. So imagine my delight when Nitecore released a new generation of its ultralight NB10000 battery." — Thomas Ricker, The Verge

Expanding the Carbo and Pocket Families

Nitecore didn't just update the NB10000. The new Carbo series pushes into larger capacities: the 20,000mAh Carbo is waterproof and features a built-in display that shows remaining capacity and output wattage. It's aimed at multi-day expeditions where reliable power is non-negotiable.

For urban users, the Pocket 5 and Pocket 10000 are compact companions. The Pocket 5 supports MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging, and cleverly integrates its USB-C cable as a carrying strap. The Pocket 10000, meanwhile, offers a built-in USB-C cable and weighs in at a svelte weight, ideal for slipping into a pocket or pouch. NotebookCheck reported on both models, underscoring Nitecore's push into lighter, cable-integrated designs.

Another highlight is the NB Air, a slim power bank with nearly 20Wh of capacity, designed specifically for aviation travel — its name and form factor suggest it complies with airline carry-on limits while providing enough juice for a phone and a small tablet.

Flashlights: Brighter, Lighter, and More Versatile

Nitecore also showcased a dazzling array of flashlights, each tailored to different niche needs:

  • EDC29: Over 1,000 feet of throw in a pocket-friendly body.
  • P27iX: A 5,000-lumen beast with a 470-yard range.
  • EDC07: 1,500 lumens at just 2.5 ounces (71g).
  • EDC31: Compact, USB-C rechargeable, and only 3.5 ounces.
  • EX7: 20 LEDs arranged in four groups for customizable beam patterns.
  • TUP2: Redesigned with four quad-core LEDs for improved efficiency.

These models reflect a broader trend toward high-performance lighting in lightweight packages. The EDC07, for instance, delivers enough brightness to light up a campsite while weighing less than a granola bar. The EDC29's extreme throw makes it a tool for search-and-rescue or long-distance signaling.

Nitecore also introduced the AP01, a USB-C-powered air pump that weighs just 22 grams and generates 2.8 kPa of pressure — perfect for inflating air mattresses or inflatable gear on the trail.

A Competitive Landscape at IWA

Nitecore wasn't alone in pushing boundaries. Fenix unveiled the E06R Pro, an EDC flashlight that combines a laser pointer with multiple LEDs and even a UV light option. The E06R Pro is a multi-tool for outdoor professionals, offering white light, red light, UV light, and a laser in one compact body. Similarly, Acebeam showcased its UC25 prototype, featuring multiple LEDs and 360-degree lighting capabilities.

This wave of innovation is happening against a backdrop of rising consumer demand for versatile, lightweight, and durable gear. As The Great Outdoors magazine noted in its 2026 power bank roundup, portable charging has become an essential category in outdoor gear — and Nitecore is consistently at the top of the list.

Why It Matters

The shift to silicon-carbon cells and waterproof designs has real implications for adventurers. For ultralight backpackers, every gram saved is a step saved. For weekend campers, a power bank that can survive a downpour adds peace of mind. And for frequent flyers, airline-approved capacities mean no more choosing between charging a phone and a camera.

As The Trek pointed out in its (admittedly botched) coverage, the competition is fierce — Haribo even released a gummy-bear-shaped power bank. But Nitecore's precision engineering and attention to core essentials make it the brand to beat.

With the IWA show setting the tone for the year, we can expect more brands to follow Nitecore's lead: lighter batteries, smarter cables, and lights that push the boundaries of what fits in a pocket. Whether you're a trail runner chasing a personal best or a weekend wanderer looking to stay connected, the new generation of Nitecore gear — and its rivals — promises to brighten the path ahead.