NRGVault Outdoor Activity Powerbank Review

Heading out bush and exploring unchartered terrain means there may possibly be cause for you to have a tough powerbank.

NRGVault late last year (2024) released its new Outdoor Activity Powerbank, targeted at outdoorsy folk who like to take the long way home, and which has an IP64 rating. What does that mean? I hear you though. Essentially, it’s not fully waterproof, but it holds up well against light rain or accidental splashes, so perfect for most trail runners’ needs. The black and blue finish adds a touch of style while maintaining that adventure-ready aesthetic too. 

The Outdoor Activity Powerbank is not the most lightweight I’ve come across (203g), but it’s compact enough to slip into a hydration pack or running vest pocket without adding undue bulk. The reinforced, sturdy and rugged exterior offers good protection against drops and rough handling, essential for those unpredictable moments. 

With a 10,000mAh high-capacity, the NRGVault Outdoor Activity Powerbank provides enough juice to fully charge most smartphones twice or power smaller devices like headlamps, your GPS watch, and Bluetooth earbuds multiple times. For those runners who do endurance, that’s pretty important in my books. It’s dual-charging capabilities (USB-C and USB-A ports) allow you to charge two devices simultaneously, a handy feature for longer excursions or group adventures. 

The standout feature here is the 30W Power Delivery (PD) fast charging and Quick Charge 3.0 (QC 3.0) support, which drastically reduces the time needed to recharge your gadgets. Testing revealed that it could bring a smartphone from 20% to 80% in under an hour, perfect for when you’re at an aid station and need to get your devices’ batteries up (while you wait, it’s a good time to have those noodles or watermelon). 

The built-in LED torch is another thoughtful addition, and offers three levels of brightness. While it’s not the absolute brightest, it’s more than adequate for navigating your aid station stop or locating gear in your dropbag, and includes an emergency SOS light mode, so that’s pretty cool. 

It doesn’t take long to charge either – all four charge lights lit up before the hour was up, and the design also suggests a long life span, which may reduce electronic waste over time – that’s a great thing! 

The NRGVault Outdoor Activity Powerbank delivered on its promise of reliability and practicality for me, earning its place as a trail runner’s essential. It’s tough design and capabilities make it a standout choice for both day-long and multi-day adventures. While the recharge time could be improved, its overall performance and thoughtful features outweigh this minor drawback.

At an affordable price point, this powerbank is a valuable investment for any trail enthusiast looking to stay powered up on the go.

This article appeared in Edition 54 of Trail Run Magazine 2025. Grab your copy here