The Bottom Line
The Nestout 15000 mAh power bank is a great choice for travelers looking for a durable, cool design they can trust. During the test, one thing became immediately apparent: This power bank is designed to handle the elements. We are very happy to see that the Nestout comes with IP6X/IPX7 ratings, providing reliable protection against water and dust. It also has attachment points for Nestout accessories such as a camp light.
As for constraints, Nestout performed poorly in our performance tests. It’s also rather heavy and bulky, which isn’t good news for small backpackers and other space-conscious outdoorsmen. All in all, Nestout is a reliable option for tough situations but may be overkill for casual users.
How We Tested
We used the Nestout 15000 mAh Power Bank extensively while hiking around Durango, Colorado, and at home to charge our devices. We also took it with us on a long spring backpacking trip in the Southwest, and subsequent road trips. We used the Nestout a lot to charge flashlights, phones, and Garmin inReach.
Quick Details
Nestout 15000
The Most Durable Power Bank
rating:
3.8/5.0
Amount:
$65
Weight:
12.8 oz.
mAh:
15,000
Full charge time:
5 hours 1 minute
Benefits
- It lasts a very long time
- IP6X/IPX7 ratings inspire confidence in harsh conditions
- Good cold weather performance
Good performance
Efficiency is not the only strength of the Nestout 15000. We reached that conclusion by using a multimeter and a dummy load resistor to calculate the number of available watt hours. We then compare that to the number listed in the power bank’s watt hours. It is common for the actual power to differ from the listed power, but the Nestout difference (about 33%) was significant. When we divided the number of watt hours by the weight of the bank, it had the lowest amount of energy available per gram.
Importantly, we didn’t have a problem with the Nestou’s lack of efficiency when hiking, backpacking, or using it around the house. We can still get a lot of incomplete charges out of a device before it dies. Nestout is also one of the few power banks that will come with a capacity between 10,000 and 20,000 mAh hours, hitting the sweet spot.
Weight & Portability
Thanks to its extensive feature set and incredible durability, the Nestout 15000 mAh Power Bank is not very light or portable. On our kitchen scale, it came in at 12.8 ounces (just under its 12.9-ounce listed weight), making it one of the heavier options to make our “best of” list. It also ranks near the bottom of our list in terms of volume, which translates to a good amount of bulk.
As a result, we found the Nestout to be much lighter than most of the power banks we’ve tested alongside. Even when compared to other high-end models, it feels difficult to use. It is large enough to fit in most fanny pockets and hipbelt pockets.
Strength
The Nestout 15000 mAh Power Bank has IP6X/IPX7 ratings and really shines when it comes to durability. It passed our eight-foot drop test with flying colors and showed no scratches or other cosmetic damage after weeks of use.
At first we were pressed for input/output covers, which are not strong but important for protection. Starting with waterproofing, the Nestout has an IPX7 rating, which means it can be submerged in water up to one meter (3.3 feet) deep for up to 30 minutes. Other power banks we tested also have this rating, but the Nestout port covers made it the only bank we were willing to take out as part of our testing process. We held it under a running sink faucet for a few minutes, and it worked flawlessly after that.
Unlike many other power banks we’ve tried, the Nestout also has an IP6X rating, which means it’s completely dustproof. It also features shock absorbing cushioning to protect the battery and meet military drop test standards. In other words, this device is very durable and built to last.
Charging speed
The Nestout 15000 mAh Power Bank took just over five hours to charge using a standard cable and a QC 3.0 wall charger, which was slightly below average for our test group. To measure the charging speed, we used the same wall charger and cord for all power banks to keep things fair and consistent. We then used the tablet to record the light indicators. When the last light stops giving them, we reviewed the video to determine how long each device took to reach a full charge.
It is worth noting that our recorded time is longer than the Nestout’s recharge time (~ 3 hours and 35 minutes). This difference may be due in part to the charging cable we used, but we think there was hope for them. However, the Nestout’s recharge time was between the 10,000 mAh and 20,000 mAh banks we tested, which is consistent with its capacity. In other words, it is within the system.
Features
The Nestout 15000 mAh Power Bank comes with most of the basic features we want and a few extras. Pass-through charging is at its best, allowing you to charge the bank while using it to charge the device. The Nestout has this feature, along with five analog charging indicator bars (most competitors come with four). The power button is easy to use and mixed with the bank.
As we mentioned above, the Nestout also comes with port holes. These are great for keeping dust and moisture out but can be a bit heavy at times. Fortunately, they are removable where water and dust are not a concern. There is also a bottom bank configuration that allows it to be paired with a stand or attached to various lights (sold separately). For charging, you get three ports: two USB-A and one USB-C.
Cold Operation
During our cold weather simulations, the Nestout 15000 only dropped 1% in efficiency, which was the strongest performance among the power banks we tested. To measure refrigeration efficiency, we repeat our usual efficiency checks inside the refrigerator, noting any reduction or improvement in available energy. Given the performance of the Nestout, we believe it would be a good choice for winter backpacking trips.
Should You Buy The Nestout 15000?
The Nestout 15000 mAh Power Bank is a solid and reliable option for outdoor users who are serious about their gear. Whether you’re hiking deep into the rugged backcountry or hunting on a winter backpacking trip, the Nestout is up to the task with rugged construction and IP ratings for both submersion and dust. Cap covers add a good dose of protection against water or heavy rain.
That said, the Nestout is relatively heavy and bulky, which will deter compact minimalists like thru-hikers and trail runners. This is mainly due to the durable and rich construction, so you will want to weigh your priorities before making a decision. It’s also not outstanding in terms of efficiency or charging speed, offering average power per gram compared to other power banks we’ve tested.
What Other Power Banks Should You Consider?
If you’re on the fence about which power bank to buy, check out the options below, or head over to our gear guide to the best power banks for a more comprehensive look at the market.
INIU B5 20000 Review: INIU B5 20000 offers more capacity than Nestout, as well as better efficiency. It is also lightweight but not durable (the outer coating scratches easily over time) and is not rated for dust or water immersion.
Anker PowerCore 10K update: For a reliable option with a low weight and price point, the Anker PowerCore is a solid one. While it’s not a standout in any terrain, it’s a solid all-rounder that’s tough enough to handle regular backcountry use.
INIU Review B41 10000: If features are important to you, it’s worth considering the B41 10000. While not as durable as the Nestout, the B41 is simple, cheap, and comes well-equipped with multiple charging points, a large analog battery indicator, and a built-in flashlight.
