As an avid backpack hunter, the weight in my pack is something I’m always cognizant of. More weight on my back means more energy loss throughout my hike. So, gear items like power banks will sometimes get left at the truck. The Poseidon Nano ($60) from Dark Energy is an ultralight charging solution for the weight-weenies of the world.
Is this lightweight power addition worth its minimal weight?
In short: Hunters, backpackers, or hikers looking for that little extra boost to keep their phone rolling in the field will be done right by the Dark Energy Poseidon Nano.
Pros
- Very small and lightweight
- Multiple charging options
- Holds a charge for 2+ years
Cons
- Can’t do a massive amount of charging with the Nano
Dark Energy Poseidon Nano Review
Overview
Dark Energy is well known for producing reliable charging blocks. The brand’s original Poseidon changed the game for backcountry hunters and soon became a staple in a long list of hunting kits. This new Nano is the little brother of the famed Poseidon. It’s the same reliable energy source in a much smaller package.
The Dark Energy Nano is a single-button microcharging brick about the size of a wallet. In each package, you’ll get a Nano and a 3-foot USB-C to USB-C rugged cable. Nanos are built with a durable outside shell and are all water-resistant (IP67 tested). Along with that, they are winter tested and endured 6 weeks straight in freezing temperatures. Each unit comes with a 2-year warranty.
In terms of how much charging power, the Nano is a 3,000 mAh brick. That equates to about 5-8 hours of additional power for a smartphone and even up to 12 hours. It all depends on what phone you have. That can be stretched an immense amount if running the phone on airplane mode when off the grid on hunting trips.
Features
Small Size and Weight
First things first — this thing is tiny. Compared to the Poseidon Pro, it’s 40% smaller. It’s about 4 x 2.5 inches and only about 0.50 inches thick. And best of all, it’s 3.8 ounces. Whether you’re on the go around town or moving camp deeper into the backcountry, the Nano is an ideal choice for your charging needs.
Charging Methods
Dark Energy provides you with three different methods of charging your devices. It is both MagSafe and Mavrik Tech-capable, and it’s able to charge via a USB-C cable. MagSafe is exclusive to iPhone users. You’ll notice a MagSafe guide on the back of the Nano. This is the middle of the road when it comes to charging efficiency.
Mavrik Tech allows you to charge any device that accepts wireless charging. This is the least efficient charging method. And USB-C to USB-C is going to be the most efficient way to charge any device. There is a little something for everyone with the Nano.
Holds a Charge
It’s one thing to have the ability to charge your devices on the go. What about that very device holding a charge until you need it, though? That’s a non-issue with the Nano. It can hold a charge for 2+ years, an impressive feat for such a tiny charging brick.
My Experience
I have extensive experience with the original Poseidon from Dark Energy. It’s always come in clutch for me on backpack hunts and served as a reliable resource. All that aside, I never really needed that much charging capability. I might charge my phone one time on a 10-day backpack hunt. So, the Nano sounded right up my alley.
As expected, the Poseidon Nano felt just as rugged and well-made as the Poseidon I’ve grown to know so well. I loved the fact that it only had one button. And, of course, the small size was impressive. With a few rugged backpack hunts in my future, the lack of size and weight would be much appreciated.
I carried the Dark Energy Nano on several backpack hunts this fall. As much as I adore the original Poseidon, this Nano will likely be my go-to for backcountry charging, especially if it’s just for my phone.
If I had to charge more than one device, like my phone, camera, or any other gear, I’d likely opt for the Poseidon Pro. For most of what I do, though, the Nano fits the bill and did exactly as expected. I have an Android, so my method of charging was by utilizing a USB-C cable.
What’s Wrong
The only thing that’s wrong with the Nano is exactly what’s right with it. The size puts a cap on the amount of charging you can do. For folks glued to their phones or who have multiple cameras along with their phone to charge, the Nano just isn’t going to be enough to handle all of that. This is for quick, on-the-go use until you get back to a more substantial charging station.
For the power it holds, it’s also worth looking at the cost. There are other options out there for lightweight power that don’t sting your wallet quite as badly. They may not have the durability or longevity of the Poseidon, though.
Dark Energy Poseidon Nano: In Closing
Charging energy is a commodity whether you’re navigating through the mountains with your phone or catching up on emails between meetings. Dark Energy has always been a leader in charging banks. Not only that, but the company also supports the hunting community. So, for a hunter who needs reliable, quick energy in the field, this Nano is where it’s at for me.
It’ll get you where you need to go and do it without a massive weight penalty. My backpack is certainly a bit lighter and more efficient.
