I recently completed the final 75 miles of the Camino Frances in northern Spain, walking from Sarria to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela over six days.
While ancient pilgrims didn’t carry smartphones, these devices have become essential safety gear for modern Camino walkers. You need them to find and book accommodation, enter passport details, and locate open shops, cafes, and restaurants—especially challenging during the winter season.
A smartphone is no longer a luxury but a vital piece of safety equipment that keeps you connected and requires reliable charging. For this critical task, I chose the Nitecore NB Plus.
Battery Life on the Trail
The battery in my iPhone 17 Pro Max significantly outlasts my previous iPhone 15 Pro Max. On a typical day, I can start with a full charge and still have 50% remaining by evening.
However, trail conditions are dramatically different. Navigation apps, constant use of the Translate app for Spanish, and WhatsApp communication with hostel owners drain the battery quickly. Additionally, the cold weather in northern Spain—with early morning and late afternoon temperatures dipping into the 30s Fahrenheit—further impacts battery performance.
The Nitecore NB Plus: Compact Power
The Nitecore NB Plus is a 10,000mAh power bank designed to be both rugged and compact. It weighs just 5.5 ounces and measures 4.8 x 2.3 x 0.5 inches. Its remarkable thinness allows it to slip unobtrusively into a pocket or backpack—a crucial feature when every ounce matters on long-distance hikes.
Importantly, it offers double the capacity of its predecessor, the NB Air, providing substantial power in a minimal footprint. When hiking or carrying gear throughout the day, this power bank virtually disappears into your carry, ensuring you won’t be tempted to leave it behind.
Performance Features
Despite its compact size, this power bank features both USB-C and USB-A ports, each capable of 22.5W output. While it’s not designed for laptops, it’s perfect for charging phones, GPS receivers, satellite messengers, or small drones like the DJI Neo.
Before my trip to northern Spain, I conducted thorough testing to verify that power outputs and energy capacity matched the manufacturer’s specifications—and they did. Nitecore hasn’t compromised on build quality. This unit is ideal not only for hikers but also for outdoor workers, including engineers, foresters, and emergency service personnel.
Real-World Durability Testing
The trail revealed this power bank to be even tougher than expected. The carbon fiber shell resists knocks and dents, while rounded corners prevent unexpected tears in backpack fabric. With an IPX7 rating, it’s fully protected against dirt and water.
I subjected this device to thick fog, rain, hail, and even snow and ice without any issues. One night, it froze solid in a stone cottage outside the small village of Ferreiros. While too cold to hold with bare hands, it continued working perfectly.
The power bank spent most of its time in my tech dry bag, but when charging devices on the move, it was exposed to the elements in pockets or pouches. After ten days of intensive use and harsh conditions, it still performs like new.
Final Verdict
The Nitecore NB Plus commands a premium price at $65. While those seeking a basic everyday power bank can find cheaper alternatives, anyone relying on their power bank to maintain vital connections should seriously consider this unit.
I’ve used numerous Nitecore products over the years—from power banks to flashlights, headlamps, and 18650 battery chargers—and have never been disappointed with a purchase. If you choose this power bank for your adventures, I’m confident you won’t be either.
