Two of the best power banks I've ever used are lightweight and built for extreme adventures

ZDNET's key takeaways

These power banks can handle the extreme cold down to -40°C/°F They have a lightweight carbon fiber frame and are IPX5 water- and dust-resistant They're expensive.

It's easy to think of power banks as living a comfortable life at home, in an office, or in a pocket, but some demand a power bank that can handle extreme conditions. 

Also: The best power banks you can buy in 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

There are few power banks that are as robust -- or, for that matter, as lightweight and durable -- as the Nitecore Summit line. These power banks have been designed to handle some of the harshest environments on the planet. 

Nitecore Summit tech specs

OK, so we all know what a power bank is, so let's focus on what makes these Nitecore Summit power banks different. 

First, these are lightweight units -- essentially lithium batteries clad in carbon fiber. They're about as minimal as power banks get, but they're robust enough to withstand drops and falls up to 1.5 meters, and IPX5-rated for water and dust resistance. The 10,000 mAh unit weighs 6 ounces, while the 20,000 mAh power bank is 10.7 ounces. 

Each power bank has a button, some LEDs to show power levels, and a USB-C port for input and output and USB-A for things that still require the old port (like my Suunto Wing bone conduction headset that ships with a proprietary charging cable and USB-A on the other end).

Also: The most durable power station I've tested dares Mother Nature to do her worst

Then there's the low temperature resistance. These power banks have a built-in heater that kicks in when temperatures get too low, allowing them to continue to function down to -40°C/°F. In my experience, the average power banks will give up the ghost well before this.

Each power bank also comes with an insulated carry bag to protect it from the elements, along with a USB-C-to-USB-C cable.

So, now all you have to do is decide on capacity -- do you want to the Nitecore Summit 10000 or the Nitecore Summit 20000?

ZDNET's buying advice

Nitecore isn't a name you think of when it comes to power banks -- it's more a flashlight brand -- but its power banks are some of the best that I've used, and the Summit 10000 and Summit 20000 are the cream of the crop. I've been using these for a few months now, subjected them to the usual hard life that things around me get, and they have performed flawlessly. I've also frozen them to -4°F/-20°C (the lowest temperature I can get anything down to) and still got 70% of the rated capacity out of them, so I'd be more than happy to expose these to harsh climates. 

No doubt they're pricey -- $99 and $149 respectively -- but you're getting a very solid, reliable power bank backed by an 18-month warranty. Not everyone needs this kind of power bank, but if you do, you do!