Michal Ozogan

Powerbank Klarus K5 - For travel and outdoor activities

A black, rectangular Klarus K5 power bank with a carbon fiber pattern lies on a textured wooden surface, possibly a tree stump. The device features a USB-A port, a USB-C port, and a power button on one end. Text on the side indicates "Capacity: 10000mAh, 3.85V / 38.5Wh" and "KLARUS® K5". The image has an overlaid text in red and white that reads "LIGHTWEIGHT POWERBANK FOR TRAVEL IT CAN WITHSTAND IMMERSION IN WATER".

The lightweight, carbon powerbank from Klarus is a direct competitor to a similar product from Nitecore. It has a capacity of 10000 mAh and weighs 156 grams. It offers 2 ports on the front—USB-A and USB-C. It includes a physical button to view a numerical charge indicator or to switch low current charging.

The maximum charging speed of the power bank is 18W, and it can reach full charge in over two hours. It offers IP68 protection, so it should be able to withstand prolonged immersion in water. Which makes it a great companion for the outdoors, where water is inevitable.

📏 Compare with Nitecore NB10000

Compared to the competition with Nitecore, Klarus K5 is about 6 grams heavier, but again offers a numerical charge indicator. It has rounded corners, is slightly thicker, but shorter. Its shape suits me a bit more and it is easier to handle.

According to tests, it is slightly less efficient than the Nitecore, so you get less juice from it. But it’s a difference in units of percents.

The Klarus K5 has better water resistance and meets all the requirements for powerbank for bikepacking and other outdoor activities.

Two power banks with a carbon fiber pattern are shown side-by-side on a wooden surface. The power bank on the left is slightly smaller and has rounded edges, while the one on the right is rectangular with sharp corners. The right power bank has text printed near its bottom, which includes "10000mAh 38.5Wh" and specifications for input and output. The carbon fiber weave pattern is consistent across both devices.
Nitecore is slightly longer
Two dark-colored power banks, similar in size, are positioned side-by-side on a wooden desk. The power bank on the left has a digital display showing "100%", indicating a full charge. It has a USB-A "OUT" port and a USB-C "IN/OUT" port. The power bank on the right, also dark-colored with a textured surface, features a USB-A "OUT" port and a USB-C "IN/OUT" port, both with orange inserts, along with a series of small indicator lights and a power button. In the background, a computer monitor displaying what appears to be text and a web browser is visible, along with parts of a monitor arm. The image is taken from a slightly elevated perspective, looking down at the devices on the desk.
Klarus is slightly thicker

🕵️ Summary

I like this powerbank and I carry it on most bikepacking trips. So far I have had no problems with functionality and its capacity is fully sufficient for me. The size and weight are great. It is one of the best powerbanks for bikepacking.

The downside is definitely the price, as you could get several powerbanks with the same capacity instead.

Get Klarus on Amazon

Advantages

  • Numeric indicator
  • Lightweight
  • Compact

Disadvantages

  • Price

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Published |

💬 3 comments

What are your thoughts? 🤔 Feel free to ask any questions 📫

Avatar
David

David

In your experience what is the recharge time for this power bank once it's out of charge? I'm interested in this for thru-hiking due to its light weight and waterproof features but I want something that can recharge relatively quickly for when I'm on the move. Thanks :-)

5/6/2025, 10:54 AM |

Michal Ozogán

It's little above 2h which is standard for 18W charging speed. There are faster options but will probably weight more.

5/6/2025, 4:47 PM
David

David

Thanks for replying, 2hr is ok as it's much better than my current (heavier) powerbank which takes 8hrs!

5/8/2025, 9:35 AM