When deep in the heart of nature, people may wonder why an electrical power source is needed. The short answer is that in today’s world, handheld electronic devices can aid the rural enthusiast in numerous ways. Their GPS tracker can keep them on route. Their cellphone can offer amusement during downtime, and satellite-based gear can keep them in touch with family or emergency services. One such power source is Dark Energy’s Poseidon XL Power Bank.
This portable unit stores a substantial amount of usable power and is incredibly durable when facing nature’s harshest conditions. How tough is it? Read on.
The Poseidon XL
The Frame
The Poseidon XL’s size is comparable to an extra-thick tablet. It offers a mostly black exterior with orange accents along its perimeter and corners. Three large cap-covered ports accent the front of the unit. Two subtle dual-function buttons are positioned adjacent to the three large ports.
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One side controls the on/off function and system reset. The other activates the small device mode and charging timer operation. The total weight of the Poseidon XL is just shy of two-and-a-half pounds. This is heavier than most power banks, but by no means a burden to carry.
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Charging Functions and Outputs
Going the electronic and charging route first, the Poseidon XL is ideal for a one- or two-day trek outdoors. The unit offers three waterproof (more on this later) ports. Two feature both USB-A and USB-C ports, with one USB-C used for input charging. The third port is an XT60 input port for solar charging if you choose to add this option (easily purchased through) for nearly unlimited power when outside.
The 27,000mAh battery provides 1.5 charges for a 13-inch laptop, and easily replenishes power to cellphones, GPS trackers, cameras, and portable camp lighting. The Poseidon XL included a three-foot USB-C to USB-C cable, allowing for instant, out-of-the-box use.
The unit came with about a fifty percent charge. To boost it to full power capacity, I simply used a USB-C wall plug. Green lights indicated the power level, and it became fully charged in less than one hour.
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Ruggedness for the Outdoors
Moisture, varying temperatures, dirt, dust, grime, and accidental drops can turn an ordinary power bank into a useless paperweight. Not so with the Poseidon XL. This product anticipated nature’s ferocity and was designed to fight back against it.
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First off, I felt the weight and solidity of the unit as soon as I picked it up. The outer shell was composed of durable polycarbonate with Armor-Flex edge and corners that exceeds MIL-STD-810G standards. It repels dust and is fully submersible up to six feet for a staggering forty-five minutes. In most outdoor incidents, this time frame would be more than enough for you to secure a lost-in-the-water unit.
The Poseidon XL was also designed to operate in extreme temperature conditions. With it being summertime in South Florida, I naturally couldn’t test extreme cold, but nearly one-hundred-degree temperatures with high humidity had no effect on the power bank.
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Ease of Carry
Though the power bank was beefier than traditional units used for everyday power needs, it wasn’t overly cumbersome in any way. Its ingenious design offered a textured surface on both sides of the casing, allowing a firm grip even under wet (or in my case, sweaty) conditions. Both sides of the unit featured firm, rubberized “feet” which allowed a solid foundation wherever I placed it.
With dimensions of 8.35 by 6.2 inches and just over 1.5 inches thick, the Poseidon can easily fit into most gear bags, backpacks, and sling bags without a problem.
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A Powerhouse for Outdoors and Home
To put it mildly, I loved this product. From its hardcore construction and power capabilities to its simple-to-use design, nothing felt amiss or underwhelming. Everything was clearly marked, and its operating instructions were only a QR code away (on both the box and the unit itself).
What’s great about the Poseidon XL is that although it’s most certainly outdoor-centric, it can also assist during your everyday life. It can aid in school use, remote work, and home emergencies when power fails, and you need some vital “juice” for your electronics.
The Poseidon XL is priced at a very fair $249.99. Unlike other units you may have to replace often, this powerhouse is built to last, and from my experience, nothing will put this beast down.
