I go through quite a few mobile power banks. It’s one of those things I can never seem to have enough of. Whether it’s charging GoPros on a shoot, charging devices when traveling, or charging my laptop and phone when working at a coffee shop, having a power bank handy comes in useful. And it’s amazing how often you can bail out someone else whose devices are running on fumes.
The latest one that the folks at RAVPower sent me to try out is a small, convenient size that still packs 10000mAh of power. Its model number is RP-PB186. It has two ports, a PD and an iSmart port, that can output up to a combined 29W.
The thing that appeals to me about this one is its combination of 10,000mAh capacity and small physical size. It weighs under 7 ounces and measures 4.4 by 2 by 1 inches. That makes it ultra-portable for me and an easy addition to my day-to-day travel photography walking-around bag. It gives me the peace of mind of knowing that I can charge my camera batteries, iPhone battery, or MacBook battery while out and about without having to stop to find an AC outlet and then wait for it to charge. I can easily connect my device in my bag and have it charging while I’m out doing my thing.
This is side-by-side with the large RAVPower RP-PB172 20,000mAh power bank, which I’ve reviewed separately.
Another thing I’ve found this one particularly handy for is extended shoots with small cameras like GoPros. GoPro batteries don’t last long, so spares or an external power source–or better yet, both–are pretty much essential. You can use pretty much any USB power bank as external power for a GoPro, but the small size of this one makes it a particularly attractive option. It also functions as a fast-charger for the newer GoPro models that support that.
Using
There’s not much to using it. There are two ports, a PD port for a USB-C connector and an iSmart port with a USB-A connector.
There are only two ports: a PD port and an iSmart port. But the auto-sensing features of each make them very flexible with a wide range of devices.
The charging status indicator is the standard four-light display (not my favorite, but it works well enough). And there’s a small power button on the side. You can press that button to get an instant charge status check from the lights. It’s been working well for me.
The status indicator on the sides uses the standard four light arrangement.
Specs of the RAVPower RP-PB186
| Model | RP-PB186 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 10,000mAh / 36.3Wh |
| Min Capacity | 9,700mAh / 35.21Wh |
| PD Input | 5V / 3A, 9V / 2A, 12V / 1.5A, 18W Max |
| PD Output | PD3.0 5V / 3A, 9V / 3A, 12V / 2A, 14.5V / 2A |
| iSmart Output | QC3.0/2.0 5V / 3A, 9V / 2A, 12V / 1.5A |
| Total Output | PD18W + iSmart 5V / 2.1A (each port) / Total 29W Max |
| Dimensions | 112 x 51 x 25mm / 4.4 x 2.0 x 1.0 inches |
| Weight | 190.6 grams / 6.7 ounces |
What’s in the Box?
In addition to the battery itself, it comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable, a small user guide, and a soft pouch.
Where to Find Them
You can find the RP-PB186 at Amazon.
RAVPower have provided a special coupon code for readers of this site to get $10 off. Use code HCWPB186 during checkout.
Images and product information from Amazon PA-API were last updated on 2021-07-25 at 21:29. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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