Australian Hiker

Rating

Cygnett 27,000mAh USB-C Power Bank Review

I’ve always been a power bank user, mainly because of the amount of technology I carry for blogging. Rain and heavy tree coverage always seems to be my companion on many of the hikes that I do so it limits my use of solar panels. For most hikers a power bank of any size is not a consideration with many preferring to disconnect when out on the trail. As someone who blogs and records and edits a podcasts in the middle of nowhere, I can best be described as a a heavy power user. In 2020 I’m planning on doing 28 days on the Australian Alps Walking Track and on this walk I’ll need to be able to manage my power without the expectation of of recharging as I go.

With so many power bank options available to choose from I wanted a power bank with USB-C connectivity (check your devices for compatibility). Not really necessary if you are just charging a phone but if you are charging multiple devices, including laptops and iPads then it’s nice to have. USB-C connections allow for faster charging provided you have the appropriate cables and a compatible device.

The Cygnett 27,000mAh USB-C Power Bank allows you to charge two devices with USB-C 75% faster than a standard USB, and charge an additional device at a slower pace on a standard USB connection. If you are charging a tablet or laptop this can make a big difference. I like having the ability to charge multiple devices at the same time if I need and with different port options to cover all my bases. One reason I love the cygnets brand is pure reliability. It’s not unusual that this unit will be charged, go into a cupboard and when I pull it back out agin 8 months later to use again and its still fully charged and ready to go.

Over the past 5 years I have been using the smaller Cygnett 10,000mAh USB-C Power Bank (now superseded) so when looking for more grunt for my hike on the Hume and Hovell Track I opted for the Cygnett 27,000mAh USB-C Power Bank and here’s how it performed.

Let’s look at the negatives first and there really aren’t many but the most obvious one is the 645 gram weight. This is by no means a lightweight unit but that’s not why you chose this option. The only other real negative for me is the power charge lights that consist of a series of small dots that represent the percentage of charge left. I prefer the actual numbers depicted in the smaller units finding it easier to work out the amount of power remaining.

The positives of this unit are the sheer grunt – the 27,000mAh capacity lasted me two weeks charging my iPad, my camera, my phone multiple times. My biggest power drain is using Wifi to upload and transfer my audio files for my podcasts but that’s just a fact of life when going remote and mobile. As a heads up, this unit can be carried as cabin baggage within Australia but it would be worthwhile to check your airlines’ policy for any overseas flights.

Another key feature I really love about this range of Cygnett Power Banks  is the rounded corners and rubberised exterior – this power bank sits in you pack, or for that matter your pocket, very comfortably. So while this is not a unit the vast majority of hikers are going to think about, if you are a heavy power user and need a guaranteed power supply over a period of weeks then this is a great choice.

Please note that this unit is being appears to be being phased out so may not be available for much longer.

We Like

• Compact soft feel case. The rounded corners mean you can sit this unit in your pack or pocket without it digging in
• Charge up to three devices at one time (two with USB-C)
• Will last very heavy users for up to 14 days depending on the power usage
• Great for charging laptops

We Don't Like

• This is not a lightweight power bank
• I prefer the power metres on the smaller models as it’s easier to tell the charge level
• You need to purchase specific USC cables

Cygnett 27,000 in box

Cygnett 27,000mAh USB-C Power Bank – front view unpacked with cable

Airline approved as cabin baggage in Australia but check when you g0 overseas just in case

Cygnett 27,000mAh USB-C Power Bank – rear view showing port capacity

Cygnett 27,000mAh USB-C Power Bank – charging ports and on/off button (top view)

Best Uses

A heavy duty power bank for big power users that will quickly charge compatible tablets, laptops as well as just the little stuff like phones, cameras and GPS

Buy One

You can purchase the Cygnett 27,000mAh USB-C Power Bank online from Amazon Australia

Disclosure:  We may earn a small commission, at no additional expense to you, if you click through and make a purchase. Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our reviews. If we don’t like a product, you’ll hear about it from us!

Investment

AUD $179.95 RRP

Disclaimer

This review was done with product purchased from a retail store by Australian Hiker

Last updated

17 March 2024

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