top of page

Dark Energy: Our Portable Power Solution

Writer's picture: Mike LarsenMike Larsen

Updated: Feb 14, 2024

We thrive on being prepared and having the right tools to keep things going. Because of this I've become a big fan of the Dark Energy portable power solutions to ensure that our devices stay charged up. Dark Energy was a transition from Apple's mag safe portable battery and some cheaper alternatives to larger power banks. Dark Energy has a solid lineup of gear that is built for hard work and real life usage. These devices provided some additional features and consistency by consolidating to a single brand.  The Dark Energy product line has more devices available than what we’ll cover here, but these give us the layers of power to plan into our adventures.  

The Poseidon battery packs have proven themselves as reliable and durable.  The manufacturer provides more comprehensive testing grounds than we do but it's nice to know as the devices travel with us that they are not only built for function but for durability.  There's a lot more information in regards to the technical specifications and some additional equipment that we won't discuss here. This is more about our use and the functions that we find valuable.  

Here's the thought process behind how we deploy this great equipment. 



I run 2 of the Nano's.  One can be on me (in a pocket) or in the bag I'm carrying.  It's accompanied by a couple of cords in the event I don't want to use the mag safe charging or it's for another device like the Bivy Stick Satellite communicator or Surefire Stiletto flashlight.  The Nano at 3,000 mAH keeps these basic things operational on an EDC level.  Having 2 gives us redundancy to charge multiple devices at the same time or use them in series for those really long days.  Having a battery level indicator is one of the benefits over the Apple battery pack.  Overall the Nano is solid and reliable and easy to have along in a pocket. 



The Poseidon Pro is the other power bank that we run.  At present it's a solo unit, but with the 10,000 mAH operation it should long out last our needs for on the go use for a phone or satellite communicator.  Where this device comes in handy is when we need to run an iPad or Macbook in the field or on the go.  It's roughly the size of my iPhone 14pro so throwing it in a back pocket or EDC bag is not a big deal at all.  The one thing to remember is it does require a cord to connect to a device.  But that's easy enough.  Just like the Nano, it has a battery level indicator but it also has a USB and USBC output.  The Pro also has a built-in flashlight which could come in handy but it's not likely to be used by us.  Again it's a rugged build and offers extensive protection and charging life which is why it's a daily carry in my Yeti 27L that goes almost everywhere with me. 



Finally we come to the Spectre solar panel.  This ruggedized, flexible solar panel is our final option when it comes to power.  This is a newer piece of kit for us, but something that will give us the ability to charge the power banks or devices if all else fails.  It's an advanced level of preparation and not something that is packed on a day to day level, but will be reserved for more remote or longer term adventures.  

Putting all of these items together into layers of energy allows for greater time in the field away from traditional power sources, or the ability to avoid the use of questionable power sources that could compromise a phone, tablet or laptop.  

22 views1 comment

Recent Posts

See All

1 Comment


Mike Larsen
Mike Larsen
Mar 05, 2024

Quick update….on my last trip I was able to put the Spectre to the test and recharge the Poseidon Pro. Everything worked great and utilization of the accessory kit was a win to not only transport but get the best performance out of the solar kit. This setup was on Maui on a very sunny day, so will continue to run it in Michigan on the boat this summer and see how things go. (Note the suction cups, plan is to flip those around and be able to secure it to the fiberglass deck of the boat.)


Like

©2035 by Raven Strategic Blog.

bottom of page