Nitecore NEB10
£63.95
Pros
- Water resistant
- Compact
- Very Light
- Comfortable Strap
- Strong MOLLE Platform
Cons
- Quite Small
When I contacted Nitecore about reviewing their BP20 backpack (read my review of it here), I asked them if it would be possible for them to send me their NDP10 too (review coming soon!), as it can be attached onto the BP20. I wasn’t expecting Nitecore to send me their NEB10 Excursion Bag for me to review. So, without further ado, here is my review of the NEB10!
Note.
The NEB10 and the NEB20 are practically identical for intents and purposes. They both come in a colour choice of black or grey. The only real difference between the two is that the NEB10 has a Hypalon MOLLE platform. The NEB20, on the other hand, has a soft Velcro MOLLE platform.
The Contents.
The Nitecore NEB10 doesn’t come in a box. Now, when it comes to things like flashlights or other bits of EDC that could become damaged in transit, boxes are fine. However, when it comes to bags or pouches, I don’t mind how they arrive. It comes in a simple plastic bag, which keeps dust and dirt off the bag. What arrived in the package is as follows:
- Padded shoulder strap with MOLLE system and Velcro area
- Waist strap
- Nitecore NEB10
The bag is actually rather compact and it is aimed at people taking short trips, for example day trips. It comfortably holds items such as a water bottle, a Kindle E-reader and a raincoat. For me, this is more than enough. Of course, you can fit all sorts of things inside the NEB10, so the choice of what you put into it is completely up to you. The bag is discreet and I can honestly say that in the middle of a crowd of people, you will not be noticed when you use it.
There are some MOLLE loops on the side of this bag, which means that you can attach extra pouches if you so desire, which means that you have the ability to carry more.
A Closer Look at the Nitecore NEB10.
There are four main sections that make up the bag: the two front pouches, the main section and then the mesh pocket at the back of the bag. There are two drainage holes in the main compartment, which means that if any water manages to get through the 1050D high-strength, abrasion-resistant nylon construction, it will flow out through the holes, which prevents any moisture from building up and damaging your belongings. I would actually recommend spraying the NEB10 with waterproofing spray, because although the bag is water resistant to a certain degree, when you live in a country where it rains almost every day, you want to keep your belongings as dry as possible.
The Two Front Compartments.
The entire front part of the bag features a MOLLE system constructed of a synthetic rubber called Hypalon. This fancy material is lightweight and very water resistant. Commonly used in the production of assault boats, it is also wear and tear resistant. It has been laser cut, which means that it is very precise. When you combine all of these factors, Hypalon becomes and obvious choice for a MOLLE system.
This material covers the two front compartments, which are both identical internally. They both have a zip that allows you to open up the pocket as wide as possible. Inside, they both have an elasticated mesh pocket, which is ideal for keeping items such as notebooks, pens, small knives or even keys in. For me, I keep a notebook and pen in one section and then I keep my wallet and a packet of tissues in the other section, which still gives me space for extra things should the need arise.
The Main Section.
This is the largest part of the NEB10 and it features six large elasticated loops, as well as a long, thick, strip of soft Velcro where you can attach hook and loop systems which are sold separately.
It is in this section that I have been carrying a bottle of water, a raincoat, a flashlight (of course) and my solar charger. There is still plenty of space for extra things, I just prefer to half fill this section in case I buy something when I am out and about and need the space to carry it.
The Mesh Pocket.
The NEB10 has a spacious mesh pocket at the back that keeps the waist strap tucked away when not in use. However, I have been using it to hold something else. Remember I said earlier about the fact that it rains almost every day here? Well, I discovered that this pouch is perfect for holding an umbrella. For this reason, ever since the NEB10 arrived, I have kept a compact umbrella stashed away.
The Zips.
The zips on this bag are heavy-duty and they can easily withstand day-to-day abuse. They feel very secure, as they have been stitched on well. The zip pulls are attached with thick cord and have heavy-duty plastic D-rings which do not slide about when you pull them. This makes using them with gloves simple, as they are easy to use, thanks to the design.
The Strap.
I must admit, the shoulder strap on the NEB10 is by far one of the most comfortable. It is well-padded (which is actually removeable if you decide you don’t like it) and there is a Velcro strip which has MOLLE cut outs, so you can attach patches to it or you can add some small MOLLE-compatible items. I keep a pen tucked into the MOLLE, which means that I never leave home without one. The clasps that are used to attach it to the bag feel very well built and they certainly won’t spring open accidentally.
Improvements and Suggestions.
For short day trips, this bag is certainly one of the best, as it is compact and lightweight. The shoulder strap makes it a joy to carry, even when heavy. After using it during bad weather, I can honestly say that the NEB10 holds its own and performs excellently. There are, as always, some things that I believe could improve the NEB10. For example, I think it would be good if Nitecore included some of the hook and loop systems, as this would allow you to set up the bag exactly the way you want to. Secondly, there are no reflective strips included, which means that you aren’t easily visible (which can be a good thing or a bad thing really). It isn’t a major thing, but it would be nice if Nitecore produced the bag in more colours (for example desert tan).
I love this bag, as it has performed well, and it doesn’t look really tactical, so you blend into a crowd really easily. I would recommend the NEB10 for this reason.
If you want the Anker iPhone Charger Cable for yourself, it’s available for purchase only on Nitecore website. The RRP for this product is £63.95..
Product sample provided by Nitecore in exchange for a detailed, unbiased review.
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