The ATN EXTENDED LIFE BAT PACK W/ MICRO USB CABLE Made a Bold First Impression
The ATN EXTENDED LIFE BAT PACK W/ MICRO USB CABLE promises to solve a critical problem for users of ATN‘s smart optics: extended runtime in the field. This battery pack boasts a 16000 mAh capacity, offering up to 22 hours of continuous use, which sounds like a game-changer for extended hunts or surveillance operations. I was drawn to this product hoping to finally ditch the constant worry about battery life when using my ATN ThOR 4 during multi-day hog hunts.
Upon unboxing, my initial impression was…underwhelming. The battery pack itself felt sturdy enough, encased in what appeared to be durable plastic. The adjustable buttstock pouch, however, seemed cheaply made and ill-fitting.
I had previously considered other power solutions, like generic USB power banks and custom battery modifications. I ultimately chose the ATN product for its supposed seamless integration with ATN devices and the promise of a tailored fit, a promise which already seemed shaky. My first impression was one of slight disappointment; I hoped the performance would redeem the lackluster aesthetics.
Real-World Testing: Putting ATN EXTENDED LIFE BAT PACK W/ MICRO USB CABLE to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ATN EXTENDED LIFE BAT PACK W/ MICRO USB CABLE during a three-day hog hunt in central Texas. The temperatures ranged from a chilly 35°F at night to a balmy 70°F during the day. The landscape was a mix of dense brush and open fields, ideal for testing the battery pack’s portability and reliability.
The initial setup was simple, plugging the Micro USB cable into my ATN ThOR 4. I secured the battery pack to my rifle’s buttstock using the provided pouch. The pouch felt flimsy and shifted around even after tightening, making it a constant distraction. After only 4 hours of use, the scope battery indicator was flashing low, this was extremely disappointing as the OEM internal scope battery lasted 8+ hours.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the ATN EXTENDED LIFE BAT PACK W/ MICRO USB CABLE on various outings, I can confidently say it has not lived up to expectations. The advertised 22 hours of continuous use is laughably inaccurate in my experience. I consistently got between 4-6 hours, and that was under ideal conditions.
There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the battery pack itself. The buttstock pouch, however, shows significant fraying and stretching. Cleaning the battery pack is simple, but the pouch is a dirt magnet and difficult to properly clean due to its poor construction. Compared to my previous experience with standard USB power banks, this dedicated solution is a major letdown. It is less reliable and less versatile for the money.
Breaking Down the Features of ATN EXTENDED LIFE BAT PACK W/ MICRO USB CABLE
Specifications
- 16000 mAh Battery Pack: This is the core of the system, promising extended power for compatible devices. However, my testing revealed that this capacity does not translate to the advertised runtime.
- USB to Micro USB w/ L Shape Connector: The L-shaped connector is a thoughtful design to minimize cable strain. It is a standard Micro USB cable, which feels outdated given the prevalence of USB-C.
- Water Resistant Rubber Seal: This provides a degree of protection against the elements. I didn’t submerge the battery pack, but it seemed to hold up to light rain and moisture without issue.
- Adjustable Buttstock Pouch: This allows for convenient attachment to a rifle or other equipment. The pouch is poorly constructed and doesn’t securely hold the battery pack.
Performance & Functionality
The ATN EXTENDED LIFE BAT PACK W/ MICRO USB CABLE fails to deliver on its primary promise: extended battery life. The short runtime makes it unreliable for extended hunts or operations. The pouch is impractical. It shifts around and is of such low quality. It is more of a nuisance than an asset.
The key weakness is the disparity between advertised and actual battery life. This severely undermines the product’s value proposition. It does not meet my expectations, and I cannot recommend it based on its performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The battery pack’s design is functional but not particularly inspiring. The build quality is decent, but the overall package feels cheap due to the low-quality pouch. It’s not particularly user-friendly due to the poor integration with the buttstock, requiring constant adjustments and causing discomfort. There isn’t a steep learning curve to utilize, but it ends up being tedious.
Durability & Maintenance
The battery pack itself seems reasonably durable and should last for several years with proper care. The buttstock pouch is the weak point and will likely need to be replaced relatively quickly. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ATN EXTENDED LIFE BAT PACK W/ MICRO USB CABLE comes with the battery pack, USB cable, and buttstock pouch. There are no customization options available, and the pouch is designed specifically for this battery pack. It could be used with any device that has a Micro USB connection but works best for the ATN line of products.
Pros and Cons of ATN EXTENDED LIFE BAT PACK W/ MICRO USB CABLE
Pros
- Water-resistant design provides some protection from the elements.
- L-shaped Micro USB connector reduces cable strain.
- High-capacity battery theoretically extends device runtime.
Cons
- Significantly shorter battery life than advertised.
- Poorly constructed and ill-fitting buttstock pouch.
- Outdated Micro USB connector.
Who Should Buy ATN EXTENDED LIFE BAT PACK W/ MICRO USB CABLE?
This product is perfect for: People who don’t mind carrying around a battery pack even though the internal ATN scope battery life will likely outlast this product. This product should be skipped by: Anyone needing a reliable, extended power solution for their ATN devices, especially those on extended hunts or surveillance operations. A must-have modification is a higher quality buttstock pouch, but even then, the core issue of poor battery performance remains.
Conclusion on ATN EXTENDED LIFE BAT PACK W/ MICRO USB CABLE
The ATN EXTENDED LIFE BAT PACK W/ MICRO USB CABLE is a disappointing product that fails to live up to its promises. The advertised 22 hours of continuous use is a gross exaggeration, and the poor quality buttstock pouch only adds to the frustration. At $99.00, the price is not justified given its poor performance and build quality.
I cannot recommend this product. There are better, more reliable power solutions available for ATN devices, even if they require a little more effort to set up. Avoid this product and explore alternative power options for your ATN optics.