The idea of Knog is to simplify life by not only being able to power numerous bike and outdoor products with a battery platform, but also to charge all your small mobile devices via the USB interface.

The selection of PWR products is very large. The test focuses on the Medium (5000 mAh) and Large (10,000 mAh) power banks with the matching trail and mountain lamp heads as well as the PWR lantern and speaker.

Numerous accessories and other lamp heads are available for this series. More information under the following link: www.knog.com.au/pwr

Processing & details

All products are black and red and have a uniform design language. Although plastic is the predominant material, nothing rattles, everything is solidly made and has a high-quality appearance. The combinable elements are simply plugged together. The power banks have four red diodes that indicate the charging status at the touch of a finger. The batteries can be charged via a USB port on the computer or conveniently with a docking station from the same series connected to the mains.

Knog has developed its own app called "Modemaker", which can be used to individually program the various light modes of the bike headlights. Up to eight different light patterns can be stored for each product. The program is very user-friendly and the adjustment is a matter of a few minutes. Simply connect the headlight to the computer via USB, start the app and select the individual modes.

Mountain lamp head

For off-road riding on single trails, you need a light with sufficient light output and this is exactly what the Mountain version offers. Eight LEDs provide a full 1800 lumens. The illumination is even and has an ideal width for trail riding.

In addition to a helmet mount, Knog offers two handlebar mounts. One straight and one with an offset so that the headlights can be positioned centrally above the stem. The diameter of the lamp head fits exactly on the Large power bank. The batteries are either inserted directly into the lamp or mounted on the bike frame using the appropriate holder and an extension cable. The latter is ideal for the large power bank. It is too heavy for the combination with the headlight and slips out of place on rough rides.

To change the light modes, all you need to do is turn the lamp head slightly. To switch them on or off, you need to pause briefly when turning them.

It is advisable to configure the Mountain via the app so that a very weak light is available for driving in road traffic. Otherwise you will unnecessarily dazzle other road users.

Trail lamp head

With 1000 lumens, the lamp is just enough for solo use when riding trails. The light image is stronger in the center and weaker towards the outside. If you are riding on gravel or asphalt, it will serve you well. It is ideal as a second light on the handlebars in combination with the Mountain version on the helmet. This gives you the full light charge.

The headlight has the same diameter as the medium power bank. The function itself is identical to the Mountain model.

The Trail is a combination of three strong LEDs in the center, surrounded by a light ring with nine dim LEDs. This mode is ideal for being seen in traffic without dazzling others.

The separately available headlamp holder is very practical. The trail lamp fits perfectly on it and the battery can be mounted at the back using a simple system. Unfortunately, the battery holder plate is not ergonomically shaped and presses on the back of the head. The straps have a large adjustment range for individual adjustment.

Camping lantern

The PWR lantern is ideal as an addition to a campfire or as a light source when camping. All power banks fit into the lamp thanks to adapter rings. Simply push them into the lamp body with a little pressure to ensure a tight fit. As with the bike lights, it is operated with a twisting motion. Four brightness levels and a flashing function are available. The light body is mounted floating in the lantern housing. This allows the light ring to be extended or retracted telescopically. The further you pull it out, the larger the light range. This allows the light to be dimmed individually. Even with the medium power bank, the lamp provides light for many hours without recharging. Even on the weakest setting, the lantern is still relatively bright. It emits a maximum of 300 lumens.

Thanks to three fold-out feet, the lamp is stable even in windy conditions. It has a textile pocket so that it can be hung up with a carabiner or otherwise.

Speaker

The PWR Sound breaks out of the product range, it is the only item where light is not an issue. However, the splash-proof speaker is a welcome companion in biker life. Because what would life be without music?

It is compatible with the Small and Medium power banks. It can be connected to computers, tablets or cell phones via Bluetooth. It is operated using just a few buttons. Not only can the volume be controlled, but music tracks can also be skipped and a pause function is available.

The sound is clear and pleasant. The bass is a little weak and the treble is slightly too dominant, but to an acceptable degree. The maximum volume is not enough for a beach party, but it is sufficient for dancing in front of the "Büssli", spreading the mood around the campfire or holding a movie night at home with a projector.

Conclusion

The Knog PWR system is well thought out and coherently designed. The idea of a central power source and very modular use is well implemented. The products are available in cleverly combined sets or can be purchased individually according to individual requirements.

Recommendation

The system fits perfectly with the current "van life" trend. The battery platform covers everything you need in terms of lighting, from bike lights and headlamps to classic camping lights, all accompanied by a good pinch of sound.

Price: Trail headlamp from CHF 129.00, mountain headlamp from CHF 199.00, lantern from CHF 39.90, speakers from CHF 75.00

Manufacturer/distributor
www.knog.com.au/pwr / www.fuchs-movesa.ch