Power at Your Fingertips
A Q&A with Brayden Staples of Dark Energy
Written by M.D. Johnson
When I first heard the name “Dark Energy,” I imagined a Marvel superhero who could harness all the energy in the natural world, concentrating it to the extreme and shooting bolts of this energy from his eyes, fingertips, or—who knows—maybe his nostrils. (Still working out the details on that part.)
But, as it turns out, Dark Energy isn’t about superheroes. It’s something much more practical. For years, as I’ve taken electronics like cell phones and GPS devices into the field while hunting or outdoors, running out of battery has been a constant frustration. To counter this, I always carry a portable charger, but it’s often unreliable—sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
That’s where Dark Energy comes in. Based in Murray, Utah, the company specializes in providing reliable power solutions for active lifestyles, delivering exactly what you need—literally, right in the palm of your hand.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with Brayden Staples, the marketing manager at Dark Energy, about how their portable power technology could keep my devices charged in the field.
Slayer: Brayden, tell us about Dark Energy. What is it?
Staples: Dark Energy specializes in portable power—devices that allow you to stay powered up when you’re off the grid. While most people have access to the electric grid at home, we focus on creating solutions that keep your electronics running when you’re away from that power source. Whether you’re outdoors, traveling, or facing a power outage, our products make sure your devices stay charged.
Slayer: Is Dark Energy a new company?
Staples: We’ve been around for about 10 years. Our flagship product is the Poseidon Pro power bank, which is known for being ultra-durable. Over the past two years, we’ve been expanding, and more people are starting to hear about us and our products.
Slayer: When you say “portable power,” is that the right term for what you’re offering?
Staples: Yes, portable power is exactly what we offer. Our products are designed to go wherever you go. They’re small and compact enough to fit in your bag, carry on a plane, or take on any adventure. Even as we expand into larger power solutions in the future, portability will remain a key focus for us.
Author’s note: For example, the Poseidon Pro is 3-1/4″ x 5-7/8″ x 9/16″ thick and weighs just 8.7 ounces—smaller than a box of Good ‘n Plenty candy.
Slayer: What about air travel? Are there any restrictions on taking devices like the Poseidon Pro with lithium batteries on a plane?
Staples: Yes, but not with our products. Air travel regulations limit lithium batteries to a maximum of 100 watt-hours. All of our batteries, including the Poseidon Pro, meet this requirement, so you can take them with you without any issues.
Slayer: Let’s talk about the Poseidon Pro. What makes it special?
Staples: The Poseidon Pro is a 10,200 milliamp-hour (mAh) power bank that’s built to withstand the elements. It’s waterproof, drop-resistant, and crush-resistant. It also works in extreme temperatures, so you can rely on it in both the heat and the cold. We wanted to create a battery that could handle whatever life throws at it—whether you’re on a rugged outdoor adventure or just need something reliable in your day-to-day life.
Slayer: Can you explain what “milliamp-hours” (mAh) mean in terms of power capacity?
Staples: Sure! The mAh rating indicates how much power the battery can store. The higher the mAh, the more power it holds. For example, your typical cell phone battery is around 3,000 to 4,000 mAh. So, when you look at the Poseidon Pro, with its 10,200 mAh, it can charge your phone two to three times on a single charge.
We also use a proprietary technology called Power Pulse in our batteries, which allows them to charge your devices faster. For example, the Poseidon Pro can charge your phone 2.5 times faster than traditional chargers.
Slayer: Finally, why is having a portable power source like the Poseidon Pro so important in the field?
Staples: (Laughs) It just makes sense. Think about all the devices people use in the field today—phones for maps, GPS, and communication, as well as satellite communication devices. Plus, there are rechargeable headlamps, lighters, and lighting systems. Having a portable power source ensures you’re never stuck with a dead battery when you need it most. Dark Energy exists to make sure you stay powered up, no matter where you are.