Thyrm® LLC has just come out with a new model in its outstanding CellVault® attachable battery storage system lineup, The new CellVault-18 is designed to protect 18650 and 18350 rechargeable batteries while keeping them immediately accessible.
The CellVault-18 has the same basic form factor as the other CellVault models but adds some new features. It joins the original CellVault and its bigger brother, the CellVault XL.
Although the CellVault XL may be used to carry 18650 and 18350 batteries, many end-users desired a more compact form factor similar to the original CellVault. The original CellVault is designed for 123a batteries and cannot be used for 18650 and 18350 batteries due to their larger diameter.
As we all know, carrying spare batteries for devices that utilize replaceable batteries is absolutely essential. Although there are a number of battery carriers on the market, I haven’t found any that offer the versatility of the CellVault battery storage system.
Thyrm introduced the first CellVault in 2016. The CellVault came about when an officer with the Stockton (California) Police Department came to them with the idea of finding a way to carry extra batteries on his person without having to rearrange his kit. Existing battery carriers took up critical amounts of space.
The CellVault-18 features tough dual-layer nylon/polycarbonate construction with side windows that allow visual verification of contents. It also features a silicone foam shock absorber that provides additional protection and acts as a noise silencer.
The CellVault features a slim profile that’s less than one MOLLE/PALS column wide. It measures a compact 1.10 x 1.57 x 4.04 inches (2.79 x 3.99 x 10.26 cm). It weighs approximately 1.7 ounces (48.19 g).
It mounts to one available PALS webbing column or to straps via an integrated polymer and stainless steel latch that provides simple installation and secure attachment. It takes only seconds to attach or detach to gear. The contents of the Cell-Vault-18 can be accessed without having to remove it. A lanyard loop on top provides additional attachment options.
As with all CellVault models, the CellVault-18 is built to withstand harsh outdoor environments. It’s O-ring sealed, dustproof and waterproof. It’s rated to IPX8 at two meters for 30 plus minutes. Thyrm recommends checking the lip and O-ring for debris and wear over time that could prevent it from being waterproof.
The CellVault-18 is designed to store one 18650 battery or two 18350 batteries. It complies with FAA regulations for carrying spare lithium batteries protected from damage and short-circuit onboard of commercial aircraft. See 49 CFR 175.10(a)(18) for complete regulations or call your airline, as there are additional requirements.
It can also be used store fire starting and survival gear, first aid gear, medications, snacks, thumb drives or valuables, anything you want safely stored protected from the elements. It’s uses are really only limited by your imagination.
If you plan on storing medications or food products in the CellVault-18, Thyrm recommends that you wash it thoroughly prior to doing so and for you to also consider using a food-safe plastic bag. You can use a test tube brush, bottle brush or tooth brush to clean the inside of the tube.
To Sum Up
To sum it all up, the Thyrm CellVault-18, like its other bretheran in the CellVault line, is an outstanding piece of kit and highly recommended. It’s available in urban grey, black, olive drab, rescue orange, and flat dark earth. The MSRP for the CellVault-18 is $24.99. All Thyrm products are designed and manufactured in the USA.
SOURCES
Thyrm, LLC www.thyrm.com
SureFire, LLC www.surefire.com
Material Disclosure
I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.
*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.
Photos courtesy Thyrm LLC.