Initially released by Thyrm in 2016 as a single-stack battery case, then expanded to other configurations and battery types in 2021, the CellVault – 5m Modular Battery Storage is a hard case specifically designed for protecting multiple battery types in an abusive tactical or maritime environment while allowing immediate access should the need arise.
Made dominantly from Thyrm’s proprietary nylon polymer blend, the CellVault – 5m comes with an overall size of 3.43” (L) x 5.75” (H) x 1.6” (W), and attaches to most MOLLE-compatible mounting surfaces, specifically plate carriers or tactical bags. It is also sized to fit into any medium-sized general-purpose pouch if no MOLLE webbing exists.
Exterior
The top (or upper) facing side has contoured segments that add to the case’s reinforcement, and a recessed space with the Thyrm logo.
Sides of the DarkVault 2.0 are otherwise unremarkable except to say that they are part of the interlocking groove that works to create a seal between the two halves.
On one side is a two-piece, over-the-top locking clasp that has a broad tab to ease in usage. Oppositely, a steel-pin hinge ensures durability while allowing the CellVault to open completely flat.
The bottom-facing side includes a detachable full-length guide for inserting into MOLLE-compatible attachment systems, with interlocking latches to ensure a positive hold. The guide snaps into the steel pin once it has been threaded into the MOLLE, and snaps back into place.
Interior
The interior space of the CellVault is secured via a continual Poron® sealing gasket around the edges to ensure a dust-free environment while the CellVault is closed.
The batteries are held in place by sized brackets specific to the battery type. Those brackets are in turn held into the interior via grooved sections of the interior that act as locking teeth.
Depending on the interior configuration, the CellVault can hold several CR123, 18650, 18350, AA, AAA, and CR2032 batteries.
The CellVault-5m is available in Multicam (featured), Multicam Black, Multicam Tropic, Black, and FDE. The additional Variety Pack is available to expand on the type and configuration of batteries held.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Good (4/5): With a list price ranging from $54.99 to $96.23—depending on color and included accessories—the cost of the CellVault-5M reflects its molded polymer construction and optional add-ons like the Variety Pak or battery identification patches. Designed to securely store and transport batteries for mission-critical devices, the CellVault-5M offers protection against impact, moisture, and environmental exposure. In comparison, soft-sided options like the Battery Wrap ($25) from Defense Mechanisms provide organization but no environmental protection. The Condor Outdoor Battery Case ($30) is a hard case alternative but lacks effective moisture and dust sealing. BatteryMagz by Battery Clip ($19.95) is limited to 9V and AA battery formats. Meanwhile, the growing market for 3D-printed battery storage—such as the Range Puck ($22) found on Etsy—offers customization but typically lacks the ruggedness of purpose-built solutions. At the higher end, helmet-mounted battery compartments serve dual functions of storage and direct power delivery to night vision devices but represent a different use case. Given its storage versatility, environmental sealing, and build quality, the CellVault-5M sits at a competitive price point within the market.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort standpoint, the most notable feature of the CellVault was its ability to be easily opened and closed via its latch, even while mounted on a plate carrier or stored in a pouch—and whether or not gloves were worn. Additionally, its compact form factor allowed it to fit into most pocket-sized spaces without unnecessary bulk. The case also fully opened, offering an unobstructed range of motion. Inside, the battery brackets made access straightforward; pressing one side would raise the other, simplifying battery retrieval. These design elements made the CellVault more user-friendly compared to alternatives that rely on screw-top lids or snap-together closures.
- Durability – Average (3/5): The durability of the CellVault was consistent with what is expected from a hard nylon polymer shell. Manufactured using similar materials and construction methods as other tactical-grade hard cases, it offered a standard level of abrasion and impact resistance. The integrated Poron® sealing gasket provided a measurable degree of water resistance; however, the manufacturer does not list an official IPX rating. In field testing, the CellVault resisted moisture from rain and brief submersion (less than 1 foot) without any interior water intrusion—aside from minor drips introduced when opening the lid after exposure. Light scuffing was observed on the exterior following impacts against hard surfaces, but no damage penetrated beyond the surface layer or compromised the interior compartment. Additionally, after being dropped three times from approximately six feet onto finished concrete, the case showed no signs of cracking or structural failure, reinforcing its practical toughness for field use.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): The CellVault’s functional design proved intuitive, despite its modularity and broad compatibility with various battery formats. Its internal layout supports multiple configurations through interchangeable mounting brackets designed to secure common battery types—including CR123, AA, AAA, 18350, 18650, and coin cell batteries—within defined retention slots. These brackets are made from injection-molded polymer and use a flex-tension fit to hold batteries securely in place. Reconfiguring or removing the brackets was straightforward, particularly when the case was empty, although inserting batteries into tight-fitting brackets occasionally required firm pressure. Even without the brackets installed, the CellVault could still function effectively as a general-purpose storage solution for loose batteries, memory cards, small tools, or accessory items, though doing so sacrificed internal organization and retention. The integrated disc battery well accommodated coin cells (e.g., CR2032) with minimal movement, though users storing multiple coin batteries may want to bundle or pad them to prevent rattle during transport. The case’s MOLLE-compatible mounting system employed a removable rear guide clip that interfaced securely with standard PALS webbing. While the clip provided a tight and reliable hold, reattaching it—especially after full removal—required deliberate alignment and force, which may be less convenient in field conditions or while wearing gloves. Over time, repeated insertion and removal could potentially introduce wear to the polymer clip or webbing interface, though no signs of deformation or cracking were observed during limited testing.
- Weight – Excellent (5/5): Weighing approximately 5.1 oz (empty), the CellVault‑5M is light enough to float when placed in water, even without a full internal air seal. This buoyancy adds an extra layer of utility in maritime, riverine, or flood-prone environments where gear may be dropped or submerged. When fully loaded with batteries, the case becomes neutrally buoyant or slightly negatively buoyant depending on the battery type and quantity, but it still avoids excessive weight that would destabilize a plate carrier or overburden a pouch. The case’s low weight is primarily due to its injection-molded polymer construction, which offers an ideal strength-to-weight ratio compared to aluminum or hybrid-material alternatives. Despite its lightness, the CellVault maintained structural integrity with no observable flex or deformation during testing. In comparison, the Condor Outdoor Battery Case weighs roughly 16 oz and lacks full moisture or dust protection. BatteryMagz by Battery Clip also weighs about 16 oz, but is restricted to 9V and AA batteries. The Range Puck (~6.34 oz), available via Etsy, offers similar weight but is made using 3D-printing methods, which may compromise long-term durability and environmental sealing. Among these options, the CellVault‑5M Modular Battery Storage Case remains the lightest hard-shell battery case currently available, uniquely combining minimal weight, robust construction, environmental sealing, and float capability—making it especially well-suited for dynamic field conditions where both resilience and portability matter.
Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)
Product Link: https://thyrm.com/product/cellvault-5m/
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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