It’s a fact. These days we are tethered to our electronic devices, so much so that being without them feels like losing a limb. They keep us connected and entertained sure, but they can also keep us safe when recreating outdoors. If you’re injured miles from the trailhead, you’ll be damn glad to have a cell signal and a fully charged battery on your phone. Or let’s say the weather is making a turn for the worse. You can get instant forecasts on a smartphone. And of course we’re all reliant on our phones to take pictures. That’s why the folks at Goal Zero have come up with a slew of recharging units that keep our devices full of juice, like the Switch 8 solar kit.
Goal Zero is a Utah company based in Bluffdale. I’ve been using two items from Goal Zero this summer and fall that are included with the Switch 8 solar kit. The kit comes with Nomad 3.5 solar panels and a Switch 8 recharger. I’ve been super impressed with both as they’ve charged my iPhone and GoPro camera when the nearest electric outlet might as well have been in China.
The solar panels are really easy to use and are very light weight. I like to strap them, unfolded, to my pack so they can soak up all the sun while I’m backpacking into a remote location. I’ll plug my phone into the panels and slip it into a side pocket, and viola, my phone charges in the go. I’ve also used the solar panels to recharge my GoPro. It took about 2 hours to charge it from a nearly empty battery to a full charge in direct sun. This is essential for my work as I shoot a lot of video in remote locals and need to be able to charge my camera batteries in the middle of nowhere. The panels do the trick.
The other unit in the kit is the Switch 8. It’s a small stick with USB inputs/outputs that can be used in conjunction with or separately from the Nomad 3.5 panels. It’s an ultra-portable way to charge a phone that I’ve been utilizing almost daily. Basically, it stores a charge (enough to fully charge my iPhone one time) and can be used whenever you need it. Keep it in a bag, in your pocket, or your car and use it when you find yourself away from power (or if you forgot your car charger.) It charges with the panels, or you can plug it into the wall at home before heading out.
I really liked having the Switch 8 along for international travel. On a recent trip to Ireland, I charged my devices on the plane with the Switch 8, and kept it handy as we drove around the country. My phone never died, and I never had elbow my way to charging stations at the airport.
The Good: Ultra-portable power for on-the-go charging. Actually works. Sleek design, Utah company.
The Bad: Doesn’t charge under the sun (pun intended.)
Final Word: If you can’t live without your smartphone, MP3 or other mobile devices when recreating in the backcountry, then the Goal Zero Switch 8 solar kit will keep you juiced up and connected.