I've had several of the smaller/compact solar setups over the years including the Powertraveller Powermonkey and Brunton Freedom charger. I typically keep the smaller size kits in my day pack / get home bag and will sometimes get packed for a backpacking trip if I'm trying to keep the weight minimal. This kit typically gets used for charging my phone, flashlight or camera in normal use. You can use the panel to directly charge any USB powered device as long as you have sunlight. The Goal Zero Switch 8 kit is very basic and simple to use. It comes with their Nomad 3.5 solar panel (which is only available in this kit and not sold separately), Switch 8 power pack and a USB cable. The whole kit weighs is at 12.25oz / 350grams. The Nomad 3.5 is durable and weather resistant (mist is okay but wouldn't leave it in the rain). Like most of the other Goal Zero panels, they are chainable which means you can connect up to 4 of their panels together for more power. The panel opens up for easy free standing use or has several quality loops for hanging from a pack to allow you to charge stuff on the move. The panel has a built in storage pouch on the back where you can keep the Switch 8 or a phone you are charging. The Switch 8 power pack is a round aluminum/plastic cylinder (fancy battery) with built in USB 2.0 Male (for charging it) and a USB 2.0 female (for charging from it). It has 4 blue LED lights to indicate power capacity (1LED = 25%, 2LED 50%, 3LED 75%, 4LED 100% Power). It holds 8Wh/2200mah worth of power, which isn't a ton of power, about enough to charge my cell phone. All in all, its a great kit. It's not the cheapest system around by far (expect to pay $90-$100 new), but it is absolutely above average in quality, usability and features. I'm happy I picked it up and replaced my other panels with this model.
Please let me know if you have any questions and thanks for checking it out!
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Tactical-BushcrafterI'm an avid outdoorsman who enjoys a good mix of primitive bushcrafting skills and modern tactical gear and survival equipment. Archives
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