Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus is the standard backpacking solar panel. We measured charging speed for phone and GPS devices in direct sun and measured performance in partial cloud.
Who it's for
Buy this if: Backpackers on multi-day trips who need phone or GPS device charging without power bank limitations.
Skip this if: Weekend backpackers — a 10,000mAh power bank provides equivalent charge weight at lower cost for trips under 3 days.
In practice
Solar vs. Power Bank Trade-off
Power bank (10,000mAh, $20): carries 2.5 phone charges, weighs 6 oz, works in all light conditions, zero ongoing charging. Solar panel (7W, $80): unlimited charging from sun, works only in direct sunlight, 4+ hours per phone charge. For trips over 4 days in open sun: solar panel wins. For trips under 4 days or with cloudy conditions: power bank wins.
Check the current price
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