- Keep your power hungry phone juiced and ready for you to use
- Power up your tablet for 25 percent longer
- Never buy batteries again and recharge up the AA or AAA batteries right from the sun
- Handy built in LED flashlight to help you search in that dark backpack or purse
- AA rechargeable batteries included
PHYSICAL DESIGNVery sturdy.
The solar panels are protected by sheets of tough, clear plastic, with rigid thicker plastic behind the panels to provide support. This is all encased in rugged nylon. As seen in the picture, 9 parachord loops are placed every 4 inches or so along the outer edges of the frame. This makes it very easy to tie the Nomad 3.5 down to say a backpack or a kayak in many different configurations. So far the loops have proven very strong and have not frayed or worn out. On the reverse side is a pouch made from nylon netting. Inside the pouch are the actual USB and solar outlets for the panel. This is extremely convenient because it allows you to simply plug in whatever SMALL device you want into the Nomad and then simply zip the pouch shut keeping your device secure and safe. You can also keep your excess chords and battery pack in this pouch. The whole thing folds up and is held shut with a velcro flap.
DIMENSIONSCompact.
Weight: about half a pound on its own. (about 3 pounds with battery pack)
Folded: 4" by 5.25"
Open: 4" by 10.5"
CHARGINGGreat for its size.
This is the smallest solar panel that Goal Zero makes. The "3.5" in the name Nomad 3.5 is the number of watts it produces. It's NOT going to charge your laptop, your tablet, or your smart phone. It is great for anything smaller like a normal phone or your ipod. But it doesn't pump out enough juice for devices larger than that, in fact, it says that in the the instructions on the panel. It can however, be used to charge the awesome battery pack that comes with it, which CAN charge a smart phone or a tablet.
BATTERY PACKAA removable batteries, great capacity, with an LED flashlight.
I recommend plugging the battery pack into the solar panel, charging it, and then use the battery pack to charge your devices. The amount of charge that the Nomad puts out depends directly on how much sunlight it is exposed to and whether or not the sunlight is constant and direct. If you're walking through a shaded forest the charge level is going to fluctuate and your device won't get a good charge. The battery pack however will supply a constant flow of energy to your device and has an impressive capacity. I charged my phone, ipod shuffle, and nook tablet and then used the built in flashlight all night, and it still had juice left. It will take approximately 4-5 hours to to charge the battery pack from 0-100%. But takes considerably less time to charge it from say 50-100%. So simply charge it before it gets completely dry and you won't have to wait long. DO NOT try to charge a device from the battery pack while the battery pack is plugged into the solar panel. There are safeties in place to protect the solar panel from over extending itself and causing damage so it WILL NOT CHARGE.
DURABILITYExcellent.
It's dirt proof, water proof, and tough. I left it in my car on the dashboard in 100 degree weather for and excess of 3 hours one day. Came back and the smell of hot plastic had filled my car. While there were no visible signs of melting the panel was searing hot to the touch. The smell came from the charger cable that connected the charger to the panel. It had softened and the inputs were loose but the cable still worked, the panel still charged, and the battery pack was fine. Absolutely no permanent damage! I often take it single tracking (mountian biking) with me in the woods and country side where things are not as clean and it handles the weather and grit like a pro. Because of its size I can just strap it to my handle bars and go. It's not heavy or cumbersome and because of its parachord loops it is easy to secure and won't jostle around. The panel has withstood temperatures in excess of 110 degrees, rain, hail, and mud; and hasn't so much as flinched. That being said it should still be cleaned and taken care of. Especially try to keep grime from getting into the built in outlets as that can cause damage.
In conclusion the Nomad 3.5 is very durable, compact/portable, and simple to use. It is Goal Zero's smallest models and as such cannot handle larger devices. However it is excellent for charging smaller gadgets. This flaw is remedied perfectly with the addition of the battery pack which can dish and enormous pay load and can handle tablets and smart phones with ease. Both are sturdy and low maintenance. If you want max portability and quality this product is worth it. Goal Zero also has several larger more powerful portable models if your need something with a little more juice. 5 out of 5
Buy Goal Zero 19011 Guide 10 Black/Silver Small Battery Power Pack Now
Careful, the included panel will not directly charge a smartphone.... you need "large" set for this :/. the kit gets 3 stars off for the description being vague. You can use the panel to charge the included batteries and then, charge the phone from the batteries... Says it requires about 10 hours of sunlight to charge... Not too promising but better than nothing in an emergency. I bought 2 of these at once unsuspecting, so now I have to buy 2 large panels. I will and recommend purchasing from another vendor that clearly explains this subtle but costly difference between sets next time.Read Best Reviews of Goal Zero 19011 Guide 10 Black/Silver Small Battery Power Pack Here
this is awsome, it works great even in cloudy WA state. takes longer to charge bt still this is awsomeWant Goal Zero 19011 Guide 10 Black/Silver Small Battery Power Pack Discount?
it looks awesome and is small enough to put in my pocket but i need something bigger with more power
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