Product Review: Guide 10 Plus Mobile Kit

Travelling with an instant source of power in an age where we constantly rely on our gadgets is a lifesaver. Of the many rechargeable devices on offer, Goal Zero’s portable solar-powered charger is proving to be a reliable enviro-friendly option.

Guide 10 Plus Mobile Kit - small, light and compact

The Guide 10 Plus Mobile Kit is a set of rechargeable power sources. The kit comes with a battery pack, 4 rechargeable AA batteries, 1 ultra-charge solar cord, a Nomad 3.5 solar panel and a LED flashlight that should provide a maximum of 20 hours of light. The battery-pack also has both a standard USB and a mini USB outlet.

The first notable feature of the kit is its compact design. It weighs just over 14 oz (about 400g), is the size of your wallet and can easily slip into one of the many side pouches of your backpack.

It has two solar panels that require only six to eight hours of direct sunlight to provide the batteries with 3.5 watts of power. The panels have loops on the sides that easily hook onto your tent pole or backpack. There’s an LED indicator to let you know how much charge you have - a red blink indicates low charge while a regular green blink indicates that charging is near complete.

Battery Pack

Apparently a fully charged battery pack can charge your mobile phone via USB for two or three full charges, depending on the amount of power your phone requires. It also keeps your tablet powered for up to 25% longer. You can even charge the battery pack with your laptop or desktop via the USB port for up to 8 - 10 hours before you leave home.

The kit is water-resistant, which is quite handy while camping and backpacking. You don’t have to worry about mislaying any cords as the zippered pouch keeps it neatly folded. A big bonus with the Guide 10 Plus Mobile Kit is that you can charge the battery pack and have your electronic device hooked up to it at the same time.

The Guide 10 Plus Mobile Kit is a useful power source for your mobile phone, MP3 player, tablet, e-reader, handheld video games and GPS. It's great both to carry with you when travelling and for using around the house.

Technical Aspects

• Solar Power Collect: 3.5 watts
• Output:
  Battery pack USB: 5 watts
  Flashlight: 100 miliwatts
  Solar Panel USB: 3.5 watts
  Solar Port: 3 watts
• Input:
  Solar
  USB
• Weight: 14 oz
• Manufacturer Warranty: 1 year

The kit seems practical, durable and reliable, but like any device that stores power, it will age and the usage times mentioned above will decrease.

Overall rating: 7.5 / 10

If you are planning a lengthy trip and want to take expensive electronic gadgets with you, then you should seriously consider taking out Long Stay travel insurance, which will cover the contents of your baggage.

The video below demonstrates exactly how Goal Zero's solar rechargeable kit can work in all facets of life.

Check out Goal Zero's website for more information.