Goal Zero Switch 8 Solar Recharging Kit Includes Solar Panel and USB Battery Charger

2016-07-25T20:00:00

Easy to use, charges battery quickly, but only charges a smartphone about 40%.

1Backpacker

Originally posted at

2016-07-21T20:00:00

I live in Mexico and work as a wildlife biologist. I am often in the field without electricity for days and need to document my work using a GoPro, which needs charging 2-3 times per day. I have used other solar chargers, but so far, this is the best, most compact. I love the zipper pouch to store cables and tuck in the Switch 8 while the panels is sucking in the rays. I can't wait to buy more - just waiting on a research grant, so I can buy a larger panel, but this is a great compact kit! Thanks!!!

Steph73

Originally posted at

2016-06-10T20:00:00

My Nomad 3.5 and Switch 8 appear to be working fine. The Switch can get charged to 50% after a couple of days in the Florida sun. I can get it to charge to 100% if I breakdown and plug it in.

Dsrtknight

Originally posted at

2016-03-28T20:00:00

I travel to Uganda frequently and always carry the Nomad 7 for my phone and tablet. It's very rugged and I use it in the bush with no issues.

Frog

Originally posted at

2016-03-06T19:00:00

Love it, I have shown it off to all my friends and they are just as amazed with it as I am.

DLVermillion

Originally posted at

2016-02-09T19:00:00

great products ! but just can't find the time to use them yet !

olschll

Originally posted at

2016-01-09T19:00:00

Seriously, my experience with goal zero could not have been better. This product is really cool and when I had an issue their customer service representative got back to me quickly, and they resolved my issue with zero hassle!

AzHiker

Originally posted at

2015-12-13T19:00:00

One of my daisy chain came off after I used it to secure the panels. Switch 8 is fine but it takes too long with Nomad 3.5 kti

Tazbat99

Originally posted at

2015-09-17T20:00:00

I bought this kit in May, and I am glad I did. My Switch 8 can be charge by the Nomad 3.5, or by AC or USB, and then used to charge my phone, kids' IPod Touches, anything that can be charged USB. Nice to know I am part of the solution!!

Chief W.

Originally posted at

2015-07-23T20:00:00

I got this for my boyfriend (the tech dude) to use on a 12 day backpacking trip we went on in Europe. He actually thought this was a cool gadget!!! Even though we had proper converters for European outlets, this was really handy to have. It was always on his backpack charging so every night we could charge iphones, and his ipad, that had the all important maps. Really easy, lightweight, and it no joke WORKED really well. Highly recommend this product.

Gwen

Originally posted at

2015-07-02T20:00:00

I just bought and received. I've successfully charged iPod and iPhone from sun directly and from goal zero battery that had charged from sun. Next week and for two months I'll be hiking the GR10 in France's Purenees. That will be the real test. Also it passed a drop on concrete test with flying colors! So far., love it.

Eurohikeswithjames

Originally posted at

2015-02-11T19:00:00

I've had the Switch 8 and Nomad 3.5 kit for a couple years and it's great for trips. I like how small everything is for packing or carrying with all my gear essentials (I'm a photographer). I mainly use it for recharging my iPhone or GoPro camera/remote. While it does take a long time to charge using the solar panels, I pick and choose on when I have that time to let the sun power it up, or plug it into my laptop USB to charge. I'd love to see some thread-on tip accessories and more charge capacity and faster solar charge in the future, but for now I'm happy with the kit.

stew

Originally posted at

2015-02-10T19:00:00

Purchase this setup two summers ago and it is amazing. We primarily use the panel when hiking, biking, and kayaking but it has been used in the city without a problem. The switch 8 goes everywhere with me just incase my phone needs a charge. I consider myself on the boarder of an ultralight backpacker and this kit works great and hardly weights a thing. This kit has already got me scheming for an all goal zero off the grid life style.

ultralight34

Originally posted at

2015-02-03T19:00:00

I bought this product for paintball events and hunting when I won't be around electricity. I used it about three times and it was great. It charged my phone's and my go pro very nicely. The pannel charged the battery very fast and it kept it's charge for a very long time. I would still be all over it but unfortunately no more than a month after I bought it someone stole it from me. I recommened this product to everyone it is great and reliable! Just keep an eye on it because as you can see everyone wants one.

greid

Originally posted at

2014-06-13T20:00:00

I bought this @ REI and imminently hooked it up, placed it on my dash board and got into I-95 traffic. After 2 1/2 hours (everyday) I opened the mesh pocket and could not touch the battery. The battery worked, but not without handling it with a cloth rapped around it. It took 6 hr to charge, yes it's the smallest model, but 6 hours....

woodspirits

Originally posted at