Review of the Best Ipod Solar Battery Charger Kits
Charge your iPod, mp3 and other electronic devices with one of the best solar chargers such as Freeloader, Power Monkey or Solio. They are ideal for use when you are out and about; on vacations, or travelling. Since they use the power of the sun to recharge your devices there is no chance that you will be without charge. The solar charger uses the high power solar panels to charge its internal battery. It may require between 7 to 9 hours fully charge depending on the weather conditions.
Once the battery is fully charged, it is capable of delivering sufficient power to charge a mobile phone to up to 70 hours standby time, over 5000 page turns on an e-book or fully charge a digital camera battery.
Below you’ll find in depth reviews of: – Solar charger for ipod nano – Solar charger for ipod shuffle – Solar charger for ipod touch – Solar charger for ipod 3g
The best solar chargers have a multi voltage switch that allows charging power hungry high voltage devices like MP3 players, SLR camera batteries portable DVD players and iPods.
The best solar chargers are of tough material such as aluminum and finished in a stylish manner. This makes them durable and still look good in no matter where they are used. They are the perfect companion for adventure travelers, explorers, journalists, armed forces, etc…
Freeloader Solar Charger
One of the best solar chargers is the Freeloader Pro “This is an incredible battery charger, it is good looking and stylish. It comes ready to charge virtually any electrical device. In fact, it can charge anything that has a USB connection.
It is capable of delivering charge from anywhere whether it is on a beach, mountain or the polar ice cap.
Power Monkey Solar Charger Review
The power monkey is another incredible solar charger that can charge your electronic devices from almost anywhere there is sunshine. The Powermonkey Explorer Solar Charger stores up to 96 hours of power that you can use to charge mp3 players, ipod touch, mp4 players, iPhones, PSPs, PDAs, Digital cameras, etc.
Solio Solar Charger Review
The other incredible solar charger is Solio. One of the customers of Solio charger Комментарии и мнения владельцев, “I have used many other solar products in the extremes of the Arctic but never have I used one as reliable and indestructible as the Solio” one other user of the Solio Solar charger is Saol, a Masai Junior Elder from IIkinye Village in Kenya. A donated Solio allows Saol to call for help when the village has a medical emergency. These chargers provide an eco-friendly way to charge your iPods and mp3 players no matter where you travel.
Freeloader Pro. Professional Solar Charger
This professional grade solar charger can charge virtually every electrical appliance and is the perfect accessory for the likes of adventure explorers, journalists, photographers or people in the defence forces.
It comes with a unique power cradle called a Camcaddy which can charge any camera battery from compact digital cameras to professional single lens reflex camera (SLR) and even video camera batteries. See more information on the Camcaddy.
When fully charged the integrated high power solar panel on the Freeloader Pro is capableof delivering enough power to give a mobile phone 70 hours of standby, 5,000 page turns on an E-book and a 100% charge on a digital camera battery.
The Freeloader Pro with charge fully in sunny conditions within 7 to 9 hours and it can also be charged quickly through the included USB power cable.
The Pro also has as a built in voltage switch allowing you to charge power hungry 9.5 volt devices such as MP4 players, SLR batteries and portable DVD players.
It comes with 10 different tap adaptors and it has a metallic push button Power Halo which indicates how much power it has. The Freeloader Pro is made from a tough aluminium with a stylish black finish.
What Tip Adapters Come with the Freeloader Pro?
1: Mini USB. Works with Smartphone, Blackberry, Motorala, Imate Etc
2: Micro USB. Works with Nokia, Blackberry, Motorala (the new standard phone adaptor)
3: 4mm Straight Jack. Works with PSP, Ebook, Tomtom, etc
4: Nokia 3.5mm Straight Jack
5: Nokia 2mm Straight Jack
6: Sony Ericsson. Wide Adaptor
7: LG. Works with Prada, Chocolate etc
9: Samsung. G600 series adaptor
10: USB Socket in built to allow connection from devices with their own USB charge cable. e.g. Apple products
Freeloader Pro and Cam Caddy Technical Details
| Freeloader Professional Dimensions | 130mm x 63mm x 20mm |
| Freeloader ProWeight (Unpacked) | 174g |
| Freeloader Pro Solar Cells | 200mA Premium Quality Crystalline |
| Freeloader Battery | 1600Ah Environmentally Friendly Li-on |
| Freeloader Battery Charge Time | USB Charge 3 Hours |
| Solar Charge 7-9 Hours | |
| Camcaddy Dimensions | 130mm x 71mm x 30mm |
| Camcaddy Weight (Unpacked) | 68g |
| Camcaddy Max Operating Voltage | 9.5V |
| Camcaddy Maximum Battery Depth | 67mm |
Our favourite portable chargers and power banks rated and reviewed, plus an in-depth buyer’s guide
by Matt Jones
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In recent years, the rise of portable battery chargers or power banks has meant that heading into the great outdoors no longer means going off-grid. And being able to keep your devices charged even when you’re miles from the mains has some undeniable benefits. After all, a functioning phone can be a lifesaver in an emergency. We’ve tested ten of the best portable power banks and solar chargers for backpacking in a range of sizes and capacities. So whether you’re after a small, lightweight pal or a rugged, heavy-duty Hero, there should be something for you. This group test also includes three solar-powered chargers. These offer an alternative solution to the perennial power problem for adventurers planning to spend multiple days in the wilderness.
What Makes The Best Portable Power Pack?
Firstly, think about how much power you’re likely to need and how long you might be away from a power source. This will dictate what size power bank you need in terms of battery capacity, which is usually measured in milliamp hours (mAh).
To help you out, note that it typically takes 2,500 to 3,500mAh to charge a modern smartphone (though many factors can affect power consumption). Charging a GPS unit or digital camera is likely to consume a similar amount of power, while charging a head torch, smartwatch or GoPro will consume much less. High-powered devices like tablets and laptops are the biggest drain on battery capacity.
Put simply, the larger the rated capacity (in mAh), the more juice the power bank can store – though the trade-off is increased size and weight. So if you’re only carrying a smartphone on a day walk and just want a back-up power source, look for a.sized battery charger. On the other hand, if you’re planning to spend multiple days in the wilderness carrying a number of different devices (like a GPS, phone, GoPro and digital camera), then you’re going to need one of the bigger power banks around (probably 20,000mAh).
To power multiple devices effectively you’ll also need a power bank that supports simultaneous charging, i.e. one that has at least two or more outlet ports. Many of the latest models also offer features such as quick charging through high-speed USB or USB-C connectivity, as well as in-built technologies to prevent over-charging and optimise charging efficiency.
Durable Power Banks
Also consider your environment. In damp, humid conditions or on expeditions you might need a waterproof and rugged power bank, which can cope with moisture or even complete immersion as well as bumps and knocks. If so, look for a product with a certified IP (International Protection) rating, which is usually expressed as two letters or numerals, e.g. IPX6 or IP67. This standard classifies the degree of protection provided against intrusion, dust, accidental contact and water.
“It typically takes 2,500 to 3,500mAh to charge a modern smartphone”
As well as being impact and water-resistant, power banks specifically designed for the great outdoors often have LED lights, so they can be used as torches. This can be a useful additional feature, as can power banks with integrated charging cables – so you don’t have to remember to bring separate cables with you.
Other devices have integrated or add-on solar panels, which offer the ability to top up the power using energy from the sun. Solar panels are becoming more efficient all the time, meaning that this is now a viable option for those planning to spend days or even weeks off-grid. Most solar panels trickle-charge a power bank over a period of several hours, but others can also be plugged directly into your device.
Guide To Power Banks
GP Batteries Charge AnyWay
Price: £29.99 Weight: 224g Capacity: 10,400mAh Dimensions (L x W x D): 81 x 64 x 25 mm
One of the most innovative bits of outdoor kit we’ve seen recently, The Charge AnyWay from GP Batteries is a 2-in-1 battery charger and power bank. It comes with 4 x nifty RecyKo rechargeable AA batteries. These batteries can all be used separately from the power bank. That means that with the power bank and these batteries, you’ve got the versatility to charge your smartphone or battery-powered devices like a headtorch. It’s easy to use too, thanks to a dual color LED indicator that displays charging status. In-built safety protection offers security against overheating, overloading or short circuits.
Pros: Lightweight, versatile, easy to use and eco-friendly, since it uses rechargeable batteries rather than a lithium ion cell, and reduces your reliance on single-use AA batteries. Cons: Not the speediest. It takes about 6 hours to fully charge the supplied 4 x AA RecyKo AA batteries. It’s also not as quick as other portable chargers when used as a power bank due to the 1A USB output.
Biolite Charge 20
Price: £40 Weight: 166g Capacity: 5,200mAh Dimensions (L x W x D): 108 x 44 x 20mm
The smallest power bank on test, the Biolite Charge 20 weighs under 200g and slides easily into a It has a 5,200mAh capacity – enough for about two smartphone charges. It is easy to operate. There’s just a single button that lights up a four-LED indicator telling you how much juice is left. There’s one micro-USB input and one 2.1A USB output, offering fairly swift charging. The stainless steel housing is sleek and durable, while a flip-top lid helps to protect the ports from dirt and moisture. The Charge 20 has an IPX6 rating, offering resistance to rain and spills. It is supplied with its own charging cable.
Pros: Lightweight, compact and durable. Just slip it into a and head out into the hills for peace of mind, knowing you can keep your phone alive throughout the day. Cons: Single outlet port and limited battery capacity means this little guy reaches his limits when it comes to charging bigger devices.
Goalzero Venture 70
Price: £136.95 Weight: 485g Capacity: 17,700mAh Dimensions (L x W x D): 170 x 103 x 29mm
The Goal Zero Venture 70 is a seriously rugged, waterproof power bank with an IP67 rating. It has a fairly generous 17,700mAh capacity – enough to charge a smartphone five times (though the manufacturer quotes up to six charges). The two high-speed 2.4A USB outputs can charge two devices simultaneously.
The Venture 70 also has a Smart charge feature that can identify different devices. It then applies the fastest charging profile possible, without risk of overheating or overcharging. It also allows pass-through charging. That means you can safely charge devices from the power bank even when it’s plugged into the mains. We also liked the built-in 65-lumen LED torch, which has two brightness settings and three strobe modes, including SOS.
Pros: Packed with useful features and some sophisticated internal tech. The extremely rugged, waterproof housing with integrated cables makes the Venture 70 a very practical option for the great outdoors. Cons: It’s the heaviest power bank in this round-up, and also the most expensive. If you really want to get the best out of the product you’ll need to read the instruction manual. That explains how to initiate the Smart charge sequence whenever you plug in a device for the first time.
Zendure A6PB
Price: £80 Weight: 392g Capacity: 20,100mAh Dimensions (L x W x D): 168 x 85 x 28mm
Zendure’s A6PB cutting-edge power bank is equipped with USB-C and 3.0A USB outlet ports for Rapid charging of two devices simultaneously. It has a generous 20,100mAh capacity, enough to fully charge an iPhone X 5½ times. We found that real-world performance matched the manufacturer’s claims. It also offers pass-through charging. Auto-detection means that devices start to charge as soon as they are plugged in. Adaptive charging automatically adjusts the output to charge your device at optimum speed. The A6PD also has in-built protection against short circuits, power surges, overheating and overcharging. It comes with a protective cloth pouch and USB cable.
Pros: With the quickest charge times of any power bank in this round-up, the A6PD is ideal for those with the latest devices who need their juice fast. Cons: Although housed in an extremely rugged composite case, this power bank does not carry an IP rating and is not waterproof.
GP Batteries M-Series MP15MA
Price: £34.99 Weight: 347g Capacity: 15,000mAh Dimensions (L x W x D): 140 x 75 x 24mm
With USB-C and twin 2.4A USB outputs, the GP Batteries M-series power bank supports the latest devices and offers speedy charging. You can charge up to three devices simultaneously. The 15,000mAh capacity gives a real-world performance of about four to five smartphone charges (though the manufacturer quotes six). It’s very simple and easy to use – a single button with four LED indicator lights and device auto-detection means you can just plug in and go. It is supplied with a 2-in-1 micro-USB and USB-C cable.
Pros: Striking a good balance between capacity, weight and size, this is a versatile all-rounder at a competitive price. For us, it’s the best value option in this test. The triple outlet ports are very useful, while USB-C input/output supports the latest devices and permits Rapid mains charging. Cons: Though the case features anti-slip rubber coated edges that may help to absorb minor impacts, the power bank does not carry an IP rating. Nor is it supplied with a protective pouch.
Outdoor Tech Kodiak Plus 2.0
Price: £59.99 Weight: 290g Capacity: 10,000mAh Dimensions (L x W x D): 123 x 88 x 28mm
Thanks to its IPX7 rating, this power bank by Outdoor Tech can be submerged in 3ft of water for up to 30 minutes. That makes it well-suited to the most demanding conditions. It also has a built-in 100-lumen torch with three light settings – another useful feature for the great outdoors. The design is compact and relatively lightweight, while the 10,000mAh capacity gives you real-world performance of a little over three full smartphone charges. However, although there are two USB outlet ports, only one of these supports high-speed charging. The Kodiak Plus 2.0 does not have charge-through capability either.
Pros: Very rugged construction and simple operation. We also like the bright LED flashlight for use around camp. Cons: While the 2.4A USB output is speedy, the slower 1.0A port is sluggish compared to the multiple high-speed charging options of other power banks here.
Anker Powercore 20100
Price: £34.99 Weight: 353g Capacity: 20,100mAh Dimensions (L x W x D): 173 x 67 x 26mm
This slim-line power bank has two 2.4A USB outputs for high-speed charging, augmented by Anker’s PowerIQ Smart charge and voltage boost technology. This identifies your device and adjusts voltage output accordingly, while also compensating for cable resistance. It’s all intended to deliver the fastest possible charging speed, even when charging two devices simultaneously.
Real world performance was very good. The large 20,100mAh capacity gives five to seven smartphone charges, depending on the model. The Powercore 20100 also has built-in protection from power surges and short circuits. It comes with a micro USB cable and a travel pouch.
Pros: Slim design, simple to use and good performance. High battery capacity and competitively priced too. Cons: We wish it had a USB-C port. The only other real drawback is that the plastic case is not IP-rated against impact or moisture, meaning it’s not as tough as some other power banks we tested. Basically, don’t drop it or let it get wet!
Ravpower Xtreme RP-PB41
Price: £36.99 Weight: 459g Capacity: 26,800mAh Dimensions (L x W x D): 178 x 85 x 27mm
This Ravpower Xtreme power bank boasts triple 2.4A USB ports so you can charge three devices simultaneously at high speed. An impressive array of built-in technology protects against overheating, overcharging, short circuits and power surges. It also automatically adjusts charge output and voltage for optimum charging speeds. It’s incredibly simple to use, with a single button that displays a four-LED power indicator to let you know how much juice you have left. Not that you’re likely to run out, given the whopping 26,800mAh battery capacity. That gives you nine full charges for the iPhone X, which is impressive. It is supplied with a micro-USB cable and a travel pouch.
Pros: Huge battery capacity, multiple outlets, high-speed charging, easy to use and very well-priced. Cons: Inevitably, this power bank is fairly heavy. We also wish it had a USB-C port – though the latest 26800mAh Ravpower model (the PB058) has added this feature. Our only other negative is that this power bank isn’t IP-rated, so it isn’t as tough as some.
WakaWaka Power With Solar Panel And Link
Price: Power £49.99, Solar panel and link £79.99 Weight: Power 165g, Solar panel and link 751g Capacity: Power 3,000mAh, Solar panel and link max 10W output Dimensions (L x W x D): Power 125 x 83 x 21mm, Solar panel (folded) 170 x 170 x 28mm
A compact and lightweight power bank with an integrated solar panel that can fully recharge its 3,000mAh internal battery in 12-18 hours of sunlight. The WakaWaka Power has a single 2.1A USB output and a micro-USB input (so you can charge it from the mains too). In addition, the Power has a 70-lumen LED torch with four brightness settings and SOS mode. The 3,000mAh capacity gives you about 200 hours of light or one full smartphone charge, and charging speed is fairly swift. The power bank has a swivelling base that enables you to place it at almost any angle. This is ideal for positioning it as a camp lantern or adjusting the solar panel to ensure it is in direct sunlight.
To boost the capability, you can also add a separate folding solar panel with a max 10W output. It connects to the Power via a link box. This also has a second USB port so you can charge another device simultaneously. Setup is simpler than it sounds, and the Power’s LED indicators tell you how much juice it has left as well as how effectively it is charging from the sun.
Pros: It has a useful LED light and enough juice to give your smartphone a full charge. When coupled with the separate solar panel and link, its capabilities are drastically increased for off-grid trips. The 10W panel has a bigger output than any other solar charger we tested. Cons: The Power is obviously limited by its small 3,000mAh capacity, though WakaWaka also sell 5,000 and 10,000mAh power banks that are compatible with the solar panel and link. However, the key drawbacks of the system are cost and weight. Though it has a big 10W output, the solar panel is heavy, while the total cost of the Power, solar panel and link is nearly £130. And like all solar-powered systems, you’re obviously reliant on several hours of sunshine to get optimum results. The panel itself delivers solid performance though.
Freeloader Sixer Plus Supercharger Solar Panel
Price: Sixer £69.99, Supercharger £49.99 (or buy together as the Off Grid Adventurer bundle for £110) Weight: Sixer 250g, Supercharger 311g Capacity: Sixer 6,000mAh, Supercharger max 5W output Dimensions (L x W x D): Sixer 134 x 83 x 30mm, Supercharger 275 x 180 x 15mm
Another compact and relatively lightweight power bank with an integrated solar panel that can fully recharge its 6,000mAh internal battery in 28 hours of sunlight. However, with the Supercharger solar panel attached, charge time is reduced to around 8 hours, or 6 hours if all the solar panels are in direct sunlight. The Freeloader Sixer has a 2.1A USB output as well as integrated micro-USB and lightning cables, enabling up to three devices to be charged simultaneously.
Pros: Easy to use thanks to the LCD screen’s clear icons that indicate remaining battery life and charging source. We liked the integrated charging cables too. The 5W Supercharger solar panel is impressively thin and light. It also comes with Velcro straps to attach it to a rucksack. The solar cells are efficient enough to charge even in overcast conditions. That makes the system a good option for off-grid adventurers – provided you’ll see some sun. Cons: The integrated support stand used to position the Sixer is flimsy and snapped on test. Though marketed as impact- and water-resistant, it does not carry an IP-rating. It does have a rubberised cover to help protect against damage, but this needs to be removed to use the integrated charging cables.
Powertraveller Extreme Solar – Best In Test
Price: £115 Weight: Extreme 280g, Solar panel 284g Capacity: Extreme 12,000mAh, Solar panel max 5W output Dimensions (L x W x D): Extreme 140 x 78 x 28mm, Solar panel (folded) 275 x 180 x 15mm
This combination battery and solar charger kit consists of two components. There’s a 12,000mAh capacity power bank and a separate folding solar panel of clamshell design that delivers a max output of 5W. The power bank has a 2.0A USB output as well as a USB-C port and, uniquely among the power banks in this test, a 12V DC outlet. This makes the Powertraveller a versatile option for charging multiple devices quickly, from SLR cameras and GPS devices to the latest smartphones. It’s housed in a tough, rugged, waterproof case with an IP65 rating, meaning it is dust-proof and waterproof (though not immersible). The power bank also supports pass-through charging and is supplied with an array of cables to fit various devices.
The solar panel is compact and lightweight. It unfolds to 210 degrees and will charge in low light conditions. A flashing LED light shows green for optimum charging, red for lower-quality conditions. Handily it also comes with a Velcro strap that enables you to attach the panel to a rucksack.
Pros: Very versatile thanks to multiple outlets, including USB-C and a 12V DC output. Decent battery capacity gives up to five full smartphone charges. This is also the toughest solar charger on test, making it our preferred option for multi-day wilderness trips. Cons: Few drawbacks other than the standard proviso that applies to all solar-powered products – you’re obviously reliant on several hours of decent sunshine to get good performance. However, even when used as a standard power bank the Powertraveller performs extremely well.
Solar Technology Freeloader Solar Charger – Review
There are many constants within life, one being that the sun will rise every single day, providing us with warmth and energy.
There are many constants within life, one being that the sun will rise every single day, providing us with warmth and energy. The other most important constant in life is that your phone will probably need charging at some point in every single day of your life. Solar Technology have taken both of those important facts and decided to make a solar power charger.
Be it for your phone, iPhone, iPad, tablet, Micro USB or USB powered device the charger has you covered. The nice people at Solar Technology International sent me one over to review and as the UK summer is a bit dull and rainy on and off, it’s going to be interesting to try it out.
The interesting thing about this charger is that it has a 4000 mAh battery inside that you recharge using either the built in solar panel or the Micro USB port on the side. So let’s get on with the review starting of course with my good and bad points.
Bad Points
Specs
Yes a battery pack has specs. Only a few but those key pointers often make or break a device.
- Internal Battery 4000 mAh.
- 220 mA high efficiency solar panel.
- 5V/1A output.
- 2 Year Warranty.
- Working temp from.20 °C to 60°C.
- Dimensions: 137mm x 76mm x 25mm.
- Weight: 240g.
Design
The Solar charger is about the size of a chunky phone, it comes with its own rubber case to protect the main unit. The front of the charger has the solar panel on it and a little LCD screen showing you battery level and charging status. The left hand edge has the Micro USB charging arm and the right hand side has the Lightning arm.
The charging arms tuck into a recess at the top of the edge, the arms themselves look quite flimsy and wouldn’t fair to well getting bent or something.
The bottom edge has two ports, one is Micro USB for charging the battery when it is depleted and a normal size USB port for charging items with non standard charging cables. The back of the unit has a kickstand to help angle the charger at a good angle to catch the sun.
The back of the charger has a ribbed soft touch rubber coating and the kickstand, the kickstand sits proud of the back so it can slide around a little if left on a smooth surface.
The case is a soft silicone kind of thing, which just slips on over the charger, once it is on you can’t access the charging arms or the kickstand. Although you can use the ports on the bottom and also see the LCD screen. The case also has a belt loop on the back and in the box is a Velcro strap to further help attaching it to stuff. The case apparently will protect the charger from being dropped up to a meter high.
The unit itself is curved, with the middle of the unit being thicker than the edges, I can’t see why though. The design really is form over function.
In Use
In use the idea behind the charger is brutally simple. You put it out in the sun and it starts to charge. Once done you connect your phone or tablet and it will charge them up. Nice and simple really. The only slight problem I found was the dismal British summer.
During our three week “heatwave” in July I found I could leave the unit outside or on a window cill and it would be charged within a day, as long as it was in direct sunlight. But in the grey and gloomy days of August and September after two days on a window cill it still wasn’t more than half full.
I found one way of grabbing extra sun was by attaching the unit to my rucksack as I walked or cycled around. Again in direct sunlight it charged well.
The belt loop for attaching it to things is part of the rubbery case, which I felt a little bit wary of using, just in case the unit slipped out of the case, to do this would need a lot of effort though it was just me being a bit picky. Using the Velcro strap helped strap the charger onto awkward parts of a bag.
The easiest way to use the unit was to charge it using the Micro USB port on the bottom and then take it out on my daily travels, charging things as the day went by and if I was outside when that happened I just left it in the sun and it recharged the battery, whilst charging my phone.
Charging of devices involves removing the case on the charger and connecting one of the arms to your phone or tablet. As the battery pack outputs at 1A it means you’ll have to wait a bit for the battery to be topped up fully. The arms also look a bit spindly and they look like they’ll bend or break at some point.
Conclusion
Overall it is a handy piece of kit, which for us in the UK is a little bit flawed for most of the year. It is only really of use if you either live outdoors, you live abroad where it doesn’t rain for most of the summer, you’re going to a festival and it’s guaranteed to be sunny, you’re on a Skiing holiday or you’re going camping and again it’s guaranteed to be sunny. For those situations having this charger would be rather handy.
But on the other hand you could get on of those 10000 mAh battery packs and it would do the job just as well, without having to rely on the sunshine. You can buy the Freeloader ISIS charger here for £64.99. Which personally is a bit steep. However if you’re one of those people who spends all day every day out in the sun then you’ll find this charger very useful.