Goal Zero Sherpa 50 Review
Page Contents
- Portable
- 12V, AC, USB outlets
- Charges anything from cell phones to laptops
- Extremely lightweight
- 50Wh or 100Wh (with inverter)
Weight: 1.5 lbs. (700 grams)
Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.2 x 1.5
Colors: Silver
(1) Li-ion battery required
Inverter: 110V
Our Verdict
The Goal Zero Sherpa 50 is the perfect companion if you love the remote wilderness. If you’re the type who loves camping and hiking with electronic comforts, this is a must-have. It’s especially good for videographers and photographers who need their computers for editing when electricity is not available. We hope our Goal Zero Sherpa 50 Review will help in guiding you along in your journey to go solar.
Compatibility
The Goal Zero Sherpa 50 is an incredibly compatible unit. With 12V, AC, and USB outlets, you can charge most units including laptops and tablets. It’s compatible with the Nomad 14 Plus solar panel, and when connected to that, it will fully charge in 8 hours of direct sunlight (16 hours of indirect sunlight).
When fully-charged, the Sherpa 50 will recharge a smart phone 3-4 times, a headlight 8-16 times, a tablet 1-2 times, and a laptop once. As far as compatibility is concerned, this product is very capable of providing all of your electronic needs off-road. You can also charge this with your car battery – a big plus that other models don’t offer.
Durability
When discussing durability, this is certainly not the strongest charger that Goal Zero’s products have to offer. It’s not fragile by any means, but it also isn’t protected from shock-drops, extreme weather, or water. When carrying the Sherpa 50 with you, it should be securely tied to avoid falls. On the plus-side, all of the outlets are well-protected and rubberized. If you’re looking for something more durable, this list will help you find something to suit your needs.
Ease Of Use
This model comes with an inverter which is great when it comes to power, but it is something that needs to be learned. It doesn’t always come easy to people who are new to solar. That being said, it’s also fairly easy to plug right into the wall or a solar panel. All of the ports are easily laid out and labeled. Another upside is its size and weight. It is extremely easy to stick this into a backpack or in a car.
Features
One of the best features of the Goal Zero Sherpa 50 is its ability to charge laptops and tablets. If you are traveling the world as a photographer or videographer, this model will provide you with the ability to edit and submit your work. Leave it out in the sun for a day or charge it in 3 hours with your car battery, and you have a full charge – hours of editing at your disposal each night.
Design
This is probably one of the sleekest and most modern units we have seen yet. Bright silver in color with all of the ports easily located at the top, this model is sure to beguile any solar enthusiast. The small size and weight add to its charm. While it may not be built for durability, it’s certainly built for versatility and convenience.
What We Like
Our favorite thing about this charger is how sleek it is in design. We also love that it has the ability to charge a myriad of devices in a fairly short amount of time. The fact that it can be connected to a car battery is also a huge plus, especially if you’re in a bind and need it charged quickly. This is a unique unit, and it’s sure to impress.
Pros:
- Small size and weight
- Can charge laptops
- Inverter included
Cons:
- Costly
- Not weatherproof or waterproof
