Gear Review: Sunjack 14w8000+mAh

Product: Sunjack 14w8000+mAh

Website: http://www.sunjack.com/products/sunjack-14w-8000mah-battery

MSRP: $139.00

 

I recently had the opportunity to review the Sunjack 14w8000+mAh portable solar charger. Conveniently sized at 9″ x 6.5″ x 1.75″ when folded, this solar charger can easily tuck into your backpack, briefcase or purse for charging on the go.

Initial thoughts:

Packaging: Nicely packaged, strong box with clear graphics and instructions.

Operating Instructions: Easy to follow, the unit is fairly self-explanatory.

Here is a sample of my first few charges using the Sunjack:

Test: Starting with a fully charged Sunjack, I plugged an iPhone 5s with 1% battery left at 4:00 pm to see how long a full charge will take, and if it will charge the phone to 100%.

Outcome: 2 hours

Next day, without recharging Sunjack: Charged iPhone with 3 battery lights on Sunjack. Phone was at 64% at start of charge, charged to 100% with still 3 bars on charger.

Fully charged, I placed the SunJack back in its box. One week later, the battery was still fully charged. I was happy to know that keeping the battery charged will facilitate recharging my electronics whenever necessary.

Since receiving the Sunjack, I’ve charged everything from my cell phone, to an iPad , GoPro, walkie talkies, and a Kindle. The USB port allows the unit to power any device that can be charged via USB.  The mesh pocket on the back of the charger holds not only the battery, but 2 carabiners that can hang the solar panels for easy charging, as well as the cord that connects the solar panels to the battery. One nice feature is the battery can be removed from the unit and carried separately to charge your devices without bringing the solar panels with you. The battery is small and can easily tuck into a purse or back pack for extra power on the go.

Charging should be done via direct sunlight. Charging the battery through a window or windshield is not recommended by the manufacturer.

With the world so dependent on electronics, the Sunjack is delivering power where power isn’t  available. Whether it be hiking, camping or during a natural emergency, having the ability to charge a cell phone is a necessity.  The Sunjack did an excellent job supplying power to multiple devices in a fairly fast time-frame.

For the ultimate test of function and durability, I sent the Sunjack along with my daughter and her early-twenty-something, extremely electronic dependent friends for a weekend of camping. As they were remote camping  I figured if the Sunjack could keep up with their cell phone charging, we’d have a winner. Besides, there was the possibility that a Pokeman could be camping near them, and we’d hate to have them miss that, right?

They set out on a Friday night, with the Sunjack, as well as their cell phones, fully charged. Six campers kept their phones charged up on the first day of the trip. During the day, the Sunjack was left outside in the sunlight to recharge their batteries. After hiking, they’d each take enough charge. At sunset, the Sunjack was packed back up and returned to the safety of their tent. Day one went great, but then disaster struck. The power button on the Sunjack was depressed to charge a cell phone but stayed depressed. Unable to stop the battery from fully draining, they charged phones until it finally ran out of power.

Before the button failure, the Sunjack performed flawlessly. I’ll never know if I had a defective battery, or if something inadvertently depressed the power switch. A quick inquiry to Sunjack had a replacement battery shipped out to me immediately. Since receiving the new battery, I’ve taken a substantial amount of time and effort to see if it was a design flaw or fluke accident. The replacement battery has been working without issue since its first charge 30 days ago.  Given the fact that I’ve been extra rough in the treatment of the replacement battery and it has not failed, I’d have to think that my damaged battery was a one-time issue.

Overall, the Sunjack has performed well. The size of the solar panels is convenient and zips up into its own little package. The included carabiners are a convenient way of hanging the solar panels for charging, no matter where you are. I’ve had mine on a patio chair, a chain link fence, a rope on a tree and a few other strange places without issue. I also love having a way to power electronics that doesn’t cost me a penny. The Sunjack has performed well, I give it two thumbs up!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the Sunjack for free from Gigawatt Inc., in consideration for a gear review.