Solar Phone Charger Explorer Pro : Bike Touring
I do a lot of cycling, regularly cycling one day, camping out and then cycling back the next, so the ability to charge electronic devices such as my Garmin and my mobile is essential. I did a few experiments before doing a review so that I would be able to report accurately on my experience...
The Charge Pack:
I completely drained my phone (Motorola Atrix) and then plugged the fully charged pack into it. I had a 90% full battery in 2 hours and a completely drained pack. Now bearing in mind that I have a 1900mAh battery in my phone, that is good. I can use the phone on medium use over a weekend and it will still have about 15% charge left on a Sunday night, it takes a bit of draining and equally a fair bit to charge from scratch, so I was very impressed with that.
Large Solar Panel:
I have used this in a few different ways, firstly to trickle charge the Charge Pack. I clipped it securely to my rear panniers and connected it to the Charge Pack, (which was inside the pannier), and set off as normal. The clips and the strap kept it very secure and the Charge Pack was full when I arrived at my destination 8 hours later. I didn't check on it periodically, so I don't know how it actually took, but it did what I wanted it to do, which was charge as I rode.
The other way I use it is by attaching the Solar Panel to my handlebar bag, then connecting it to my Garmin bike computer. Again, I rode for 7-8 hours and it kept the Garmin topped up. That is massively important to me as I am riding to Italy in September and will be camping at nights with little access to plug sockets for charging.
Overall:
Well pleased. It is far lighter than putting a dynamo on my bike, it can be used when I am stationary and it won't hamper my progress by applying friction to the wheel as I travel... I love it!