Gear Closet: Suaoki S270 Portable Solar Generator Review

Portable battery packs designed to keep our smartphones charged while on the go have become too good that it is almost criminal to not have one at your disposal these days. Small, lightweight, and compact chargers can be found for not much money and they generally fit the needs of most day-to-day users. But what about those of us who have power requirements that go beyond the basics, but don't want to sacrifice portability either. Thankfully, we now have some good options to choose from as well, including the Suaoki S270 Portable Solar Generator, an awesome little power pack that is perfect for charging just about anything while on the go.

Lightweight and compact, the S270 never the less delivers on its promise of plenty of portable power. It is equipped with a 150 watt-hour battery and is capable of a sustained 100 watt output with a peak of up to 150 watts if necessary. That means it won't just charge your smartphone and tablet, but can also power laptops, drone batteries, headlamps, cameras, or just about anything else you plug into it. It can even power small appliances in a pinch.

The designers of S270 gave it plenty of outlets so you can plug multiple devices in at once. Along one side it has four USB ports (three standard and one quick-charging), while the other side features four DC charging ports as well. The system even ships with a female DC adapter (read: car port) for charging devices designed for that type of output. The result is a handy portable power station that you can carry with you just about everywhere.

But, that isn't all. The S270 also features two AC wall outlets as well, which expands its versatility even further. When items are plugged into these ports, they charge as quickly and easily as they do at home, extending the life of your gadgets for a lot longer.

Other nice design choices include a set of flip-up handles that make it easy to carry the power bank and a set of built-in emergency lights. Those lights can even be set to flash an SOS signal if necessary as well. The entire product is built into a rugged, durable case that feels right at home in the outdoors.   That said, the generator is only "splash proof" so you won't want to leave it out in the rain.


The S270 is the result of a successful Indiegogo campaign, which shipped the generators to its supporters back in December. I was lucky enough to get one to review, and have been extremely impressed. At home, it sits on my desk, providing a convenient source of power to my iPhone, iPad, and various other devices that need recharging on a regular basis. But, I also traveled with it over the holidays, easily slipping it into a backpack to take on a road trip. It served its purpose then too, not only keeping all my electronic toys stocked with energy, but my travel companions too. It also helped keep my MacBook Pro powered up while working on the go as well.

The massive battery inside the S270 takes about 10-12 hours to charge via wall outlet, and the device does support charging in the field via a solar panel. I haven't had a chance to test it with a solar panel as of yet, but obviously that would take considerably longer, with direct sunlight, to charge the battery fully. Of course, this is the same with just about any solar-powered generator, where your mileage always varies based on conditions.

What I like about this battery pack is that if fills a niche niche between smaller chargers designed at phones and tablets, and larger generators from companies like Goal Zero. Not everyone needs something that large, but many people need a bit more than the compact battery packs that are sold at gas stations and drug stores. For those folks, the Suaoki S270 is the perfect companion for their adventures, providing plenty of power in a surprisingly small package.

Best of all, the S270 is very affordable. Priced at just $139.95, it is less expensive than some much smaller battery packs that are on the market. Of course, not everyone needs a battery pack of this size and power, but it is really nice to have one at your disposal. The versatility that this device offers is outstanding, and I've found myself using it more places than I first thought. I think other frequent travelers and explorers will love it too.

Find out more at the Suaoki Facebook page and order your own S270 from Amazon.

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Adventure Tech: Synavolt Expandable and Modular Portable Power Bank

I've said it many times before and I'm likely to say it again. Keeping our electronic gadgets powered up on the go can be a major challenge when traveling or living off the grid in the backcountry. Thankfully, we continue to see some fantastic new devices that can help us overcome this challenge, with fantastic new chargers and portable generators getting revealed all of the time. The latest to cross my desk is the Synavolt, a personal power bank that delivers unique functionality that I haven't seen before.

As a charger, there Synavolt comes equipped with a 20,000 mAh battery, which is enough to power a smartphone as many at 10 times over. It's also enough juice to recharge things like tablets, cameras, drones, and even laptops too. Plus, the Synavolt comes with three built-in USB 3.0 ports, making it a handy device to have with you wherever you go.

But what really makes this charger stand out from the competition is its modular design. Both ends of the Synavolt have expansion slots on them that allow users to add specially developed modules that expand functionality further. For instance, I've been testing the power bank with an AC inverter and a light, both of which allow it to do much more than a normal USB charger. The AC inverter allows me to plug in my MacBook while traveling and the light – which puts out 350 lumens – comes in handy around a campsite, in the car, or even at home.

Those modules are just the beginning however. Other options include a Bluetooth speaker, extra USB ports, a Qi wireless charging pad, a 12 V car adapter, and an additional 4000 mAh mini power bank for when you need an extra boost of energy. These modules snap right into place in the expansion port, draw energy from the massive battery itself, and expand the features of the Synavolt dramatically. It is a clever idea that takes the concept of carrying a power pack with you, but gives it some added functionality that you might have to carry other devices to normally have.



The concept behind the Synavolt is great and I love the added features that the modules bring to the table. The power bank is a bit on the larger side with those modules in place however, which may be a drawback for some. Without the modules, the device isn't especially big, and is about on par with most large-capacity USB battery packs. The modules do add weight and bulk though, although again if you were going to carry a large lantern or Bluetooth speaker with you anyway, this device actually ends up saving you some weight and space. Its modular design also offers impressive versatility in the field too.

At the moment, Synavolt isn't a product that you can just rush out and buy. It has launched on Indiegogo however, where the designers are looking to pull in $30,000 in crowdfunding to make it a reality. As I write this, they are about a quarter of the way toward that goal. If successful, they'll begin shipping in April of 2018 at an MSRP of about $200 for the base unit. Early-bird supporters can preorder one now for half that however, and can get deals on various modules too.



Check it out here.

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Gear Closet: Lifeproof LifeActiv Power Pack and USB Cables

There once was a time when keeping your gadgets powered while on the go was a real challenge. Battery life on mobile devices was suspect, and there weren't a lot of convenient ways to get a charge while on the go. But times have changed, and now there are a wide array of mobile chargers and battery packs to choose from. If you've ever tried out any of those power packs however, chances are you've discovered that they are not all created equal and finding the right one to fit your needs is still key. Thankfully, some of our favorite outdoor brands are now offering rugged options for use on our adventures, including Lifeproof which just launched a new waterproof USB battery pack and rugged cables to go along with it.

Best known for creating durable cases to protect smartphones in the outdoors, Lifeproof has taken its extensive knowledge of how to build tough products and extended it in new directions. Recently, the company launched a line of durable Bluetooth speakers, and now its expanding the catalog once again, this time with other products that are important not only in our daily lives but when we hit the road too.

Lifeproof Lifeatíve Power Pack ($79.95)
Lifeproof's first entry into the mobile charging station is the new Lifeactíve Power Pack. The device offers all of the features you would expect from this type of USB battery pack, including smart sensors that automatically detect the best speed to charge a mobile device as well as knowing when its battery is full and to stop charging altogether. This helps protect the delicate components of smartphones and tablets from overcharging, which can be harmful to their internal batteries.

With its 10,000 mAh battery, the Power Pack finds the sweet spot between size and power. That's a battery with enough juice to recharge an iPhone 3 or 4 times, but it is also small enough that it isn't overly bulky or heavy. Lifeproof's mobile charger tips the scales at a mere 8.8 ounces (250 g), which is actually pretty impressive considering it is also waterproof down to 2 meters and protected from drops up to 1.2 meters.

The Power Pack also features built-in LED lights that allow it to be used as a flashlight, with two brightness settings, as well as red lighting and flashing red lights to signal an emergency. That's another handy feature to have whether you're looking for something in your tent, hotel room, or even just around the house during a power outage.

I absolutely love the size and form factor of the Lifeactíve Power Pack. It is small and lightweight, making it easy to pack for any adventure. The fact that it also dirt and snow proof make it extra appealing, as you can easily stash it in a pocket in your jacket for use on the trail, slopes, or even the water. And as you would expect from Lifeproof, this is a durable product that can withstand a lot of punishment.


My only knock on the Power Pack is that it has just one USB out port for charging other devices. I would have liked to have seen a second port so I could charge two devices at once or allow a buddy to hook up to it too. Most of the other battery packs that I carry on my travels come with two charging ports, so only being able to charge a single device at a time feels rather limiting at times. But, when you are charging, your mobile devices juice up quickly and efficiently, which is always greatly appreciated.

Priced at just $79.95, it is easy to recommend this charger for anyone looking for a battery pack they carry with them on their outdoor adventures. Yes, there are less expensive batteries out there, but most won't offer the same level of durability and build quality that you'll find here. Personally, I think it it worth a few extra bucks to get a much better device.

Find out more about the Lifeactíve Power Pack at lifeproof.com.

Lifeactíve Waterproof Charging Cables ($39.95/each)
In addition to launching its new battery pack, Lifeproof has also introduced a line of durable, waterproof USB charging cables. Available in micro-USB, USB-C, and Apple's Lightning models, these cables are fantastic for the outdoor adventurer and frequent traveler. They are also a good option for anyone who finds themselves breaking the less durable standard charging cables that come with most mobile devices.

Wrapped in a thick, braided coating, the cables feel much sturdier than 99% of the other charging cables you've ever owned. It is difficult to tell how well they'll hold up over time, but in the week plus that I've been using them, it feels like they would last a lifetime. The cable's high build quality has made them my go-to choice when powering up my smartphone, both at home and when traveling. And the fact that they come with a specially designed tip that turns them into a lanyard is a nice touch when trying to find them in my backpack. That same tip is built to connect to the Power Pack, ensuring that the cable you need is never far away.

Despite how impressive these cables are, I still have a couple of issues with them. For starters, at 15 inches (38 cm) in length, they aren't particularly long. On the one hand, this helps to keep them organized and prevents them from getting tangled, but sometimes when you're charging you need something with a bit more length to it.

The cables are also on the expensive side. At $39.95, they're pricier than I'd like to see as well. That's twice what Apple charges for a standard Lightning cable, which also happens to be more than twice as long too. But, Lifeproof's offerings are far more durable and convenient to use, which should be a consideration if you've invested in Apple's first-party models only to find they stop working in a few months time.

Spending $40 on a charging cable is no small investment, but it does bring with it a great piece of mind. These cables feel incredibly durable, which gives me the confidence that they'll continue to function properly for a long time to come. Hopefully I'm right about that, but only time will tell.

Find out more at lifeproof.com.

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Adventure Tech: Romeo Power's New Saber Portable Power Pack

Whether you're setting out on an expedition to far-flung corners of the globe or traveling to a more civilized setting, having an easy to use power supply is a must these days. After all, no matter where we're headed, we usually have a slew of electronic gadgets in tow. In my case, I rarely leave home without a smartphone, tablet, and laptop, and depending on where I'm going, I often have rechargeable headlamps, GPS devices, cameras, and other gear as well. Because of this, I'm always on the lookout for a good way to keep those items charged and I may have found the perfect solution at last.

Launching today, the new Saber portable power pack from Romeo Power Technology offers 86 watt-hours of power in a device that you can hold in the palm of your hand. That is enough to recharge most laptops – including a MacBook Pro – twice. It can also recharge a smartphone more than ten times, and a tablet anywhere from two to four times.

The Saber comes with a USB-C port, two standard USB ports, and more importantly, a built-in AC inverter. That means that you can plug in just about any device, just as you would a wall socket. The Saber can provide power to anything that draws 90 watts or less, meaning it can be used to recharge DSLR camera batteries in the field or even a drone. In a sense, it is a bit like having a lightweight, portable generator that you can take with you pretty much anywhere.

We've seen a number of power packs using built-in inverters in recent months, but what sets the Saber apart from the competition is that it is both built for the outdoors and designed to recharge rapidly. This power pack is IP67 rated for protection against moisture, dust, and drops, and while usually a battery this massive would take the better part of a day to charge, the Saber can be juiced up in just two hours, both from a wall socket or the 12V plug in your car. It can also be charged via solar, but the time it takes to complete a charge varies depending on direct sunlight available, type of solar panel, and so on.

When compared to other portable power packs, the Saber is a bit on the heavy side, weighing in at 2.2 pounds (1kg), but considering what it packs into its small package, that is relatively small. This is a power solution that goes beyond the usual USB battery packs that most of us carry when traveling. Instead, it is a device that is built for outdoor professionals who need plenty of power at all times, but don't want to compromise on durability and reliability while in the field.

The Saber is available for preorder today and for a limited time is available for just $199. After the preorder period ends, and the device begins shipping on Cyber Monday in November, it will sell for $299. So, if you're in the market for a great portable power pack, and the Saber looks like something that might fit your needs, it is worth it to preorder now.

I'm hoping to get my hands on one of the devices and give it a proper test and review at a future time. Stay tuned for that.

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Gear Closet: Energizer PowerKeep 36 Solar Charger and Battery Pack Review

Over the past few years we've seen solar charging become more of an option for our backcountry needs. This is due in part to the fact that solar panels continue to get more efficient and lightweight all of the time, making them more viable options for keeping small devices like a smartphone or a camera charged while living off the grid. At this point, there are literally dozens of options available for travelers and backpackers looking to stay powered up while on the go, making it a challenge to sift through which ones are actually useful and which ones are actually just dead weight.

The latest company to throw its hat into the solar-charging ring is Energizer, which has just launched its own line of solar devices that include portable chargers as well as backpacks with solar panels built in. Recently, I've been testing the new PowerKeep 36, which is an all-in-one solution for those who need to keep small electronics functioning while traveling off the grid.

The PowerKeep 36 includes pretty much everything you need to start using solar energy to power your gadgets. It includes a four-panel, fold-out solar panel capable of generating up to 5 watts of power and direct 1.2 amps to its built-in USB port. The kit also includes a 10,000 mAh battery pack for storing the power collected by the panel and saving it for when you want to recharge the batteries on your mobile device. An included standard USB cable rounds out the package.

The solar panel itself is surprisingly lightweight (10.3 ounces/293g), thanks in part to the flexible materials that is constructed out of. This makes it easy to slip into a pack and take with you just about anywhere, and since it doesn't use a glass-backed panel, you don't have to be especially careful with it. When folded down, it has a small footprint as well, but expands out nicely when its time to place it into the sun.


As with all solar panels, the amount of power you can generate will vary widely depending on a few variables. They all work most efficiently when placed in direct sunlight, and the PowerKeep 36 is no different. On bright, sunny days, with a clear view of the sun overhead, it was indeed able to generate a solid current that could be used to charge a smartphone or the included battery pack. But, throw in a bit of cloud cover or shade, and efficiency dropped off dramatically. This is something that I've seen in nearly every solar panel I've tested, so it is not unexpected. But, because the PowerKeep 36 doesn't generate a great deal of power to begin with, it needs to be in almost optimal conditions to truly function at its best.

The included USB battery pack is probably my favorite part of the entire kit. It tips the scales at 8.4 ounces (240g) but packs enough power to recharge most smartphones 3-4 times before it needs to be topped of again too. I appreciate its lean profile and relatively small size, which makes it a nice option for travelers, whether they are bringing the solar panel or not. And since it has two USB ports, it is capable of charging multiple devices at the same time. The power bank includes four LED lights to indicate its current charge level and comes with a built-in USB cable as well.

The best way to use the PowerKeep 36 is to leave the solar panel spread out on the ground in the direct sunlight at your campsite with the battery pack plugged in at all times. This allows it to collect and store power for the maximum amount of time. Efficiency once again drops off dramatically if you attach the solar panel to a backpack and wear it with you while hiking. While it will collect some power this way, it will literally take days to refill the 10,000 mAh battery.

Even in direct sunlight, I still found that the PowerKeep 36 was slow to charge. But when paired with the USB charger, it worked reasonably well, allowing me to power my iPhone for several days longer than normal while traveling off the grid. Without direct sunlight however, the battery pack can't keep up with the demands placed on it from a smartphone, and after a few days I noticed that it was losing juice at a faster rate than it was taking it in. Again, this isn't unique to the PowerKeep 36 and is more of an issue with solar panels in general right now. They do work, but you have to accept their limitations even as companies strive to improve newer models.

Priced at $169, I feel the PowerKeep 36 is a bit of a mixed bag. Solar panels from Goal Zero are less expensive, while generating more power, making them a tempting alternative. Of course, those panels don't come with a USB battery pack, and they are also heavier and less flexible too, so there are some trade-offs in both directions. If you're looking for a lightweight, easy to use, solar charging solution straight out of the box, Energizer's offering is a solid choice. Just be aware of the limitations that come along with using these panels ahead of time and plan accordingly.

Find out more at energizersolar.com.

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