Review: SOLIO CLASSIC2 Battery Pack + Solar Charger

SOLIO CLASSIC2
Battery Pack + Solar Charger

Capture and store energy from power outlet or the sun for up to a year in this compact device ...   

 

 

An avid environmentally conscious traveler, I was more than excited to give the Solio Classic2 Battery Pack plus Solar Charger a spin while crossing the states in search for winter sun.  You can charge any USB powered devices on-the-go ... making this little wonder a must-have ... if it works well anyhow.  So for a few months I put this puppy to the test, through thick hurricane weather and thin ozones ... my family and I used this solio battery pack on our adventures ... and the verdict ...

Description

• Compact solar charger for USB powered devices including phones, GPS watches, tablets, e-readers, water purifiers and many others ...
  
• Easily charge the CLASSIC2 from a day of direct Sunlight, USB port, or the wall
  Full-sized USB port allowing thousands of devices to easily connect just as they do to a USB wall charger
• Battery:  3.7V/3,200mAh Li-Poly - User replaceable at end of life (average 3 years)
• Power:  Max Wattage: 5 Watts, Discharge Rate: Fixed 5V, 1,000mA, Charge Rate: 5-5.5V 450mAh - via Wall: 6 hours 15 min, - via USB: 6 hours 15 min, - via Solar: 8-10 hours
• Price: $100.00

My Experience

It is well known that Solio makes the world's highest quality solar charging and lighting products, so I was expecting quality and indeed that is what I got.  This charger is the perfect companion while on the road, camping, Armageddon preparation ;-) and everything elso in-between ...

It easily fits in a backpack, diaper bag, purse or glove compartment.  The Classic2 is actually three small solar panels that fold together into a compact pack that fits in the palm of your hand and is light weight.
My family and I used it for three months while traveling, charging it most of the time in the sun ... a few times with the plug, in the motor home.  It is extremely easy to charge,  and one of my favorite things about it is that there are so many options available when charging - wall outlet, sun and USB.
We were able to charge the new Sprint cell phone two full charges and then some with this battery pack.  We also used to charge the camera, mp3 player and hand-held GPS navigation device.  So the verdict ... It works great!  Can't image another trip without it ...
Compact for travel and great for on-the-go.  Highly recommended and well-worth the money.

Pros

• Holds charge for up to a year
• Several ways to re-charge - from a full day of Sun, via the micro-USB port or the wall
• Compact and lightweight
• Insert a pencil into a central pivot point, to track the sun like a sundial, for maximum solar capture efficiency
• LED push button indicates battery level
• Includes 7 adapter tips
• Includes Micro-USB to USB Cable
• Fast Charging

Cons

•   It would be great if a small pouch was included
  

For more information, please visit Solio.