When going to backcountry tours or remote fire lookouts during the weekends, we often require a source of electricity to power our devices. Perfect for multi day backpackers and hikers, the Goal Zero Nomad 5 Solar Panel is a lightweight, packable solution for individuals looking for a way to recharge their devices while on their outdoor adventure. It features several attachment points that enable you to attach your solar panel to your pack and recharge your battery packs while on the move. From charging phones to providing an expedient vibe with a string of camping lights, this Nomad 5 Solar Panel powers it all. Let’s look at the product in more detail in this Goal Zero Nomad 5 Solar Panel review.
Overview:
Nomad 5 Solar Panel is one of the innovatively designed products from Goal Zero, a reputable company manufacturing innovative portable gadgets. Nomad 5 is simply a solar panel, but it feels more than just that. The solar panel features 5-watts of monocrystalline in a well-rugged enclosure with a convenient USB output and kickstand making it the perfect lightweight solution for on-the-go power from sunlight. With a rating of 5-watt, this solar panel is mainly perfect for tablets and smartphones. It is durable and rugged, built-in to last as long as your escapade does.
Features:
Robust Design
Although solar panels have a limited scope for design innovation, Goal Zero has done an excellent job with the Nomad 5. The Nomad 5 comes with a frameless design with holes on all corners. This allows users to strap the panel to tents or backpacks. The kickstand also makes mounting it on most of the surfaces easy. It is also elegant with a black body and lime-green branding on the bottom and top edges.
Great Durability
The Nomad 5 Solar Panel features a frameless design which is a remarkable choice and displays the manufacturer’s confidence in its strength. Instead of having a frame, the panel has a thicker glass on the front. The product also comes with a fabric enclosure like the 20-watts version. The solar panel’s
Highly Compatible
The Goal Zero Nomad 5 is an ultimate solar panel compatible with most other 5V solar panels’ devices. It has a 5V USB port that functions like a 5V charging adapter in sunlight. You can charge about all smartphones and solar-powered portable chargers with it.
Ease of use
User convenience is one thing that sets the Nomad 5 completely apart from traditional solar panels. Nomad 5 Solar Panel has a mounting kickstand that lets you set up the solar panel at the perfect angle within seconds for maximum sunlight. It also features an integrated USB port that gives users an easy way to charge phones or power banks.
Great Portability
The Goal Zero Nomad 5 Solar Panel is one of the smallest panels compared to the Nomad 7 and Nomad 10 model. It weighs less than a travel mug, meaning you don’t have to worry about carrying it in your backpack. Most of the solar panel’s materials are lightweight. It is also easy to set up the panel for charging due to its simple kickstand.
What Can it Charge?
essential to note that Nomad 5 solar panels don’t hold a charge. They directly produce power when exposed to sunlight but do not store for later use. Therefore, you can pair the solar panel with a Flip 12 power bank to keep your devices charged while travelling for the best charging experience. You just need to plug the Flip into the built-in charging dock of the solar panel to charge it from sunlight while biking, hiking or the move. You can then use the Flip power bank to charge your smartphone when the sun is gone. The Solar Panel is excellent for charging various devices including; phones, headlamps, Goal Zero power banks and other smaller USB devices.
Pros:
- It’s lightweight
- User-friendly
- Ideal for charging phones on the go
- A mounting kickstand
Cons:
- Not Idle in windy conditions
Conclusion:
The user-friendly, high quality and sleek design of the Goal Zero Nomad 5 Solar Panel makes it the ideal backcountry adventure companion to power-play throughout your weekend. The compact and lightweight nature of the solar panel makes it the best tool to have during a ski tour or hike in the backcountry. The Nomad 5 can easily charge a headlamp, phone or lights for your camping cabin. While the solar panel comes with a stable kickstand, you should keep it in a wind-protected area to avoid being blown over. It’s no surprise that lots of campers have fallen in love with this Nomad 5 Solar Panel.
