The Nomad 7 panel that comes with this kit is capable of collecting up to 7 watts! (I almost paid over 50% more for a 5 watt system that did not have the extra capabilities of this system) I confirmed with GoalZero that the serial # of the Guide 10 I just received does not have the overheating problem. It is a well designed device. I put it in the window at work instead of direct sun and it was able to get a weak charge. In order to charge an Android based smart phone I used/use the Guide10 to supplement the panel. I was planning on carrying 4 "extra" NMH AA batteries with me anyway so letting them live in the Guide 10 lets them do double duty. I am looking forward to being able to use the power pack to give a little boost to devices around camp at night once in a while and then just let the battery pack recharge during the next day of hiking. Have had the kit for a couple of weeks now and am still quite happy with it and would recommend it to others. From my research this is pretty much the BEST price / performance Solar Charging system available in early 2012. The panel .8 lb and the fully populated battery pack .8 lb (1.6 lb total) is a bit heavier than I would like but I justify it based on multiple use. (The extra power should allow me to use Android based smart phone as my Technical Reference Library, Trail Guides, GPS / Navigation system, backup music player, video game, movie / video player, phone, journal, etc without it turning into a paperweight because of the power draw.) I like the multiple attachment points that make it easy to attach to a backpack while hiking. I tried to charge the battery pack early morning before the sun came out and did not get quite enough light to charge. I contacted the manufacturer because I did not get the Guide 10 manual with the kit. If I had simply flipped the GUIDE 10 device upside down it has a HUGE CHART permanently printed on the bottom that explains everything you need to know in one concise list. (Very nice touch - something tells me that people actually USED these in the field before / when designing them) I had read a number of reviews with people complaining about problems charging iPhone. I took a colleague's phone and hooked it straight to Nomad 7 panel in good sun and it instantly started charging. (I would "daisy chain" it off Guide 10 if trying to charge while hiking so the power pack can "hide" or mask shady spots or variable light conditions while hiking.) They have other panels that are able to "daisy chain" with each other, the Nomad 7 can only be the "caboose" in a daisy chain of multiple panels. (allowing for faster charging / more power) I will be watching GoalZero to see what else they come up with, because they really get the usability thing. IF you insist on looking for cheaper / lighter options then make sure the panel you select is capable of collecting at least 5 watts (if you plan on charging smart phones) and be aware that unless a panel uses MONOCRYSTALLINE silicone panels (the more expensive kind) - the only type that give BOTH good power and portability. Suggestions for improvement. Switch from mini USB to micro USB for port used to charge Guide 10. (Most devices are going to micro USB) This would allow me to carry one less cable with me since the same cable used to charged devices from Guide 10 power pack could be used to charge power pack from USB. WEIGHT WEIGHT WEIGHT. Some UltraLight backpackers weigh their gear in GRAMS not OUNCES. (This is the main thing that has kept me from taking a closer look at your "rock box" so far) I am expecting this "luxury item" to bring "roughing it" to a whole new level.

I've just ordered this product from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Goal-19006-Guide-Adventure-Batteries/dp/B004OHIYLW/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top) and after reading the reviews I'm concerned about getting the older Guide 10 and not the Guide 10 Plus. I will need to charge the iPhone 4s and in the description it doesn't really state which one it is. Can you please clarify?

So I originally purchased the nomad 3.5 and relized that most of my backpacking is in steep forest as I predominitly pack in the appalachians so returned for the nomad 7 for the quicker charge time I have to use the guide 10 for my iPhone but will the solar cell charge an iPad directly as I just ordered a brand new iPad 3 and one of the major reasons I bought this was I new I was getting an iPad any info please thanks

It would be nice if you could charge the 123 type batteries with this. My flashlight and water purification system both use 123 batteries and if i could use this to recharge them it would be great for my camping trips

Hello my name is Giovanni Bucio I want to write a review for the Guide 10 Plus adventure kit. This solar power plus the power pack recharges faster. It is good for any type of smart phones. I am an IBO from Amway global. my up-line and myself we power up our smart phones and he powers up his iPhone and Asus tablet. Thank you Goal Zero for making our appliances recharge easy and on the go.

I recently purchased the Guide 10 Plus Adventure Kit to keep my Droid charged while in the field hunting and fishing. I've also discovered that it works great on the golf course while running a "yardage app", which previously was not possible for 18 holes. QUESTION: Can I use my Droid 110v plug and USB cord to charge my battery pack? The USB connections fit fine.

I have a Nomad 7 and A Guide 10 plus. They seem to work fine with my GPS and AA batteries, however, I wan only able to charge my Iphone 4S once. Any subsequent time, the charge would not register. I put in FULLY charged Goal Zero batteries just to make sure there was enough charge. I have tried 4 different connecting cables, and 2 sets of batteries, but it still will not charge my I Phone. Any ideas?

In November 2011, the Guide 10 Adventure kit that I ordered through Amazon arrived without the AAA adapter, contrary to the packaging and Amazon description. I've been corresponding with Goal Zero Support since November attempting to have the missing AAA adapter sent to me but Goal Zero Support repeatedly informed me that this adapter is out of stock and would be sent as soon as it arrived. By mid-January 2012 I would have hoped there would be a spare AAA adapter or one that Customer Support would take out of a stock package to send me. I like how Goal Zero had sent an additional Guide 10 to a customer when sending a missing item. Looking back, I wonder if I should have immediately returned this to Amazon in order to receive the full product.

I bought a Nomad 10 last week from Costco during a special event from a Goal Zero representative. We had a power outage in my area the previous week that lasted a few days so this was particularly interesting for me. The Goal zero representative told the small crowd of people that everything was 50% off. How great and perfect timing with the power outage a week ago. He repeated the charge times for various devices including the iPhone. This led me to believe that it could charge an iPhone. Many of us bought your product that day. The problem started when I tried to charge my iPhone 4s, it does not charge from the battery pack even when the pack is full. It sometimes charges from the panel but it has to be under almost perfect conditions. This started my research and what I found was upsetting. The iPhone charging issue is well documented and there is even a comment about it from Goal Zero in this comment section about this issue. Your representative at Costco misled the crowd by telling us the charge time when charging an iPhone but did not disclose that it was finicky. Nomad 10 not the Nomad 10 Plus. What I bought from Costco was a Nomad 10 not the newer Nomad 10 Plus. I came to this conclusion from reading your tweet “GoalZeroSolar GOAL ZERO @ @hk117 Some iPhones can't be charged with the Guide but if you email support@goalzero.com they can upgrade you to a Guide 10 Plus!” Since you recommend the guide 10 Plus for the iPhone and that the Nomad 10 Plus is the only one listed on your site, I think your representative should have told the crowd about the possible upgrade to the Nomad 10 Plus. It was really not 50% off. The Nomad 10 Plus list for 159.95 on your website. My Nomad 10 came with your Rock Out Speaker. That sells for 39.99 on your site. 50% of the total 199.94 is 99.97. Costco charged 129.99 for your Nomad 10. REI a local store sells your Nomad 10 Plus for 120.00 and Rock Out speakers for 29.95 which makes the 50% look even less true.

It will charge my 1st gen iPhone, but will not charge my iPhone 4s

I got the Guide 10 Plus adventure kit from the website. Service was excellent. After using it for sometime I hope that Goal Zero will improve on the product in the following ways. 1. IP7 ratings. I am hoping that Goal Zero can manufacture their product with the rating to give users a peace of mind when they are using the product which can survive a temporary immersion in water(Eg Guide 10 Plus, Nomad 7 Solar panel, Nomad 13 Solar panel). As a temporary measure, you can provide users with a silicon cover for all the ports (USB, 4.7mm) which will enhance the durability of your products. Most of us users will thank you for that. Stating that your product is weatherproof is not that re-assuring to potential buyers. 2. If Goal Zero can add an LED light to the Solar Panel, this will enhance the usefulness of the products. For example The solar panel will show a green LED light when the solar panel is receiving the optimum amount of sunlight to charge the device, Red LED light if it is chargeable and no light if it is not chargeable. This can help the user to orientate the panel to the best position to place the Solar Panel for charging their device. 3. The current version of the Nomad 7 is not "chaniable". Maybe in the future version we can make it "chaniable" so that a user can use other Solar panel like the Nomad 13.5 and the Nomad 7 to charge up the device. Using the 4.7mm extension cable and the 4.7mm splitter cable does not looks like an elegant solution to the problem. I hope that Goal zero will continue to further improve on their products. I am eagerly waiting for their new products. Anthony

I bought the elite at a Costco in California on a summer vacation. I was excited to have this product because I planned on doing a lot of driving and thought it would be more than handy. I found that using the solar panel in the sun while charging my iPhone, my phone never charged. I'm not sure what was going on. The only thing I've used since the purchase is the external speaker I bought along with it. THAT is awesome! But I'm really frustrated with the Elite - not sure what I'm doing wrong :(

I see the net zero is still claiming that Guide 10 works with an iPhone 4, and blaming the iPhone when the Guide 10 does not work. Even in the most optimal optimal conditions with all Apple equipment, Guide 10 does not charge my iPhone directly. I have a dozen third party backup batteries and other charge devices for my iPhone; but Guide zero is the only product that does not work. Customer service has also failed to respond to multiple emails. Although I like the promise of the product the claim that Guide 10 charges iPhone 4 are false.

Hi! I haven't bought your product yet but I am very seriously considering for next summer season. I camp out many times over the summer months and while I am no means Bear Grizzly or Adventure gal. I must state that I can easily earn a few girl scout patches anyhow I do wish to have music specially at night during our evenings when we are prepering dinner at the sites. So I would like something that can provide me with enough juice to run and ipod or mp3 handheld device a smart phone type and portable speakers. Small all handheld nothing really more then this would your basic pack or would you recommend the mid range choice?

I had bought this from EMS and the first day the battery pack melted, so I returned it and they gave me a new one. The second battery pack also isn't working. I can use the flashlight but thats it. However, the solar panel itself was useful in charging a cell phone or camera. The battery pack nor the solar panel has enough amps to charge an iPhone or iPad. Overall, I suggest you think carefully before buying this because it may not work.

The nomad 7 and guid 10 are amassing!!!! Right now I'm actualy charging my phone while bow huntingbin northern Florida .this kit is amassing especially when you add the rock out speakers and the luna light .my suggestion is even thought the price is a little high get it because it's well worth it . Im saving up for the Shepera 50 so I can carge my laptop .

Will the Goal Zero charge the Old Generation Ipod 32GB. I have found that some rechargable devices have this problem.

The only reason I purchased the Guide 10 Adventure Kit was to be able to charge 4 NiMH cells in 1.5 hours via solar charging, as stated in the specs. When it arrived, it was missing the solar cable, and it turned out that the Guide 10 had a faulty status indicator that wouldn't indicate past slow blinking green. The Guide 10 was returned to GZ and they shipped me a properly functioning one with a new solar cable within a week. A faulty product and missing equipment as a first impression? An awkward start to my relationship with GZ, but they had great customer service so I bit my tongue. When the new Guide 10 arrived I verified that the status indicator was working properly by charging the included GZ NiMH cells in the Guide 10 via USB. I got solid green on the unused GZ cells in about an hour. Great! Then I tried the Guide 10 with the Nomad 7 panel. I performed several performance tests, in ideal conditions. In one test I put four 80% charged Goal Zero NiMH cells in the Guide 10, and put it out in the sun with the Nomad 7 to see how long it would take to top off the cells. I constantly observed charging, made sure that it was in ideal sunlight, and performed this test on a sunny cloud-free day in Arizona. After 2.5 hours of a slow green indicator light, I terminated the test with severe buyers remorse. It is advertised that this kit can charge 4 AA NiMH cells in 1.5 hours, but it seems that 80% charged cells won't top off in 2.5 hours?! Not to mention the Goal Zero cells came out of the Guide 10 extremely hot, too hot to hold in hand, which is bad. So, I decided to test empty cells next. For my next test I wanted to try depleted Eneloop NiMH cells. I asked GZ if I could use Eneloop NiMH cells in the Guide 10, and they said it will work just fine with Eneloops. Eneloop cells have less mAh than the included Goal Zero cells, so technically they should charge slightly faster than 1.5 hours from the Nomad 7 (if the GZ specs are correct). I put four depleted Eneloops in the same environment that the Goal Zero cells were charged in. Same day, same equipment, same experiment babysitting. I spent the rest of my day checking on the charging every 10 minutes, and I must say, the conditions were as good as you could ever require for solar charging on planet Earth. When I hooked everything up, the Guide 10 indicated a blinking red light. That was to be expected. What I didn't expect was that it would still be blinking red after 6 hours of direct sunlight, at which point it changed to a slow green indicator and stayed there for two hours. After 8 hours of charging (and babysitting) the Guide 10 was only able to indicate a slow blinking green status, and I had to discontinue the trial because the sun was getting low. Beyond those two tests, it has been used in varying locations, in different temperatures, altitudes, and environments. Unfortunately, the results noted above persisted in all these trials. Goal Zero has great customer service, but the Guide 10 isn't even close to meeting the advertised specs with the Nomad 7. Unfortunately, my Adventure Kit will not see any more adventures, as it's just not usable when it takes 8+ hours of direct sunlight to charge 4 AA cells. If anything changes I will be sure to re-write a more accurate review here.

I've been thinking about adding a solar charge product for a few months and after a lot of reading picked up the Guide 10. Overall, a great product. All of the items are well thought out and functional, obviously some good design/test. While a bit expensive, you get what you pay for and this seems to be a great value that will last. Can't speak to the service aspect as I have not needed to contact them. I won't go into great detail on use, because it does exactly what they say it will. Batteries, USB, two at once....works like a champ. I was worried when I first tried to charge USB devices [phone and GPS] as one showed no charge and the other said it was charging but never updated the battery status. However, once I disconnected, each showed full charge. So even if you don't see "normal" charge indications on your device give it a little bit and then check, it's probably working. Only addition I would make to the system is adding a second small pouch to hold the extra cords. Easy to pick up yourself so not a deal breaker. Again, a great product that is well designed and functional as described. Might be worth getting a second!

I have only had this product a week now and I have to say that I am impressed by it quality. I love how easy it is to use. Impressive and well built product you guys have here.

hi, im planing to purchuse the adventure 10 package. i need it to charge my phone and other stuff with it while im outdoors. QUESTION: is it strong enough to power a canon lp-e6 battery charger via 12v car adapter for my 5d mkII? and will it also charge my acer aspire one via this connection? im an outdoor photographer and looking for good and lightweight solution to power my stuff while beeing outdoors for several weeks. charging times dont matter to me. thx for answering

I am in Sweden kayaking around the Stockholm archipelago and I wanted to give you some feed back. I took the Guide 10 and its solar panel on this trip. I felt I didn't need the 50 pack. We have been blessed with the most glorious weather and at these latitudes, the sun stays pretty high over the horizon giving you plenty to charge on. I have attached the panel to the kayak along with the battery pack, getting a full charge at the end of the day. Maybe I should have worried about the humidity......I didn't and so far, so good. What is your stand on this one ? The only glitch came from the batteries I bought from Radioshack in New York before going home. It didn't state NIMH on these Enercell batteries. I assumed all rechargeable batteries are. Anyway, they are history. In short, I am more than happy. I gave my camera a recharge while on the way back the other day. I would have missed great pictures otherwise. The same applies for my GPS which uses AAA batteries and I use the adaptor. Works great. In fact, I now rely so much on your product that I don't even bother to check my phone / camera / GPS load status......and if I had give some warning, this would be the one. Overconfidence. Never a good thing.

Hello, After much research, I've purchased the Goal 0 Nomad 7 Adventure kit. Please pardon the Captain Obvious questions, but I'm pretty new to this stuff. I put the panel in the sun for about 3 hours, and then plugged my phone into it and there was nothing. No response. Is this because I need to have my phone connected to it while it's charging, or because I need to connect the battery pack to store the energy so I can charge from there. I realize that 3 hours in the sun won't get me a whole lot of energy, but I thought it would have enough to turn the charge light on my phone on for a minute to indicate that it was working. Two questions: Do the panels store energy within themselves, or do I have to have a battery pack attached to store the energy. What is the optimal brand and power of NiMh battery to get for this unit, if I'm not able to have yours? Thanks heaps! Sherry

I received the guide 10 combo for father`s day. It works as well as stated. Charges the pack in a couple hours. Use the batteries for my camp light. And also to charge my phone. Works very well. Had one issue; Can not charge aaa batteries. I bought a set of duracell`s and no matter what I do they don`t seem to make contact in the charger with the adapter. I will send an email to customer support to see what they say. Overall could not be happier with quality and performance. I would recommend this to a friend and I plan to upgrade to a larger system. So far a cell phone,camp light,led flash light off the grid and a whole lot of aa`s not going to the land fill!!!!!!!! A great idea and a great product!!!!!!!!!

I recently purchased this kit after being frustrated with many other solar systems on the market. I frequently enjoy car camping with my family and backpacking with my son. Other solar systems take forever to charge, don't hold a charge, or require the perfect amount of sunlight. It is about time a product like this has come along! The nomad is very rugged and easy to pack. I love the design of the USB port attached as well as the large pocket will will fit the guide 10 and several other cables. The guide 10 has easy to understand instructions printed on the back of the unit and the color indicator quickly tells you the status. Why are the others on the market so complicated? It charges my wife's phone, my iPhone and all the AA batteries I need for my trips (two-way radios, GPS, small AM/FM radio etc.). Thanks to Goalzero for finally getting it right!

Bought this today right before a rode trip.it worked great .because my parents and my brother hog all of the plugs in my car so I thought it would work good.at first my I phone said it wasn't co para el so I started to put it back in the box to return.just then my dad told me that it wouldn't work great in the tinted windows so he put it on the dashboard of the car .after that it worked great!!!!! It's an amazing product for any one and I would recommend it .

I have purchased, used and tested every lightweight solar charging device on the market that I could find. The Goal0 nomad 7 and Guide 10 set is the only one that works sufficiently that I can be completely off the grid with my backpacking devices and have no need for extra batteries. See below for solar panels tested. I have been testing portable solar panels for several years now, and the Goal 0 products are the best. The Nomad 7 is the only solar panel that has the capability to charge an adequate battery pack, my headlamp AAA's, AND my smartphone/GPS all in the same day in full sunlight. It is the only panel that has reserve capacity to charge my devices in less than full sun (shady/cloudy). No other panel has the output of the Nomad 7. Its closest competitor is the Brunton panel. The Brunton weighs 20% more and is rated to output 30% less than the Nomad 7 (Brunton = 5 watts, Nomad 7 = 7 watts). In my testing the lower output was verified. The off-axis performance of the Nomad 7 is superior. It maintains full output to a greater angle of sun than any other panel I have tested. The Nomad 7 is the only panel, in my knowledge, that uses the more efficient mono-crystalline panels. It does seem to give it an edge in real-world usage. As far as flexibility, that characteristic has nothing to do with panel efficiency. Another of the well-thought out features of the Nomad 7 is the connection options. The Xpal SP-2000 and the Solio both rely on many different tips to connect to different devices. The Nomad 7 has three great options built in: 6.5 volt fast charge for the Guide 10 charger, 5 V USB connector, and a port that the included 12V female car lighter adapter plugs into. Every portable device has the option of an inexpensive car power adapter, and the Nomad 7 nicely offers that ability. The Guide 10 charger works to its rated specifications, unlike most of the other solar devices I have used. It charges AA and AAA batteries. It charges them faster with the Nomad 7 than any other solar panel/charger combination that I have tested. The Goal 0 batteries that ship with the Guide 10 are the best of their type I have tested. They are low-discharge, like the Eneloops, but much better. The Eneloops are rated at 2000 mAh, but charge only to about 1900 mAh capacity. The Goal 0 are rated at 2000 mAh, but charge to 2200 mAh. The guide 10 has some very well thought out features, including the LED flashlight, the function switch and the built-in hanging loop. These touches all demonstrate that the designers are users, and thought well about how these devices would be used. All is not perfect, though. The Guide 10 does have an overheating problem, but only in very strong sunlight and under certain conditions. This is a known issue that is being fixed as I write this. This brings me to one of my most important experiences; customer service. Goal 0 has the best customer service by far than any other of the solar panel manufacturers I have tested in this group. Immediate phone contact, responsiveness to questions and warranty service are far and away some of the best I have experienced. Following is a list of the solar panels I have tested, and short comparison comments on each. 1. Powerfilm USB + AA: This one has a great form factor, is flexible and very durable, and is the lightest weight and most compact of all the solar chargers. Its fatal flaw is that it simply does not put out enough power to be practical in extended backpacking. It does not fully charge the AA batteries when it indicates a full charge, and is not nearly as flexible as the Nomad 7 for connection. The unit was replaced on warranty, but the replacement performed exactly the same. I tested a total of four of these, and all performed the same. Customer service was good, after spending weeks trying to get their attention, and this happened several times. 2. Solio Classic: This one has a nice form factor, but the unit simply does not charge its internal battery nor a connected device at all adequately. Just in case, I had it replaced on warranty and the replacement performed exactly the same. 3. Xpal Power SP-2000: Same as the Solio. Internal battery rated at 2000 mAh, only charges to about 1100-1300. Not enough power overall to be practical. Very good customer service. 4. Brunton Explorer: A good panel, but not enough overall power. Weighs 20% more than the Nomad 7, output is 30% less.

The primary reason I purchased the Nomad 7/Guide 10 Combo was for use with my iPhone 4. Both charge my iPhone flawlessly, even in overcast conditions. I pre-ordered after seeing Goal Zero's add in Overland Journal. When my shipment arrived missing the AA Batteries they sent them out to me ASAP. Without my asking, they even included an extra Guide 10 to make up for the mistake. I couldn't be happier with their product or their customer service. Sent from my iPhone, which is now powered by Goal Zero.

This thing is way cool. I got it a few weeks ago and have used it as much as the sun will allow (as of late, it has not been much). When the sun was out it charged the battery pack and my iphone, ipod, etc. great. I have gone several days without using a wall plug for my phone and I drain my phone every day. When you consider the flexibility that this offers, the price is very reasonable. Love the product, will definitely get more.

I work in the outdoor industry and have always been frustrated by the options available to recharge electronics on extended trips. Goal0 guide 10 is the solution. This kit is the best for several reasons. It is well made, excellent customer service, can charge devices from the panel or the battery charger, has a built in light, and allows for USB, DC, or AA/AAA devices to be recharged with one simple system. Devices that I use that need recharging: Garmin Vista HCx (2 AA) Head Lamps (AA or AAA) Phone (USB) Camera Battery (DC charger for EN-EL9) Radio (for SAR work, or guiding, DC) Depending on what I am doing, I can choose to take the whole kit only the charger or panel. If there is not going to be much sunlight but I might need to recharge a USB device, I can take the battery pack and use spare AA or AAA batteries as needed. This product, when used correctly, is perfect. For those that seem not to understand what you can charge, use the learn tab to know how much power your device uses. volts x amps = watts. Also realize that with all solar systems, sunlight is the key factor. Anything that shadows your panel WILL affect your power production. Summary-great product (as always I would like it cheaper but for quality it is totally worth it). Remember why you are in the wilderness and that you don't always need to have a phone, gps, etc. Peace

Just hooked up the USB cable to the Guide 10 that I bought at Costco. iPhone says this accessory is not supported for charging!---So it's going back.

Great little combo for outdoor use. It's very flexible and meets most needs for small uses. You can charge your cell phone if it's USB cable compatible, you can take the AA batteries out and use them in your GPS, you can use the panel on your boat battery for a little extra juice in an emergency (with one of their adapter cables with clamps). It's a nice light portable package with many uses, Kudos.