More and more of us are jumping into adventure journeys with the idea of documenting them and sharing our insights with the world. And, when you’re a one-person team on the road, the documentation kit, its efficiency and weight become top priority.

We may not always have accommodations with a power source to recharge our devices after our heads hit the pillow, so why not harness free sun energy to charge while camping? Since I’d decided to document my recent southwestern solo trek with video, I opted to include the Sherpa 50 Solar Kit in my electronics package.

Throughout the journey, I Rokstrapped  the Nomad 13 solar panel to the top of the pack on the back of my DRZ. Then I ran the input cable to the battery pack that was tucked into my dry bag underneath the panel.

Over about 2.5 hours it put a 50% battery charge on my phone. And by the time I pulled into camp in the late afternoon, I could charge my netbook while downloading that day’s video footage, along with maintaining a charge on the phone.

A charge on the laptop lasts up to two hours, and an iPad up to about 15. The mesh pocket on the back of the solar panel allows you to see the USB, 12V, and cigarette adapter, and also has space to tuck away the battery power pack when not in use.

It’s large enough to store an iPad, too. The panel also has nine handy cord straps for hanging the panel from tents, backpacks, motorcycle parts or whatever is convenient. There’s an optional 100w AC inverter sold separately for AC plug capabilities.

The Sherpa 50 battery pack provides 50 watt-hours of power. The 2.8 lbs. of weight added to your electronics kit is well worth it to have an alternate energy source for your trip, or for off grid power for home emergencies.

Now, there’s no excuse to keep your adventure story from the world. Sherpa 50 Solar Kit MSRP: $359.98. Sherpa Inverter (110V) MSRP: $49.99. Goalzero.com

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