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I Took The Nestout 28W 4-Panel Solar Charger Into The Montana Backcountry: OHUB Review
I was invited on a media trip into the Montana backcountry. I was super excited, but I didn’t know if I would have enough battery power to make it through the trip while capturing all the photos and videos I needed. Luckily, I had the Nestout 28W 4-Panel Solar Charger handy as I headed off-grid. Find out whether this sun-powered charger is right for you in my honest Nestout 28W 4-Panel Solar Charger Review.
Specs
- Solar Panel Type: SunPower MAXEON
Monocrystalline Cells - Conversion Efficiency: Up to 24%
- Number of Solar Panels: 4 panels
- Power Output: Max 28W (5V /up to 4.8A total)
- Connector Type: USB-A x 2
- Rated Output per Port: 5V / 2.4A
- Total Rated Output: 5V / 4.8A max
- Digital Display: Real-time power output (watts)
- Weight: 2.0 lbs (910g)
- Folded Dimensions: 6.1 x 11.2 x 2 inches
- Unfolded Dimensions: 26.4 x 11.2 x 0.47 inches
- Material: Nylon (outer), PET (panel surface)
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to 70°C
- Colors: Olive Green, Beige, or Grey
- MSRP: $129.99
Test Methods & Conditions
I took the Nestout 28W 4-Panel Solar Charger into the Montana backcountry for a 5-day adventure. We whitewater rafted, fished, and camped without access to any power other than what we brought. I had to keep my phone, camera, and backup batteries charged for five days, and I couldn’t have done it without the Nestout Solar Charger.
Deployment & First Use
I found the Nestout 28W Solar Charger very simple and easy to use. Just unfold it, lay it out (hang it or prop it up) in the sun, plug in the cable, and start charging. Once the panels are in the sun, the screen turns on automatically to show how much it’s charging. I love the built-in Velcro stands, even though I was skeptical of them at first. They’re great for angling the panels toward the sun. The only problem is that my screen is upside down when they’re deployed. The solar charger also has built-in loops so you can hang it if needed.
Rating: 9 / 10
Performance in the Field
It didn’t take long on my media trip for the Nestout Solar Charger to become essential. I started charging batteries on the second day, but they didn’t charge very quickly. Even in bright, sunny conditions, the solar panels are only 24% efficient. I left a backup battery charging for a few hours in the afternoon, and the power only increased by 5%. I would have to charge it all day, hoping it might reach 75%. However, I expected this because solar panels in general are notorious for slow charging since they’re not very efficient.
Rating: 7 / 10
Durability, Materials, & Build Quality
One of the main reasons I was excited to bring the Nextout Solar Charger on this trip was that it was designed to be weather-resistant, and we had plenty of opportunities for it to encounter water since we were whitewater rafting. While I kept it in a dry bag when not in use, I still left it in dirt, sand, and dew. Nestout used water-resistant, heavy-duty materials to ensure this gear could handle rough handling and tough conditions. I’ve been very impressed with just how tough this unit is because I’ve crammed it in suitcases, gear bags, and accidentally dropped it, but it’s still going strong.
Rating: 9 / 10
Who It’s For / Who Should Skip It
The Nestout 28W 4-Panel Solar Charger is ideal for off-grid camping and emergency preparedness. On multi-day fishing and hunting trips, I have it packed, just in case I need to charge a camera or phone in the field. If you spend a lot of time away from power sources, then this solar charger is worth checking out. However, if your camping and outdoor activities take place near electricity, I don’t see a reason to own it.
Value & Price-to-Performance
I’ve used less expensive (and smaller) solar chargers that performed similarly, but not quite as well as the Nestout 28 W 4-Panel Solar Charger. This is the best one I’ve gotten my hands on so far, but at $130 MSRP, I know it’s not for everyone. I would really love to see it charge faster at this size and price range. However, $130 is a small price to pay to nearly always have access to power for those of us who need it on our adventures.
Rating: 8 / 10
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Compact & Lightweight
- Weather-Resistant & Rugged
- Easy to use
- Charges a variety
Cons:
- Expensive
- Charges slowly (like other solar panel chargers)
The Verdict: Nestout 28W 4-Panel Solar Charger Review
Now that you’ve finished reading my Nestout 28W 4-Panel Solar Charger Review, you understand why it’s become an essential tool in my off-grid kit. I use it to keep my gear charged when away from other power sources, and I love the ruggedness and durability that it offers because I’m tough on my gear.
Overall Rating: 8.25 / 10
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