MOBILE SOLAR CHARGERS POWER BANK
This has been on test with me for the last year or so and it’s my go-to jump-starter device and I’ve used it at a number of locations – not just in the garage…
On test is the MSC 13W Solar and Overland Jumper Power Bank. This is a real multi-use beauty, meaning you can have it on stand-by in your garage for when one of your bikes (or cars) decides not to start, thanks to a low battery, or out ‘in the field’ if you’re a keen camper or parked up at your favourite bike show. In the kit you get a 13W Folding
Solar Panel, the waterproof Jumper Unit (good for marine use then) Power Stick, and LED light. You’ve also got a case for the Jumper Unit and a zip pocket on the Solar Panel to store what you’re charging.
I have to say, this thing has helped me out more than a dozen times, mostly in the traditional way of being a useful ‘power pack’ and sometimes as a solar-powered one. At least four times over the last 12 months I’ve been in a caravan and taken advantage of the summer sun to charge the power pack and then send the juice to a number of other devices, mainly phones, kids’ tablets and the like. Result when in an environment where power and power outlets are often restricted: free juice from the sun makes me happy, man…
As a jump-start device, my bulky bugger from Halfords (you know the ones, with a supposedly ‘useful’ flashlight and old-school meter for charge left) has now been replaced by this.
Over the last year a burst of charge into the 5V power pack (which is smaller than a paperback novel) gives out a strong 12v output for anything you’d care to need it for: inflatable devices via a suitable pump, or as a gutsy jump starter.
A number of times I’ve neglected to hook up my myriad various vehicles to trickle chargers and been left having to jump them. Most impressively, a big two-litre diesel vehicle and I wasn’t hopeful as I’d not charged the power pack for months. It started first time. I kissed it, and put it on charge. You can also get a ‘Plus’ unit for larger 2.5-litre motors. This is a mighty product which is highly recommended for its adaptability and flexibility.