Power outlets don’t always come along when you need them: in airports, on airplanes, and on the road. That’s exactly where your phone will decide to die.
Despite my attempts to plan ahead, it happens to me on occasion, the most recent occurrence being on the Spencer Glacier in Alaska. I still needed my phone for taking photos, so what did I do?
I pulled the Goal Zero Flip 30 Recharger out of my backpack, connected my phone, and within minutes, I was snapping away again.
About a year and a half ago, I reviewed the Goal Zero Flip 10 Recharger, which has become part of my travel arsenal, as well as something I have in my purse for pretty much any occasion. As small as a tube of lip balm, it packs one full charge for your phone in a tiny package.
But one full charge isn’t always enough. And what about tablets?
That’s where the Flip 30 comes in. It’s not as small as the Flip 10, but at 6.8 ounces it’s still small enough for you to pack in your carry-on (or purse).
The Li-ion NMC battery holds a capacity of 7800mAh. Fully charge it by USB (it takes about 5 hours), and give a boost to your small electronics. It’ll hold three full recharges for your phone, a single recharge for your tablet and five recharges for a POV camera. Use the USB flip tip on the Flip 30 to charge in, and the USB outlet (with the included USB micro cable) for charging out.
You can also charge the Flip 30 by connecting a compatible solar panel, such as the Nomad 7 Solar Panel by Goal Zero.
Aside from the recharger being small and portable, one of my favorite things is its ability for pass-through power. Some rechargers can only charge itself up or recharge something else, but not both at the same time. Pass-through ability means that you can both charge the Flip 30 and use it to recharge your phone at the same time. No waiting.
The Goal Zero Flip 30 Recharger comes in charcoal gray or “Goal Zero green,” and lists for $49.99 on the Goal Zero site. It’s also available at REI and Backcountry.
After reading nice