Many large-capacity portable power options that offer sufficient charging options are too heavy to travel with or exceed airline regulations. The new Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC Power Bank is lighter than a MacBook Air and has three charging options; USB, Wireless or a US-style plug.
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Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC Power Bank
Goal Zero keep people connected through power solutions we can travel with. Back in 2018, I visited its booth at #CES2018 and was blown away by the number of innovative devices it had on display.
The new Sherpa 100AC power bank allows you to take all your charging needs on the road and off-grid with three device charging methods, including an AC outlet and even more ways of charging the device itself.
Ideal for any traveller, digital nomad or outdoor adventurer, the Sherpa 100AC will replenish power to almost any device, big or small, that you could travel with. And, thanks to the 8mm Solar Charging Port, you won’t even need to return home to charge it back up again.
There’s only one model of the 100AC and, therefore, only supports a US-style AC plug. If you’re not going to miss not having this feature, the new Sherpa 100PD is a smaller alternative, or you could use a travel adapter.
Features //Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC Power Bank
Charging options and power are why you’ll consider the new Sherpa 100AC, as it boasts plenty of both!
There are five output ports and a Qi Wireless compatible charging pad on the top surface. The five ports are on the front edge surrounding an LCD display that will provide charging data.
The ports and their performance are as follows:
- USB-C 1 (input/output): 5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 3A (60W max) regulated
- USB-C 2 (input): 5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 3A (60W max) regulated & (output) up to 5A (100W max), regulated
- USB-A 2 x Ports 5V, up to 2.4A (12W max), regulated
- AC inverter (output): 110V, up to 0.9A (100W max), 60Hz, modified sine wave
- Wireless Pad (output): 15W max
At the rear of the Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC power bank is a sixth port used only for charging the device.
This 8mm Solar Charging input port can charge the Sherpa 100AC up to 60W max with compatible portable solar panel chargers. Otherwise, the Sherpa 100AC can be charged up over USB-C with a 65W wall adapter (not included) in around 2 hours.
I’m a huge fan of wireless charging making its way onto portable power banks and it’s good to see a top-mounted 15W wireless pad on the Sherpa 100AC.
A point to note, though, is to check your smartphone manufacturer’s wireless charging restrictions. Apple, for example, has restricted wireless charging on 3rd party devices to just 7.5W, half of what this charger can deliver.
The ability to charge multiple gadgets at the same time provides even quicker device charging than before, allowing users to get back on their way faster. Adding to their convenience, the Sherpas can connect to Goal Zero Nomad solar panels for hassle-free charging from the sun when a power outlet isn’t available, giving users potentially endless power.
Goal Zero
Cabin Friendly
The rules around portable power banks within commercial airlines are laid out by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which has set the limit at 100Wh, roughly equal to 27,000mAH.
Goal Zero has packed a 25,600mAh capacity power cell into the Sherpa 100AC. This is enough power (from a single fully charged Sherpa 100AC) to charge a smartphone up to eight times completely, or most laptops twice, Goal Zero says.
Specifications //Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC Power Bank
| Dimensions | 195 x 140 x 26mm |
| Weight | 953g |
| Colour Options | Silver/Black |
| Capacity | 25,600mAh |
| Charge Times | 2-hours 65w wall w/USB-C 3-hours 45w wall w/USB-C 3-hours from solar panels |
| Materials | Aluminium Unibody Rubber Impact Bumpers |
| Ports | 2 USB-C 1 USB-C at 60W in/out 1 USB-C at 100W in/out 2 USB-A 12W max output 1 AC Inverter 100W max output 1 Wireless charging 15W max output |
| Features | Li-ion Cell Power Pass-Thru Solar Input Charging 15W Wireless Charging 100W USB-C Output 100W AC Inverter Output Colour LCD Display Airline Cabin compliant |
| In the Box | Sherpa 100AC 1m USB-C to USB-C Cable 2 Year Warranty |
| Website | goalzero.com |
Pricing //Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC Power Bank
The Sherpa 100AC Power bank is $299 at goalzero.com. Optional extras include the Nomad 20 Solar Panel, a 65W USB-C wall charger and Sherpa 100AC Travel Pouch.