The smallest of the solar companions
The Xtorm SolarBooster is a 14 W solar charger that folds like a pocket book. Opened, it presents two flaps of cells over 450 x 230 mm. It gives a phone or a power bank a little energy when the day is spent far from a socket: a mountain trail, a beach, a festival, a bike ride or a break on a balcony.
Who can benefit
Light travellers and families out walking find a charger that slips into a backpack or a jacket pocket. Itinerant professionals, such as guides, group leaders and reporters in the field, will value being able to top up a smartphone without relying on an equipped shelter.
Materials and finish
The charger uses Sunpower monocrystalline solar cells built into a dirt-resistant fabric. Its IPX4 rating makes it splash resistant. Folded, it measures 225 x 230 x 20 mm and weighs 537 g.
Getting going
- Unfold the charger and lay it facing the sun, or hang it on a bag, making sure no shadow covers it.
- Plug a cable into one of the two outputs: USB-C or USB-A, each at 5 V / 2.1 A.
- Connect the other end to your device and keep an eye on its charge indicator.
- Reposition the charger as the sun moves.
The data supplied does not mention a built-in battery, so the energy collected flows straight to the connected device. For steadier charging despite passing clouds, it can make sense to charge a power bank, whose manual will say which inputs it accepts.
Keep in mind that 14 W is a rated figure: under overcast skies or at a poor angle, charging will be slower. For a smartphone, simply plan on a few hours of sun. Hanging the charger on the outside of a pack lets it work while you walk, provided no strap shades the cells.
Strengths
- Small size and low weight for a 14 W rating.
- Two outputs, so a second cable can be plugged in without an adapter.
- Dirt-resistant fabric for outdoor use.
Technical characteristics
- Power: 14 W
- Cells: Sunpower monocrystalline
- Outputs: 1 x USB-C 5 V / 2.1 A and 1 x USB-A 5 V / 2.1 A
- Water resistance: splash resistant, IPX4
- Folded size: 225 x 230 x 20 mm
- Unfolded size: 450 x 230 mm
- Weight: 537 g
- Material: Sunpower solar cells, dirt-resistant fabric
Safety
Do not go beyond what the connected device accepts and use cables in good condition. The IPX4 rating protects against splashes, not immersion, so do not dip it in water. Do not let your phone overheat in the sun while charging, and keep the charger away from flame.
Cleaning and storage
Gently rub the fabric with a damp cloth to remove mud or dust, then air-dry. Keep it folded in a dry place, its cables coiled without tension. Before leaving on a trip, run a short test with your own phone and cable to confirm that the setup behaves as you expect.
