Solio Xcellerator and HUB Battery Pack, Black/White

The white battery portion is useful as a booster for a long hiking trip (charges phone up to about 80%), but the panel only really works when in direct sun, pointed almost directly at the sun, for several hours at a time. This can be problematic when backpacking, which is what I bought this for.

Bit biased Solio "fanboy". Second Solio product purchased. Bolt user for 3 seasons of heavy use in some relatively extreme conditions. Only issue with the Bolt has been the expected loss of battery capacity due to use. Solio has provided a replacement battery free of charge. Reliable product with over the top customer service.Charged up the hub using a wall plug. Have been sitting here on the deck under a partly cloudy sky with the panel plugged into the Hub, the Hub plugged into the iPad Mini Retina. Over the past hour the iPad battery has gone from 68 to 69%. The Hub capacity has dropped from 100 to 60-80%. iPad Mini Retina battery capacity is +6000mAh. Hub capacity is 2000mAh. On paper the maximum topping off charge should be ~33%. Under current levels of sunlight the panel as expected cannot maintain full Hub charge.Conclusion:Option for Apple specific charging protocol and minimal risk if you charge via the Hub to your device are big positives. The big negative is not specific to this charger. The neg. are the limits of today's solar panels.This is a small, relatively light in weight and compact solar panel. The rate it charges the Hub has to be balanced against the panel size. If you can deal with the charging rate and are in need of a compact, lighter weight unit you will probably like thisproduct. Limited capacity of the Hub battery are IMO a negative. The Classic2 has a 3700mAh battery. Would be happier ifSolio could increase the capacity of the Hub. Test of time and higher capacity battery for today's higher energy needs limits this solar charger to 4****s for now.

The HUB pack itself may not be the largest of capacities, but its selectable standard/Apple charge modes deliver some of the best charge performance from a battery of this type in a very small package. The HUB is compact, well built, light, and perfect for packing away before a day out -- whether it's in the city or strolling through the country. The Xcellerator panel can be packed along for overnight trips, camping, or emergencies, and will charge faster than most other devices of this type. Bonus: The panel can be used with other current generation Solio gadgets as well.Pros: Small, light, efficient pack & panel which can be separated based on use. Light enough to not be a nuisance. Amazing customer service and support.Cons: No carrying case for either, though the panel fits many inexpensive tablet/e-reader sleeves well.Final thought: Better bang for the buck than most comparable but "cheap" chargers on Amazon. Didn't hit 5 stars due to battery capacity for the price point, but I feel it's more than offset by the panel. I wish 4.5 were an option. If you need something "beefier" consider the Classic 2 model, and for the whole kit & caboodle pair it with one of these (as I eventually plan to).

The solar panel doesn't charge the battery. The battery doesn't hold its charge as long the manufacturer say.

This thing is simply great, but is geared more for the outdoorsman than a regular person.Why you would want to use this over a regular charger I will never know, but unless you want to bring a giant battery/generator with you on your fishing/hiking/biking/camping trips, this will do the job - and do it well (although a bit slow).I have used it multiple times while on my combination fishing/camping trip, and it does not disappoint.I put the solar charger on the top of the tent in the morning, with the battery out of direct sunlight - and leave for 5-6 hours. When I come back with my drained phone or GPS, this will charge it up over the next few hours.The charge is slow, yes I said hours - but this entire package (battery and solar panel) is so light that adding it to your gear is incredibly simple. No heavy batteries for me thank you, and at its current sale price - it's a steal.I actually ordered another one today so that I can have two of them going at once for a longer charge.Now a bit of a warning. This package weirdly does not come with any sort of carry case, which is an annoyance. The solar panel also does not do well when not in direct sunlight. I took it biking once through a wooded area and after a 4 hour trek it was enough to charge my phone to a whopping 27% (from 9%). However when we reached our destination, I quickly placed it on a sunny table and the problem resolved itself.However for the current price ($22) this is the BEST SOLAR CHARGER available on Amazon, and I tried them all (well, OK - I tried some of them). I paid $87 for it the first time around, and even at that price this thing is great for those of us that like to enjoy the outdoors!Side note:You can really use the solar panel to charge any battery with the proper USB connection, or even use it to charge your item directly (although then you can run the risk of overheating).Also for those that want this kit just to charge their home devices while at home - stay away. It is not worth it (well maybe it is at its current price). Without direct sunlight, the solar panel is kind of a dud.

Good for camping, got them as gifts. Could have greater battery capacity.

really like I can charge it by solar power, just doesn't have a big enough capacity for charging. can only charge my cell phone once and not fully with a full charge of the battery. BUT..I got a great deal on it through Amazon so it was definitely worth the purchase ! I bought it to charge my phone on long bicycle rides so we will see how that goes.