EnerPlex Kickr IV

A rugged and very lightweight solar charger that folds up small and doesn't take up much space in my pack. It charges well even if it is overcast, and it will even charge a tablet. It is flexible and extremely durable. It has been a lifesaver on multiple occasions!

I had been in the market for a small and portable charging solution for a while before I saw the Kickr IV from EnerPlex. The Kickr IV is a very simple fold-out solar panel wherein lies it beauty. It only has one output which is a 1.2A USB port, and is rated at 6 watts on a regulated 5 volt system (6.5 unregulated).

What sets this panel apart from the rest is that it is flexible, light, and small. The flexibility means that it is extremely durable and will not break or crack like plexi-glass panels. This panel only weighs 0.6 lbs and packs down to about the size of a small book meaning that it takes up very little room in my pack and adds very little extra weight. There are grommets in the corner that allow for the Kickr IV to strapped to just about anything using the supplied bungees.

When I am on the trail I want a solar panel that I set it out in the sun and it works. I don’t want to have to constantly adjust the angles of the panel to correct for shading, and I want it to work even if it is a little cloudy. I was pleasantly surprised that this panel was able to successfully charge my GoPro even when it was overcast out, albeit slower than in full sun.

I highly recommend the Kickr IV to anyone who is in the market for a simple, reliable, and rugged portable solar charger