You are backpacking through the wilderness. You haven’t seen another person in days, let alone a supermarket or a Starbucks. It’s just you, the trail and the big open sky. You open your bag, only to discover your camera battery has died.

Technology is one of the greatest pleasures of today’s society. The fact that we can call someone on the other side of the world, take photos, listen to music, check the weather, read the news – all from one tiny metal box is frankly astonishing. The downside, especially when you are miles from civilisation, is recharging your devices.

This is where the Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus solar panel comes in. It’s a lightweight, portable solar panel allowing you to charge your electronics on the move. All you do is open up the Nomad 7 Plus, plug your USB into the port and charge it directly from the sun. You can even strap it to your backpack and it will absorb the solar rays generating power while you walk.

“You’ll be able to charge a smartphone to full battery in around one to two hours.”

The Solar Intensity Indicator is a clear LED display showing the strength of the solar conditions. A cloudy overcast day, for example, won’t be as strong as a sunny bluebird. You get immediate feedback on how strong your solar power signal is. With 7 watts of charging output, it will quickly recharge a small handheld device.

Just to give you an estimation, on a sunny day, you’ll be able to charge a smartphone to full battery in around one to two hours. You can also buy one of the Goal Zero rechargers to store power to use later, such as at night or indoors.

Just bigger than a paperback book when folded, the Nomad 7 Plus is super portable, so it won’t add too much extra bulk to your bag. It’s weather-proof, so while you wouldn’t leave it out in the pouring rain, you don’t have to stress if your mate accidently sloshes a little bit of water on it, thanks to the advanced lamination on the outside.