PaddleXaminer is a veteran owned publication based in Los Angeles, California. We provide stories, gear reviews, and news for adventurers on and off the water.
© PaddleXaminer 2023 – All Rights Reserved
The MTI Adventurewear Fluid 2.0 is a modern beltpack style PFD packed full of features to accommodate a wide range of paddlers. Rated by the USCG to be a Type III life vest, the MTI Fluid 2.0 has a body hugging design accentuated by a soft 3D mesh padding. The quick drying fabric offers users a more refined experience, particularly when wearing against bare skin. The Fluid 2.0 also is equipped with a zippered pocket, multiple attachment points for securing your essentials and a whistle.
The 1.5 lbs Fluid 2.0 is my favorite beltpack PFD for standup paddling. I’ve been using mine regularly for the past year and it’s well thought out design and construction is superior to any other beltpack PFD I’ve have tested. The first thing I noticed was that it fits securely, thanks in large part to the wide belt and soft, pliable construction of the Fluid 2.0’s external fabric. Unlike some beltpacks which are scratchy and difficult to conform to your waist, the MTI Fluid 2.0 fits like your favorite pair of jeans.
MTI uses a bayonet style CO2 cartridge in the Fluid 2.0, which is longer lasting than the threaded screw in CO2 cartridges. The MTI Adventurewear Fluid 2.0 also has an indicator window so you can confirm your PFD is armed prior to heading out for your paddle. When inflated, the Fluid 2.0 provides users with a full sized, over the head inflatable PFD. By comparison, some beltpack PFDs only provide a small inflatable pillow which must be securely held to remain afloat.
MTI SUP Safety Belt
In addition to using the MTI Adventurewear Fluid 2.0 for SUP, I’ve worn mine for outrigger paddling in calm conditions when out with a group. The Fluid 2.0 requires minimal maintenance; I paddle almost exclusively in saltwater and always unpack it and rinse with fresh water after each use. As a result, I’ve managed to keep mine looking as good as new over the course of a year. I recommend getting into the habit of unpacking your beltpack PFD and hanging it up to dry after each use. This process will help familiarize you with how to pack the PFD and ensure it is fully dry. I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want to do is put on a damp, smelly, moldy PFD. Take care of your gear and it will take care of you.
If you’re looking for something a bit more compact, I recommend trying the MTI SUP Safety Belt. It has the same bladder as the Fluid 2.0, but in a more compact package.
Dip your paddle into the calm waters of New York’s Great Northern Catskills of Greene County during the fall season. With spectacular fall views filled with vibrant foliage, and cooler temperatures—ideal for a day on the water—the region is home to a wide variety of paddling opportunities for all levels of paddlers.
Start the day watching the fog lift off the water at one of the region’s lakes. North-South Lake, located at North-South Lake Campground in Haines Falls, is the largest state campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve, and offers views of the surrounding mountains. Greens Lake in Athens features a tree-lined landscape with calm water.
For a Hudson River adventure, paddle along the shores of Four Mile Point Preserve, a nature trail in Coxsackie, or explore along the water near Dutchman’s Landing Park in Catskill. Both routes offer shoreline views from New York’s most well-known river. Paddle north along the Hudson River shoreline to make your way to the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse—you’ll see the Rip Van Winkle Bridge along the way.
Don’t have paddling equipment? No problem! Screaming Eagle Outdoor Adventures in Athens has single and tandem kayak rentals through Columbus Day weekend each year, depending on the weather. The price varies based on the size of the kayak and the amount of time the equipment is rented. Riverview Marine Services in Catskill also offers single and double kayak and canoe rentals until early to mid-October each year, depending on the weather and the temperature of the water.
No matter where you choose to paddle, the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County provides a sense of serenity. For additional information about paddling or boating in the region, visit GreatNorthernCatskills.com.
I picked up a pair of Vaikobi V Ocean paddle shorts and a top around the beginning of the year. The middle of the winter, even by Southern California standards, is not a typical time to get new warm weather gear. Since I’ve lived in Los Angeles, however, there has been a regular mid-day temperature warm up in January that brings summer like conditions. At least as far as the air temperature is concerned. The water is a whole another story.
I’ve been paddling OC-6 for a few seasons and began training on one of my club’s OC-1s last summer. I got hooked and my OC-6 skills have seen a significant improvement as a result. One thing I quickly learned from paddling both craft is the need for gear which doesn’t chafe. The board shorts I had been wearing for SUP were thin and it wasn’t long before I recognized a need for something different when paddling from a seated position for hours at a time.
I already had some Vaikobi cold weather gear and was impressed with its comfort and performance. Due to my familiarity with their products, I returned to the brand when seeking out my warm weather paddling gear and selected a pair of V Ocean paddling shorts and a long-sleeved UV paddle top.
One of the great aspects of the Vaikobi range is that they make performance gear designed specifically to be worn by paddlers. The race was scheduled for late morning and as if on cue, the weather dialed up a warm sunny day. My coach, a little known guy named Danny Ching, loaned me his Puakea Kahe Kai for what was my first OC-1 race and away I went to a surprise third place finish in the Masters division.
The weather turned cold not long after and I had to shelve the warm weather shorts and top for my Vaikobi cold weather gear.
Fortunately, OC-6 season is now in full swing and while weekday practices are in the evening, e.g. not a warm time of day, the middle of the day is quite nice and I’ve been able to get in some more reps wearing the V Ocean gear at events and weekend training sessions. One of the things I noticed the first time I wore the shorts back at Hanohano was the extreme comfort of the Vaikobi air pad in the seat panel of the paddle shorts. They have performed well in a few OC-6 races and I’m sold on the product. Once you try these shorts, you will never paddle outrigger in board shorts again. Ever.
The UV paddle shirt is equally impressive. I have a healthy addiction to the color orange and have learned to appreciate the benefit of long-sleeved apparel in late summer 9-man outrigger races and channel crossings. Since it is still spring, I’ve only had a few opportunities to wear the paddle shirt. The Vaikobi shirt is designed with a tight, athletic fit in mind. The size guidelines from Vaikobi recommend selecting a shirt one size larger than you normally would wear. I adhered to their recommendation and received a shirt that is a perfect fit. Super light, it is as soft as silk and I like the hi-vis orange stripes. If bright orange isn’t for you, there are also gray and blue options available to choose from. This is a shirt designed to be paddled in and it has exceeded my expectations.
To learn more, visit Vaikobi.com
In the United States, some of the most popular places to kayak include Juniper Run in Ocala National Forest, the Boundary Waters in Minnesota’s Superior National Forest, and the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park.
One place that few people would consider a good location for kayaking is Las Vegas. Instead, its desert climate and environment conjures up images of heat and overwhelming sunshine.
Las Vegas is most famous for the dozens of huge casino resorts that line its legendary strip. The city is a paradise for anyone looking to play classic games like blackjack, baccarat, roulette, or the various popular versions of poker.
It’s the capital of small wedding chapels and Elvis Presley impersonators. It’s the only place in the world where you can find the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower, and a replica of Venice all in one place.
You’ll find A-list celebrities, wild roller coasters, live sport, clubs, bars, and Michelin starred restaurants.
Surprisingly (to some at least), it’s also a great place to partake in watersports. Despite Las Vegas being located in the middle of the Nevada desert, the nearby Colorado River actually presents some fantastic opportunities for kayaking.
How to Go Kayaking in Las Vegas
The easiest option for tourists is to book an excursion from a local operator. Prices start at around $150 for half a day, including all the equipment and the guides you need. Most excursions also include food and bottled water, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own.
Tours will typically pick you up from your hotel and drop you back off at the end of the day.
Many operators can cater to all experience levels and body types, with a wide range of different kayaks. Some even have two-person kayaks for those that want to paddle together. You will, of course, also be provided with a life vest to keep you safe.
What to Expect on a Kayaking Excursion in Las Vegas
Most hotel pick-ups start from around 7-9:30 am and will take you to the launch point at around 10am – noon.
The length of the route you’ll be able to kayak for will depend on which excursion you’ve picked, but they can range from a couple of miles to a dozen or more. During this time, you may get to see sights like the Emerald Cave, the hot springs, and the Hoover Dam.
Some of the longer excursions include time for swimming or sunbathing on the beaches, so be sure to take your swimwear. Also, the guides will always be on the lookout for any local wildlife to point out to you. If you’re lucky you may spot bighorn sheep, falcons, and bald eagles.
What Tour Companies Are There?
There’s a long list of tour companies that operate kayaking tours from Las Vegas, catering mostly to tourists who are looking for something a little different from the casinos and entertainment shows.
Most hotels will be able to point you in the direction of reputable companies, although you can also find many online. Some of the top-rated operators include Blazin’ Paddles, 2Vegas.com, River Dogz, Evolution Expeditions, and Awesome Adventures.
It’s best to check the reviews of companies before you book, and check that you’re comparing like-for-like as some may not include the whole package. For example, some tours may not include pick-up from your hotel, water, or food.
Is It Worth Doing?
If you’re heading to Las Vegas and you want to get out and do something a little different, then kayaking along the Colorado River is a great option. You’ll get away from the bright lights and loud sounds of the Vegas Strip and spend time in nature, exploring a whole different world that’s just a stone’s throw away.
Comparatively, the price tag is similar to what you’d spend on many other attractions in the city, and it’s a great activity for those who are more adventurous.
We’ve all seen the photos and professionally edited videos of what top SUP surfers can do. More often than not, they are surfing in ideal conditions at a pristine exotic location. You know the ones I’m talking about. The sun is shining and judging from the surfer’s apparel, the water appears to be warm. They are the jet setters of SUP surfing. The one’s who hop on a plane and fly off to an elusive break to surf perfect waves.
But what about the times when the conditions are not perfect? Or how about those who don’t have a quiver of boards to choose from in order to perfectly pair their SUP with the waves on any given day?
If you’re a new SUP surfer and don’t come from a surfing background you are going to be super excited the first time you catch a wave and ride it straight back to the beach. And you should be. But what if there was another surfer in your path? Progressing towards carving a turn while SUP surfing is an important first step in learning how to maintain control of your board.
Knowing in advance what type of wave a location typically produces is important. For most recreational SUP surfers, this is going to be a softer, slower wave. As this column continues to unfold I plan to highlight some of the more favorable locations for SUP surfing with a focus on those particularly suited for the performance attributes of the Infinity New Deal.
Conditions on the day
The conditions on my first visit to Doheny with the New Deal were not the best. “Poor to fair” stated the forecast on Surfline. Wave height was predicted to range between 1-3ft. Nevertheless, I had cleared the morning with my wife and I was committed. It was a Saturday and I can generally make it from my house to Dana Point in just under an hour if I leave before seven. The drive down that morning went smoothly and I was eager to get the New Deal on the water.
Spring in Southern California is an interesting time for SUP surfing. The water is starting to warm up a bit, but bearing in mind that many prone surfers wear a wetsuit year round, warm is relative. I felt I would be able to comfortably pull off a session that morning wearing my Vaikobi V Cold Storm top and a regular pair of boardies.
The Infinity New Deal was shaped with waves like Doheny State Beach in mind. As I drove down I hoped that poor to fair quality waves at Doheny would trump better quality surf in Manhattan and Hermosa Beach. I was not disappointed.
The surfable water at Doheny State Beach is divided into two sections demarcated by a decaying jetty. Viewed from the water, SUP surfers are required to keep to the right of the jetty. The waves always look better to the left, and it is a larger surfable area, but those are the rules.
The tide was out and as I paused with my board to assess the conditions on the water a fellow SUP surfer ambled over, took a look at the three neon stripes on my Infinity New Deal, and said, “That’s a bitchin’ board!”. He went on, despite not having an Infinity board of his own, to talk about his admiration for the brand because the Boehne family still surfs. “Too many shapers just get fat, lock themselves away in the shaping bay and no longer surf,” he said.
Waiting out a lull in the action.
The rails on the Infinity New Deal are foiled to perfection. I have one of the mid-sized models, 9.6 x 31” at 141L. It weighs a mere 12 lbs. Yeah, you read that right, 12 lbs. I enjoy the comfort of being able to stand on the board without sinking it. The freedom to move around the lineup and select the waves I want to ride. If you are going to have just one board for SUP surfing, the Infinity New Deal is the board to have.
Poor to fair can mean a few different things and on that day the waves were a bit crumbly and didn’t quite hold their shape. There wasn’t anything I could do to make the conditions improve. I recalled one of the mantras my outrigger coach often repeats during practice and before races. Essentially, don’t dwell on the things you can’t change. Focus on the things you can work with in any given situation and strive to improve upon them.
For me on that day it was making a quick right to ride the wave as long as possible and then sinking the right rail to pop back out over the whitewash without falling. Upwards of a dozen other SUP surfers came and went during my session. I just kept going back and forth. Larger wave, smaller wave, it didn’t matter. I had driven down from LA and I was committed. Poor to fair, but I don’t care.
In the auto business they are called “halo cars”. These models are low volume, high performance versions of the regular models. Think Porsche 911 GT3, BMW M3 CSL or the Mercedes Benz AMG GTS. The Red Paddle Co 14 Elite is their version of a “halo car”. Like any top of the line sled, the specs are impressive: 14’x25” pintail shape, lightweight MSL construction, RSS system utilizing side battens for stiffness,
Red Paddle Co claims that the 14 Elite is “ultimate inflatable race board” so I compared it with the same sized hardboard, my 14’x25” 2015 Starboard All-Star. Some might argue that’s an unfair comparison but in the past couple of years iSUPs have evolved to the point where the lines between inflatable and hard SUPs are starting to blur.
Acceleration
I disagree with some reviews that say top end speed is not that relevant for a racing SUP. They say it’s more about sustainable speed. Whatever. In a flatwater race, being able to attain a high-speed in the first 45 seconds can be the difference between making the lead draft train or getting left behind. It’s also just kind of cool to see how fast a board can go. I did three 30 second sprint efforts on the Starboard All-Star and the Red Paddle Co 14 Elite in calm conditions with a 3 mph tailwind. I wasn’t that surprised that I got the Starboard All-Star up to an 8.8 mph top speed, but I was really surprised to see that the Red Paddle Co 14 Elite maxed out at 8.1 mph. What I found helpful was to use the inherent flex of the Red Paddle Co 14 Elite to “pump” the board a bit during the power phase of the stroke. My All-Star has a bit of flex that Starboard claims can be used to generate speed so why not use this technique on the iSUP?
Cruising speed
In F1 and Moto GP the engineers talk about how it’s all the little details that add up to big increases in performance. This is true for the Paddle Co 14 Elite. Starting with the light yet super strong MSL construction, the RSS (Rocker Stiffening System) battens, the Forward Flex Control system and finishing with the narrow pintail design makes this racing iSUP very fast. Like tequila, speed comes at a price and the price here is stability and maneuverability. Granted, 25 inches wide for a 14 ft race SUP isn’t that narrow these days. I’m amazed how the latest generation of hard racing SUP’s are getting extremely narrow but yet are more stable. This has to do with lowering the standing area and the new bottom contours and rails. Unfortunately, an iSUP can only take on a relatively basic and soft edged shape. At 5.9” thick, you feel pretty high off the water while paddling however, once up to speed the board does become more stable. I’m not a big guy at 5’8” 150 lbs and was pretty comfortable paddling in the flat water but it did feel a bit twitchy.
Handling – flatwater
You better hope your local SUP race is on flatwater and doesn’t have many buoy turns because this bad boy just wants to go straight. Like a 1970s muscle car this iSUP loves going fast but hates turning. The big, thick tail on my All-Star makes buoy turns really easy. Conversely, the extreme pintail combined with the placement of the fin towards the rear makes the Red Paddle Co Elite a bear to turn. When I stepped back on the tail I wasn’t sure where the board ended and once back there the nose only slightly lifted out of the water. The other issue is that now you are standing on a little triangle of floatation while the majority of the board is above the water. And lastly, the swept back stock fin placement towards the tail makes the board even more difficult to turn. It would be an easy fix for Red Paddle Co to position the fin 8 inches forward on the board.
Handling – ocean
The thing about high performance halo cars (and iSUPs) is that they work great in their intended element but are miserable when the road (or ocean) gets bumpy. As I headed out of the flatwater confines of Marina del Rey and into the open ocean I thought I might be able to use this iSUP for the upcoming Rock to Rock race from Catalina to San Pedro. I’m part of a 3 man relay team of coworkers from REI Outdoor School. The swells right outside the harbor entrance are pretty big and I knew right away that this board would not work. The unstable feeling wasn’t so much that the board was narrow but more that it was riding so high in the water. It also seemed like all the great stiffening features that make this board so fast in the flatwater like RSS and FFC couldn’t handle the chop and swell of the ocean. After 1 mile into the swell I slowly turned the board around for my downwind run. Riding the swells back to the harbor was pretty challenging. I was hoping to be able to steer the board by stepping back towards the tail but the rearward fin and round rails made it really difficult to steer. If ocean touring is your thing I would recommend a different board.
Durability and portability
Cost
Like with fast cars, all this speed comes at a cost. The Red Paddle Co 14 Elite retails at $1,799. This is still cheaper than a top of the line carbon race board but it’s still pretty steep for an iSUP. Included in the box are: Race fin, Red Paddle Co Backpack, Titan Pump, Repair Kit, US Fin box system, water-resistant phone case, RSS Battens, Forward Flex Control (FFC) Carbon Rod. If you have the “need for speed” that can be folded up and put into a backpack this iSUP might be worth it.
Wrap up
Both of these 14 ft racing SUPs have their advantages and disadvantages, but the great thing is that we are even at a point to really compare the performance of an iSUP to a hard SUP.
So the question is, would I choose the Red Paddle Co 14 Elite over the 14 ft Starboard All-Star to paddle in a race? The answer is probably no. Although the Red Paddle Co 14 Elite really impressed me with it’s speed I would still be at a slight disadvantage with the racers on hard boards. That said, I think it would be awesome if Red Paddle Co created a one design race series where all the participants would be paddling the same iSUP. I know Naish has something like this but all the races seem like they are located in far away places and honestly the Naish One iSUP is pretty weak. I would definitely recommend the Red Paddle Co 14 Elite for someone who wants to paddle for fitness or get into racing and can’t store or transport a hard SUP.
To learn more about the SUPs from Red Paddle Co, visit redpaddleco.com
#RaceBoards #StarboardAllStar #BoardReview #Inflatables #Starboard #RedPaddleCo #iSUP
Hannah Reed hails from San Clemente, California, a stone’s throw the beloved surf beach of T-street. Reed grew up on the water: surfing, swimming, and participating in junior lifeguards. A swimsuit became her uniform of choice and as she grew older, she discovered that fit and pricing weren’t in line with her standards, so she decided to set out on her own.
“I found it hard to find the perfect swimwear that was both affordable and fit the way I liked it. Most of the bikinis I liked were $200+ for the set and my mother wasn’t going to buy those, so I decided to try to make them myself.”
Hannah Reed
Reed was enrolled in a college and career class at San Clemente High School and began using her time to research how to make swimwear. She watched countless YouTube videos, read sewing manuals, and even took apart old suits for inspiration.
“I asked my mom to drive me to the LA garment district to search for some fabric,” Reed recalls. “It was so exciting to see all the fabric stores lining the streets. I wanted to make a red bikini first because red is my favorite color. I only purchased a couple of yards of each fabric because I had to pay my mom back with the money from my sales.”
After several tries, Reed was satisfied with the sizing of her first red bikini. She then set out to make suits in different sizes, which required a lot of patience and practice, but eventually paid off.
“My freshman year I only made bikini bottoms because everyone mixes and matches their suits. I sold them for $35 and they were gone in two hours,” Reed says. “That’s when I knew I had a great business model.”
Each day after school, Reed would rush home to her sewing machine to work on her suits. After perfecting her bottoms, she added additional styles and eventually added tops and one-pieces to her collection.
Word of her cute and affordable suits spread and Reed made numerous sales through referrals, trunk sales, and social media. In March, 2016, the spring of her junior year, Reed officially launched her website, Hannah Reed Swimwear.
Hannah Reed Swimwear – brand philosophy
The company is unique as it entirely focused on suitability and specifications of the buyer. Reed understands that every individual is unique and strives to customize her suits to fit women of all body types.
Rebecca Parsons
“No two bodies are the same and a small, medium, or large bathing suit does not always fit one person or another properly in all the right places’” Reed says. “People should feel confident and comfortable in whatever they are wearing, especially being active in the water.”
When you visit Hannah Reed Swimwear online, you first select the style suit you want and then the color and print of your choice. For no additional cost, you can customize your suit requesting additional coverage or specific string colors, so that the suit is exactly the way you want it. To top it off, many of the bikinis are reversible, providing you with the option to mix and match to your heart’s content.
The young entrepreneur recently made me a custom-made swimsuit to try out and I have been nothing short of impressed. On Reed’s website I selected the style of my choice (Athena Reversible Top & Bahama Reversible Bottoms) and the colors for each side. I made a special request for extra coverage on the bottoms for added security while paddling.
Despite her young age, Reed is very business oriented. She confirmed the details of the order and was happy to answer questions and make suggestions on color and sizing. When the suit came out a tad large, Reed quickly made some alterations so that it fit perfectly.
I am happy to announce that I love my Hannah Reed swimsuit. The color and cut are flattering and I love that I was able to hand-select the colors and strings for the suit. The style I chose is more appropriate for beach days and flat water paddling, but Reed’s Sorrento and Capri tops fit like a sports bra, making them ideal for paddling in more trying conditions.
If you’re tired of one-size fits all and mass-produced suits, I highly recommend you check out Hannah Reed Swimwear. The suits are handmade, custom-tailored, and most importantly, they look great. Hannah Reed may be young, but she most certainly is destined for a bright future.
To learn more visit hanahreedswimwear.com and follow the brand on Instagram at @hannahreed_swim
In the ever changing world we live in, it’s good to be prepared. Whether that’s paddling downriver, skiing in the backcountry, or taking a road trip. The Athena from Uncharted Supply Co. is a compact battery pack which is a must have for any vehicle.
The Athena is compact and portable, perfect for storing in any vehicle, large or small. The case dimensions are 9″ x 5″ x 3.5″. It comes in a simple black carrying case which fits all the accessories which come with it.
-
The Athena power system
-
USB-C to USB-A cable
-
USB-C to USB-C cable
-
User Manual
-
Smart Battery Clamp
The Athena is easy to use. It has a four dot indicator light to note the power status of the system. The Athena has two USB output plugs, flashlight, Micro USB input. It can fully charge an iphone from 0% to 100% four-five times.
Our Take
PaddleXaminer tested The Athena this summer.
The user manual is short, I recommend reviewing it before using the Athena to ensure you complete the steps in the correct sequence. I really like the compact size of the battery pack. The carrying case is great to store all the parts. It has fewer accessories than it’s bigger brother the Zeus, which makes it easier to store all the parts. The Athena is slightly less powerful than the Zeus, but still packs enough punch to charge your cell phone four times, jump-start your car, or a new acquaintance’s car to earn karma points.
I was coming out of the grocery store in Silverthorne, Colorado and noticed someone with their vehicle hoodup. I asked if everything was ok, they said they think their car battery is dead. “I can help with that, give me a minute.” I dropped off my groceries in my car, and grabbed the Athena. The person looked at me skeptically as I put on the clamps. “Go ahead and start it up.” I said. They turned the key, and after a couple cranks, their vehicle started up!
The Athena is a key piece of equipment for any vehicle because you never know when you’ll need it.
Retail price $130
We’ve all been outdoors with a low battery on our device at one time or another. More than likely, it has happened more than once. Sure you can pack spare batteries or portable power packs. But these take up precious space and can contribute to the weight of your load. You can now go off the grid with the piece of mind you don’t have to go without power. As long as there is sunlight, SunSoaker will generate clean, environmentally-friendly, renewable power.
SunSoaker was one of the unplanned introductions I made at Outdoor Retailer this past summer. The tech is more flexible and durable than other consumer oriented solar panels I’ve seen in the past. Simple to pack, it rolls up in an approximately 10 inch tube, and weighs a mere 3.2oz – 5.5oz depending on your model. SunSoaker will enable you to keep taking photos, shooting video, listening to music or whatever it is you like to do without worrying about battery life.
The solar panels are weather resistant, but should not be submerged. Probably the most important product safety tip is to always roll your SunSoaker, never fold it. If you do, you’ll crack the construction and it’ll be game over.
SunSoaker is currently available in 5W and 10W kits. The 5W variant is optimal for small devices like smartphones, power packs, Bluetooth speakers and cameras. The 10W’er can generate enough solar power to run an iPad or similar tablet computer. Each kit comes with four suction cups and four carabiners so you can quickly secure your SunSoaker and start charging your device.
How does it work? Just like plugging your device into an electrical socket at home. So long as there is daylight, the SunSoaker can generate power. If it is dark, well, you’re out of luck. A simple way to determine if there is enough daylight is to check for your own shadow. A full shadow will result in a fast charge. A partial shadow will mean a slower charge. No shadow, you guessed it, no charge.
Charge your devices anywhere there is sun!
I’ve been using a 10W kit the past couple of months and absolutely love it. It has worked reliably each and every time I’ve rolled it out. The second best part about the SunSoaker is it is durable. I’m notoriously hard on things…ask my wife for a list of the things I’ve managed to break, you may want to bring a chair and your favorite beverage. SunSoaker’s storage tube is super convenient to pack in your backpack or toss in the back of the car for an adventure. The solar panel easily charges any device with a USB connection, and I’ve tried them all. Hands down my favorite new piece of outdoor tech!