This is a superbly designed and built product, at least from the couple of days I've had it. I'll update the review if my impressions change.
One thing I want to mention right away: the power pack itself is only 2.2 pounds in weight. For some reason various sources of this information show anywhere between 4 and 5 pounds. All the other accessories that come in the box are lightweight as well. The included AC adapter with cords is very lightweight and small and the 12V cigarette plug is as well. Too often we find that the main object of interest, like a laptop for example, has an attractive weight specified but comes with a massive AC brick and cables that weigh as much as the thing itself. Not so here.
Physically, however, the Sherpa 120 is quite a big thing, about the size of a Webster's dictionary (if any of you remember those :-) or a really big Fodor's travel book. Make sure this meets your needs. It is not a petite device.
So far I have used the power pack to test out running a ResMed S9 CPAP machine (CPAP only, not humidifier/heater) with an inverter, and it powers it successfully for a full 8 hours on a full charge. That pretty much meets the 120 watt-hour spec, as the machine averages around 15 watts (including loss in the inverter and S9's AC adapter). A full charge from AC takes 4 hours as specified. Construction quality is first rate.
Only one issue so far: there is no indication of how to charge the power pack from a 12V source, although that charging method is given in the specifications. The charging plug is labeled as needing 15.3V. I will have to hunt down how to do that. I would have appreciated a 12V plug cable for charging in the box.
A potential issue is how TSA treats this. This device qualifies as a "larger" spare lithium ion battery and, judging by the watt-hour rating, has about 10 grams of equivalent lithium content (ELC) -. This is perfectly acceptable as a carry on according to DOT guidelines (see -up to two such "spare" batteries with ELC up to 25 grams may be in carry-on luggage; cannot be in checked luggage). But the particular TSA inspector at a given gate on a given day may have other ideas.
UPDATE: To charge this device from 12VDC source, you have to buy a separate adapter: a male cigarette to 4.7mm adapter, from Goalzero.com. It's $15 so not too bad. Also I'm not sure why Amazon had to delete the links I put in the main review -they were to dot.gov web pages showing info about FAA treatment of li-ion batteries.
FURTHER UPDATE (7/14/11): Just back from a 3-week African trip which was the reason for buying this battery in the first place, to power my CPAP machine when we did not have electricity available at night. It worked perfectly and TSA as well as foreign airline security inspections never even looked at it. Total non-issue. I even used it on the plane to power the machine (clear this ahead of time with the airline though).
This review is for the Goal Zero Sherpa 120 battery Goal Zero Sherpa 120 Battery.
I bought this battery to use on a backwoods trip to run a CPAP machine while I sleep. Since this would be running a medical device, I felt it was important to know I could trust the system. I carefully measured (using a Kill-a-Watt) the power my CPAP was consuming and knew that in good conditions the battery as found in the Sherpa 120 should last nearly 3 nights, so the solar panels wouldn't need to fully charge the system in a single day. I have also measured the CPAP (using a Watts-Up) when running directly from 12v and it consumes about 30 watts a night (vs 37watts a night on 120v).
In field testing and subsequent follow up this is how I would rate the battery. The battery nicely holds a good charge and delivers the full capacity before going into a sleep state to protect itself from over discharging. I used the Nomad 27 solar panels to charge it and found that given my needs they were plenty large enough to top it off every day. To protect the battery which is a very key component to the system (in fact the one piece you must have), spend the extra few bucks on the silicone protective cover.
The battery holds as much power as advertised, I've measured it several times and it continues to perform well. The Goal Zero system connects and works well. The only plug that seems slightly loose is the output plug on the battery. The other connectors are nice and sufficient. The output one should snap to give you extra security that your device will remain powered. For portable operation focus on using 12v loads directly and make sure you are running your necessary equipment as efficiently as possible to maximize your run times. If you can get away without using an inverter, all of your devices will run longer from a fixed battery capacity, plus your weight will be physically lighter.
One important thing to note, if you leave the battery unattended for 30 days or more, it goes into a deep sleep even shutting down the display and internal circuits (to conserve power). When you turn it on again it'll appear discharged (the screen shows only 1 bar) but it really is holding the charge well. You can measure with a Watts-Up to see the voltage, but the logic they use to calculate how much charge remains needs to know the last total charge and it can't know that until you recharge it. If you plug it into the solar or wall charger for a bit (~20 min if was off for 30 days) it'll snap back and realize that it's actually fully charged. Tip: If you have a system and want to see what this deep sleep state looks like, you can simulate this for yourself by removing and then replacing the fuse on the back of the unit.
In the posted pictures my battery has a Silicone sleeve to protect it. I highly recommend buying the sleeve to protect your battery. Goal Zero 91105 Black Small Silicone Sleeve for Sherpa 120
*** Update: July 2,2012 I've used this battery on dozens of trips, camping, canoe trips, even a dive trip (on the boat) and it continues to work great. I've found I use the USB port often now to recharge my additional devices (cell phone, GoPro camera etc). This has been a very dependable battery and I'm glad I have it. This battery along with my 12v charger and solar panels gives me great freedom while maintaining power in the field.
Buy Goal Zero 11102 Sherpa 120 Battery Now
To start let me tell you.......I love this product......it work better then I thought it would.......seems like it takes forever to have to recharge it.......that all being said.....the third time I recharged it.... the battery had a melt down......know I didnt send in my warrenty card and thats my fault....I dont hold this against the company....but after it had its melt down I got to looking on the web.....and found that many people have had the same probelm with these batterys.......know if they are melting down cause of a defect in the product....I think the company should replace the battery with or without the warrenty card......so needless to say I wont be wasting another 300 bucks on this battery........
You might get lucky and get one that doesnt melt down and I can tell you......your going to love it....if it works.......just send in your warrenty card.......everything I have read on the web says they good about replacing.......
Quick Update......8-11-12........I see that goal zero doesnt make these anymore....atleast they are no longer on there website......Guess enough people complained about them they just stopped making them.
Read Best Reviews of Goal Zero 11102 Sherpa 120 Battery Here
I own the Nomad 27, Sherpa 120, Sherpa UI and Light-A-Life. Have been using the power pack to charge my phone (Galaxy Note) and power the lamp (Light-A-Life) during camping, can't seems to be able to empty the pack. I even use it to power my digital alarm clock, lamp and charge my phone at home at the same time. This pack can also recharge laptop. So far this is the best solar product I've found! Now waiting to save up enough $ to get the second set for the other rooms.
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I have had my Sherpa 120, and a 50, for more than a year now. I have put them through some pretty rough conditions as I often leave them in my car for long periods of time. With that they have braved 100+ degree temps and right around freezing. I have dropped both several times. Both of these units have survived and are still working flawlessly. These battery packs are great and are incedibly well constructed.
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