WakaWaka USB Solar Charger for All Smartphones - Frustration-Free Packaging - Yellow

This was somewhat a spur of the moment purchase. I looked up 2 non-Amazon internet reviews, and decided to go for it, hoping I might get something that would allow me to charge my cell phone when camping, hiking or traveling away from an electric power source.Wow! First off, the design is elegantly simple, and the device as simple and rugged as expected. When closed, the USB and micro usb ports are covered, which minimizes dust contamination. It will hold position well at just about any angle you want.As advertised, the 4 light intensities, plus 1 blinking light, meet a huge range of needs. The brightest light was so bright, my husband had to shield his eyes when I had it on near him, sitting in a sunny, daylit room. It should be great for scouring a tent site in the night for that small item that dropped out of the pack!The device arrived 3/4 charged (3 out of 4 lights). I had to wait through 2 days of rain and densely overcast skies to try charging it.2 days later, it still showed 3 lights.The small, but clear and thorough user's pamphlet, says that it would take a day, at the latitude of NY City in the summer, to re-charge the Waka Waka from empty to 75% charged.I got around to putting my WW out at 4 pm in the afternoon, in full sun in Seattle (about 7 degrees farther North). Immediately, the charger-indicator light started blinking 3 times (2 blinks = normal charging, 3 blinks = fast charging). 50 minutes later, the WW was fully charged.That full charge was still there 36 hrs later, when I tried charging my cell phone, an iPhone 4.I used the same charging cord I use to charge the phone to a wall adapter with a standard USB port. The phone had ~ 1/3 battery left, going by the icon, or less. 1 1/2 hrs later, the phone was at least ~ 9/10 charged. You can operate the lights while your phone is charging, although I didn't do that.Oh yeah, and completely unintentionally, I tested the ruggedness by dropping it on the hard deck floor from about 3 feet. No issue.So, it's easy to use, sturdy, charged more rapidly than expected in Seattle sun on a late summer afternoon, charges my smartphone without any problem, and is an amazingly versatile light source. I'd say, if those things are what you're looking for, it's a deal. And bonus: each purchase results in a $10 donation to the Waka Waka Foundation.For me, this is going to be a must-carry for every hike and trips to remote areas I'm on. It will use up precious ounces (7) on a backpack trip, but it seems essential as an emergency light and cell phone -recharger, if I'm going to carry a phone; or just an essential part of an emergency kit in general, for anywhere.

I have had this product for about 5 years. It’s been left outside in the rain with no harm. The light is very bright & I like the strobe & SOS functions. It’s efficient at charging my phone when a power source isn’t available. The stand is convenient for charging as well. I like that it can be solar charged, even while being used to charge me phone.

One of the best purchases in solar power I have made in a while. Go camping I have a flashlight, while I hike during the day I have something to charge my camera (AKA-Phone). It is light weight and easy to carry. The only issue is no charging the phone while you sleep at night, you need that sun to charge those power sucking smart phones. Overall I am very satisfied with this purchase.

Really holds a charge for a long time.I like the options of recharging and of its light weight. Easy to carry all the time.

It Takes a long Time to fully charge :)

I bought this through their Kickstarter launch, so my battery is slightly larger than this model but I think my review would be the same for both. Let's start with the good (e.g. the reasons why I gave it 5 stars).PROS: The product works exactly as advertised. Battery capacity is as advertised, and charging rate is as good as advertised as well. It holds a charge for quite some time, and the flashlight is plenty bright. Construction is sturdy, and I have nothing to complain about. Everything is/works as it should. Good quality product.CONS: I will preface this by saying that I gave this 5 stars, and the cons have more to do with the fact that this technology/capacity is a bit dated now (August 2014). It's expensive. The battery capacity is small. Unless you are really going to be off the grid for awhile, you are better off at this point getting a much higher capacity battery, with no solar charger, for a fraction of the price.

Update: Founder contacted me personally regarding my faulty Waka Waka. Sent me a replacement, which has been working flawlessly for well over a year. Holds charge, I take it on hikes as a safety precaution.

this is a solid product and works as you would expect. I would recommend.