SunJack 25W Review

This panel excels as a fast-charging machine, with impressive durability and design. The combination of these features, plus its resilience and ability to recover a charge in marginal conditions, places the SunJack high on our list.

Performance Comparison

The mighty SunJack.

Photo: Jane Jackson

Charge Interruption Recovery

After seeing impressive charge times in our side-by-side comparative tests, we decided to try out the SunJack with only two of its panels in use, just to see how powerful it actually was. We conducted this test in conjunction with our typical shading test and found that the SunJack performed well in both. With one of three panels covered, the SunJack's performance diminished. Over 30 minutes, the panel charged 10%, as compared to 20% when all panels were exposed. Other panels, even those with similar capacities, have completely glitched out when partially shaded, refusing to charge at all. Compared to those experiences, we were very impressed with the charge speeds of the partially-shaded SunJack.

Using one panel as a kickstand limits the efficiency of the SunJack, but does help in orienting the panel toward the sun.

Photo: Jane Jackson

When shaded and then uncovered, the panel charged slowly, but it did manage to reestablish a charge to our phone, which many struggle to do; this speaks to the charging prowess of this panel. If you spend time in places other than the relentlessly sunny Eastern Sierra, this could be a good choice, as it still functions with clouds.

Charging Speed

Wow! This panel packs a punch.

When we set it out to charge our Pixel 3 in full sun, we were surprised to see that the SunJack charged our phone 18% over the course of thirty minutes. Typically, 25W panels charge our phones consistently around 10% in thirty minutes, so when we saw that this panel consistently almost doubled that, we were impressed. Perhaps they underrate their panels, and this one actually has a larger capacity? Or is it just incredibly efficient (we also used their proprietary USB-C cable, which may have helped)? Needless to say, this panel was one of the top performers in this rating metric.

The SunJack is an efficient charging machine.

Photo: Jane Jackson

Multiple Device Charging Speed

Not surprisingly, when seeing this panel's ability to charge a single device quickly, the SunJack also charged two devices simultaneously, and with impressive speed.

We plugged in our Pixel 3 to one port and one of SunJack's battery packs to the other and left the panel in full sun for thirty minutes. When we returned, the Pixel 3 had charged a whopping 8%, while the battery pack had charged from one LED light to two. Many batteries show their level of charge through four or five small LED lights, and can be hard to get a precise read on its level of charge; because of that, we go off the Pixel 3 to score the panels in this metric. An eight percent charge is a significant amount when compared to others in this review — even panels with larger capacities.

This panel is high-powered and able to charge two devices simultaneously.

Photo: Jane Jackson

Durability

One look at the SunJack, and we could tell that this panel is extremely durable.

We basically kicked this panel around in the dirt, and it was easily cleaned by brushing dirt off with one hand. The ETFE panel material (most panels in this review are made with a PET polymer) can also withstand heat and abrasion. We've tested hard-sided panels like this in the past, but have been disappointed that they don't have a pocket to keep the USB ports protected. The SunJack, however, has a large mesh pocket that can both hold your electronics and cables, protecting them from wear and tear.

A little dirt is no problem with this burly all-weather panel.

Photo: Jane Jackson

Weight and Portability

With a measured weight of 30.1 ounces, which equates to about one pound, 14 ounces, the SunJack is not particularly lightweight, nor portable.

This panel is one of the heavier we've reviewed, which was a bit of a disappointment, considering its high scores in most of our other metrics. However, if weight is of no concern, the SunJack might be the ticket.

Slim, but heavy. Its up to you to decide if the SunJack is worth it.

Photo: Jane Jackson

Value

As one of the more expensive panels in this review, especially for its capacity, the SunJack is an investment. That said, it's also one of the most durable panels we've tested, receiving high scores across the board.

We liked this little elastic keeper inside the SunJack's mesh pocket. Anything to help us stay organized!

Photo: Jane Jackson

The SunJack also comes with two 10,000mAh battery packs. If you need to rely on solar, you can charge up these battery packs and use them to charge your devices, even in less-than-ideal conditions. This feature adds value and versatility to the kit. With all that considered, we'd say the SunJack is a product of good value overall.

Conclusion