Crashing on BLM land in Moab for a week, sleeping under the stars and sitting around the campfire with friends doesn’t allow time to head back to town for a charge. Long approaches with camera gear for an extended stay in the backcountry won't permit much weight. Weight, size and usefulness are the biggest considerations for any extended stay in the backcountry, especially if you’re toting camera gear.

The Sherpa 100 Power Pack adds a check mark next to each of those considerations. It comes in at 1.9 pounds, packs enough power to charge a DSLR Camera 10 times, and isn’t much bigger than the Sherpa 50. For me, this has quickly become my go-to power pack and an essential piece of gear.

I am the jackass here at GOAL ZERO who manages this blog- rough I know- and because of that I got to test drive the new Sherpa 100. I have taken it out on a few excursions, thrown it in my bag for a few hikes, exposed it to frigid temperatures, and used it charge my laptop, DSLR, phone and GoPro.

I, like most backcountry enthusiasts, am obsessed with gear. I can admit it. Every piece of equipment carries with it potential. It carries with it the ability to realize goals, whether they be ticking off a route you have been ogling on Mountain Project, or that photo idea that has been bouncing around in your head. The Sherpa 100 has opened up opportunities to stay out longer and avoid the cursed red flashing of the low battery icon. I have only scratched the surface of how I will use it, but it is spurring ideas and locations that weren’t on my radar before.

Photo Credit: Parker Cross and Andy Earl