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Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD
#1 — Best Premium High-Capacity Power Bank

Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD Review (2026)

25,600mAh with a real AC outlet — enough to run a laptop, not just top off a phone

★★★★★
9.3/10
Reviewed by William • Updated June 2026$200

The Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD is built for a different use case than a typical USB power bank: it includes an actual AC outlet, meaning it can charge laptops, camera battery chargers, or any other device that expects a wall plug rather than a USB cable. At 94.7Wh, it carries enough capacity for several phone charges plus a meaningful laptop top-up, and its direct solar input compatibility with Goal Zero's Nomad panel line makes it a strong base camp or extended-trip power hub rather than a minimalist daypack accessory.

TrailCraft Score

What Works

  • AC outlet can charge laptops and other mains-powered devices, not just USB gear
  • 94.7Wh capacity covers multiple phone and tablet charges plus a laptop top-up
  • Direct solar input compatibility pairs with Goal Zero's Nomad panel line
  • USB-C PD 60W output charges modern laptops at a usable speed
  • Genuinely rugged housing built to survive repeated trips in a pack

Limitations

  • At 1lb 5oz, it's one of the heaviest devices in this roundup
  • $200 price reflects the AC outlet and capacity, a real investment over a basic power bank
  • Capacity this high means longer recharge times from a wall outlet or solar panel

Specifications

Capacity25,600mAh / 94.7Wh
Weight1 lb 5 oz / 600g
InputUSB-C PD 60W, 8mm barrel input (solar-compatible)
OutputUSB-C PD 60W, USB-A 12W, AC outlet 100W (60W with included inverter)
HousingPolycarbonate composite shell
Dimensions7.3 x 4.0 x 1.3 inches
WarrantyGoal Zero 2-year warranty

Score Breakdown

Capacity
9.6
Output Versatility
9.7
Build Quality
9.2
Portability
7.8
Value for Money
8.9

What Sets It Apart

The AC outlet is the Sherpa 100PD's defining feature: an internal inverter converts the unit's stored DC power into standard 120V AC output, letting it run small appliances or charge devices that have no USB charging option at all. This is uncommon among portable power banks, most of which are limited to USB-A and USB-C output, and it's the reason the Sherpa is positioned for car camping, van life, or extended base camp setups rather than fast-and-light day hiking.

Direct solar input compatibility with Goal Zero's Nomad solar panel line means the Sherpa can recharge from sunlight without a separate charge controller or adapter, simplifying a solar charging setup considerably compared to power banks that only accept USB input. For multi-day trips without a vehicle, this pairing turns the Sherpa into a renewable charging hub rather than a single-use battery that needs a wall outlet to refill.

25,600mAh with a real AC outlet — enough to run a laptop, not just top off a phone

Who This Is For

The Sherpa 100PD is right for: car campers and van lifers who want to run small AC-powered devices, photographers who need to charge camera battery packs with wall chargers, extended base camp setups paired with a solar panel, and anyone who needs more from a power bank than USB-only charging.

A note on pricing and links: Prices listed are current as of June 2026 and may change. Always verify before buying. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps fund the testing and does not change our rankings.

How It Compares

Within this category, the Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD ranks #1 out of 14 products compared.

See the full comparison

All 14 options in this category ranked side by side — specs, scores, and pricing.

View Full Category Comparison →

Common Questions

Can the Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD charge a laptop?
Yes, through either the AC outlet (for laptops with a standard wall charger) or the USB-C PD 60W port (for laptops that charge via USB-C). The 94.7Wh capacity can typically deliver a meaningful partial-to-full charge depending on the laptop's battery size.
How long does the Sherpa 100PD take to recharge from a wall outlet?
Using the included wall charger, a full recharge typically takes several hours given the unit's high capacity. Recharging via a Goal Zero Nomad solar panel takes considerably longer and depends heavily on sun conditions.
Is the AC outlet worth the added weight and cost?
For anyone who needs to charge AC-only devices (some camera chargers, small appliances, CPAP machines), yes — it's a capability USB-only power banks simply don't have. For users who only need to charge phones and USB devices, a lighter and cheaper USB-only bank is more efficient.
What solar panels work with the Sherpa 100PD?
Goal Zero's Nomad line (such as the Nomad 20 reviewed elsewhere in this category) is designed for direct compatibility with the Sherpa's solar input port, without requiring a separate charge controller.