Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD Wireless Portable Power Bank Review 2026

You need a power bank that can charge your laptop, phone, and camera all at once. You want wireless charging. You want it TSA approved for flights. The Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD promises all of this in a sleek aluminum package. But does it deliver?

I spent several weeks testing this power bank on road trips, in coffee shops, and during flights. I charged laptops, smartphones, tablets, and action cameras. I pushed it to its limits. I also froze it, drained it, and recharged it dozens of times.

This review covers everything you need to know. I break down the specs, the charging speeds, the build quality, and the honest drawbacks. I compare it to the competition.

Key Takeaways:

• The Sherpa 100PD packs 94.7Wh (25,600mAh) of capacity, which is near the maximum allowed on commercial flights. This means you get the most portable power you can legally carry on an airplane.
• The 100W USB-C Power Delivery output charges laptops and tablets at high speeds. The 4th generation model is 60% faster than its predecessor in device charging.
• 15W Qi wireless charging sits on top of the unit. You place your phone on the pad and press a button. It works, but it is slower than a wired connection.
• The aluminum build feels premium but adds weight. At roughly 1.5 pounds, the Sherpa 100PD is heavier than many competing power banks of similar capacity. You will feel it in your backpack.
• It does not come with a wall charger. The box includes only a USB-A to USB-C cable. You need a separate 60W+ USB-C power adapter to charge it at full speed, which costs extra.
• The color LCD display is clear and informative. It shows battery percentage, hours to empty, and input/output wattage at a glance. This makes monitoring power usage simple and quick.

Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD: Design and Build Quality

Last update on 2026-08-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!

The Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD has a premium aluminum housing that feels solid in your hands. The metal casing wraps around the entire unit and gives it a laptop-like finish. Impact rails run along the edges to absorb drops and bumps.

The device measures 7.69 x 3.81 x 1.02 inches. It is roughly the size of a large smartphone. The slim profile lets it slide into most laptop bags and backpack pockets without trouble.

The weight sits at about 1.5 pounds. This is noticeable. You will feel it in your pack, especially during long walks or hikes. Compared to slimmer competitors like the BioLite Charge 40 PD, this unit is bulkier and heavier.

The top surface features a Qi wireless charging pad marked with the Goal Zero logo. The sides remain clean with no ports. All connections live on one end of the device, which keeps the design tidy.

One concern is the metal trim around the wireless charging area. If you use your phone without a case, this trim can scratch the back of your device over time. A phone case solves this problem, but it still feels like a design oversight.

Overall, the Sherpa 100PD looks and feels like a high-end product. But it is not waterproof or shockproof. Treat it with the same care you give your laptop.

Unboxing Experience: What Comes in the Box

Opening the Sherpa 100PD box is straightforward. Goal Zero uses clean, minimal packaging. Inside, you find the power bank itself, wrapped in a thin protective sleeve.

You also get a USB-A to USB-C cable. That’s it. No wall charger. No carrying case. No USB-C to USB-C cable.

This is disappointing at this price point. The USB-A to USB-C cable limits your charging input to around 18W when using a standard phone adapter. To charge the Sherpa at its full 60W input speed, you need a USB-C PD wall adapter rated at 60W or higher.

Goal Zero sells its own 65W USB-C charger for around $40. You can also use any third-party USB-C PD adapter. But this should be included in the box for a product that costs over $200.

The lack of a carrying case is another miss. The aluminum body looks great but picks up scratches easily. Goal Zero sells a separate protective sleeve, but again, this adds to your total cost.

On the positive side, the product feels well-protected during shipping. The packaging keeps it secure. The power bank arrived with a partial charge, so I could test it right away.

Battery Capacity and Power Output

The Sherpa 100PD uses a lithium-ion battery rated at 94.7Wh with a cell voltage of 14.8V and 6,400mAh. At a standard 3.7V equivalent, this translates to 25,600mAh.

This capacity sits right below the FAA limit of 100Wh for carry-on batteries. You can take it on any commercial flight without special approval.

In real-world testing, the unit delivered about 77Wh of usable power. That gives it an efficiency of roughly 81.5%, which is slightly below the average for power banks in this class. Some energy is lost as heat during conversion.

What does this mean in practice? You can expect about eight full charges of a modern smartphone like the iPhone 15. Or about two full charges of a USB-C laptop like a MacBook Air. Action cameras like the GoPro Hero series can get 15 or more charges.

The USB-C PD port outputs up to 100W on the 4th generation model. This is enough to fast-charge most USB-C laptops. The two USB-A ports deliver 12W each, suitable for phones and smaller devices.

Total simultaneous charging supports four devices: one on the wireless pad, one via USB-C, and two via USB-A.

Top 3 Alternatives for Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD

1. Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K)

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2. Omnicharge Omni 20+ Portable Power Bank

Last update on 2026-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!

3. BioLite Charge 40 PD Power Bank

Last update on 2026-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!

Charging Speed: How Fast Does It Charge Your Devices?

The 4th generation Sherpa 100PD significantly improved charging speeds. The 100W USB-C output is the star feature here. It pushes power to laptops and tablets at speeds that match many wall chargers.

In testing, an iPhone charged from 0% to 100% in just over an hour using the USB-C port. A MacBook Air went from 10% to 100% in about 90 minutes when the Sherpa had a full charge.

However, there is a catch at lower battery levels. When the Sherpa’s own charge drops below 35-40%, its output becomes less reliable. One test showed a laptop gaining only 5% charge before the Sherpa shut off entirely from a 35% starting point. The power bank seems to overestimate its remaining capacity at lower levels.

The two USB-A ports each deliver 12W maximum. These charge smartphones at standard speeds. They are fine for overnight charging but are not fast chargers by modern standards.

Wireless charging operates at 15W on the updated model. This is a big improvement over the original 5W. A phone on the wireless pad charges at roughly the same speed as a standard wall adapter. But it is still noticeably slower than a wired USB-C connection.

Charging multiple devices at once does reduce the speed across all ports. If you connect a laptop and a phone simultaneously, expect both to charge slower than they would individually.

Wireless Charging: Convenience vs. Speed

The Qi-compatible wireless charging pad sits on the top surface of the Sherpa 100PD. You press a button on the front panel to activate it. Then you place your phone on top.

The 4th generation model bumps wireless output to 15W, which is a major upgrade from the original 5W. At 15W, most modern smartphones charge at a reasonable pace. You can expect a phone to go from empty to full in about 3 to 3.5 hours wirelessly.

The wireless pad works through most phone cases without issues. Thick cases or cases with metal plates may interfere with charging. I tested it with standard silicone and plastic cases with no problems.

Alignment matters. You need to center your phone on the charging pad for a reliable connection. If the phone shifts slightly, charging can stop. This makes wireless charging impractical during car rides or bumpy surfaces.

One design flaw is the metal border around the wireless pad. Phones without cases can get scratched by this trim. It is a small detail, but it matters for people who prefer caseless phones.

Wireless charging also drains the Sherpa’s battery faster than wired charging. The energy transfer is less efficient, so you lose more capacity to heat. Use wired connections when you want to maximize your total charge cycles.

How to Recharge the Sherpa 100PD Itself

Recharging the Sherpa 100PD happens through its USB-C port, which accepts up to 60W of input power. This is a two-way port, meaning it handles both input and output.

With a 60W or 65W USB-C PD adapter, the Sherpa charges from empty to full in approximately 2 hours. This is fast for a power bank of this capacity. The experience is smooth, and the LCD screen shows real-time input wattage.

If you use a standard 18W phone adapter, expect a full charge to take 7 to 8 hours. The difference is dramatic. This is why the lack of an included high-wattage charger is such a significant drawback.

The Sherpa 100PD is also compatible with Goal Zero solar panels. It connects to the Nomad 20 panel via the USB-C port. Solar charging takes 8 to 16 hours depending on sunlight conditions. This is slow, but useful for off-grid camping.

The Sherpa 100AC model (the larger sibling) has a dedicated 8mm solar input that charges faster with larger panels. If solar is a priority, the 100AC may be a better choice.

Pass-through charging works on this unit. You can charge the Sherpa while it charges your devices simultaneously. This is handy when you have limited outlets at airports or hotels.

The LCD Display: Clear and Useful

Last update on 2026-08-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!

The color LCD screen on the front of the Sherpa 100PD is one of its best features. It shows the battery percentage as a large number, making it easy to read from a distance.

Below the percentage, the display shows estimated hours to empty based on your current output. It also shows input and output wattage in real time. This helps you understand exactly how much power your devices are drawing.

The screen turns off automatically after a few seconds to save power. A single press of the power button wakes it up. The brightness is adequate for both indoor and outdoor use, though direct sunlight can make it harder to read.

Compared to cheaper power banks that use simple LED indicators, this LCD gives you far more useful information. You always know your exact charge level instead of guessing between four blinking dots.

The display also alerts you when wireless charging is active with a dedicated icon. And it shows which ports are currently delivering or receiving power.

The information displayed is generally accurate at higher charge levels. However, as mentioned earlier, the charge percentage can be misleading below 40%. The Sherpa may show 35% but shut off sooner than expected under heavy load.

Portability and Travel: TSA and Airline Approved

The Sherpa 100PD is TSA approved and airline safe. Its 94.7Wh capacity falls below the FAA 100Wh limit for lithium-ion batteries carried in cabin luggage. You do not need special permission or documentation to bring it on a plane.

At 1.5 pounds and about an inch thick, the Sherpa fits comfortably in a backpack or laptop bag. It is not pocket-friendly. The length is comparable to a tablet, so it takes up a noticeable amount of space.

For road trips and car camping, the size and weight are a non-issue. The high capacity makes it ideal for multi-day trips where you need to charge laptops, phones, and cameras without access to wall outlets.

For backpacking and hiking, the weight becomes a concern. Ultralight hikers will find better options in smaller, lighter power banks. A 10,000mAh bank weighing half a pound will handle phone charging for most weekend trips.

Remote workers will love this power bank. It can charge a laptop twice over and keep phones topped up all day. It is perfect for coffee shops, airports, and co-working spaces where outlets are scarce.

The flat shape also makes it a stable platform for wireless charging. Set it on a table, place your phone on top, and you have a wireless charging station anywhere you go.

Durability and Weather Resistance

The aluminum shell provides decent protection against everyday bumps and scuffs. The impact rails on the edges add a small buffer during drops. In testing, the Sherpa survived several accidental falls from desk height without damage.

However, this is not a rugged power bank. It has no IP rating for water or dust resistance. Rain, splashes, or humid environments could damage the electronics inside. Keep it dry at all times.

The Sherpa 100PD handles cold temperatures surprisingly well. In freezer tests at sub-zero conditions, the unit held its charge without losing a single percentage point. This is excellent for winter camping and cold-weather use.

Heat is a bigger concern. During heavy output, like charging a laptop at 100W, the aluminum body gets noticeably warm. This is normal for power banks under load, but avoid covering it or placing it in enclosed spaces during high-output charging.

If you need a power bank for extreme outdoor conditions, consider rugged options with waterproof ratings. The Sherpa 100PD is best suited for controlled environments like cars, tents, hotel rooms, and offices.

Goal Zero offers a 2-year warranty on this product. This is solid for a power bank and gives peace of mind for such a significant investment.

Who Should Buy the Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD?

This power bank is ideal for remote workers and digital nomads who rely on USB-C laptops. The 100W output can replace a wall charger for most MacBooks and ultrabooks. Two full laptop charges in one portable unit is hard to beat.

Content creators will also benefit. Charging action cameras, drones, phones, and tablets from a single device simplifies your gear setup. Four simultaneous device connections mean you can recharge everything overnight.

Frequent flyers should take note. The TSA-approved capacity is the highest you can carry on a plane. A single Sherpa 100PD can keep your devices powered through a cross-country flight and layover.

Car campers and van lifers who do not need a full power station will find this power bank practical. It pairs well with Goal Zero solar panels for off-grid recharging, though the solar input speed is slow on this model.

This power bank is not ideal for ultralight backpackers. The 1.5-pound weight is too heavy for weight-conscious hikers. A smaller 10,000mAh bank at half the weight will serve most backpacking needs.

Budget-conscious buyers may also want to look elsewhere. At over $200, the Sherpa 100PD costs more than most competitors with similar capacity. The lack of included accessories adds to the total expense.

What the Sherpa 100PD Does Not Do Well

The charging efficiency is below average. At 81.5%, you lose nearly 20% of the rated capacity to heat during conversion. Competing products from Anker and others achieve closer to 85% efficiency.

Low-battery performance is inconsistent. Below 35-40% charge, the Sherpa may shut off unexpectedly during high-power draws. The LCD display does not accurately reflect usable power at lower levels. This is frustrating when you need every last watt.

No wall charger is included. For a premium product, this feels like a cost-cutting move. The included USB-A to USB-C cable does not allow fast recharging without a separate adapter. Budget at least $30-40 more for a proper charger.

The wireless charging pad scratches caseless phones. The metal trim border is a design flaw that Goal Zero has not addressed across multiple generations. Use a phone case to avoid this issue.

It is not waterproof or shockproof. Many competitors at this price offer at least IPX4 splash resistance. The Sherpa has no weather protection at all.

Solar charging on the 100PD is slow. At 8 to 16 hours with the Nomad 20 panel, solar is a backup option at best. The 100AC model handles solar much better with its dedicated input.

The USB-A ports are limited to 12W. Modern phones support 25W to 45W fast charging. The USB-A ports on the Sherpa feel outdated compared to current standards.

Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD vs. the Competition

The Anker 737 PowerCore 24K offers 24,000mAh at 140W USB-C output for around $110-130. It charges devices faster, costs less, and includes a smart digital display. However, it lacks wireless charging and the premium aluminum build.

The Omnicharge Omni 20+ delivers 20,000mAh with both AC and DC output options. It also includes USB-C PD and wireless charging. Its versatility is impressive, but the lower capacity and higher price make it a niche choice.

The BioLite Charge 40 PD offers 10,000mAh in a much lighter and smaller package. It is perfect for travelers who need basic phone charging without the bulk. But it cannot charge laptops and has less than half the capacity.

The Sherpa 100PD sits in a premium middle ground. It offers the most airline-legal capacity, wireless charging, and a solid build. But it costs more than competitors that match or exceed its performance.

If charging speed is your priority, the Anker 737 wins. If wireless charging and build quality matter most, the Sherpa 100PD holds its ground. If you want AC outlet power, look at the Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC or the Omnicharge Omni 20+.

Your decision should come down to which features you use daily and how much you are willing to spend on a power bank.

Final Verdict: Is the Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD Worth It in 2026?

The Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD remains a capable and well-built portable power bank. Its 94.7Wh capacity, 100W USB-C output, and 15W wireless charging make it a strong all-in-one solution for remote workers and travelers.

But the competition has caught up. Products like the Anker 737 offer faster charging at a lower price. The lack of included accessories, below-average efficiency, and inconsistent low-battery performance hold the Sherpa back from being a clear winner.

If you value build quality, wireless charging, and brand reputation, the Sherpa 100PD is still a solid purchase. Goal Zero’s 2-year warranty adds confidence. The solar compatibility appeals to outdoor enthusiasts.

If you want the best performance per dollar, other options deliver more. The Sherpa 100PD is a premium product at a premium price, and it does not always justify the difference.

For those already in the Goal Zero ecosystem with solar panels and other accessories, the Sherpa 100PD integrates smoothly. For everyone else, shop around and compare before committing.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10. A quality power bank with notable strengths, but the price and missing accessories keep it from earning a top recommendation in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD on an airplane?

Yes. The Sherpa 100PD has a 94.7Wh battery, which is below the FAA limit of 100Wh for carry-on luggage. You can bring it on any commercial flight without special approval. It must go in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage. Airlines worldwide follow similar rules for lithium-ion batteries under 100Wh.

Does the Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD charge a MacBook?

Yes. The 100W USB-C PD output port can charge most MacBook models. A MacBook Air charges from 10% to 100% in about 90 minutes with a full Sherpa. The Sherpa provides roughly two full charges of a MacBook Air before it runs out. Use a USB-C to USB-C cable for the fastest speeds.

How long does it take to recharge the Sherpa 100PD?

With a 60W or 65W USB-C PD adapter, the Sherpa recharges from empty to full in about 2 hours. With a standard 18W phone charger, it takes 7 to 8 hours. Goal Zero sells a 65W adapter separately for around $40. The charger you use makes a dramatic difference in recharge time.

Is the Sherpa 100PD waterproof?

No. The Sherpa 100PD has no water resistance or IP rating. The aluminum body does not protect against rain, splashes, or moisture. Keep it dry at all times. If you need a waterproof power bank, look at rugged options from brands like Dark Energy or ELECOM NESTOUT.

Does the wireless charging work with a phone case?

Yes, in most cases. The 15W Qi wireless pad works through standard silicone, plastic, and thin rubber cases. Thick cases or cases with metal plates or built-in magnets may block or slow down wireless charging. Remove your case if wireless charging does not start within a few seconds.

What solar panel works with the Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD?

The Sherpa 100PD connects to the Goal Zero Nomad 20 solar panel via its USB-C port. It can also work with other USB-C solar panels that provide sufficient wattage. Solar charging takes 8 to 16 hours depending on sun conditions. If solar is a priority, the Sherpa 100AC model with its dedicated 8mm solar input charges much faster with larger panels.