The Goal Zero Venture 70 battery pack has been a favorite of mine ever since I first reviewed it over four years ago. At the time, I praised the Venture 70 for its capacity, durability, and versatility. And while it remains a solid option for adventure travelers needing to keep small electronics charged. At the same time, on the road, the competitive landscape for these kinds of portable chargers has changed dramatically in the ensuing years.
Not one to rest on their laurels, however, Goal Zero has recently updated its Venture line to add some additional features. The new models deliver the same rugged design that you've come to expect from the originals. Still, they have a few additional tricks up their sleeve that tech-savvy adventurers will certainly appreciate.
The Venture 35 and 75
Dubbed the Venture 35 and Venture 75, the two new battery packs offer a distinctive new design that sets them apart from the previous generation. Gone is the black and yellow rubberized outer shell, replaced with a more muted black and silver look. The aesthetic is more modern while still maintaining the Goal Zero family resemblance.
Both of the new models feature an IP67 rating, which translates to being both water and dust-resistant. In this case, Goal Zero indicates the Venture 35 and 75 and survive being immersed in 1 meter (3.3 feet) of water for up to 30 minutes and still come out fully functional.
Battery Capacity and Ports
The new Goal Zero Venture battery packs are designed to keep small devices-such as smartphones, GoPro cameras, smartwatches, and headlamps-charged while on the go. To that end, the Venture 35 comes equipped with a 9600 mAh battery, which is enough to recharge an iPhone about three times. Meanwhile, the larger Venture 75 offers a 19,200 mAh battery, which offers five recharges on most smartphones or two on a tablet.
In addition to coming with a standard USB-A port, both models now also feature a USB-C PD (power delivery) port. That makes them more compatible with modern devices, providing more speed to the charging process. The Venture 35's USB-C PD port provides up to 18 watts of power, while the 75 jumps to 60 watts. That's enough to allow it to recharge even a USB-C-equipped laptop.
Other Features
As with their predecessors, the new Venture battery packs come with built-in flashlights. Both models have a 50-lumen lamp that is powered by the onboard battery. And while that isn't overly bright, it is enough to help you find your way in a pinch. Both models also now come with a protective rubber plug covering the charging ports to help keep moisture out.
Since these are products designed by Goal Zero, it goes without saying that they can be recharged using both solar power or a USB-C connection. A GZ solar panel can be used to recharge either model in about six hours. Unsurprisingly, lugging them into an adapter is much quicker, with the Venture 35 powering up in roughly three hours, while the 75 can recharge in as little as 1.5 hours. A USB-C cable is included in the box to help facilitate this process.
New Prices Too!
As noted, the competitive landscape for USB battery packs has gotten more challenging in the few years that have passed since the Venture 70 was released. Goal Zero had recognized this by bringing its two new models to market at more attractive price points. The Venture 35 sells for $69.95, while its larger sibling retails for $119.95, which is substantially lower than the outgoing model, which debuted at $149.95 four years ago.
Make no mistake, there are higher capacity battery packs on the market that sell for less money than the Goal Zero Venture series. But, those models don't offer the same blend of rugged design, fast-charging capabilities, and the ability to be recharged using solar panels. This blend of features gives GZ's battery packs a leg up for adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts who require dependable portable charging while on the trail.
Venture Out
The arrival of these two new battery packs is good timing on Goal Zero's part. Now that travel is starting to pick up again, the company is delivering some excellent new options for those looking for portable power. Both of the new models will impress with their build quality, charging speeds, and ease of use, making them easy to recommend to anyone who is int he market for this kind of device.
Check out both of the new Venture models at Goal Zero's website, where you can learn more about their tech specs and features, as well as order one for yourself.