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Hiking the TGO (The Great Outdoors Challenge) requires dependable equipment that can endure the rigors of long-distance trekking. During my journey, two standout pieces of gear were the Suunto Vertical watch and the Sunslice Fusion Flex 12 solar panel. Here’s my on-trail review of how these devices performed and why they are indispensable for any serious hiker.

From the first day on the trail, the Suunto Vertical became my primary navigation tool. Its impressive battery life was a game-changer, allowing me to conserve my phone battery by relying solely on the watch for maps and tracking. In Tour Mode, the watch offers up to 500 hours of continuous tracking, and the titanium solar variant's solar charging capability adds an extra 30% power boost on sunny days. This feature ensured I never ran out of power, even on the longest days.

The mapping features of the Suunto Vertical are robust and user-friendly. With offline maps detailing contour lines, water bodies, paths, and important landmarks in three styles, I always knew where I was and what lay ahead. Even in remote areas with no signal, I remained well-oriented thanks to these comprehensive maps. The dual-band GNSS tracking enhanced accuracy, which proved invaluable when exploring unfamiliar terrains.

Safety was another critical aspect where the Suunto Vertical excelled. The watch’s altimeter, barometer, compass, storm alarm, and weather forecast functions provided essential information to avoid and respond to changing weather conditions. These features gave me peace of mind, knowing I was equipped to handle whatever the environment threw at me.

Moreover, the Suunto Vertical's durability was evident throughout the hike. Built to withstand harsh environments, the watch performed flawlessly in rain, dust, and rough terrain. Its construction using sustainable methods also resonated with my environmental consciousness, making it a reliable and responsible choice for the trail.

Keeping my devices charged during a multi-day hike was a challenge that the Sunslice Fusion Flex 12 solar panel adeptly met. Lightweight and portable, it was a perfect companion on the TGO.

Each morning, I strapped the Fusion Flex 12 to my backpack, allowing it to trickle-charge my power bank as I walked. This method proved highly effective, ensuring I had a reliable source of power without the burden of carrying multiple heavy batteries. The efficient solar cells kept my power bank sufficiently charged to handle my evening needs.

It is worth noting, on the TGO, I have been predominantly been hiking west to east, so the sun is not always at my back. It is not until after midday that I start to get the full benefits of the panel. However, if on a northbound trip, such as the West Highland Way, Pennine Way, or any other northbound trail such as the PCT, or AT, the sun will be at your back all day, and so more charge can be captured.

At the end of each hiking day, the solar panel showed its versatility and power. Despite both my InReach Satellite communication device and Suunto watch being around 80% charged after a day’s hike, the Fusion Flex12 could fully charge them in just half an hour under full to medium sunlight. This quick charging capability was a significant advantage, ensuring I was prepared for the next day.

The Fusion Flex 12’s design and durability were equally impressive. Weighing only 270 grams and folding into an ultra-compact A4 size, it slipped easily into my backpack when not in use. Its flexible solar cells, combined with a scratch and water-resistant ETFE coating, made it virtually indestructible. Whether stuffed in my backpack, exposed to dust and rain, or bent, it continued to perform without a hitch.

The intelligent design allowed for easy attachment to my backpack, using the included carabiners and elastic bands. This flexibility meant I could optimize its solar exposure throughout the day, maximizing its efficiency.

In conclusion, the Suunto Vertical watch and Sunslice Fusion Flex 12 solar panel proved to be invaluable tools on my TGO journey. Their reliability, durability, and efficiency provided peace of mind, ensuring I stayed on track and powered up throughout the adventure. For any serious hiker, these devices are essential companions, combining advanced technology with practical features to support your outdoor adventures.

Andy Neil
Andy has been a keen long-distance hiker and wild camping enthusiast since he completed the Cleveland Way in 2015. Since then, he has walked thousands of trail miles all over the UK and is an active member of the Wild Camping UK community, being an admin of the largest wild camping community on Facebook. He strongly advocates for responsible wild camping and believes it is important to leave no trace when camping in the wilderness. He joined the UOG team in 2021 and works as a website developer and content creator. Read more from Andy Neil