I've been traveling for my whole professional life. And mobile devices enabled my work everywhere, from the Australian outback to Japanese mountains and Italian villages. Whether it was under the burning sun or in the freezing snow, I knew that cables were my safety lines. Much like ropes for professional climbers, except Alex Honnold, cables are vital for me. They charge my devices and exchange data. Which are the essential components of the digital part of nomadic lifestyle. That's why I'm thrilled to have used this one cable for the past 2 years.
Rolling Square inCharge XL 6-in-1 for legacy devices
If all devices would use the USB-C, then I wouldn't even look for something like Rolling Square inCharge XL 6-in-1. However, as with any tech standard transition, the USB port adoption is all over the place.
AA and AAA batteries
The traditional AA and AAA batteries are still widely used in TV remotes or Xbox controllers. To save costs and reduce electronic waste, I found rechargeable AA/AAA batteries with USB-C ports. To my surprise, these batteries won't charge with the regular USB-C cable connected to a wall charger.
Smartphones, laptops, tablets and other advanced devices with USB-C can “negotiate” with the charger that they require. But these batteries, like many other cheaper electronics don't support power supply standards. That's when the Rolling Square inCharge comes in handy. I connect the older rectangular USB-A to a laptop port, and the USB-C to a battery. That's the power standard suitable for rechargeable AA/AAA.
Micro USB devices like Dual Shock 4
I carry around two Dual Shock 4 controllers, even though I don't have a PlayStation 4. That's because video games remain my favorite recreation and travel inspiration. These controllers were originally released in 2013, when the micro USB was popular.
Therefore, my Rolling Square inCharge is now the only way to charge them. What's particularly clever about this cable design is that the micro USB is Apple's Lightning connector but with dents.
Apple devices with Lightning
Before the giant from Cupertino embraced USB-C, all iPhones, iPads and AirPods used their proprietary Lightning. Now the Rolling Square inCharge serves as a backup whenever my partner or friends need to charge their older gadgets.
Any USB-C device with up to 100W and 480 Mbps data transfers
Even though the cable is small, it supports the high-quality standards. Particularly the Power Delivery 3.0 (PD) up to 100W, which means I can quickly charge my MacBook. On other occasions, if I need to move large files between my devices, it takes only a few seconds.
Physical reinforcements
Most cables show signs of wear and tear on their outer layer and nearby the connectors. The Rolling Square inCharge is very resistant thanks to:
- nylon braiding,
- metal shells,
- silicon cap when not in use.
Small size and folding magnets
I use the XL version which is 30 cm/1 ft long. That's small enough to carry it everywhere in my Peak Design Everyday Sling, but long enough to use it with any combination of chargers, power banks, and devices.
At the bottom of each connector, small magnets clasp the cable. Then the silicone cap easily slides protecting metal bits. Very thoughtful design.
Detachable ends
Six different configurations are neatly packed into 4 different endings. The top parts with USB A and micro USB slide up revealing the two USB Cs. However, once detached, the top parts dangle freely. Because they are easily detachable, I lost them a few times. I wish they were secured similarly to the silicon cap.
Minimal wear
After two years there are very few signs of wear and tear on the Rolling Square inCharge XL 6-in-1. Some slight scratches on the silicon and metal surfaces. Bits of dust around the connectors. But no visible wear on the braiding.
Essential cable adapter for nomads
The standard USB-C cables that come with an iPhone and MacBook are what I use daily for charging. I was reluctant to buy the octopus-type adapter with every possible connector, as they are bulky and often low quality. But the cable from Rolling Square impressed me with a clever minimalistic design. After long regular use and multiple life scenarios when it has saved my day, I can strongly recommend it.
Rolling Square
It's not a sponsored article. I share my experiences and link to non-affiliate official site of Rolling Square because I know how useful this cable is. Especially in common nomadic situations.
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