Backcountry charging devices

[j_wellock]

Looking for some ideas on what to use for a charging system to charge a Garmin and cell phone out there. I've been looking at some of the solar panel charging systems just interested in what all you guys use

[JoeE]

I used a solar panel for a couple years but it wasn't reliable. This year I switched to a Anker charging pack and used it. I got the 28000 mah and I used it for 10 days charging up mine and my partners phones and we still had a lot of power left in the pack following the hunt.

[JoeE]

Actually I think its this one I have

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00X5RV14Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484859153&sr=8-1-fkmr0&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=anker+28000

[highside74]

I use a 20000mah portable charger. You can find them for $20-$100 or more. Mine was $35. It charges my galaxy s5 6 or 7 times. Dark Energy is a company marketing towards hunters but they are expensive. Way easier than solar and you are charging while you sleep.

[Duckhunter14]

I use the goal zero Nomad 7 and Venture 30 I believe they are called. Its their small solar panel and battery pack. I also use their small clip light. The setup worked great since I used it during early elk and the sun was shining all day. My buddies ended up borrowing the charger multiple times to give their phones juice. I used it later in the year in Montana and on very cloudy days it doesn't work as well (obviously) but would still gain some juice. Overall I have been happy with it and its worth its weight to pack in.

Clint 

[Magnum_Willys]

The battery packs weigh a lot - 28000mah = a pound,  but the solar panels do too - almost a pound for a 15watt.

At least with the battery pack you know you have a weeks charging and no messing with the sun. 

I used the combo in Canada for 10 days and the solar panel died halfway through.....

[huntandjeep]

I use a battery pack picked up off Amazon for around $50 About the size of a AA Maglite and the same weight. Charges my phone 5-7 times over 7 days. Haven't used it on my Garmin yet but will this year.

[HighCountryElk]

Do you bivy hunt or basecamp? How many days are you out and how many mah do you need to keep devices charged for that amount of time?

[Stein]

I agree, get a battery.  As an alternate, you could get one that uses AA batts and at least combine spares with other devices.

[scottcrb]

 The dark energy Poseidon

[GBoyd]

Actually I think its this one I have

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00X5RV14Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484859153&sr=8-1-fkmr0&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=anker+28000

This is what I have as well. I used it to keep up my phone elk hunting this past year. It wouldn't last 10 days for me, probably only 5-6. But I have a bad habit of watching tv on phone at night.

[hike2hunt]

I use the Dark Energy Poseidon, has not failed in charging my smartphone and go pro over a 7 day period. Solar might be a new option for me, I do carry a Goal Zero 10 in my truck, but have not needed it yet.

[hogslayer]

I tried the Goal Zero a few years ago and it was trash.  Returned it to Costco.  I spent more time messing around with that thing and making sure it was in the sun and complete sun to get any sort of charge out of it.  Ended up getting a battery pack of Amazon and has worked great for the 3 years i have used it for a week at a time.  I have seen the new Dark Energy chargers just not sure what the pros/cons are from a normal charger, except the more rugged case and Paracord.  I am more interested in battery technologies and what will charge better be lighter and last longer.

[treeclimber2852]

I pack in my biolite stove...it's not as heavy as a burner and gas, and it charges the phone as I cook.  To get a good charge, it takes about 2 hours of burning, but it's kinda nice having a little fire to tend as you wind down at the end of the day.  It's also nice not having to pack any cooking fuel in. 

[j_wellock]

Thanks for the info every one! I'm liking the thought of the battery packs! And maybe a try to find a small solar charger for emergency