Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: j_wellock on January 19, 2017, 12:49:06 PM

Title: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: j_wellock on January 19, 2017, 12:49:06 PM: 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
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: JoeE on January 19, 2017, 12:52:01 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: JoeE on January 19, 2017, 12:54:01 PM: 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
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: highside74 on January 19, 2017, 12:57:09 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: Duckhunter14 on January 19, 2017, 01:17:58 PM: 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
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: Magnum_Willys on January 19, 2017, 01:20:35 PM: 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.....
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: huntandjeep on January 19, 2017, 03:39:51 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: HighCountryElk on January 19, 2017, 04:27:00 PM: 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?
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: Stein on January 19, 2017, 04:30:29 PM: I agree, get a battery. As an alternate, you could get one that uses AA batts and at least combine spares with other devices.
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: scottcrb on January 19, 2017, 04:45:54 PM: The dark energy Poseidon
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: GBoyd on January 19, 2017, 07:50:23 PM: Quote from: JoeE on January 19, 2017, 12:54:01 PM
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.
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: hike2hunt on January 20, 2017, 05:48:29 AM: 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.
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: hogslayer on January 20, 2017, 07:09:22 AM: 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.
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: treeclimber2852 on January 20, 2017, 07:37:56 AM: 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.
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: j_wellock on January 20, 2017, 07:50:54 AM: 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
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: ian_padron on January 20, 2017, 11:31:00 AM: Anker is where it's at for sure. I can run my phone/GPS off of one (the 28,000) for close to 2 weeks with juice to spare.
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: davk on January 21, 2017, 11:40:25 AM: Right now I have some MyCharge battery. Has worked for me, but its fairly heavy for the capacity. Probably replace it this year with something lighter that has more capacity for longer trips.
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: Firedogg on January 21, 2017, 12:41:46 PM: I have a cheap 2watt solar panel and it charges a battery pack during the day. Inhang it off the outside of the pack on the way in. . Then the battery pack is what I use to charge my devices. The system has kept things running for up to 16 days. The weight is negligable for the pack in, enough that if I really worry about itvIbwill drop a few pounds from my waistline.
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: fishngamereaper on January 21, 2017, 09:56:08 PM: I've had good luck with my nekteck... Solar charger. Hang it from my pack all day and it holds a charge. Re charges what I need without issue.
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: sagewalker on January 29, 2017, 09:17:26 AM: I have also been doing some research on a new charger, I currently run the Anker Powercore 20100, the thing can charge for a week straight but it's like packing around a brick. I like how slim and light the Dark Energy is but they are just jumping on the hunting bandwagon to mark up their product even more. I like the looks of this Anker portable charger https://www.anker.com/products/A1264011

Looks like a good choice. Depends on how much charging you plan on doing as well!
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: ErikaDeanda on May 23, 2019, 02:39:25 AM: I will invest in a solar charging device (https://www.cuou.net/solar-powered-phone-charger.html) for my next hunting trip. Many people recommend the Anker solar charger. If there is enough direct sunlight, up to 2.4 amps per port or 3 amps in total. I can charge my iPad or mobile phone charger.
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: jstone on May 23, 2019, 06:18:02 AM: I also have been in the market for one.
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: MADMAX on May 23, 2019, 06:20:05 AM: pretty easy and pretty cheap and lasts about 5 charges on an Iphone

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Poweradd-Pilot-X7-Power-Bank-20000mAh-Portable-Charger-Dual-USB-Ports-External-Battery-Pack-for-iphone-Samsung-Cellphones-Tablets/182238137
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 23, 2019, 07:48:00 AM: I've used quite a few over the years and I've come to two conclusions.

1. I need guaranteed energy so solar is 100% out of the lineup.

2. No matter what charger you get, a small dry sack or ziplock is a must. Keep those things dry folks.

Personally I run a big Anker (not sure the exact size). My last one still works after 4 years but it wont ever fully charge anymore so I got a few new ones.
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: Stein on May 23, 2019, 07:59:53 AM: Battery packs are fairly inexpensive, very reliable and good for your phone, inreach, sometimes headlamp and anything else you want to drag out there. I've never messed with pv panels because I don't want extra cords, setting it up, hoping for sun, etc. With pv, if you aren't pointed directly at the sun or have the smallest amount of shading, the power drops off amazingly quickly. In a big pv panel with 36 cells, if you shade just one of them the power can drop off 75%.

Here is a good tool to get a rough idea how many charges of a specific phone you can get out of a given size battery bank. I have a small, light battery bank for day hunts and a larger one for extended trips.

https://www.ravpower.com/charging-calculator
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: mburrows on May 23, 2019, 08:38:11 AM: Quote from: Karl Blanchard on May 23, 2019, 07:48:00 AM
I've used quite a few over the years and I've come to two conclusions.

1. I need guaranteed energy so solar is 100% out of the lineup.

2. No matter what charger you get, a small dry sack or ziplock is a must. Keep those things dry folks.

Personally I run a big Anker (not sure the exact size). My last one still works after 4 years but it wont ever fully charge anymore so I got a few new ones.

I've had really good luck with Anker too and they are reasonably priced.
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 23, 2019, 08:47:10 AM: Quote from: mburrows on May 23, 2019, 08:38:11 AM
Quote from: Karl Blanchard on May 23, 2019, 07:48:00 AM
I've used quite a few over the years and I've come to two conclusions.

1. I need guaranteed energy so solar is 100% out of the lineup.

2. No matter what charger you get, a small dry sack or ziplock is a must. Keep those things dry folks.

Personally I run a big Anker (not sure the exact size). My last one still works after 4 years but it wont ever fully charge anymore so I got a few new ones.

I've had really good luck with Anker too and they are reasonably priced.
oh yeah! My last one was like 38 bucks on Amazon and lasted 4 years. I'd call that more than reasonable
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: trapp01 on May 23, 2019, 08:47:56 AM: I use the small dewalt lithium 20v battery and a USB adapter. I get about a week and a half out of it checking Facebook, insta, and hunt wa with a daily p-hub visit. The north side of the William o and the south alpine lakes has surprisingly good service.

https://www.amazon.com/Source-Converters-Outlets-Lithium-Battery/dp/B07HLW5FYG/ref=asc_df_B07HLW5FYG/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241955516116&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8631734867073429543&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033692&hvtargid=pla-600197867185&psc=1
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: Fl0und3rz on May 23, 2019, 09:37:13 AM: This guy does lots of reviews on solar, battery, and other options.

Here is one of his latest.

Otherwise, short term, battery pack is probably the best option. Longer term, solar or some other way to make power (like biolite) is better or at least a good complement to a battery pack. Charge the pack, then take the charge off the pack for your devices, when you need it, regardless of sun light conditions, etc.
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: Tbob on May 24, 2019, 01:20:49 PM: I got the big Anker one on amazon about 3 years ago. Never had any problems and charges my phone at least 8 times before needing a re-charge. Still going strong too.
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: kselkhunter on May 24, 2019, 01:30:08 PM: Depends on your logistics. Most battery packs will do fine if you're camping in an RV or near a truck with heat. If you're packing it into the backcountry in harsh weather, the Posiedon is nice. I've had some cheap battery packs fail in cold/wet weather. I switched to the Posiedon three years ago, and I charge my DeLorme and phone for a week with no issues. It's more expensive. But I get year round use of it taking it on business trips and vacations to keep my phone and tablet power topped up.
Title: Re: Backcountry charging devices
Post by: Bushcraft on June 17, 2019, 09:47:06 AM: 2-4 days: Dark Energy Poseidon (DEP)

4-10 days solo and keeping my satellite communication devices charged is critically important: 1 to 2 DEP's w/ a solar panel w/ backup power cords

8-10+ days if I need to capture important videos and photos for a friend/client: 2-3 DEPs, 1 20KmHa Anker and 2 solar panels with some redundancy in charging cords and a meter to verify charging. Nothing worse than plugging something in only to find out that something is wonky and the batteries weren't charging or discharging correctly, or at all.

I've not had the best luck with the Anker 20KmHa, particularly in colder wet weather, but they are so cheap there really isn't/wasn't a better cost/benefit alternative. I'm contemplating a non-solar source of energy since a guy can easily go 5+ days of nasty overcast weather. Probably a hand crank gizmo, but the wind and water ones look pretty cool too if you know those options are going to be available.