Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: jrebel on September 04, 2022, 02:35:38 PM

Title: backpack solar chargers / batter packs??
Post by: jrebel on September 04, 2022, 02:35:38 PM: OK....for all you backcountry guys / gals....what is the best solar charger / battery set up for extended periods of time away from a power source. Looking to charge phones, flashlights, gps, etc.

The thought of a goal zero that straps to my pack intrigues me. What has worked for you? How much power (size of panel) is needed? Any other input would be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: backpack solar chargers / batter packs??
Post by: Bowhunter3 on September 04, 2022, 02:46:35 PM: I don’t use solar panels but do use anker battery packs. I get about 6 phone charges and a couple gps battery top offs per charged pack. Either the 20k or 26k, I can’t remember. They’ve lasted years now and still perform like new.
Title: Re: backpack solar chargers / batter packs??
Post by: Stein on September 04, 2022, 02:58:05 PM: I agree, just bring another battery pack. That way, you have redundancy and don't have to mess with solar panels. It's a cheaper, lighter and more effective solution in my opinion.
Title: Re: backpack solar chargers / batter packs??
Post by: Bushcraft on September 07, 2022, 10:55:32 PM: It comes down to duration and consumption.

As a financial planner and investment manager I am responsible for my clients' entire life savings and absolutely cannot have comms go down. I'm never 100% unplugged or "on vacation". Yep, it sucks sometimes but it's just part of the gig. So, lugging the extra weight is a necessity. I have a smaller Goal Zero and it's okay if I know I'll only need to charge my phone and battery pack a couple times during a period of good weather forecasts, but the much larger Ankers (sp?) I have are the cat's meow for longer duration trips in inclement weather. I've used them to trickle charge batteries on overcast days. Just be mindful of needing to set them up and monitor them so they are aimed directly at the sun.

If you're only going to be out for a couple days, you're phone will probably be fine if you are vigilante about minimizing power consumption and protect it from the cold. Things that don't do well in the cold get to enjoy some space in your sleeping bag at night and under a layer or two of of clothing during the day.

If you're only going to be out for 3-6 days, then bringing along a battery pack is the way to go, with the same caveats of protecting if from the cold. I've had great luck with the Dark Energy Poseidons and larger Ankers (sp?).

If you're going in on the 12th and coming out the 26th and you have a significant need for regular battery consumption...then a battery pack with an accompanying solar panel is the way to go. More of each if your base camp is supported by four-legged beasts of burden and you spike out for a couple three days at a stretch before coming back to base camp for food, fresh base layers, fresh batteries, etc. A couple extra power cords are a good idea. Two is one. One is none. I had to relearn that the hard way when a power cord decided that it no longer wanted to participate in charging my phone from a battery.
Title: Re: backpack solar chargers / batter packs??
Post by: dreadi on September 07, 2022, 11:00:47 PM: Integrate GPS into your phone.
There’s some solar rechargeable string lights that you can also use to charge your phone.
Title: Re: backpack solar chargers / batter packs??
Post by: huntnnw on September 07, 2022, 11:09:07 PM: Dark energy Poseidon for a battery bank. I have a cheap battery bank I bought in a gas station once at its lasted 6 years now and it weighs almost nothing, It will charge my iphone from almost dead to 100% once. Really depends on how much power you need, are you in service and using your phone alot? several devices? watching movies, music etc at night in tent or down time. I also have a goal zero the small solar charger and it works okay and will get your stuff charged as long as you are not charging lots of stuff.