Let's talk power banks/solar for different types of hunting situations.

[hoytxl2009]

Curious what everyone else is running depending on the type of hunt they are on. Currently I'm in the works on a DIY moose hunt in Alaska. Either 2024 or 2025, and plan to make this a every 2-3 year if possible. This hunt could go for 12-20 days depending on the unit we choose. My plan here would be to run two Nitecore Carbo 20k mah, Flip 36 and 28W solar panel. I always run a Flip 12 in my electronics bag, as twice now I've had my phone die at night packing elk out that were shot in the evening on day hunts.

For extended elk hunts 2-4 nights I always run one Nitecore 20k and the flip 12. For any backpack hunts 6-10 days I'd run two Nitecore 20k. I don't plan many trips though over 3-4 nights, but sometimes that scenario does arise.

I've tried the Anker battery packs. One I dropped and it split open and the other I had the metal part of USB come off and get stuck in the port. These issues are entirely my fault and no fault of Anker, but I still got turned off either way. I'm Definitely a fan of the Carbo as you can see. The 20k weighs in at 10.42 oz. The Goal Zero Flip 12 weighs 2.5oz which is why I don't mind carrying it all the time for some emergency power. I always leave my power banks wrapped up in cold weather, but am yet to have a issue with the Nitecore draining power if they get cold.

[Doublelunger]

I use an anker 10k. It's ok for a few nights. I've been curios about solar chargers/banks. Hopefully someone can weigh on in those. If you want to get way down in the weeds you shoukd heck out some of the ultralight threads on reddit.

 https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/u5o1ac/hiking_power_bank_comparison_2022/

[Seabass]

I use a Dark Energy Poseidon Pro. I haven’t been out more than 5 nights and all I have to charge is my headlamp, phone and inreach. On a 5 day trip the only thing that really needs a charge is my phone.

The Poseidon is the exact same size as my phone. So far it’s been pretty amazing for what I need. It’s never been below half power in 5 days.

They have a solar charger but I don’t have one or know anyone who does.

[fishngamereaper]

What are you trying to maintain.
For me solar flips have been inconsistent...and the farther north you get the worse they become..

Now I just carry an Anker or two depending on hunt..
7 day hunt in AK couple years ago for caribou I had a 20 and a 10 as a back up.
Only used about half the 20 charging phone and inreach for 7 days plus some charging in the hanger at the transporter...

[huntnnw]

What are you trying to keep charged would help. If it’s just a phone and inreach I can get away with 1 bank for well over a week. My phone in airplane mode and using maps lasts 3-4 days with quite abit of use . I’ve never drained my inreach on any hunt that’s 5-7 days of use

[hoytxl2009]

What are you trying to keep charged would help. If it’s just a phone and inreach I can get away with 1 bank for well over a week. My phone in airplane mode and using maps lasts 3-4 days with quite abit of use . I’ve never drained my inreach on any hunt that’s 5-7 days of use

Not really asking for help. Just trying to seeing what everyone else running, and what there setups consist of.

With that said I'll run a phone battery down to 20-30% very easy each day. Between OnX, games, downloaded books, and downloaded movies for the wind/rain out days. I also charge a headlamp, and inreach. Most times on a 4-5 day hunt I won't need to charge either of those.

[MR5x5]

Whatever you run.  Figure solar input at our latitude on a sunny day is max 60% of the rated panel wattage.  Note that solar input is not uniform throughout the day with best charging happening between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.  Outside of those times the incident radiation rolls off pretty dramatically.  Beyond that it is just a matter of adding up loads for things that need to be charged and converting it to panel wattage required.

[Dansk]

I use this one (below).  Good reviews from many backpacking/ultralight hiking websites.  $55 from Amazon.  Spent 6 days on back country hunt- charged my phone, headlamp, and inreach mini 2 multiple times (each) and still had plenty left in the bank.  Was using OnX, texting through garmin app, listening to spotify audiobooks, etc.

Nitecore NB10000 Gen II (Gen 2) Ultra-Slim Power Bank, 10000mAh QC Quick-Charge

[boneaddict]

Just trying to seeing what everyone else running

Two extra double As ducttaped together for flashlight spare.
No phone, no in-reach, a compass and a waterproof map.   (I know, you asked though )

[hunter399]

I throw this one in my pack.
On days when I forget to charge phone overnight.
My review is it's alright. Charges kinda slow,but will charge my phone if needed.

 All my power banks was gifted to me.
So I just use what I have available.
Which reminds me I used it during deer season and need to charge it up.


BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank, 10,000mAh Portable Wireless Charger with USB C Input/Output for Cell Phones, External Battery Pack with Dual Flashlight for Camping (Orange) https://a.co/d/5ukKhqF

[HillHound]

 I am also going on a moose hunt in 24 for 15 days and need to figure out what we are using. Weight is a big factor, the more the gear weighs the less comforts like non dehydrated food and whiskey we get to bring.

[hoytxl2009]

I am also going on a moose hunt in 24 for 15 days and need to figure out what we are using. Weight is a big factor, the more the gear weighs the less comforts like non dehydrated food and whiskey we get to bring.

That's awesome! I'd think two 20k,  plus some type of solar panel and you would be okay. Not sure how much phone use you would use, but if you get a few weather days and are stuck in tent downloaded movies are nice, which eat up the battery. Are you doing DIY or outfitted?

[hoytxl2009]

I use this one (below).  Good reviews from many backpacking/ultralight hiking websites.  $55 from Amazon.  Spent 6 days on back country hunt- charged my phone, headlamp, and inreach mini 2 multiple times (each) and still had plenty left in the bank.  Was using OnX, texting through garmin app, listening to spotify audiobooks, etc.

Nitecore NB10000 Gen II (Gen 2) Ultra-Slim Power Bank, 10000mAh QC Quick-Charge

Nitecore is what I've been running currently, and I'm very impressed.  Especially with the 20k.

[hoytxl2009]

Whatever you run.  Figure solar input at our latitude on a sunny day is max 60% of the rated panel wattage.  Note that solar input is not uniform throughout the day with best charging happening between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.  Outside of those times the incident radiation rolls off pretty dramatically.  Beyond that it is just a matter of adding up loads for things that need to be charged and converting it to panel wattage required.

Especially in Alaska. I've had good luck charging in September,  but much more sun then.  Alaska may be a different story. So my hope is that once one 20 k runs out I have enough juice between a few others to allow the first to charge up and finish the trip.

[HillHound]

I am also going on a moose hunt in 24 for 15 days and need to figure out what we are using. Weight is a big factor, the more the gear weighs the less comforts like non dehydrated food and whiskey we get to bring.

That's awesome! I'd think two 20k,  plus some type of solar panel and you would be okay. Not sure how much phone use you would use, but if you get a few weather days and are stuck in tent downloaded movies are nice, which eat up the battery. Are you doing DIY or outfitted?

Thats what I was thinking too. I will probably get them soon so I can try them out before I go. DIY float trip for about 100 river miles
My brother and I will be on our own. Payed for our bush flights in and out already. Have the raft rental payed for. Still weighing options between air cargo and refer truck to get our moose back if/when we are successful.