Suggestion for portable solar charger?
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Hi MP, |
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goal zero makes solid products |
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The Suntactics sCharger-5 is what a bunch of the long-distance hikers (on the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, etc.) strap to the outside of their pack. Gets great reviews all around. |
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I really like my solarmokey adventurer - it's shit simple and it works. Seems to be able to charge in much lower light than other panels. |
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I've used the goal 0 nomad for a long time. It's been really durable and charges an iPhone relatively fast. Highly recommend it. |
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Small tip, airplane mode will extend the life of the battery by a ton, especially when there is weak or no signal. The GPS can still be turned on, even in airplane mode. |
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Went with the solarmonkey since it looks practically indestructable. thanks all! |
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You will be sorely disappointed with the solar monkey, i can guarantee you that! |
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Uh oh, why is that? |
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Probably just a spammer, he signed up yesterday and that's his only post ;) |
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I found about 1900 possible options: |
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Try and figure out what your TRUE power needs really will be. Is this for long weekends? Thru Hiking the AT or PCT? What will your phone use be compared to an average day (and what's an average days power needs). |
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Can you tell me how many mAh are needed to charge an iPad and the time it would take? I see panels from 4000-20,000mAh. |
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cochiseclimbing wrote:Can you tell me how many mAh are needed to charge an iPad and the time it would take? I see panels from 4000-20,000mAh.I think you mean power packs? iPads are much more power hungry. You're looking at 33WHr needs. Now you're looking at things like a GoalZero Sherpa 50/100 and a larger panel if you want it to really hum. The GZ stuff is nice and well integrated but you pay a premium for that. If you're base camping you can DIY power packs for a lot less. Not as sexy but a much better Watt/$$ ratio. I think GZ Power Pack options are really nice, particularly in the mid-sizes as the size and build of them is hard to beat. The larger Yeti 1250 is AWESOME but expensive for what it is. I made a DIY version of it for base camping for a lot less. GZ panel options are a bit harder to support. The smaller Nomad Series have a nice form factor but don't plan on getting near what they're rated to. The larger GZ "hard" panels are a rip off - you can DIY a framed glass panel of similar Watts for a TON less. Also of note is the tech on the panels. There are plusses and minuses to the Mono-crystalline panels. I really want a PowerFilm foldable setup (amorphous silicon) as I think that's a better option but can't justify the $$ for how little I'd use it at this point. |
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I like the amorphous panels as well since they are lighter and more durable. I have a Kickr IV solar charger and Jumpr Slate 5K power bank from EnerPlex that I picked up at their kiosk in the Cherry Creek Mall in Denver. I like how small and light they are, and they seem pretty durable. I haven't seen much info on the web about them yet but they seem to work well. I use them mostly to charge my GoPro and cell phone when camping. It looks like they have some new bigger panels and power packs available now too that look pretty interesting. They are might worth looking into. |
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I've never heard of EnerPlex, I'll have to check them out next time I'm at the mall (once in a blue moon but I'm due for a trip). How much did that setup run you? Thanks for the recommendation |
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The whole setup ended up costing me about $150 but they are always running promotions. I work near that mall so I am there a lot. |
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I'm about to bearbreeder you so watch out!! (Instead of answering your question, I'll offer you another suggestion). |
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lol ... heres the REAL thing about to drift your thread even more =P |
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Get the Goal Zero Nomad 7 along with the Guide 10 battery pack. |
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nicelegs wrote:I'm about to bearbreeder you so watch out!! (Instead of answering your question, I'll offer you another suggestion). bearbreeder wrote:lol ... heres the REAL thing about to drift your thread even more =P& We have the real bearbreeder bearbreedering the thread right after legs. Can't make this shit up... |