Expedition planning charging electronics

I’m mentally beginning to prepare for first real expedition to either Ruth or kahiltna gorge. Thinking I’m going to be happy with just my phone, fully charged walkies, head lamps, and gps rescue device. Whats your set up for this when you go into a remote place like that for 10-14 days? Solar obviously but what’re peoples go to solar system set up to have all electronics They need for safe and enjoyable expeditions.

My considerations are cos for the set up, weight, packability, and how well it all performs in potential extreme cold.

 I’d also obviously would have AAAs as backup for avy beacon and head lamp too.

I’ve found a small solar panel (25 watts) and a 5000 amp hr battery pack is the perfect combination. Use Solar to charge the battery pack and use the battery pack to charge devices. just make sure your battery pack has enough amps to effectively charge whatever you bring. Bonus points if it has multiple outputs. 

A 25ish Watt solar panel, and then I usually bring around 30,000mah in batteries. Usually I have a 10,000mah that’s lighter for on route and a 20,000mah for everyday charging of other electronics.

This Big Blue 28w is a good bag for your buck. Cheaper and more watts than goal zero equivalent.
https://bigblue-tech.com/products/28w-sunpower-solar-charger-with-ammeter?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiArLyuBhA7EiwA-qo80PFnRySRUZRzadqFq0e4Kiag9bywRAkffJKC6r6H5kdV9Sn2Pc5tKhoCQZkQAvD_BwE

This is the lightest 10,000mah battery pack, it’s awesome  and worth the money  

https://a.co/d/3TKWWxw

This is the lightest 20,000mah battery bank I’ve found.

https://a.co/d/3oDO7g2

Christian Black wrote:

A 25ish Watt solar panel, and then I usually bring around 30,000mah in batteries. Usually I have a 10,000mah that’s lighter for on route and a 20,000mah for everyday charging of other electronics.

This Big Blue 28w is a good bag for your buck. Cheaper and more watts than goal zero equivalent.
https://bigblue-tech.com/products/28w-sunpower-solar-charger-with-ammeter?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiArLyuBhA7EiwA-qo80PFnRySRUZRzadqFq0e4Kiag9bywRAkffJKC6r6H5kdV9Sn2Pc5tKhoCQZkQAvD_BwE

This is the lightest 10,000mah battery pack, it’s awesome  and worth the money  

https://a.co/d/3TKWWxw

This is the lightest 20,000mah battery bank I’ve found.

https://a.co/d/3oDO7g2

Thanks for this! How many expeditions have you had this set up been on and have you had any take seats that you feel could’ve tailored this either on weight or cost savings, or do you feel you got the most out of what you wanted it for such as charging all essentials for climbing communication, safety n rescue devices?

Did this system support anything else like a GoPro cam as well and if not do you feel it could easily do that as well?

Also do partners have their own as well or is this shared just for charging the essentials for a team of 2-3 people?

Any issues with it being in Alaskan type of temps? 

I picked up a 20w solar panel from this site https://www.mobilesolarchargers.co.uk/shop/details/msc-expedition-20w-etfe-cigs in anticipation of using it on Denali this year. It’s nice quality and weighs less than 1lb and has two usb outlets. The gentleman who owns that store (Tim) was also super helpful when I had a bunch of questions, shipped to the US no problem. He’s sold them to many people on mountaineering/polar expeditions. I didn’t find the other cheap brands or goal zero products to have as many watts/per ounce so I chose to take a chance on it. Used it a couple times around the house so far and it’s great, will get more time in the field with it before heading to Alaska but so far I am very pleased with my decision.

Can confirm the 10000mah nitecore battery pack referenced above to be decent, used on rainier and other places in freezing temps around PNW, although read some questionable reviews online from others in freezing temps. I have not experienced the same issues, but only had it down to lows around 20f.

My system is very similar to Christian's. Same solar panel, but I only take two 10k batteries. The batteries depend on your use and how much sun you get to keep a charge going. My most power hungry items tend to be phone and watch. When charging stuff, do it in your sleeping bag or jacket or in a warm tent during the day.

This is for my personal use, partners usually bring their own. It provides backups and everyone can decide how much power they want to use. If your partner brings an iPad for movies and it dies on day 2 of a 4 day storm, you have major bargaining power if you have batteries! You'll never have to dig!

Ray Lovpal wrote:

Thanks for this! How many expeditions have you had this set up been on and have you had any take seats that you feel could’ve tailored this either on weight or cost savings, or do you feel you got the most out of what you wanted it for such as charging all essentials for climbing communication, safety n rescue devices?

Did this system support anything else like a GoPro cam as well and if not do you feel it could easily do that as well?

Also do partners have their own as well or is this shared just for charging the essentials for a team of 2-3 people?

Any issues with it being in Alaskan type of temps? 

Month long Denali expedition and month long Himalaya expedition, and 3 week long climbing and packrafting trip.

One panel was fine for a team or 3, everyone brings their own battery packs, at least 20,000mah/person. That way I can charge my phone/inreach etc for a day or two while someone else charges their battery pack on the solar panel for the day.

Like others have said, keep the batteries warm when charging things. In general batteries don’t like cold temps.

Biggest tip is adjust the solar panel regularly to face directly into the sun for the most out of your charging throughout the day.