No. Many of the panels seem to come from the same Chinese factories, though, resulting in very trivial differences which may make some of them look like an Anker you have in mind.

We spoke with Anker directly, and they told us they don't sell solar panels in the US and that any Amazon listings (like this one) are fake or people reselling without permission — which may explain why that Amazon listing is ridiculously overpriced, as if someone is importing and adding a markup.

In the last few days we've kicked around the idea of doing a deeper blog post about these problems on Amazon (partly as a follow up to this thread in /preppers), because that specific link has the "Amazon's Choice" label on it, even though it's unsanctioned.

Edit: There's a full list of the competition in a spreadsheet in the article. As u/callsignraven pointed out, Anker stopped selling panels in the US due to the tariffs.

Or buy a folding solar charger and a battery pack because they're more practical unless you live in the most cloudy of places.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012YUJJM8/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01422TC14/

This one :

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079D9MT1Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It was the cheapest I could find with decent output (which I have not measured in the real world...not sure how to?) and built-in USB output.

Folds up nice and seems really well made for $20!

I'd generally recommend people put their cellphone on Airplane (and stop using it) as opposed to completely powering it off. I find that a modern smartphone can last days in airplane, and turning it on and off wastes a lot of battery power on startup/shutdown.

Having no network access means your phone can go into a deep powersaving sleep. If you have portable batteries, ensure they're charged and UNPLUGGED before the storm hits (due to surges, same goes for any other important electronics such as cells and laptops).

If you still have cell service and need to communicate, shut off your wifi and mobile data and go old school. Text messages require minimal power, and your phone should be able to stay like this for some time without losing too much charge. Using data, be it wifi or cellular, will deplete your cellphone battery in hours.

I'd also recommend having one of those foldable USB solar panels (https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone-Galaxy/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1504892356&sr=8-4&keywords=usb+solar, they really work!!) as a way to recharge devices if the grid goes out for multiple days. Too late to buy one, but if you have one, dig it out.

For the next hurricane, do you know about these? You'd have to charge the battery the day before but it will give you more power...

These things are a gimmick. Trust me, you'll have a decently hard time charging up 10000 mah with a 21watt anker folding solar panel, but these things dont do jack. Not only that, but lithium ion batteries are not build to withstand the heat that would be required in keeping that battery in direct sunlight for the extended amount of time it would require to actually charge it. I played this game already and learned the hard way. Get THIS and a multipurpose battery like THIS and save yourself the heartache.

Just wrote this as a comment on another sub and thought it might be useful to someone here.

Rundown of my experience with the power banks I own:

Klarus CH1X

• This is my short trip/minimalist charger, but can be expanded with swappable 18650 batteries. Some battery brands include USB ports integrated into the batteries for recharging as well.
  
• With a 3.6k mAh battery, comes in at 2.9oz. I can add another battery to double the capacity to 7.2k mAh and 4.7oz, or a third battery for 10.6k and 6.5oz. At this point, it’s more about the flexibility than weight savings.
  
  Anker Powercore 10k
  
  
• When I just want to toss in a bank for 3-4 days and have enough juice to run my iphone, AppleWatch and headlamp while taking photos, video and tracking my route with a GPS app.
  
• The lightest integrated bank at this capacity that I’ve found, and regularly $25 on Amazon.
  
• 10k mAh and 6.35oz
  
  Anker Powercore 10k PD
  
  
• I recently went on a 2 week backpacking trip on the John Muir Trail, which included stopping into civilization for burgers and charge ups. The standard battery banks take the better part of a day to recharge, but these newer “PD” banks use USB-C connections and higher wattage charging adapters to cut that down to less than 4 hours. This worked wonderfully at Red’s Meadow while we ate and resupplied.
  
• A tad heavier than the older powercore and at a premium of $45 (got mine on Amazon Day sale though), plus the price and weight of an 18W charger.
  
• 10k mAh and 6.7oz.
  
• I can also add the other Anker 10k for a total of 20k mAh and 13oz, if you’re rocking a YouTube level video production.
  
  Bonus item: Lixada “10W” Solar Panel
  
  
• Im not a fan of the bulky and heavy name brand solar chargers, but I f you’re not sucking down huge amounts of power every day, a cheap and light supplemental solar panel like this is a great addition. I’ve tested this several times on open (minimal shade) trails, plugged into the Anker while I hike and it does a surprisingly good job of topping off the bank or getting extra mA before needing to recharge on longer trips.
  
• Trim some of the extra plastic off to save another ounce of weight. Do the math by pairing it with a smaller bank and you can come in at the same weight or less than a higher capacity bank.
  
• Real world output of 3W and 2.75oz trimmed.
  
• I plan on trying this out with the Klarus to see if I can get a sub 6oz solution that can be indefinitely sustainable (given the proper conditions).

I got one of these for $15.99: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01MCXZJ8Y I've cut it down a bit and it now weighs 83grams.

I measured the output of it in close to "average conditions" for a sunny day and was able to reliably get 1.5watts for the output. While this is far from what it's marketed as, it's enough to tickle charge my battery enough to justify the weight for longer trips. Not yet field tested.

It looks like they raised the price as an April Fools joke and decided not to stop laughing. All the way to the bank... (Change the History to Last 60 days to see the jump)

I'm definitely intrigued by the idea of running something like a Pi on solar using low-cost components. Lots of the less expensive options for solar panel + battery combos aren't terribly efficient, even suggesting that you plug in the battery to charge faster. Haha.

I'd say this is shitty because it's way more expensive than a portable solar USB charger. Reviews complain that it 'only' outputs 18W. The only big benefit for lifesaber is you can slowly charge stuff at night, which I guess is handy for those ill planned nocturnal hikes where things go awry but for every other case solar provides more power and doesn't require awkward hand motions for hours on end.

Wow so this is fake? Seems to have pretty good reviews and fakespot gives it a B. Interesting...

https://amzn.com/B012YUJJM8

It's a powerful little array. Even at less than ideal angles I can get 1.5 amps out of it, which matches some (shitty) wall/car chargers.

For some anecdotal numbers: I had it zip tied to the roof of my car during a music festival and it could charge my 20k anker from zero to almost full over the course of the day. This was while keeping it in one "ideal" spot on the roof centered around noon, I did not keep adjusting it throughout the day.

I'm not posting this comment to be mean. I picked up a solar charger on Amazon a few years ago to use while on a backpacking trip. I had no idea if something like that would even work but it worked great!

Anyway here is an example of such a device. This happened to be the first one that showed up on Amazon when I searched for "solar phone charger" but there are many different kinds available now.

They are inexpensive enough that I would recommend anyone get one of these, even if you're not currently plagued with these power outages.

The Anker 21W solar charger trickle charging in to a battery works pretty well. Use the battery as your main source of power, and top it up with the solar if in the wilderness/as a backup. The battery will easily give you multiple phone charges, and the solar panel can top the battery up pretty well. I had no problems with the panel strapped across the top of my panniers and trickle charging the battery all day.

I have one of these: https://smile.amazon.com/10000mAh-External-Carabiner-Emergency-Travel-Orange/dp/B01FWH0KQO

But this is pretty sweet: https://smile.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone-Galaxy/dp/B012YUJJM8

With current PV efficiency and the solar irradiance at Earth, it would take days to charge a kindle if not closer to a week. You'd need a panel 5-10 times larger than the kindle to get decent charge times, which you can buy for 30-50$ like this one https://www.amazon.com/SOKOO-Portable-Efficiency-Reinforced-Waterproof/dp/B01HJKJVG2 (first that came up, not endorsing it).

I have one identical to the linked one but from another company, they're decent for backpacking.

Solar doesn't work like how you think it works. Solar is like using a dripping faucet to fill a bucket. If you think you're going to charge a phone placing it in the sun for 5 mins you're in for a huge disappointment.

If you plan to basecamp awhile you can get an Anker 21w panel system and a two 13,000mah battery packs.

How this works is... During the day when you're out hiking you position the solar panel in the sun at your base camp. It will roughly take a full day to fully charge a 13aH portable battery if the conditions are good. Now you have 13Ah of power or enough portable battery to charge your phone at least 3 times. You put that in your backpack.

While you're carrying one of those 13,000mah battery packs you put the other on the solar charger at camp so it's fully charged and ready to go when you get back in the evening. When the one you're carrying is dead, you swap it for the charged one.

You never actually plug a phone directly into a solar charger as that's insanely inefficient. Same as houses with solar power, they are not powered by the solar panels they're powered by battery banks that are recharged by the sun.

If you're going on a thru hike without a basecamp or stopping during the day? Solar is not for you. Carry some high capacity portable batteries and limit phone use.

Honestly I wouldn't get a solar battery pack. They're too small and sometimes don't even charge past 50%. Look for a usb solar panel (Anker or Nektech) and add a good battery pack (again anker or ravpower) 20,000 mAh or more. Charge your phone and battery pack during the day. At night use the battery pack.

Current carry:
Jansport X LRG Hatchet|Soylent 2.0|Fitbit Blaze with fake Milanese Loop band|Anker Ultra Slim Extended Battery Case|Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger|Anker 21W 2-Port USB Solar Charger PowerPort Solar

I keep adding more stuff, but this is all I really need.

If all you want is a hand crank radio, there are much cheaper models.

If you want a way to charge your phone when the power goes out, this won't do that very well with the cranking or the solar. Both produce such a small amount of power that you would be cranking for hours for a few percent of charge. The only way this charges a cell phone is if you pre charge it, and then it's just acting as a battery bank, but even then it doesn't hold much energy compared to other battery banks that are much cheaper and hold much more power. This thing holds about 2600mah, which is about enough to charge one cellphone once.

There are many battery banks out there that hold 10 times that (close to 30k mAh) for about $50, so if all you want is reserve power, thats your best bet.

Here is one for $50, decent brand, holds 26,800 mAh, enough to charge most smartphones several times over. There are lots of different sizes and prices, many which can power other things too like a laptop.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012NIQG5E

---

If you want to be able to recharge a battery bank, you don't want to crank it, you want decent solar power. There are lots of larger panels that will charge your phone at full speed. (the one on the red cross one looks like half the size of a smartphone, just enough to run the radio probably).

Here is a 16w panel that folds up, can charge 2 devices at once, and pretty quickly with good sun. The review says it charges their iphone6 plus in 2 hours near noon, and similar time even in a window (still full sun though). Here it is: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HJKJVG2

Keep in mind again, there are tons of different models and brands. You can probably find a cheaper one with less wattage if you don't want to charge so quick, or more wattage if you want to fill up your power banks.

---

I recommend buying a power bank, and a separate solar panel. You could hook up your solar panel to the power bank and fill it up for most of the day as long as there is light, and then you have a (mostly) full power bank to use to charge the various devices when it's dark or raining out.

If you think you could survive overnight with just one phone full of juice, maybe you could skip the battery, but when you have no power you get bored and probably would want to spend more time than normal on the phone, and probably want to charge other devices and family members devices too, so the battery bank makes sense.

If you want a radio, most phones probably do am/fm, if you want a weather radio, get one separate for a few bucks, it will probably include a flashlight and maybe even a crank for emergencies, but shouldn't cost anywhere near what this red cross one does.

I mentioned what I would recommend, i was just vague with 2 of them.

it's more expensive, but it actually works, and can be used for other things.
(i have an all-in-one unit like you listed, its better with a lithium battery, but useless for anything but a low powered radio).

https://www.amazon.com/SOKOO-Portable-Efficiency-Reinforced-Waterproof/dp/B01HJKJVG2/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1505954608&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=solar+charger+usb&psc=1

this charges anything usb....

its better to charge a battery so you're not tethered to it.
any powerbank will work; https://www.amazon.com/Bonai-Portable-External-Flashlight-Smartphones/dp/B06Y58CXFZ/ref=sr_1_9?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1505954885&sr=1-9&keywords=usb+battery

This is the only one I specifically recommend, the rest "any" will do.
https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Solutions-T480-Rechargeable-Preparedness/dp/B00W75BLTU/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1505954944&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=moto+480+talkabout

this is a bit pricey.. buts its a 2 way radio, plus FM, weatherband, flashlight, water-resistant. lacks AM though.

but these are very nice, and can use rechargable batteries,, which could be charged with a USB AA battery charger. https://www.amazon.com/Sony-ICFP26-Portable-Radio-Black/dp/B012F0DGYE/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1505955010&sr=1-3&keywords=sony+am%2Ffm+radio

if you want to argue price... actually charge your phone with that Eton product, and then if you still want to depend upon it, ill concede.

I own the 2014 equivalents of these products:

[Anker Battery Bank][1]
Anker Solar Charger

They work great together.

During a past hurricane, my mom lost power for like 10 days (she lives in the woods), so I left her both of these. She used the solar charger to charge the battery bank during the day, then used the battery bank to charge her phone at night.

At the end of the 10 days, the external battery bank was still nearly fully charged. I don't know if the solar charger was truly keeping up with her consumption, but if not, it was really close.

[1]: https://smile.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-13000-Portable-Charger/dp/B00Z9QVE4Q/ref=sr_1_5?crid=X71IPNXWH311&keywords=anker+battery&qid=1567034255&s=gateway&sprefix=anker+batter%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-5

This is one of my only prepping areas of expertise. Every time the power goes out, I learn about some new way that I could've been better prepared for the boredom. I've created separate categories.


No Power


If you're woefully unprepared or all of your power is completely gone, you still have a few options:

• Playing Cards: I see these recommended all the time, and I'm sure everyone knows a few card games. But how many? 3 or 4? How many games can you almost remember, but not quite? That was an issue I realized I faced, so I bought a book of card game rules, like this one.
  
  
  
• Board Games: For those who didn't know, there was a board game revolution of sorts that began in 1995 with Settlers of Catan. Since then, there have been some REALLY incredible games that have come out. I love board games so much, I go to monthly meet-ups with fellow enthusiasts to play new and different games. Once you play a gateway game like Ticket to Ride, you'll never look back.
  
  
  I now have a good 30 board games, and am always looking for more. A typical board game can last for over an hour including setup, so they're a great way to kill time and have fun if there's nothing else to do.
  
  
  Check out some of the recommendations over at the board games subreddit
  
  
  
• Physical Books: Unfortunately, I don't have much of a physical library. But anyone who reads before bed knows how easy it is to get sucked into a good story and suddenly it's 3:00am.
  
  
  I like to have several books I love, some books of short stories, and stuff I'm kind of 50/50 on. I figure, if I try something out when there's no power and it can't hold my attention, then it really isn't a good book for me.
  
  
  Access to SOME Power
  
  
  If you're like me, you have a solar charger for electronics) coupled with a battery pack. With that, you should be able to stay at least sort of powered indefinitely. This setup increases your entertainment tremendously.
  
  
  
• Kindle: Charge it once and the battery lasts forever. I have a ton of books I've been meaning to read and books I had to put down because life got in the way. They're all there, just waiting for the power to go out. Additionally, a lot of older classics are free to download. And...err...I hear you can find books for free if you are willing to compromise your morals a bit.
  
  
  I prefer the original Kindle or the Paperwhite, since I want it solely for books.
  
  
  
• Tablet: Another prep I still need to make, but one I've researched a ton. Basically, you want some way of streaming movies, shows, and music. An old tablet+connected hard drive can potentially keep you entertained indefinitely, provided you can keep re-charging. And again, I hear there are places you can go to...find movies.
  
  
  
• Phone: Of course, you should only use your phone if you can reliably keep it charged (and have a backup burner for 911 calls!). If you can do that, and you are still able to get 3G/4G, you should be more than entertained. And you can always download podcasts, movies, music, etc. to your phone in advance in case your cellular access is limited.
  
  
  Full Power
  
  
  There are only a few situations I can envision where you have access to uninterrupted power, but can't leave your house. If you have a generator, of course, or if you're in some type of Contagion situation. If that's the case...you really don't have an entertainment problem.

I really regret not studying engineering now.

I know the principles, but not the practicality.

I have a tablet and an microSD card I could quite simply fill with a tonne of scientific ebooks.

I'll bring one of these

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-2-Port-Universal-PowerPort-Charger/dp/B012YUJJM8
and yes, I don't care about how ridiculous it'd look in my oversized pockets.

You can charge your phone with a solar panel... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_hywozbXGNDR1D) just wear it like a cape!

This is a kit that pretty much everyone should have on hand in the modern era:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XBGSS2R

https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Charger-RAVPower-Battery-26800mAh/dp/B012NIQG5E/

https://www.amazon.com/Light-Bulbs-2-Pack-Camping-Emergency/dp/B0155MMVHC

I have this portable solar charger it costs about 1/2 to 1/3 less of your system ($54), produces similar power output and I charge my cellphone and tablets from it all the time, and its far more portable than carrying a huge battery and charge controller with it.

Flawless voice and video recording, portable light that doesn't burn, basic math, controlled vibrations, touch screen... couple others that don't require any infrastructure.

Battery life is the only concern, doesn't need anything else than sun for power, really.

Considering we're in theory going back in time, might as well theoretically be prepared for life there :P

I have this http://www.amazon.com/Anker-2-Port-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1463097145&sr=1-6&keywords=solar+charger

works aight.

I'm not sure disposable helps you any more than having a stockpile of rechargeable batteries, unless you're counting on some sort of resupply of disposables. I would rather get a solar panel and solar-compatible charger. Keep in mind lithium-ion can support higher output and has 3x the energy density.

As for the light, I think reliability would be the main concern and you would want a moderate beam pattern (not too floody, not too throwy) with decent lumens. There are a lot of lights that match that criteria. I would start with Armytek and Zebralight since they make very high quality lights. The Dobermann in Warm might be a good fit.

GoalZero gear is astronomically overpriced and tends to employ older technology.

For portable USB charging, this is the current king of the hill, a 21-Watt folding system by Anker, using the latest Maxeon solar cells:

http://www.amazon.com/Anker-2-Port-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone/dp/B012YUJJM8

GoalZero and others use less efficient cells so you need a larger, heavier panel to do the same work.

Disclosure: I bought one.

Use it to charge a powerbank while you're on the go, then use the powerbank to charge whatever devices require power. (or charge both at once)

If you want to step up to something that charges DSLR batteries, you're going to need a panel that will output >12-volts; those are larger panels. Example:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MTGQ59S/

(click on the 40Watt version; the 65Watt is much less portable)

The Fenix CL25R is an excellent USB chargeable, 18650 powered lantern. On moonlight mode, it runs for 600-hours.

Unfortunately I don't believe there is any solar chargers which will work well in overcast conditions. The upside is even if it cannot provide a ton of power it should still be able to charge your batteries, it will just take longer than if in direct sunlight.

Personally I carry one of these - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012YUJJM8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I charge a power brick with it and then charge my devices off the power brick. Many devices (phones, etc.) need X power before they will allow charge, but most power bricks will charge under most any circumstances in my experience.

I brought my phone and laptop. I only ended up using my phone.

I had some larger capacity extended batteries. Then I got one of these.

One thing I found though was that if you leave your phone in the sun it overheats (that probably should have been obvious to me). So I put the panel on top of the car but the phone in the shade under the car. So get a long cable to go with it.

Doesn't look exactly the same, but close: Amazon link for folks in the US

The one that I got works for the iPhone but not for the iPad. I really like it and it wasn't too expensive.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00449U3K0/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?ref_=cm_sw_em_r_am_ip_am_us

Panel/ External Battery. Lightest panel that will charge two 2.1a items at the same time. External was ok, but will drop out of charge in shade, and not begin recharging in sunlight without a reconnect of the usb cable.

I'm going to be all over the place with this, as I'm trying to cook dinner at the same time....so...sorry.

First thing that I say is no matter what you bring, make sure that you have a way to transport it easily. Use hiking packs, hand trucks, and/or a wagon. You think you can carry stuff....but man, after a mile and a half, that shit gets heavy. I made one trip with my stuff in my hiking pack, set up my tent, threw my stuff inside and headed back to the car. I put 2 cases of beer and a case of water in my backpack. I almost didnt' make it back to camp.

My roommate and I both are pretty decent welders/fabricators and are already working on a sweet wagon design to carry a bunch of shit...and morph into a table/bench of sorts.

Next, bring a tent with a good rain fly, and a tarp to put the tent on. It gets really damp at night, so you'll be glad to have these two things.

I will be bringing a 10x10 EZ up tent this year, for sure. We had one for about 15 people and...well...we needed more. It's awful nice to get out of the sun for a little while during the day.

Bring food that is easy to make...sandwiches, chips, etc. The food there is really expensive...and it's nice to be able to do some things on the cheap.

Well, the security was pretty lax last year. A guy I camped with brought a full coleman stove....we had eggs and bacon one morning and it was wonderful.

Don't forget folding chairs either. You'll need those fo sho.

Consider bringing some ear plugs....as some people like to bump tunes late into the night. I used some shooting earmuffs. I looked like a fool, but I was the only person in the group that didn't have a problem sleeping.

I'm going to be purchasing one of these to keep the group's phones charged. It has 2 USB ports and worked like a champ. Nobody ever had any shortage of battery.

Bring a couple coolers. One to keep stuff in...and one that just has ice. The ice there is pretty damn expensive too...but...it sure beats warm beer.

I'm sure I'll come back to write more....

Fuck....I can't wait.

This is cool but impractical. It requires fast flowing water, and its probably not always going to be easy to position it in a river to get the most of the flow of water, so charging will vary due to possible suboptimal conditions.

Hell, their are combined solar charging battery packs that are probably better fits for people out in the wilderness. Not sure if they produce energy just as fast but at least you wouldn't need to worry about having strong flowing water to get power. Honestly a small power bank and a small separate solar pack might even be lighter.

Someone in the comments mentioned using this on a multi day canoeing trip by pulling behind the canoe but even still im not sure its worth the cost and effort when you can spend much less and probably get everything you need from easier alternatives that can be brought with you in other places too.

Here is a How It's Made video that discusses how the standard solar panels you have probably seen already are made. Notice the core of the panel is silicon crystals. The silicon crystals are doped with other elements (often Phosphor and Boron) to create PN junctions. These PN junctions absorb light and create excited electrons. If you connect these panels to an electronic circuit the electrons will flow out of the panels as electrical power (I am omitting details here).

The key issue is that the silicon panels are a rigid, brittle crystals. You could make a "flexible" solar panel by increasing the space between the cells and connecting them with some sort of flexible material. However, this would have wasted space and the panels would still be at risk of cracking if you apply too much pressure or twist them too much.

Also note that the panels are often opaque. This is because silicon crystals are opaque. If you could reduce the thickness of the crystals significantly you could make the transparent, but they would also absorb less light and produce less power.

For both of these reasons, silicon-based solar panels have not been turned into windows or wearable tech (outside of solar backpacks).

A better solution would be to make flexible or transparent solar cells, which means you need to make flexible P-N junctions. There is ongoing research into organic solar cells (typically made out of carbon-based polymers). The problem is that *most* polymers are insulators, so they make bad semiconductors. Some polymers are conductors. However, the key is research into semiconductive polymers. The resulting solar cells are called organic solar cells and as of writing I am not aware of any commercially successful implementations.

If you only need power for a day or two you would probably be better off with a USB charger for those batteries and a huge battery bank. Something like this would charge each of your devices up to three times.

Assuming you need to charge each one a full time every day with a solar panel you would need something like this and it would require between 3 hours and 9 hours in direct sunlight to provide enough power. The panel needs a clear day, to be pointing at the sun, and to be kept cool to provide enough power in 3 hours.

Try this one from Anker. It's a dual USB, 21W charger, and seems to have pretty good reviews. I own one, but haven't had the opportunity to field test it just yet. I might put in for some time off and take it camping soon to see how it performs.

I use an Anker solar charger and battery.

Reasonably priced 20w panel

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone-Galaxy/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499869668&sr=8-1&keywords=anker+solar+panel

Combine with most any portable USB battery pack and boom, done

Further word on the Thrunite, they have portable powerbanks on hand that also takes 18650 batteries. Not only you can use them to charge your phone, but you can also switch out the batteries on the fly if the situation is desperate.

That being said, the Anker 21W Solar Power Kit can make you independent from the power grid while in the great outdoors. The Thrunite TC12 and the company's portable power banks can be USB charged, you can plug them into the Anker solar panels to recharge them. Perfect for long-term off the grid situations, so long as the sun is shining...

I'm talking about small, low cost options like this just to get people access to the very basics that they wouldn't otherwise have access to.

I'm not talking about powering houses and washing machines, but charging phones, flashlights and other things we wayyy take for granted.

Sorry to burst your bubble but...

I have one of this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B012YUJJM8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467877538&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=Anker+solar&dpPl=1&dpID=41r2DN9dfdL&ref=plSrch

This thing is way bigger and using the top of the line Sunpower panels with 23% conversion. With all these going for it, it can charge my phone at 10W-ish speeds under full direct tropical sun.

With that in mind, I doubt a tiny panel like that would do much to charge the phone, if at all.

Personally I use a regular battery pack, and a foldout solar panel (http://www.goalzero.com/p/11/nomad-7-solar-panel)

You can find cheaper panels around, and they have a new panel (Nomad 7 Plus) that's apparently better. Just remember you need direct sunlight for about a day to charge a 3000mAh battery pack with a small 7W panel like the one I linked. A bigger 20W panel like this should be able to charge around 8000mAh in a day with good sunlight.

You are much better off buying your battery pack and panels separately - charge the battery pack during the day, and use the battery power overnight.

Gorruck 34L GR2 Coyote Tan - a good bag, heavy, uncomfortable, probably give it to my grandchildren in like 50 years

Flip Flops - generic things

Bigblue 28W solar charger - very good, can charge my battery up during the day if i leave it in the sun which I've never really done honestly

Jakemy hardware tools - seamed useful? i've never needed this

Army glove shells - i thought i used these a lot and were indistructable but now that i think of it, i don't use them that often and are probably pretty cheaply made.

Sharpie, pen, all weather notebook - probably should switch over to a fisher space pen...

Straws - these are probably already broken.

Whistle - really really really loud

Fire-striker, matches, lighter - i'm not sure i have enough ways to start a fire

Fresnel lens - ok, now i have enough

LED flashlight - i used to go running in the middle of the night with this flashlight, its tiny

LED flashlight - this isn't the one i have but looks kinda similar? i don't remember where i got mine

Earbuds - generic cheap earbuds

Leatherman Surge - given to me by my wife for passing the bar. thanks wife!

First Aide kit - i put mine together from stuff i've stolen from friends houses whenever i go over and use the bathroom

playing cards - these look very similar to the ones i have, they are plastic so they won't get rained on

glasses/ sunglasses - i have really bad vision

personal hygiene kit - aahhhh dry shaving

Sawyer Mini / syringe, collapsible canteen (dirty), heavy duty straw - i've never used this

collapsible canteen (clean) - i've never used this either

sewing kit - i've used this a lot

ID tags - i guess if i get blown up they'll know my blood type?

garbage bag - for when my pockets are full

elastic bands - i use these when packing to keep rolled socks and things from falling apart

Salt - i have nooooo idea why i have this

cooking grate - i'm not going to hold meat over a fire with a stick like some sort of caveman

heavy duty ziplock bag - in case my mapcase breaks and other reasons

rip-patch - leftover from when i needed a pack because i bought a crummy cheap inflatable sleeping pad.

Army Fleece Beanie - i always keep this at the top of my pack

4 Bungie Cords - not the one i use but similar. to make a field-expedient shelter

Trowel - for disposal of biological wastes

Lensatic compass - because GPS should only be a backup

Pocketboy 130 folding saw - i have a bigger one for yardwork, this small one is really great

Tent stakes - for tent staking

Ravpower 26800 Battery - use this all the time can fast chage my stuff

Battery Battery holder, cables, wall charger - all fits togehter like glove!

Army Poncho - wear it, make a tent out of it etc

Microfiber towel - not the one i use but similar. i mainly use this for when the kids accidentally fall in a lake like they tend to do for some reason

Down Jacket - cheap chinese knockoff... i feel bad for not buying american

Wet weather top - not sure this is worth the space/weight

Wet Weather bottom - not sure if this is worth the weight/space

Silkweights - PJs! and warmth

Jungle Blanket - this is a lot better than the army's woobie. lighter and warmer

Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet - again, gift from wife. she wanted me to chop things and be more manly, generally. now i come home with parts of wildlife for her to cook

Map of New England - or, how i stopped worrying and love dismounted land navigation

PT belt - keeps me safe in all situations

Compression straps - i don't like lashing things to the outside but i guess i can if i wanted to

Fork and Spoon - stole these from the kitchen. i'll probably be replacing this soon with something titanium.

​

EDIT: i just priced it out: $1,585.08 total

I did this myself, saving said self a lot of frustration.

Solar Powered Charger

For 150$, you could get a 100W solar panel which will generate 50 times as much energy as this device. And you can feed the energy of a regular solar panel back into the grid, while this device will just waste the energy when it is not being used.

Solar chargers are just a waste of money. The only reason to get one is when you want to charge your phone when there is no grid power available. And in that case you want something portable which this device is not. There are much cheaper options available which do the exactly the same thing.

But it looks kind of nice, I guess.

Either this

http://amzn.com/B00449U3K0

Or this

http://amzn.com/B006WV1HV2

I have the same version but in a smaller Astro 5200mah size. Works great, stands up to the cold weather very well. These Anker units are great. I charge them via SOLAR to then charge my phone, gps and headlamp.

you will need at least a 10 watt panel to charge a normal battery bank. Probably 20, given that you wont get perfect conditions for use.

https://www.amazon.com/X-DRAGON-Efficency-Technology-Smartphones-Foldable/dp/B00NGKPX4Y/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1473595315&sr=8-3&keywords=x+dragon+solar+charger

Thats one of the cheapest portable panels and its over $40. 14 watts is $35, so you will be paying at least 25 for the minimum panel required. An 8 cell 18650 battery bank should provide ~15 Ah for around 20 bucks. You just need to make sure the battery isn't in the sun when charging to ensure the lifespan of the batteries.

Thats probably your best bet for a solution that will actually work. You should get 2-3 charges of a phone per day.

My battery pack is solar powered so I can just lay it out to charge back up in 6-7 hours with good sunlight

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YOP7LV8/ref=psdc_2407762011_t2_B01J9VU7SU

There's definitely a place in a collection for some solar powered watches. I have quite a few (two Seikos, three Citizens) and love them all. My advice would be, if you have a large watch collection and don't often put the solar watches on your wrists, get one of these. This will charge your solar watch nicely (and also make lume on any watch super-bright if you want to photograph the lume).

http://www.amazon.com/Anker-2-Port-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone/dp/B012YUJJM8/

Edit: Yeah -- nobody is going to be able to reproduce any of the technology involved. I'd just use it to impress important people.

"I'm from the future: look at this. I purchased this, and wouldn't be able to create it myself even in the time I'm from. Like how your sword and armor were made for you, but this is far more intricate, complicated, and requires many materials from all around the world.

I do, however, know some things that would help your kingdom that we can make out of stuff available to us. On this device, I have a compendium of knowledge called Wikipedia. I can teach you to make black powder, high explosives, military tactics, metal working, agriculture, building construction, etc. We can predict and avert famines from pests and drought, and treat many diseases and injuries."

Suck up to the king, keep a password lock on the phone.

Both of the products that you mentioned look over-priced and over-specified.

If you limit yourself to 5V USB I recommend a 75 watt-hour battery ($37) for its dual inputs; it charges twice as fast as a normal battery. That should be sufficient to charge two cell phones, a small lamp ($4) and a fan ($17). You can charge the battery from a wall outlet, with a cigarette lighter USB adapter ($10), or with a small solar panel ($100).

You might prefer a Luci light ($15) to the lamp mentioned above; it charges itself from the sun and won't consume any of your battery capacity.

If you need 12 volts, I recommend a 185 watt-hour battery ($130), which will also charge a laptop computer. It recharges from a wall outlet, or you can use a 150 watt inverter ($24) from your cigarette lighter.

Don't let your dreams be dreams. DO IT

I might almost prefer a flashlight that runs on standard AA/AAA batteries in that situation. OP sounds like he's pretty remote, and I'm not sure he could reliably source CR123s without paying an arm and a dick for shipping, and I'd feel kind of sketchy about relying on rechargeables in an area with regular power failures, unless I have a generator or a solar panel.

Actually, one of these Anker solar chargers would probably be an excellent investment in OP's case.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-2-Port-Universal-PowerPort-Charger/dp/B012YUJJM8

I bought this after doing some research. In full sunlight it will charge my portable battery like it was plugged into a wall. But just be aware that solar chargers need solid sunlight to work well. You would probably be better off buying an EasyAcc 26000 mah portable battery which will be able to charge your phone for a week easily.

Is this the solar you mentioned? Anker 21W 2-Port USB Universal PowerPort Solar Charger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_FwSMybN50D141

Little tip, these can be found at Princess Auto (not name brand) for MUCH cheaper. I have a few small hand-cases that I got for around $25.00.

On a side note, I got a solar panel for camping which I use to charge my battery packs, which then go on and charge my 18650's. Its super handy to not have to worry about running out of battery life while your out in the boonies!

I've got a Mophie case that works fine that was gifted to me but, if you're not dead set on a battery case, I'd recommend a portable battery pack instead. You'll get better value for your money than using a case.

Here's my recommendation:
Anker Astro E5 16000mAh Compact Portable Charger

That should provide you with roughly 4 full recharges on your 6 Plus. I've got a few products from Anker and between their warranty and prices, I'd highly recommend their battery pack. They also sell a portable solar panel kit as well that I've used while camping.

You're going to have a hard time getting smaller. If your radio has a battery that can be used to charge your phone in an emergency, it could take a week or more to charge that battery with the tiny solar panel, and hours of cranking. Those radios can run on very low current. Your cell phone takes a ton of current.

Something like this solar charger that folds flat is about the best you can do to get small and actually charge devices. You can get one that's lighter with fewer panels, but it'll increase charge time by a factor of the area lost.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012YUJJM8

That said, if you're willing to let the solar panel charge all day in direct sunlight, something like this battery pack could charge your phone, probably around 2/3 full during a full sunny day. The battery is huge, and can charge your phone 3x or so, so it is a decent option if you're planning on charging from mains power every few days, but want a backup in an emergency.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077BQQX3L

That pack is similar in size to many phones (and thicker), but you can absolutely get smaller packs, usually without the solar panels. I prefer packs without tiny solar panels that I view as gimmicky (I'd rather have high quality panels and high quality batteries that I can mix and match) but if you're looking to reduce volume and weight, they might suit you.

I recommend Anker brand. They're not remotely the only good brand out there, but I've bought around a dozen of their products and used some of them to failure, and I've never once seen signs of cheap design like I often find when (for example) other products just fall apart after a few weeks of heavy use.

Anker costs more, but a few years ago, I got tired of replacing broken stuff, and only look elsewhere when Anker doesn't make exactly what I'm looking for.

Check this out -- pair it with a USB battery and it'd be more useful:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B012YUJJM8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485146762&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=usb+solar&dpPl=1&dpID=41VtclVfSnL&ref=plSrch

Pretty standard stuff (though I did like the video).

Bigger panels are better. Don't expect much if it's shady.

As far as adding solar to a BOB, I don't think I'd invest much in it. A really cheap (Sub-$100) way would be the $55 Nekteck from the video, plus a Nitecore F1 charger ($10), and some 18650's ($10). It'd allow you to charge the battery while walking or not really paying attention to it.

You can charge your phone (or any USB-powered device) off the NiteCore, it shows the battery voltage and charging status (though with some sort-of-confusing tiny lights. RTFM.), plus the batteries work in really good flashlights/headlamps/WML's and have the highest energy density on the market right now (most power for least weight). Plus, unlike those 'power pack' things, with individual cells you don't lose the whole pack if one goes bad (most of those packs are just 6x18650's in a case anyway).

And if SHTF, most laptop batteries contain 18650's for scavenging.

___

You could also use 26650 batteries ($13.99), but they're larger and harder to package than 18650's. The NiteCore charger works with both though. They do provide more mAh (3400 vs 5200) which means more energy storage, per battery.

Energy-density wise, the 18650's are a much better value. 26650's are roughly twice the area/weight of an 18650, but don't provide twice the energy storage. You'd be better off with 2x18650's than 1x26650 in most cases, but I could see how, from a "I'll forget to change the battery on the charger halfway through the day" point of view, a 26650 might make sense.

FYI, those chinesium power banks would struggle to charge at 20mA, which could optimistically recover about 2-5% of your battery over 8 hours of direct sun. Don't buy one.

Assuming the phone's 3500mAh

2x2400mAh = 4800mAh

0.5x3500mAh = 1750mAh

You'll need >6550mAh or 25 watt-hours per day.

If you want the option of solar charging I'd recommend buying a solar mat instead, and a battery at least double your daily power requirement.

Here's one option:

This 21w solar mat should be able to recharge all your devices in a couple of hours of direct sun. Pair that with a 20,000mAh power bank and you're pretty well set.

Note: The math works here because all your batteries and the power banks are 3.7v nominal. Power is being up and down converted to 5v, so that cancels itself, apart from entropic loss. If you're trying to figure out power requirements you must use watt-hours instead of amp-hours when comparing different voltages. VxA=W W/A=V W/V=A

https://www.amazon.com/OPOLAR-Operated-Recahrgeable-Hurricane-Portable/dp/B0749M96XT/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?crid=242JLUBK2YT6H&keywords=opolar+battery+operated+fan&qid=1555268116&s=gateway&sprefix=opola&sr=8-6

https://www.amazon.com/BCM-Portable-Charger-Battery-Pack/dp/B07KPZZTGS/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?crid=1YV2MA72AS620&keywords=portable+charger&qid=1555268159&s=gateway&sprefix=por&sr=8-8
https://www.amazon.com/BigBlue-Foldable-Waterproof-SunPower-Cellphones/dp/B01EXWCPLC/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp?keywords=solar+panel+cell+phone+charger&pd_rd_i=B01EXWCPLC&pd_rd_r=41856fa8-e8bd-4898-86ec-2fffaa7c9395&pd_rd_w=GLDP9&pd_rd_wg=NbcCu&pf_rd_p=53606735-0421-4e69-9b3b-c6f554b47a4f&pf_rd_r=ZV91HZVCVKR1D9896RHH&qid=1555268258&s=gateway

I use this one when camping:
https://www.amazon.com/SUAOKI-Charger-Portable-Foldable-Efficiency/dp/B0752TQ5Y7/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=solar+panel+camping&qid=1558554520&s=gateway&sr=8-4

When backpacking, I use this one as it is much smaller and lighter - but only powerful enough to charge my cellphone and my bluetooth speaker.

https://www.amazon.com/BigBlue-Charger-Digital-Waterproof-Foldable/dp/B071G4CQSR/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=solar+panel+camping&qid=1558554607&s=gateway&sr=8-7

I use this for our driveway gate and it works great. You could likely find a cheaper solution but this is what I had laying around. There's a separate solar charger and 12V battery for the gate but the camera didn't like the noise when the gate motors were running to open and close the gate and there was no way I running a power cord a couple of hundred feet down and under asphalt either so I just grabbed what I had and it's been there since.

https://www.amazon.com/Solar-Power-Charger-Flashlight-Splashproof/dp/B07FDXDB3W

there are a lot of solar chargers at REI, although they carry a hefty price tag. I recently bought this or this (I can't remember which one, but I'm sure they are identical) but have yet to field test it. Both are well reviewed and both are a faction of the price of other chargers. Weight wise I was suprised, it weighs almost nothing. On the downside it doesn't really have any way to latch it onto my pack, which is what I would see myself doing, charging up the device's internal battery as I walked. I plan on putting it in a ziplock and punching a hole in it, attaching it to the top of my pack with a carabiner.

Halloween Hijinxery

Solar stuff always interests me!

Solar Charger for small devices = super interesting.

yes indeed. they make these in a bunch of different sizes, I have a small one (iphone sized) that will charge 2000mah after a full day of sun, and a bigger one that does about double that.

this is similar to the little one I have. http://www.amazon.com/Powered-Battery-Charger-Portable-Devices/dp/B00449U3K0

http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-BP-SC4000-Powered-Capacity-4000mAh/dp/B005ZSVZRY/ref=pd_sim_e_2

then I have one a little bigger than this one: http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-BP-SC6000-Capacity-Charging-EcoPanel/dp/B00CHQI57A/ref=pd_cp_cps_0

I strap it to the top of my framed pack while I'm hiking, it'll charge all day that way. I use these for my gps/track maker, my phone, my vaporizers, and my camera batteries as well. I tend to go deep country hiking, sometimes alone, for up to weeks at a time, so just carrying extra batteries would get too heavy for my pack. these recharge every day and don't weigh too much.

In the Blackrock Desert. In the middle of summer. You're better off with a folding solar panel. Though I will say this does actually have some utility, since the sun doesn't always shine everywhere. Unlike that stupid water turbine power pack someone came up with that requires a source of fast moving water to charge. Damn that thing was 30 pounds of useless in a ten pound sack.

I bought this one for last year and it was great (while the sun was out). I hung it on the side of our easy up and used it to charge my phone and my backup battery (it has 2 USB ports). Each port has a 5W output, whereas OP's gift has 1.2W.

It looks like the one OP got has a backup battery included, but from looking at the reviews and answered questions it can take a few days in the sun to fully charge, which makes it more of a backup battery with a solar panel gimmick.

I spent a lot of time reading reviews on these before I bought mine last year. :) Honestly, though, I'd recommend a high-capacity backup battery before you buy a solar panel. I have this one and it will charge my S5 2-3 times before it's dead, and it charges things extremely fast. Get 5000 mAh or above and you'll be happy with it. The solar panel is great, but if ends up being cloudy a lot like it was last year, it won't be as useful as a spare battery.

For 1/3 the price and half the weight you can get a solar panel at the same amperage.

I use a Mercury 10 portable solar panel with an Anker charger. The charger that I use can fully charge an iPhone 6 5-6 times. I use that to charge my phone overnight. I then use the panel to recharge the battery in the sun during the day. I have links to the items that I use below:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CEZBKTO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006ZRYU9O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's certainly not cheap, but I have a fold-out solar charger that I attach to a 22000 mAh battery:

Charger: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00NGKPX4Y
Battery: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00FDK2G2C

That way I charge the battery while I have the solar panel in the sun, and the charger then can be used to power anything USB that I might need. It's not particularly cost effective, but it's a sub-100 dollar portable solution that has worked really well for me so far on all of my trips.

I got one of these last summer for my birthday and love it:

http://www.amazon.com/X-DRAGON-Efficency-Technology-Smartphones-Foldable/dp/B00NGKPX4Y/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449512304&sr=8-2&keywords=dragon+x

Maybe you'd like to charge your phone with the sun?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NGKPX4Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1427551387&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=portable+solar+charger&dpPl=1&dpID=41AwgKykXnL&ref=plSrch

Whoops, forgot to add the link, this one:

Solar Charger (Upgrade Version), CHOE 19W 2-Port Solar Phone Charger with Dual USB Port and Auto Detect Tech for Galaxy S7/S7 Edge, iPad Pro, iPhone 7/7 Plus/6S/6/6 Plus, Nexus 5X/6P and More https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TEQJEC6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_dM-uybVBPGY28

Shit my bad, you got a tent?
https://www.amazon.com/Charger-Portable-Waterproof-Shockproof-Dustproof/dp/B00YOP7LV8/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=solar+panels+for+camping&qid=1558536080&s=gateway&sr=8-10

https://www.amazon.com/SunLabz%C2%AE-Charger-Backpack-INCLUDING-Hydration/dp/B00YV6WY44/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468346518&sr=8-1&keywords=10%2C000+MAH+solar+backpack

well these are a thing: https://www.amazon.com/CoolFire-Charger-compatible-watches-TC-1046/dp/B00ZOWJI7A/

Im anal about keeping my watches topped off. I use this: Casio Solar, Citizen Eco Drive, Seiko Solar Watch Charger! CoolFire Professional Solar Watch Charger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZOWJI7A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_S31Fzb4Y77CTN

Normally a solar battery when drained will need solar light to charge where you'll need to set the watch outside in direct sunlight. I can testify to leaving a watch on a window sill couldn't charge the watch in a week. I use this solar charger from Amazon and it works fantastic.

CoolFire Solar Watch Fast Charger (compatible with all kinds of eco solar watches) TC-1046 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZOWJI7A/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_-Z3UDb93ARG7J

You can always just buy something like this: https://www.amazon.com/CoolFire-Charger-compatible-watches-TC-1046/dp/B00ZOWJI7A/

I have one because every watch in my collection is a solar powered watch and this makes it easier if I don't want to have them all laying around.

I wish I were getting kickbacks on doing advertising :P

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-2-Port-Universal-PowerPort-Charger/dp/B012YUJJM8

There's a slightly less powerful, cheaper version - but I don't know if it would do a simultaneous charge of two devices (I'm guessing this one will). You'd have to really get into the nitty-gritty of how much power is needed, and what the typical output is. AZ is full sun, though - which is nice.

Here's one that will charge most phones, although slowly.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-2-Port-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1468607520&sr=8-6&keywords=usb+solar+charger

Someone linked this in the last camping thread that came up. Looks like it would be the best option. You won't be able to run the 12V external charger but it will charge your mod/phone no issues.

Alternatively, if you're just going for a few days - you could just bring a bunch of already charged batteries. Can probably get about 8 of them for the price of that solar charger.

Ok this has been discussed a few times already but it's reasonable.

I personally have this Anker Battery. It can charge a phone from dead to full about 6 times.

Since I share it with my girlfriend we usually go through it + have other people camped with us so we received an Anker Solar Charger for Christmas. It works slowly but gets the job done.

There are also locker rentals available inside the forest. In addition to a place to store things in the festival grounds (Things can be left overnight) They give you a little battery and a charger dongle. When it is dead you bring it back and they give you a new one all weekend. Locker rentals are $50.

The cheapest way however is to charge it in your car XD

120mm fans are suposed to run on 12v, it should run on 5v but pretty slowly. And there are solar panels with a USB output. Should find them pretty easy. They are used a lot to power celphones and powerbanks when camping and such.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone-Galaxy/dp/B012YUJJM8
You can find cheaper ones for sure, just an example.
1 120mm on 5v won't need a lot of power.

So sounds good as long as you get the right solar panel and don't mind your fan running very slowly.
Otherwise you should look for a small 12v panel with another connector.

I have a Plug III and a Supernova dynamo hub.

From my experience it only works in flat terrain where you can ride at a decent speed for a longer period of time. If you're riding in mountainy terrain you're going to be too slow on the climbs to charge anything, and while on the descent you are easily fast enough, you won't be descending for long enough to charge your stuff.

Also, The Plug delivers only 500mA at 5V and it does not increase with more speed. So if you want to fully charge a 10.000mAh power bank that will take 20 hours (of riding) in the best case (at 0% efficiency loss). Or 3.62 hours for an iPhone 6 (1.810mAh). But you're going to have at least 20% efficiency loss.

I would recommend using The Plug to power just one device and have it just constantly plugged in. Like this the device's battery will more or less stay at the same level or drain much, much slower.

If you have an Android phone you can turn on battery saving mode which saves a lot of battery. But the phone automatically turns off battery saving mode when it's charging. So you can't have it plugged in to The Plug and use battery saving mode at the same time. For the phone I recommend fully charging it from a power bank and then turning on battery saving mode.

Get a solar panel

They make The Plug sound like the ultimate solution to your electricity needs. But in reality it's more like a nasal cannula for your electronics.
A solar panel will deliver much, much more power than The Plug. I recently bought an Anker PowerPort 21W (non-affiliate Amazon link) and it works really well even in moderate sunlight. It has two ports that can each deliver up to 2.4Ah (almost 5 times as much as The Plug). So in comparison to the above examples that's only 4.16 hours for a 10.000mAh power bank (and you don't even have to pedal) and 0.75 hours for an iPhone 6.
The Anker PowerPort is also really cheap now at $60. It's 40% off on Amazon and even at the full price it would still be rather cheap compared to a similar Goal Zero panel, for example.

Use the solar panel in the morning when you make coffee and breakfast, or over lunch, where you have time to constantly adjust it to the angle to the sun. That's when it will charge most efficiently. If you can, keep it strapped on the bike during the day. It won't be as efficient at imperfect angles but still deliver more power than The Plug.

Bring power banks that are big enough. I would recommend to get somewhere between 10k and 30k mAh total capacity. Get batteries with no moving parts and no integrated flashlights that can accidentally turn on in your panniers and drain it.

Here is the panels I use. It has 2 usb ports so it can charge a phone in real-time and a separate battery. And with long enough cabels you can leave the phone and battery safely in the shade. I also got this for writing a review, I reviewed it very well.

Anker 21W Dual USB Solar Charger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_-r8wzb1KXZYBK

You said in a comment that you just want to keep a cell phone charged for a week, and instead ended up dreaming about what you could run off of a generator and got off track. If that's the case, for just a cell phone:

A big cell phone battery is ~3500 mAh.

This bad boy is about 20,000 mAh. That's about five and a half full charges. Buy two, total cost so far is $100 CAD. This gets you 11 full phone charges, which should be plenty for a full week of moderate use.

If you want more, keep one of those packs attached to this guy during any sunny time, and you should be able to keep both of them topped up indefinitely. (Or if your phone happens to need to charge while it's sunny, attach the phone to it directly and don't use power from a battery bank in the first place.) total cost is now $180 CAD for effectively infinite power at the cell-phone-charging scale. Heck with the solar panel you could most likely get away with just one of the above power banks.

The Wirecutter has reviews of battery packs and solar chargers. While Anker isn't always the top notch option, they're reliable and I've never had an issue with any of their products (to date, six battery banks, two plug-in chargers, and probably 20 USB cables).

​

If you want to scale up a little bit more, I have experience making really big USB chargers and also solar power packs and could elaborate on that if you'd like.

It'll be hard to run a fridge without house-scale solar or running a generator, but I could probably size a system for hanging solar panels out the window and keeping a couple of LED lights going and your phone charged. Biolite (that company known mostly for the weird-but-awesome USB charging wood burning stoves) has a solution for this as well. That's $150 US.

Good work. I didn't have the opportunity to comment back to anyone in my original post, and I have some comments on the wiki. I'm still up in the air about what I want to do.

• In addition to talking about mass and dollars, it's also useful to talk about size. A good solar panel will be rated for around 15 watts/sq ft. This means that they need to be fairly large in order to throw out big numbers
  
• A good measure of how much energy you can expect out of a panel on a given day can be determined by finding the amount of solar radiation in your area. Here is a where you can find this information for every month. Where I live stays above 5 all summer, which means that I can expect (around) 75 watt hours of energy from a 15 watt panel per day in the conditions I camp in. This would allow me to charge six 3400 mAh batteries. On the other hand, my winter output would be horrible
  
• In order for solar to do you any good, you need to actively swap batteries or store it in some kind of buffer
  
• There are higher output/lower cost solar panels than the Nomad 7 Plus. Anker's "21 watt" panel is $60 and RAVPower's 16 watt panel is $45
  
• Solar can charge things other than flashlights (ie cellphones, etc). This is useful if you don't already have a USB based power bank (~$30 for one that can charge your phone over 5 days)
  
• I do not understand why batteries are counted as part of the cost of solar kit
  
• Where can I get 3400 mAh 18650s for $5.50? I am interested in acquiring some

Looks like a sweet project! I bet you know all about tnttt.com. I've spent dozens of hours in awe at the builds on that site.

If you're only planning to run a few LED lights and charge our phone, might I suggest using a couple portable Li ion battteries. They're cheap, have plenty of juice, and require no fancy installation or wiring. They're chargeable at home, in a coffee shop, from your cigarette lighter, or from a small portable solar panel.

Keep us updated!

The Anker 21w solar charger gets good reviews. I bought one for a family member and from what I hear they get good use from it but they live in Arizona.

22w folding panel should be enough for daily phone charging and occasional camera & tablet charging.

#1 seller on amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-2-Port-Universal-PowerPort-Charger/dp/B012YUJJM8

large battery pack with an lcd display and pass-through charging:
https://www.amazon.com/Intocircuit-26800mAh-Portable-Charger-External/dp/B01ASWX5PG/

in order to charge your chromebook and a more serious tablet you'll need a bigger solar panel and a bigger battery. /u/dij-8al's solution would be a better fit.

This is probably what I'd get if I were in the market for one right now.

Exactly. That way, when you make a stop, stuff will still be charging.

Edit: something like this comes to mind. Anker 21W 2-Port USB Universal PowerPort Solar Charger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_eH5lybZA0M8G2

Anker 21w used to be $60, now $69, dam, they know what they have. Mine have lasted a year now, even through some rain. Responsible for >100 charges.

Can't agree more. Headlamps are invaluable, I got a lot of use out of mine during Irma.

I would skip the 5W Panel and jump straight to something like this which would charge your phone and power bank a lot quicker.

Here is the mobile version of your link

Yea the Kindle has a rather tough screen and with tons of capacity. Coupled with the insane battery life and ease of charging it's really a no brainer. On sale they can go for like 50 bucks and everyone in the family gets books they like along with the essentials young ones won't really care about....but redundancy...

On the subject we have an Anker PowerPort 21w Solar Charger and Anker PowerCore 20100. These two items will charge the Kindle (paper white and fire variety), Nintendo DS, Galaxy 7 Edge, tablets etc. The PowerCore will charge the Galaxy 7 almost 6 times before needing recharged.

I honestly got one for my 9-day trip from Denver to Glenwood Springs and expected it to not work out so well with the same negativity I am seeing in some of these posts from people with no personal experience.

BUT... I was pleasantly surprised as my old phone that already didn't hold a charge very well was at 100% the entire trip. However, I have since taken it camping and on cloudy days it doesn't charge so well on those days.

This is the charger I got: https://www.amazon.com/Nekteck-Waterproof-Portable-Efficiency-Compatible/dp/B017GQ7OEA/ref=zg_bs_2407762011_5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=VEC9CG751KWTT9Y1T0BJ

It sat over my dry bag that ran along the top of my rear rack.

is there a reason you didn't test this popular option

So there are quite a few options in the space, but I'll link the one I got below.

So the budget ones start at about 30 bucks, typically have built in batteries, and require about 9 hours to provide ~10 amp-hours worth of power. Your average phone takes between 3 and 8 amp-hours, so it will charge a 1-2 phones in 9 hours of sunshine. Now that's 9 hours of direct sun, so on cloudy winter days you could run short (if it's really cloudy). From my tests with it, even on a cloudy day it could charge my phone 30% in about 2 hours of summer sun, so you could probably charge one phone a day in the winter. This is what I got with my 200 dollar budget, but they sell some nicer ones if you're willing to spend a bit more. The big thing to look for is one that has a standard USB port, and can output at least 5 Watts.

The next tier up have foldable solar panels, and can provide 15-21 Watts, enough to charge tablets. These are typically used by backpackers and people that live in remote areas or off grid, but if you're wanting to be ready for anything, or keep your e-reader charged, they're worth looking at. These start at about 50 bucks and can run as high as 100. Most of these do not have internal batteries, so a charge pack is recommended if you want to be able to store power without having the device connected.

What I got was the basic tier: https://www.amazon.com/Charger-Portable-Flashlight-Including-Compatible/dp/B07W6CQ7ZV

Cheap option if you want to charge tablets (doesn't store power): https://www.amazon.com/Nekteck-Waterproof-Portable-Efficiency-Compatible/dp/B017GQ7OEA. If you want a power bank, get a large one, at least 25000 mAh. They run about 35 bucks.

This is mine and puts out about 1000ma love it to death. Has ancher http points and i just attatch it to my 1 day pack and go. :) https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B017GQ7OEA?vs=1&vs=1

Je me suis dit que j’allais essayer d’être plus ecolo et plutôt que d’acheter une batterie portable pour recharger iPhone & laptop j’ai bien envie d’acheter un chargeur solaire. Mais au final je me demande si c’est vraiment utile comme geste ? En terme de pollution je parle.

Est ce que l’électricité « propre » que je vais produire va compenser le fait de : fabriquer le chargeur solaire, l’amener en France, le faire livrer en prime chez moi, etc ?

Je pense pas mais je demande toujours...

Voici la bête en question: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B01EXWCPLC/ref=psdc_1456162031_t2_B00SSZAJUK

Certo, ci sono vari pannelli solari portatili apposta tipo da campeggio; io ho questo 28W di bigblue e funziona benissimo

After mooching off my uncles solar charger, I decided to get my own and its been outstanding so far. highly recommend.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EXWCPLC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Solar charger. Check this out: SOKOO 22W 5V 2-Port USB Portable Foldable Solar Charger with High E... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HJKJVG2/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdo_b0MYzb1Z477FW

Done & you're welcome.

Was also able to find something like this on a post in /r/ultralite

Docooler Solar Charger 10W Portable Ultra Thin Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Panel 5V USB Ports for iPhone 6s/6/Plus iPad Galaxy S6/S7/Edge/ Nexus 5X/6P High Effiency Outdoor Activities Lighting Use https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01MCXZJ8Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dKjuDbESVTY0Y

That's a nifty looking device. Might have to grab one and log some usage.

Here's the link to that panel. Sorry about mess, on my phone atm...

Lixada 10W Solar Panel Charger 5V... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MCXZJ8Y?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

The following 2 pieces I carry when I am on my bike and heading to do some camping. Caveat - I do charge stuff off the bike's adapter while riding, but once parked and settled, I switch over. There are so many selections, it really comes down to how heavy are you willing to go and how bulky (more for solar panels).

​

• RAVPower 26800 PD Portable Charger 26800mAh - not the lightest, but I have several of these that power everything from a laptop to a small evaporative cooler to a camera and monitors. This would last a week, easy, if only needed for one device. When paired with the solar panel below, endless power.
  
• RAVPower 24W Solar Panel with 3 USB Ports Waterproof Foldable Camping Travel Charger - This worked great to top off the battery once parked. We were able to charge 2 phones (would have tried a 3rd, if we had one).
  
  If you watch amazon, they both go on sale pretty regularly.

This gadget is interesting. The battery pack itself could run your camera for about 3 days. ( 25Amp-Hours / 0.3 amps = 75 hours = 3 days)

The solar cell claims 5 watts. The camera draws about 2 watts. So in a day, the camera needs 48 watt hours. With 10 hours of GOOD sunlight, the solar cell could replace 50 watt hours a day. So maybe this could be self sufficient... BUT you would have to weatherproof it somehow.

https://www.amazon.com/Hiluckey-Charger-25000mAh-Portable-Waterproof/dp/B07FM6PSLM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1549572969&sr=8-4&keywords=solar+power+usb+power+bank

or if that can't keep up, maybe this bigger solar cell can be hooked up to a battery pack, and the battery pack can be connected to the camera

https://www.amazon.com/BigBlue-Charger-Digital-Waterproof-Foldable/dp/B071G4CQSR/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_sims?ie=UTF8

Zebralight headlamp. This thing is incredible. I use it every day at work, and on backpacking trips. It gets wet, dirty, dropped, and keeps on ticking. Works on an 18650. there are 3 brightness modes, and each mode has a high/low. I have the mark3 version of the H600 and on M2 i get about 12 hours of runtime at about 140LMS. I keep a spare 18650 with me, and a solar charger when im on the trail. but this light just rocks. They have handheld flashlight versions as well that are also just as good. Weights about 2.2 ounces with battery. I would recommend a decent 3500Mah battery.

links for my setup below:

http://www.zebralight.com/H600w-Mk-IV-18650-XHP35-Neutral-White-Headlamp_p_215.html

my solar panel. Works GREAT. i charge my power bank during the day(panel strapped to my pack), and my devices (flashlight/phone/HAM radio/ battery charger as needed) with the bank at night. Weighs very little, about 12 ounces

https://www.amazon.com/BigBlue-Charger-Digital-Waterproof-Foldable/dp/B071G4CQSR/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=foldable+solar+panel&qid=1555780332&s=gateway&sr=8-5

Use any power bank you want. I would recommend one with qualcomm quick charge capability, and a waterproof bag to keep it in.

My radio is a Baofeng Bf8HP programmed to all the local repeaters in my area. Id recommend getting your license, its easy.

Feel free to PM me if you have any more questions.

https://www.amazon.com/BigBlue-Charger-Digital-Waterproof-Foldable/dp/B071G4CQSR I use this and it works like a champ

yes, usb type-C (guess it's labeled as 3 in my mind, being released the same time as USB 3.1 standard was released).

my rational was KISS, less cables to carry/worry about if all electronics you own use the same connection.

plus having the type-C touts a product as modern.

thanks for showing me the ports on the ryno tuff, I went to Amazon to check it out and the pictures there only show two usb-A ports.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0787GQZTQ/

This can be pretty helpful and they even sell ones at Walmart real cheap, around 11$. here

Solar-powered power banks are getting more popular! You could also get multiple inexpensive ones.

This is the portable charger I use and I really like it.

https://www.amazon.com/Solar-Power-Charger-Flashlight-Splashproof/dp/B07FDXDB3W/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1549238897&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=solar+power+bank+portable+charger&psc=1

Same here. It's really amazing to see the algorithm do all the work. It's eye opening to see just how much insulin needs fluctuate during the day. Regular pumping gets you part of the way there, but it really is an imperfect tool.

As for cases - I spend a lot of time around water during the summer so am trying two waterproof cases (recommended by people on the Loop Facebook group). This one and this one. The latter is a hard case, so a bit more protective, but also more bulky. My bigger concern is water, as I've seen some people post on the Facebook group that they've killed their RileyLink with just a splash of water.

I also invested in a decent solar-powered spare battery pack, as I realized that if we're out and my phone or RileyLink dies, I need access to some way to charge them.

I got this one and love it.

http://www.amazon.com/Solar-Charger-Powered-Backup-Battery/dp/B00449U3K0/

I've heard that about the Etons too, but can't verify.
I had a great crank charger that was built by a former coworker, but it has been lost. The crank recharged three AAA batteries, which in turn were connected to a USB port that charged any USB-chargeable phone I tried, including an iphone 3GS and a 4G.

Charging phones from an already charged battery of some sort seems to be the most flexible system, and more apt to work with a given phone than a straight hand crank. I loved that I had three charged AAA batteries on tap in case I needed to swap batteries in my headlamp.

I'm thinking of picking up a solar charging battery that can also be charged via USB and a small handcrank to top it up.

Just do yourself a favor and get some Xminis. What's all the spiel about speakers needing batteries or needing to be charged. What, your ipod doesn't? If you're going to be in Africa just get portable solars. Your rubber cone speakers aren't going to be much use if your ipod is flat.The Xmini has it's own rechargeable Lion that lasts for ages and you can daisy chain other Xminis together ad infinitum. The volume and bass on these are astounding and need to be heard to be believed. Tiny and cheap as chips too. There hasn't been one person who hasn't picked their jaw off the floor after being shown these in action.

>Incorporate the delayed Project Silver

Delayed like the Nexus Q updates? I heard it was canceled and there wasn't ever really and official information release about it.

> Google could write the contract in a specific way to allow them to supply Ara phones and accessories through the "Android Silver" line.

Did we really know enough about Android Silver to be making these kind of assumptions about how they will use the "skeleton" of silver to market and sell Ara? And what leverage does Google have over the carrier stores? You do realize that Google early does business with the carriers, just the OEMs, and even that relationship isn't the best.

> But slowly, with the introduction of more competition

I think you can't compare the early smartphone market with a platform launching today. It is a very different landscape and competition doesn't really work that way. Back then everything was new and growing, but if Ara launches tomorrow without a variety of different modules, then it is essentially useless as a device, all drawbacks and now advantages. How can it grow if it can't stand on its own two legs on day 1?

>and innovation should sky rocket past pre-existing phones.

That is asking a lot. Unless you have top people at all the OEMs on board, how will this work? Something has to attract them too the project, and I don't think the profit margins will. See most phones in the US (where this will launch) are sold TO AT&T and Verizon. They buy million as millions of phones and then resell them. There is very little actual direct sales because the OEMs doesn't have those sales channels set up. So unless AT&T or Verizon or T-Mobile get on board with this full steam and purchase the modules, I don't see the OEMs being on board. Selling one device to one customer is easier than selling your 1 device split into 10+ different SKUs to 1 million customers.

>it will be more expensive at first then their competitors

I don't see how it will gain traction though, especially in the 3rd world, which is brought up a lot in these conversations. The Smartphone had to gain traction in the wealthy countries before it could become a commodity and then be available worldwide.

>But there will definitely be options and variety available day 1.

I don't think anyone can say "definitely" with any certainty at this stage in the game.

> Big companies like Toshiba, Foxconn (iPhone producers), Linaro, and Rockchip are developing exclusively for Project Ara

Toshiba isn't a big player in the phone market at all, they made a few phones once and some tablets, but nothing was impressive. Foxconn doesn't design anything of note, but they produce almost everything sold today. Without them, there wouldn't even be a shred of hope. Essentially not a single major smartphone OEM is on that list.

>You don't see the benefit of a sharable phone?

Why can't you share current phones?

>A phone that can be split apart and be in two places at once.

You have to buy the modules for two phones at this point though, don't you? How is that different from buying two cheaper phones?

>A phone that can connect with the internet without a cell tower/carrier

Is this unique to Ara?

>without other government censorship

Google gives data to the NSA, and they bend to EU laws about censoring their own results in search. I don't see how Google frees people from the government.

> without even electricity (solar charger module + Google sailboats).

There are solar chargers right now on amazon for cell phone that cost $20. Why do I need to waste a module on one?

>when Google built a 10 story building to service China, that's when they stopped carrying about the US only.

Google doesn't even have Google search in China right now. Youtube is blocked. There is no google presence in China.

>Android One is going cost much more than a wifi only, non-touchscreen Ara phone (costing ~$50).

Wifi is less prevalent than cell towers right now. And I don't think you know any hard truths about pricing right now.

>Yet*

That is a cop out, man. People said the same thing about Google Glass. "Glass can potentially do everything.... once the developers just develop for it!" And Twitter just backed out of developing for Glass. If twitter isn't supporting your platform, it probably won't end up being a thing.

>How else are these phones going to reach the 5 billion people they've stated Ara phones are going to be able to reach?

If and when Google launches that project, it won't hinge on the success of Ara to be successful. Are and that project are not connected. If you know anything about how Google works, you know that their teams all work independently (to a fault). Shoot the Chrome team put out a sub par borrower on the android platform for years.

> Play-like Store for hardware.

Dude, look at the Nexus Launches, any of them. Mostly they have been disastrous. They aren't good at launching hardware or making hardware popular. a single retail space in NYC or a floating boat don't matter because most customers won't interact with them. Shoot their phone support is horrible. Ask anyone trying to RMA a Google Glass they paid $1500 for. Their support is shit.

>They're either preparing to become a mobile carrier or simply compete with Apple Stores.

Those are wildly different things, you get that right? And Microsoft has been trying to compete with Apple stores, same with Sony and Samsung. How are they doing? Google isn't a hardware style company.

One thing Google lacks is focus. It seems to me that they, and people typing on forums are dreaming big about what they think Ara could do. But I don't see the path making sense. It is a if only device for Africans for their own fleet of satellites, no it is a medical tool, no it is a cool cell phone that you can swap out and have all the latest modules! It is a swiss army knife phone, but I just can't see the market supporting it. There are too many hurtles and Google will get bored before it becomes reality. Toshiba, Foxconn and MIT can't make it a thing. Consumers int he US have to want to buy it first. Google can't seem to make that happen with their own Nexus devices, Why would it happen for the modular smartphone? Something that tis arguably way more technically complicated.

I just don't see it. I think Google has the tech to make it, but they don't have the marketing to make it successful. They are half the brain needed to make it work.

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11288_7-6427792-3.html

http://www.amazon.com/Premium-Solar-Charger-Built-Windshield/dp/B00449U3K0

I had two fully charged batteries (battery backpack) each are rated to 2-2.5 hrs when in video mode. However in time lapse mode they last much longer, I'm guessing because it's not a constant charged CCD.

Our trip was 6+ hours and I set an interval of 5 seconds and it lasted the whole trip with 1/3 battery life to spare.

And while I haven't tested it, I do believe you can run any 5 volt power into the USB and let it run forever. Trick is you need a skeleton case to access the USB port. Then any 12v to 5v USB car phone charger should do the trick. I also have one of these and these which come in handy anywhere.

edit: time was off. Also a fat SD card is your other limitation. File size on 11 MP mode is 5-6MB, so 32 GB card is roughly 5,333 Photos times 5 seconds is 26,666 seconds or 444 minutes or 7.4 Hrs. Roughly.

http://www.amazon.com/Premium-Solar-Charger-Built-Windshield/dp/B00449U3K0

maybe

Green energy?

I was really considering investing in this its not too expensive and seems it would last the whole time.

I saw a guy riding his bike with something like but this a little smaller draped over rack. It looked pretty cool. Positioning might be tricky depending on the direction you are going but if its a clear day you should do pretty decent on power.

http://www.amazon.com/Instapark%C2%AE-Portable-Charger-Compatible-Devices/dp/B006ZRYU9O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1396036350&sr=8-2&keywords=portable+solar+panel

Thinking about a power setup since I'm addicted to the internet and my gadgets, so I always think of how to keep them juiced up. Instead of using multiple phone batteries, one of the external chargers like il0kin mentioned would be great. It could be used if you upgrade or change phones, or even get a tablet or other usb device. Then you could also buy some solar panels like these so you have the option to charge with solar, or the office, home, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/Instapark%C2%AE-Portable-Charger-Compatible-Devices/dp/B006ZRYU9O/

http://www.amazon.com/Instapark-Portable-Charger-Compatible-Devices/dp/B006ZRYU9O

Could always try this, not quite what you're looking for but pretty small and effective.

10 Watts, USB and iPhone charging outlets,

http://www.amazon.com/Instapark-Portable-Charger-Compatible-Devices/dp/B006ZRYU9O

I believe the RPi is only 3.5-6 watts?

As for direct sunlight issue -- that is true of all solar panels. Additionally, the cells are hooked up in series and the power is actually limited by the weakest cell in the panel. If you have a shadow cast over just one cell it can bring down the whole thing.

I've found the best option to be solar usb batteries. They'll only get 50% charged by sunlight so keep that in mind when looking at capacity, but they can be charged fully by USB.

I've heard terrible things about Biolight from anyone who wasn't paid by Biolight.

I'm looking into getting some collapsible solar pads to charge a bigger battery instead of packing multiple batteries.

current battery

desired solar panels

desired battery i might look for a bigger one

I use this combo portable battery and solar charger. The Anker charger has a 10Ah capacity with a higher efficiency rate (you get more out of the battery vs their older models). However, since it's a 5VDC input, it's slower to charge. The solar panel in full sunlight is capable of 2A on its built in USB ports. This allows you to charge anything USB including the battery pack itself. It's a great combo, but even then I'm unsure if it will last you 4 days of heavy use. You may be better off just getting car chargers.

https://www.amazon.com/Charger-4000mAh-Power-Charging-Carabiner/dp/B008187COU

Might not be the one mentioned, but this one can apparently change an iPhone 2-3 times. The $45 one has three panels which will charge faster (one panel would probably take all day and then some).

I just got a ReVive XL Solar charger for camping that would actually be really useful for ingress

It can be charged by the Sun in 13 hours or by USB in 6, it has extra panels that can be attached to make it charge by solar power faster (1 extra panel= twice as fast, 2 extra panels= 3x faster, etc) it is a 4000mah battery and it does a great job of charging devices quickly, I can fully charge a phone with it and have power to spare, + the fact that when you are out walking around it will charge itself.

$55 from amazon and I believe extra panels are $14

Link to Amazon

I bought myself an Opteka 6000mah solar charger. It fully charges my nearly empty Galaxy S3 phone three times, on a single charge. The girlfriend then bought one for herself, and later another one for her Dad.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Opteka-BP-SC6000-Capacity-Charging-EcoPanel/dp/B00CHQI57A

I'd say put your phone away but I'd be a hypocrite. I use my phone for pictures and videos at roo. Other than that, I leave it on airplane mode. That and disposable cameras. I used to charge my phone in the car while i was getting ready for the day/ eating breakfast... but it made our camp site hot and exhaust-y. This year instead I think I'm going to buy a solar powered charger. You should check it out too

http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-BP-SC6000-Capacity-Charging-EcoPanel/dp/B00CHQI57A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1393724464&sr=8-2&keywords=solar+phone+charger+iphone

> 6000 mAh
Thanks for the advice! I did a quick Amazon search and found this. It puts out 5v which seems perfect for the Pi. Too good to be true?

As other mentioned - solar chargers aren't all rosy when it comes to bicycle touring:

• Power generation varies tremendously depending on conditions - it is much more viable in sunny areas with little cover. Traveling though forests in overcast weather will heavily cut into energy production. This means that you probably want a large power bank anyway - to use it as a buffer.
  
• To get some decent amount of power going throughout an average day you need something much bigger than map case. Like several times the size. It probably should cover the tops of both your rear panniers.
  
• Solar panel of that size despite being just a thin folding piece does weight around half kilo - which is about as much as a very big powerbank that is independent from weather and can be stowed away in whatever corner of your panniers.
  
• Avoid powerbanks with integrated solar panel on the top. Solar panel of that size is basically useless.
  
  That said there are conditions that make using them a less of a bad idea:
  
  
• Your power consumption is actually very low, because you are using the phone only occasionally and it lasts several days on its battery.
  
• You expect lots of sun all around.
  
• You will be traveling for a long time in largely uninhabited area.
  
  Alternatives would be:
  
  
• A big power bank or two. Especially on shorter trips this is probably the best option.
  
• Top up your reserves in electric outlets along the way. For example some campsites might have them available.
  
• Dynamo hub with USB charger. Might be viable as long as your power needs are moderate. I have mixed feelings about it since even if you already have a dynamo hub the rest of USB setup can be surprisingly expensive. Its biggest advantage is that it works all the time you are riding regardless of weather. And its biggest disadvantage is that it only works when you are riding.

Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NGKPX4Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1427551387&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=portable+solar+charger&dpPl=1&dpID=41AwgKykXnL&ref=plSrch

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

I have something like this: http://amzn.to/1FwjMrX. I use it to charge a battery pack like this: http://amzn.to/1GRSb2X. It is sufficient for phones and cameras and the like.

Tesla should make a solar sun shade to go in your front window too. Something like this could be patched together for foldable solar energy that will keep your car cool and charged.

You could even keep it self-contained so you can use it without needing the car. Traveling somewhere in your Tesla? Well now you're bringing some solar power with you.

Try this link instead but if that doesn't work either, you can just search for choetech solar on Amazon. It should be the first result.

Thank you for your suggestions so far you have been very helpful!!! So how about this, scratch all the stuff on the list and instead focus on providing free portable electricity to the homeless. So now here are my options, what would work the best?

1. A backpack with an attached solar panel (it will always be in the sun if you are wearing it and will be able to charge much more than just a cell phone) I am worried on this one though if the solar panel would be too visible and someone might get robbed for the backpack?
   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V0ZB7XI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_6mA2xbGGD1CPX
   
2. A portable solar cell phone charger
   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ILT5LNM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MjA2xbPKFMD4N
   
3. A portable solar panel - this would charge the most even a laptop but it would be less portable because of the size
   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TEQJEC6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ulA2xbNA6Q1VX
   
4. A smaller backpack with a removable solar panel and a built in hydration bag
   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YV6WY44/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_WaA2xbHF3AMYQ
   
   Also backpacks will come with a loaf of bread, deli meat and Mayo/mustard and a survival/resource guide.

So the Xpro-1 seems to use a 2 cell 7.2V battery. Which means you can charge it with a low voltage supply and don't need mains voltage.

You just need a charger that has, for example a 12V DC input. If you don't want to buy one that works with 5V USB, anyway.

The USB charger wants 1-2A, so a 19W 5V solar panel should do the trick. The current requirement wasn't really specified properly for the 12V charger, but a 20W 12V solar panel is probably roughly in the ballpark.

In every case those are just the first thing I came across. I expect there will be variation in price and quality with a more thorough look.

I bought one of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TEQJEC6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_t4hRybC1R3JE6

It works to charge a phone on overcast days. I bought a RavPower brand battery pack that I charge with it. I would suggest buying a long USB cable so you can put the panel on your dash and find a cooler spot to stick the battery.

I plan on using this 19 watt solar panel that I got used for 32 dollars and this 99.1 watt hour battery pack that I also got used for 21 dollars. The solar panel is way better than any goal zero or instapark panels because they use lighter more efficient solar cells, and the battery pack has a huge capacity and a high recharge rate so I can quickly recharge it in town or get the most out of the solar panel. I plan on bringing a lot of usb gadgets like a warming blanket, fan, led light string, and reachergable 18650 flashlights so I'll probably be using a lot of energy. I also like being able to offer to charge other people's stuff if they need it.

I suggest buying your own juicebox or something similar. You can also look into a solar charger. On mobile and can't short link, but here is a great one.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YOP7LV8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_uca-ybC9RWTMG

Actually, there are backpacks out there that come fitted with solar panels and can charge USB devices. Guessing that you'd have to get something to regulate the current, and then make a connection point outside the blaster, possibly inside the battery door, to connect the LEDS to the backpack. You could also have a LiPo somewhere along the line to store extra electricity.
Example of Solar Panel Backpack:
https://www.amazon.com/Backpack-Hydration-Ergonomic-Carrying-SunLabz/dp/B00YV6WY44

Get a charger. Best thing ever. Charges my watch in about a day.

CoolFire Solar Watch Fast Charger (compatible with all kinds of eco solar watches) TC-1046 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZOWJI7A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ZPKgAb3Y04VQP

Thanks for the reply, reddit455. You were right. The watch just needed more sun time. It's hard to believe being out in the sun all day on the river and at the beach didn't give it even enough to get past half charge. I ordered this charger and it solved my issue. Before using this device, my battery never got past 1/2 charge, according to the dial/meter. After a night of charging on this, the battery meter was at FULL. After a few hours off the charger, the meter said about 3/4 full. That night I put it back on the charger (this was last night). Today, I wore the watch for a full 14 hours and the meter is still sitting at FULL. This is either a huge battery or a slow charging watch...or I'm just expecting too much of the watch. Not sure... But thanks for the advice, stranger. I just needed to charge it more.

I wear each one at least once a week to get some sun. I also have a plug in light charger that I cycle them on to ensure a good charge.

CoolFire Solar Watch Fast Charger... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZOWJI7A?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Ive seen the GZ kits on amazon and yes they are definitely the apple of solar gear LOL.
I'm definitely looking for a different application, but in respect to your comment i've also been looking a this solar charger similar to yours which may be great as well for my device charging needs.

Your much better off buying a power bank instead and a solar panel like this https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone-Galaxy/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=anker+solar&qid=1562801110&s=gateway&sr=8-3

This is what I used last year: http://www.amazon.com/Portable-Charger-Vinsic%C2%AE-20000mAh-External/dp/B00NGG9IDU

I consistently get 6-7 full charges on Android devices on it, so it was enough for me and my friends for 2 days. I paired it with this whenever were at the campsite: http://www.amazon.com/Anker-2-Port-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone/dp/B012YUJJM8?ie=UTF8&keywords=solar%20charger&psc=1&qid=1465314019&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1-spons

It kept it going all weekend long, it's flat and not too heavy, so easy to carry in the Camelback we bring in with us.

Something like this

I opted for this solar panel that I clipped to my pack
Anker 21W 2-Port USB Solar Charger PowerPort Solar https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_pQqpxb8KC7RYY

I agree with your comment. In order to get an acceptable amount of energy out of a 12V solar panel you'll need a solar charge controller and therefore a lead-acid battery too. It doesn't work to just hook up the step-down converter to the panel (I tried it). If you do that you waste a lot of energy. And here is why: At these photos http://imgur.com/a/oEj2y you can see the open circuit voltage. It's 19.64V (it's actually 22V but when I took the pic, it was cloudy. Also look at the switch on the left). The panel is attached to a step down converter. If I now connect a load to it the solar panel voltage is not dropping. That's pretty bad because the power coming into the battery is 1.3 watts. That's ridiculous! Remember it's a 10 watt solar panel and an income of 7-8 watts would've been no problem. To understand this result we have to look at the IV-curve of a solar panel (http://www.re-innovation.co.uk/web12/images/stories/reimages/projects/PVIVtracer/IVcurve.gif). The point marked on the curve is the mpp (maximum power point). If the voltage is 21V, like in our example, the current is very low. This shows that step down regulators are a pretty bad choice for 12V solar panels. It would be much easier to just use a solar charge controller and a lead-acid battery or buying a solar panel usb charger like this one (http://www.amazon.com/Anker-2-Port-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464612681&sr=8-1&keywords=solar+panel+usb). These are pretty expensive though.

There are hundreds of options that fit that category and don't require you to purchase a new tent.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-2-Port-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1473189786&sr=8-5&keywords=portable+solar+charger

Anker 21W 2-Port USB Solar Charger PowerPort Solar for iPhone 6/6 Plus, iPad Air 2/mini 3, Galaxy S6/S6 Edge and More https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_aCG4xbB3Z821Z

21 watts is more than a phone can handle. Solar chargers are great now.

Some Amazon things I'd buy :
https://www.amazon.com/eSPORTS-COMMANDER-Ilumination-Keyboard-KB-CMC-PLBLUS-01/dp/B00VEU6LYE/

https://www.amazon.com/Bluefinger®-Illuminated-Adjustable-Keyboard-Customized/dp/B0129YJL36/

https://www.amazon.com/Apexel-Professional-Portraits-Adventure-Distortion/dp/B018S1YCQK/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LTOKQ0U/

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-2-Port-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone/dp/B012YUJJM8/

Define, 'cheap'. :P

Solar cells aren't exactly the cheapest thing in the world. :(

But, if you have about ~$60 (USD, no idea where you are, sorry.), you can get a pretty decent panel for what you want to do.

My brother who does a lot of outdoors-ish stuff said that this particular product has served him well, and been pretty durable:

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone-Galaxy/dp/B012YUJJM8/

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone-Galaxy/dp/B012YUJJM8/

still cheaper than the turbine

How many places in the world are you likely to get wind but not also sun? This is $62

bruh its $51 ON AMAZON
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone-Galaxy/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1495485419&sr=8-6&keywords=solar+power

Thinking the same thing today and I believe this is what I've decided on.
For the Panel:https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone-Galaxy/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1494624116&sr=8-3&keywords=solar+charger
Can charge phone and battery alike
Then for the powerbank I'm going with
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-20100-Capacity-Technology/dp/B00X5RV14Y/ref=pd_sim_107_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00X5RV14Y&pd_rd_r=J3GC45P0PB9VWHGMA2GM&pd_rd_w=GHokO&pd_rd_wg=XUhWX&psc=1&refRID=J3GC45P0PB9VWHGMA2GM

Just buy this thing, for reals.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone-Galaxy/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1493695881&sr=8-2&keywords=solar+micro+usb+charger

Are you going south to north? If so, you could look into some of the bigger solar panels, Amazon has a 21 watt model by "anker" that I've been looking at recently.

You can hang them over your backpack and be charging all day.

Anker 21W 2-Port USB Universal PowerPort Solar Charger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_IvxOybPRQZES0

From their site;

> Can I use this with a phone / tablet?
Yes! Because Opendime emulates a tiny USB flash drive, most devices can read it already. Inside, you'll find text files with the payment address, and if unsealed, the private key in WIF format. We also provide a QR image that is easily scanned. You can also use a USB phone charger, or USB power pack, to check if it's unsealed: plug it into any USB port, and the lights flash in a pattern that indicate it's status.

There are simple foldable solar arrays that can power a phone during a grid outage.

Jet boil


tarps



Maybe a battery and a small solar panel if he likes to bring a few small electronics along.



https://www.amazon.ca/EasyAcc-Waterproof-Dustproof-Shockproof-Flashlight/dp/B01B73I5ZU



https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=ZAXYCXXGUMB4&coliid=I9ZFVGI889KEO



As well as standard tools, Hatchet, Axe, Quality knife, Multi tools, Good rope, tent and backpacks/camping packs.




these are the things i take with me camping every time. mainly because i like to chill and drink beer and listen to music after canoeing to islands out on lakes up around the Canadian shield.

So you isolate your battery and run the original van stuff from solar? I was looking at one of those small [Anker] (https://www.amazon.ca/Anker-PowerPort-Dual-Port-Charger-iPhone/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1501005266&sr=8-1&keywords=anker+solar) solar panels just to top up my power bank. I don't need much power but I still find this stuff pretty interesting.

i've been looking into this solution as well...

one solution that could work, but may not be practical either is this combo:

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone-Galaxy/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1492456180&sr=1-3&keywords=usb+solar

plus

https://www.amazon.com/Omnicharge-Portable-Charger-Fast-Charging-Adjustable/dp/B01NBJX99D/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1492456200&sr=1-1&keywords=omnicharge

i'm still looking into this to see if it will even be helpful (the omnicharge charges one full battery with 30% remaining)

Thanks! I've looked into both those options a bit. However, I don't know that much about the conversions between voltages work. Any info I can get in that regard is going to help me out a lot.

My understanding is that going from 5V to 7.6V is fairly inefficient (I will lose some power) but that going from 12V to 7.6V is much less inefficient ^sorry ^for ^the ^double ^negative (I will lose much less power).

If these are correct assumptions, I'm better off getting something that can output 7.6+V e.g. this.

Based on research so far, the panel I think I want is here but it outputs at 5V. I don't know if that matters. Is that going to reduce my efficiency?

Because the panel outputs at 5V am I best off also getting a powerbank that outputs at 5V and just doing the conversion at the charger?

It seems like I have decent options. At this point just trying to figure out which one of them wastes the smallest amount of power.

Look for portable solar panels on amazon, those are like the one i linked. To get the best results get one around 20W with two usb charging ports and get this powerbank:
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Portable-Double-Speed-Recharging/dp/B01JIWQPMW
It allows you to charge from two usb sockets at the same time, meaning you will be able to take most of the charge (15W)

Some panels:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B012YUJJM8#Ask. (Quite expensive, but very compact)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B012YUJJM8#Ask (powerfull but bigger, cheaper though)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B012YUJJM8#Ask. (Nice option too)


Ideally you’d have two of the powerbanks i linked and two of those 20W sets above (can mix em up)

I recommend buying a panel and battery bank and test them out beforebuying the second pack. Test them well during the return period!

Things to look out for: does it keep charging when you pass trough shade or does it need to be manually reactivated?

How long does it take to charge a battery bank? Note that there is quite some efficienxy loss here. Charging to 80% is usually fastest and most efficient

Can you power the gopro directly from the solar panel? I read that cable quality can be important here, gopro seems a bit fickle in that department. Stick to short cables!

Why?

If you want to use the sun to charge your phone, then buy a solar USB charger and use a USB cable to charge your phone.

The best bang for you buck:

Anker PowerPort Solar (21W Dual-Port USB Solar Charger) for iPhone 7 / 6s / 6 / Plus, iPad Air 2 / mini 3, Galaxy S6 / Edge / Plus and More https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_.lEJzb0EJVEEZ

High wattage, durable and a good price.

Edit: I didn't realize you were into options other than a solar panel. I personally have an Anker 10,000 mAH and an Aukey 10,500 mAH power banks and they're both awesome. I prefer the power banks over the solar charger.

ive had good charge rate with anker 21W 2x usb port solar charger. the panels arent rigid. so, it feels reliable.
i seem to get better efficiency charging to a lithium battery then using the battery to charge my devices.
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-2-Port-Universal-PowerPort-Charger/dp/B012YUJJM8

took it on a 7day hiking trip and my phone & camera never died.
i wouldnt attach it to my bike though.
This is what i use on my speed triple. 2.1A: https://www.3brpowersports.com/products.php

I have never been to Patagonia, but here in Austria I regularly have the challenge that mountain huts have only one or very few outlets (if the have electricity), so this could be an issue. Information is key here, so I would try to ask a tourist info or similar possible source of information for such an inquiry.
I agree, 26800 mAh is the biggest I can find. Here's an alternative, from the company where I bought my external battery pack. Probably quite similar.
Are you happy with that solar charger? I've heard good things about suntactics.
what you could also consider is getting a solar charger with a higher voltage (although I have to say that I don't have any experience with it. i am just considering myself to get one like this)

also: maybe a lighter option could be something like that?

One thing that you could also consider is that your phone may last significantly longer if you put it in airplane mode.

Anker 20000

Anker 21W solar panel

$95 for top products with insane specs.

I bought an Anker 14W Solar Charger earlier this year for emergency backup to charge my external battery (updated version here). It works great. But I end up just using my KMASHI 15000 mAh external battery and leave my solar panels at home when camping/hiking. I get about 5 full battery charges on my Nexus 5 with the 15000mAh battery. More than enough for my uses.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone-Galaxy/dp/B012YUJJM8

There will be some conversion losses, but with solar it might be less of a concern.

Something like this might work;
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone-Galaxy/dp/B012YUJJM8

Can you recommend a good charger?

I was looking at the 21W from Anker.

Combine this with a portable battery pack and you'll never be without phone power again.

You know, for next time.

AFAIK the Garmin doesn't receive GPS data from a phone, nor does it send that info back out.

If you're already tracking the hike with your phone, and are somehow keeping that charged you could get by for quite a while with spot checks on the Garmin. I use my old Fenix 1 for a week or two without charging, only having the GPS on for 10 minutes to an hour here and there. Compass, barometer, altimeter, temperature and clock work without the GPS on.

I also highly recommend a solar panel charger, and a USB battery pack. I have this one:https://www.amazon.ca/Anker-PowerPort-Dual-Port-Charger-iPhone/dp/B012YUJJM8 which goes on sale for $80 CAD every now and then. It can charge 2 things directly (has 2 USB plugs), but I use it to charge a battery, and then use the battery to charge my other kit at night while I sleep. It is able to charge a 13000 mah battery in about 4 to 7 hours in direct sunlight.

Anker - once I saw that name I knew this would be good.

Their cables are the fucking best. I lost my original micro usb cable for my 10in Surface 3 (non-pro) and none of the shitty usbs I had delivered enough power over distance to actually charge the device. Their cable is so damn burly even the 10ft works just fine

the 6ft even came with a nice holder that looks like a sunglasses case

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerLine-Premium-Motorola-Smartphones/dp/B019Q6F9F4

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerLine-Durability-Samsung-MacBook/dp/B01LNAAEJ2/ref=sr_1_3?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1527562038&sr=1-3&keywords=anker+powerline%2B+type+c

https://www.anker.com/products/variant/PowerLine%2B-10ft-Micro-USB-/A81440A1

https://www.anker.com/products/110/163/usb-type-c-cables


https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-PowerPort-iPhone-Galaxy/dp/B012YUJJM8/ref=sr_1_3?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1527562104&sr=1-3&keywords=anker+solar+charger

https://www.anker.com/products/108/206/solar-chargers

edits

we all know the importance of these life giving umbilical cords we rely on

these cables are so fucking good ive become a fanboy repping some company online when I see their name


they are that good

Ohhh. Just been made aware of another option to look into, no personal experience with these products- folding portable solar panels with built in usb for phone charging.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B012YUJJM8/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1484778551&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=portable+solar&dpPl=1&dpID=41VtclVfSnL&ref=plSrch

Perhaps a better option for small dwelling and camping.

A non shit solar one will do much better, but won't be quite as cheap.

Something like this would do a great job on a clear day:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012YUJJM8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B012YUJJM8/

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00X5RV14Y/


I can recommend this solar panel and power bank. I have them and they work fairly well for a decent price. It should work fine to charge a kindle, or phone, or other USB powered electronics. The only real potential drawback is the amount of time it takes to charge the power bank from the sun, which means in some cases you have to leave it somewhere visible where it might get stolen.

I broke my kindle, and these days I mostly just use the Kindle app on my phone, but it's a pretty impressive device. You can easily fit hundreds of books into a large pocket and the battery lasts for days at a time.

late response, but maybe it's still useful to you:
I've used mine at local events (Utah) and it works pretty fantastically. Don't waste your packing space with portable battery packs if you can avoid it. I spent about $50 on this little solar panel to run the fans
( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012YUJJM8 ) and it makes it so the fans turn on when the sun's up and off when it goes down.

I've been able to sleep in until 4 in the afternoon without the fans. With the fans, the interior basically cannot get above ambient temp. It is quite dark inside as the only light coming through is from the couple inches of gap at the bottom where the fly floats just above the ground. The vestibules are huge too. Cooler doesn't have to come inside the sleeping area of the tent and doesn't soak heat from the ground since the ground is never getting any sun.

Lots of good suggestions here. Thanks a lot! I do plan on posting again once I've had a chance to make some improvements/additions to the bag.

As for the rechargeable solar bank, I do have an anker 21 watt solar kit ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B012YUJJM8 ) in the car that would fit in the bag and those items could charge directly from that if the power bank fails. I just don't regularly keep the panels in the bag for fear of them getting unnecessarily damaged.

I also have this shovel in the car as part of my regular auto gear. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017UVEW0

^ Basically came to post this. LEDs have mostly swept away the other lighting methods- with the possible exception of oil lanterns, which can sit for decades and be ready for use.

You can cobble together an entire solar + battery + charger + flashlight system for $100-150 USD, if you shop around online (which isn't bad, if you buy an item or two here and there). I will also vouch for Anker, they make really good charging gear.

• Solar panel
  
• USB battery pack
  
• USB AA/AAA charger
  
• eneloops
  
• Flashlights: good n' cheap | better | hardcore
  
• Headlamps: simple | fancier

Get him a set of hiking clothes from REI.

Or a solar charging setup for his technology.

Or a travel wallet.

This is the solar charger.
and this is the battery.

Yes: full sun and angled to face the sun. Odd, maybe it's bad.

I want it to run 2 fans (1amp total) and to recharge a battery bank at the same time. (It's for a bike trip where they haul your gear from place to place.) Maybe I'll just try something like this for $60:

https://www.amazon.com/BigBlue-Foldable-Outdoor-SunPower-Cellphones/dp/B01EXWCPLC/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1485812061&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=28w+solar+panel

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EXWCPLC?psc=1

How about the BigBlue or the RAVPower?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B01EXWCPLC/ref=psdcmw_1340852031_t3_B01FH2HYCW

https://www.amazon.co.uk/RAVPower-UK-RP-PC005-Waterproof-Smartphones/dp/B01FH2HYCW?ref_=bl_dp_s_mw_1783359031

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01HJKJVG2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523294201&sr=8-1&refinements=p_97%3A11292772011&dd=NahiFZLQ0RXKv4mfoisNqQ,,&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=solar+phone+charger&dpPl=1&dpID=51sYbfv4xUL&ref=plSrch

This is the solar panel

Maybe something like this is easier?

https://www.amazon.com/Lixada-Effiency-Activities-Lighting-Monocrystalline/dp/B01MCXZJ8Y/

$16 is not that expensive and then you can charge everything forever.

don't get a little dinky solar charger pack, they are useless. Get a decent one.

https://www.amazon.com/Charger-RAVPower-Waterproof-Foldable-Smartphones/dp/B06XBGSS2R/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1523888423&sr=8-20&keywords=solar+usb+charger

I wonder how does the out put compare to a solar charger of similar weight? for example

Might want to separate the solar panel/power bank to get more storage and faster charge. I use a RAVpower panel and a Zendure bank. The bank holds 26800mAh with 4 usb outputs, and the panel is 24W with 3 usb outputs. Obviously, pricey, but I take them everywhere so they get used enough it's worth it.

https://smile.amazon.com/Charger-RAVPower-Waterproof-Foldable-Smartphones/dp/B06XBGSS2R

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XBGSS2R/ref=sr_ob_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1501841866&sr=8-2
And i bought two cause i'm traveling with my partner, and that way we can each carry one on our backpack.

I concur, as well as BigBlue 5V 28W Solar Charger with Digital Ammeter Waterproof Foldable Dual USB Ports Solar Battery Charger for iPhone 8/X/7/6s, iPad Pro/Air 2/Mini, Galaxy S8/S7/S6/Edge/Plus, LG, Nexus, HTC https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071G4CQSR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_803lDbBG9AJDY

Here you go

Get a big 20,000mAh power brick, and a folding solar charger. Not one of those shitty little ones, something like this.

Get a portable solar panel off of Amazon...charge up portable batteries during the day. Here’s one of the ones I use:


BigBlue 5V 28W Solar Charger with Digital Ammeter, Waterproof Foldable Solar Panels with Dual USB Ports Compatible with iPhone Xs/XS Max/XR/X/8/7S, iPad Pro/Air 2, Galaxy S8/S7/S6/Edge, LG, Nexus etc.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071G4CQSR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-n4TDb0G34T1Y

I recommend one of these four panel chargers.

And one of these battery packs.

Wait, what solar panel do you have? The really cheap ones are really only meant for an emergency situation where you need just enough battery to make an emergency phone call.


If you want a solar panel that actually works, I recommend this one: https://www.amazon.com/Ryno-Tuff-Waterproof-Electronics-Traveling/dp/B0787GQZTQ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1550366219&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=usb+solar+charger&psc=1


That will charge a modern smartphone to full power in under 2-3 hours. I carried one myself and absolutely loved it. It even charges pretty fast when it's really cloudy too.

This is the solar charger I got
I’m hoping to charge my Nikon D5300 battery with it and maybe my MacBook but mostly just the camera since I am using it to document my research.

Used to think of listening to music or audiobooks on the trail as kinda heresy, and I still mostly prefer to just listen to my surroundings (especially because I hike alone)...buuut It's definitely a nice thing, especially as a sleep tool.

I don't do really long thru-hikes (I'm out like a week at a time at most) so I don't have good advice for long-term storage and battery options. My only real tip is to pre-download all your media, and get one of those solar+battery chargers and strap it to the top-back of your pack, so it charges while you hike, and then charge your phone at night (while you listen to an awesome audiobook like Patrick Rothfuss' King Killer Chronicle, or Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight series). Phones with their screen off just playing audio, don't use a lot of juice, and I've found that even a small solar charger can keep up with my usage if I'm judicious with the screen-on time.

Edit: as far as costs go: we all want to support great art and authors and performances, and I think you should as far as possible, but (and just my two cents here) intellectual property is a set of policies built on not only shaky moral and philosophical grounds (it's literally a government grant of monopoly and defies the whole purpose of property, which is to limit conflict over scarce resources, not create conflict over non-scarce things), but also there's really good evidence that our copyright laws are economically destructive and that art and music would still flourish under different funding mechanisms and channels. Take that as you will and be aware that there's a ton of content out there 'freely' available.

Also, there are so many great free podcasts out there, that you could easily download in the tens-of-hours worth on any zero day in town.

How long are you going that a battery bank or 2 can't charge a camera battery and cellphone? (I ask because I wish I could regularly go longer than 2-3 days)

I keep my phone on airplane mode (if on at all) and the charge will last significantly longer, if that's applicable to your uses.

I've had my eye on this solar battery bank, it has good reviews and I like that it has 3 times as much surface area for the panels.

Here's another https://www.amazon.com/Solar-Power-Charger-Flashlight-Splashproof/dp/B07FDXDB3W?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_18232375011#customerReviews

I really doubt that it takes 30hours to full charge. Highly unlikely. In case the standard batter solar charger like this one, with capacity of 10Ah(supposedly...) and area of 0.10m x 0.2m =0.02m\^2 (supposedly...)

Keeping in mind that : E = A * r * H * PR, where E=energy(kWh), A=area(m\^2), r=yield(%, usually 10-20%, lets make it 15%), h=annual average in NE Europe ~1200-1500kWh/(annual*m\^2)(no shadings), PR=coefficient for losses....(~0.5-0.8... Let it be 0.7). So roughly I get around around 1/5 of 10000mAh battery charged in 30h.

But on the other hand... I am very bad at addition and multiplications, but it does correlate with my experience using these kind of solar chargers. Also keep in mind that these Li batteries does not like to be heated too !

Way better solution in my mind is using your hub dynamo to charger your phone :) Like this one :

For fun

they have charging stations that will cost $ to use.

I ordered one of these though

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006ZRYU9O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I would get something like this. Not specifically MOLLE compatible like you want but probably your best option if you really want a solar panel.

Otherwise just make sure you get some other usb type battery that doesn't have a solar panel and keep it in your bag for emergencies.

Personally I'd go with something like 3 of these. Yes they take 13 hours in sunlight to fully charge, but it will save you $440 vs the powerhouse. Have the power banks sit out and charge all day, let the mavic batteries charge all night, rinse and repeat.


www.amazon.com/Charger-4000mAh-Power-Charging-Carabiner/dp/B008187COU

Sweet dude I got this one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B017GQ7OEA/ref=sxts1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469054354&sr=1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65

It's purdy good except if you try to plug two things in at once, obviously.

>Where did they get all the solar panels?

Probably bought them or found them. They're not super expensive and people throw stuff away all the time. I've dug a few out of bins myself.

>What are they charging?

With that many? Probably a laptop or something with a bit higher drain. Either that or most of those aren't working great and they've daisy chained them to improve performance.

>What is their lifestyle like?

No clue but I would imagine it's somewhat similar to the life of someone who is homeless here in the US. Your problems become very short-term and you spend a lot of time dealing with them.

>In America, we look down on homeless people with electronics for some reason, is it the same in Japan?

That I don't know. It is incredibly stupid that we have such negative opinions about people who are homeless and who have electronics considering they're not expensive and not difficult to find. In a society like Japan's which is more tech centric I would hazard a guess that it's even moreso.

>Do the solar panels cause problems for this person, or is this a really good tool for homeless people in general?

It depends what you're charging. For a basic cell phone, they're ok. When I was homeless, I didn't get one because stuff like that makes you a target for other people and I didn't have anything to charge that needed that much juice. I just kept a charger with a cord on hand and kept an eye out for outlets. It helped that I had a dumb phone and the battery lasted quite a while.

>Do the Japanese homeless suffer as much theft and vandalism of their belongings as American homeless?

I couldn't say for sure.

>Who is the person who lives in that structure?

No clue. It's not a question a lot of people ask. Once you're homeless, you really stop existing as a person as far as society is concerned. That's very much the attitude in the US, I'm not familiar enough with Japanese culture to say if there's similar problems there.

>Honestly, I'm doubting if the author of the video has even been to Japan.

I mean he stated in the beginning that he had been. I believe he's the one who took the photo.

EDIT: Riiight I forgot, Reddit really doesn't like people who are homeless.