Solar for backpacking

[jimmycthemd]

Since I'm a techie (IT) I have a fair amount of 'gadgets' I like to use when backpacking (i.e. Android with GPS app, etc...). I'm considering getting a back packing useable solar charger that'll recharge devices like the phone, AA and AAA batteries in a reasonable amount of time (3-6 hours in full sun). The most popular I've found is this Goal Zero kit. It SAYS it'll recharge what I need in that amount of time in full sun but, as we all know, YMMV with variable conditions. I realize this.

What I'd like to know is what you guys use and with what results. I'd also like to know the price range that your gear falls into. Also realize that the url has list price....I almost never pay list price.

thanks in advance,
jimmyc

[Patriotic Sheepdog]

I have the Guide 10 by Goal Zero. I don't have the solar panel for it though. I have it charged and can use it to recharge my iPhone while backpacking. Only had it for about a month, and tried it once while overnight camping a few weeks ago. Took my phone from about 16% to over 80% before I took it off the unit. It did take about an hour to do this IIRC. I wasn't in a hurry and just sitting around the campfire chatting and not paying attention to the time. The Guide 10 still had some power left.

I like this unit as I can use the batteries in other things, charge other devices and it even has a flashlight. Ive heard and read good things about Goal Zero. There may be somethings cheaper that some of the solar gurus can speak about. I got mine through Amazon for $49.

[Tackleberry]

I have the Sunjack 20 Watt solar charger. It came with two 8,000mAh batteries, 2 cords, & a light attachment w/ a toggle switch. They have a 7 & 14 Watt versions as well. The 20 Watt version has 2 USB ports so I can recharge a battery & another electronic device while recharging yet another device with the 2nd battery. The panel charges super quick due to the USB ports being 5V/2A.

This is my first portable solar charger. I did a lot of research before buying it. I used it during my elk hunt last December & it performed wonderfully. I could not be happier with it.

[justanothergunnut]

I run a pair of nomad 13s. And guide 10 packs. Generally I take only one panel with me in my pack but I can chain the two together for more charging power if needed. I have not had any problem charging my aa's in one afternoon. GZ is a little more costly than others but I have zero complaints about quality.

[Patriotic Sheepdog]

I run a pair of nomad 13s. And guide 10 packs. Generally I take only one panel with me in my pack but I can chain the two together for more charging power if needed. I have not had any problem charging my aa's in one afternoon. GZ is a little more costly than others but I have zero complaints about quality.

Good to know. I have been looking at the Nomads and was wondering which one to get. Thanks JAG

[cpt_sfc]

My son advised me that the army is sending back a lot of gear including roll up solar panels. Ck on the surplus sites, and if you have a friend on a gov dept- fire , pd , local ems. They have access to state & fed property reutilization office. There is a card that these folks have to buy from them, some for dept use some for personal use. These places have tons of stuff pocket knives from TSA to apcs mraps some are restricted buy of course

[jimmycthemd]

Well, I pulled the trigger on this. Bought it today for about $100 with tax/title, etc... It was too late before I got home to give it a try but I have an android tablet that's at 0% so I'll hook it up tomorrow and see what it does. Usually takes quite a while to charge on AC charger so it'll be a good test.