best portable solar chargers

G

grunt soldier

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Dec 4, 2009
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i guess this goes in gadgets and gear, i am looking for a light weight portable solar charger for possibly doing A.T. this spring. i have heard there are places to charge devices like cell phones and what not but just in case i would like to have a tough back up. it will be carried in a pack a lot and while i will try not to throw it around it may get banged up a little.

any advise is appreciate it.
 
I've purchased several solar chargers. They all stink. When the sun is perfect and you're not moving and the stars are aligned they might work.

Buy one of these instead and carry a few AA batteries. If you're environmentally conscious then get rechargeable AAs. It's light, crash-proof, fool-proof and works day or night (as in when you really need it).

http://www.aacharger.com/

If you're truly going to be in the bush for so long AAs wont cut it then get this. You'll get a nice workout and scare away every bear in the area at the same time you charge.

Sidewinder
 
I've been researching AA solar chargers and this is what I came up with, as already mentioned. Powerfilm products look like they're good quality and are getting good reviews.
The USB version looks handy if you want to charge an MP3 or phone. If you only want to charge AAs the other charger has two more panels and charges 4 AA instead of 2.

http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/

PowerFilm USB + AA Solar Panel Charger
5138Cm7RB5L._SL500_AA300_.jpg

AA Battery Solar Panel Charger
51R8ACBnU-L._SL500_AA300_.jpg
 
My unit duct tapes these solar chargers to the top of our packs. They've worked well and provide many full and rapid charges to our portable electronics with mini and micro-USB ports. The only one that failed was dropped 15 feet and landed on a rock. It still charges via AC but it's being replaced for free this week.
 
This is the one I was looking at, the Solio Classic Hybrid Solar Charger: http://www.photonlight.com/products/Solio-Classic-Hybrid-Solar-Charger.html Not sure how good it is and will have to do a bit more research before making a decision. In the mean time I'm using a DuracellSmart Power instant charger: http://www.duracell.com/en-US/category/power-reserves.jspx

For my iPhone 4 I have a Mophie Juice Pack Air battery case: http://www.mophie.com/mophie-juice-pack-air-iPhone-4-battery-case-p/1145_jpaxp4.htm
 
If you are going to be using it just for your cellphone, wouldn't it make more sense to just carry an extra battery? You are going to be reaching a trail town every few days, so there will be plenty of opportunities to charge your phone....
 
Tesla is getting a really great one but I don't think you'd call it portable !
 
I have a Goal Zero 7w panel for my hurricane supplies... I have not abused it, so can't comment on its ruggedness, but manufacturer has pretty good claims... it will charge 4 AA Sanyo Eneloops (they come partially charged) in about 3 1/2 hours...it is not designed to directly charge a cell phone, but use an intermediary battery pack...my older Guide 10 battery pack will not charge my older Motorola flip phone, but the newer Guide 10 Plus is supposed to be able to charge an iphone.... I am not able to confirm this...
 
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