Thread: Portable solar panels and powerbanks

Hi guys, whats the go to panel for charging smartphones, gps, camp lights etc in the hills? Spending a week in the tops next april so would like to be able to charge some of our gear. Cheers

For all the faffing about I reckon just one of those 18650 powerpacks would be the way to go. You need a reasonably decent size of panel to make any discernable difference to charging a battery, esp if the suns not fully out

Originally Posted by XR500

For all the faffing about I reckon just one of those 18650 powerpacks would be the way to go. You need a reasonably decent size of panel to make any discernable difference to charging a battery, esp if the suns not fully out

^^^^^^^What this bloke said^^^^^^^^^^^
The TOMO case, with 4,6 or 8 quality 18650 batteries

Originally Posted by mimms2

How long ago was it that shit lasted "fucken ages" on batteries?. Sure, they might have been D-cells, and there were 6 of em. But you only swapped them out every easter.

The fuck's wrong with tech now?

Suggest:
learn to use map and compass.
Light fire before dark.

Shit it's a wonder any codgers survived the dark ages eh.

Havent been south of wellington so want all the gear i can take.

Phone on airplane mode should last 4-5 days if not used too much.
One spare set of batteries for the GPS should definitely last you more than a week. Start your trip with fresh batteries and I am sure they will see ya through.
A couple of 18650 batteries or a decent powerbank to run camp lights and /or charge the phone.
You could always add in a small solar panel to top up the powerbank/18650s if you felt the need. But how much extra gear do you really want to or need to carry.

Originally Posted by mimms2

Well that's a thing.

But what if it all gets wet and stops working? Or a solar flare come through on you?

Serious questions. Spose you got the USB-charge EPIRB too huh?

Whats a solar flare? I have a 10year battery epirb not an inreach

Flying in and will have a base camp, its to support 4 guys worth of phones, gps etc maybe I'll look at a powerbank with the panel inbuilt

Hi matto1234,

As suggested, probably just take a powerbank/s that will be sufficient for all your needs. But if you do want to go down the solar panel route, Anker makes the best I know of. Weight for power output I rate them, and they're priced well on Amazon right now. Anker makes a 15W and 21W version, I use the 21W for work. Anker also makes some of the best powerbanks out there, using high quality lithium cells. I wouldn't recommend a powerbank with an inbuilt solar panel, you'll get better quality with separate products.

Regards,
Joel

Another Anker fan here.

Way back I bought a Coglans power pack. It is rated at 6000 mAh. It has a solar panel on its side plus a hand crank, and a torch. The solar panel is useless. When flat I have put it in our lounge window in direct sun. It has sat there for days and never reached full charge. Hank cranking it would require hours and hours to recharge it. On a positive note, it seems to hold charge. 6000 Ah is also way too small.

After the Coglans mistake I bought an Anker Powercore 20100 mAh (20.1 Ah) power pack. It's brilliant. Holds charge forever (well, haven't tested it for that long), plus mighty compact. Sure, a bit more expensive than others but real quality with quality cells. Read the reviews.

A lot the 18v tool jobs have a bit to go on there 18v battery that has a usb plug so you could take a copple off 18v battery pug in the usb cord & charge away

@matto1234 my mate took a cheap battery bank from hunting and fishing and only had to charge his phone the once, just turned it on when he wanted to take photos etc or message home. also took a couple of solar blow up lights. gave enough light around camp or in the tent.
Just remember it doesn't take much to get up to your weight limit and then it becomes a extra trip.

Totally recommend the Powertech Portable Power Centre...about $200. Weighs 1.5 kg. Charge it at home on 240v. before your trip. It has a powerful integral light, and USB ports. I've fully charged my phone 8+ times on the one charge. A solar panel (about 800x350) is available as an extra.