Is this solar charger the best option for backcountry travel for weeks at a time or is there anything lighter, more durable and/or more effective?
1362428
The solar charger is very durable and extremely light. It's great for short hikes not lasting more than 5 days. I have had some issues with the charger not charging an iPhone 5 with just solar power, but charging the internal battery first usually charges any phone. I only say it's good for 5 days because I haven't tried the charger for any longer of a period. It's great to clip on a pack as you travel so the internal battery gets charged and very user friendly. It is definitely great for charging phones or a small gps. Anything bigger you would have to get a charger with better output. If you are looking for an even more rugged product look at the Joos solar charger. The solar charger is very durable and extremely light. It's great for short hikes not lasting more than 5 days. I have had some issues with the charger not charging an iPhone 5 with just solar power, but charging the internal battery first usually charges any phone. I only say it's good for 5 days because I haven't tried the charger for any longer of a period. It's great to clip on a pack as you travel so the internal battery gets charged and very user friendly. It is definitely great for charging phones or a small gps. Anything bigger you would have to get a charger with better output. If... » Read More The solar charger is very durable and extremely light. It's great for short hikes not lasting more than 5 days. I have had some issues with the charger not charging an iPhone 5 with just solar power, but charging the internal battery first usually charges any phone. I only say it's good for 5 days because I haven't tried the charger for any longer of a period. It's great to clip on a pack as you travel so the internal battery gets charged and very user friendly. It is definitely great for charging phones or a small gps. Anything bigger you would have to get a charger with better output. If you are looking for an even more rugged product look at the Joos solar charger. « Show Less
1362429
From my experience, this is the best option for backcountry camping. Though it won't keep your phone or device charged constantly if you use it heavily, it will allow you to use it sparingly. It does a great job of charging even in less than sunny conditions. Also it is about as durable as you can ask a solar charger to be.
1362430
The solar charger is very durable and extremely light. It's great for short hikes not lasting more than 5 days. I have had some issues with the charger not charging an iPhone 5 with just solar power, but charging the internal battery first usually charges any phone. I only say it's good for 5 days because I haven't tried the charger for any longer of a period. It's great to clip on a pack as you travel so the internal battery gets charged and very user friendly. It is definitely great for charging phones or a small gps. Anything bigger you would have to get a charger with better output. If you are looking for an even more rugged product look at the Joos solar charger.
1880646
I have used this setup specifically for camping. Get a plastic 12 volt battery case (easier to transport and keep together) Make sure to have a charge controller so you don't damage the battery and/or solar panel. I use the 12 volt connectors like you would use in the car cigarette lighter socket. You can purchase extensions with male/female ends at an auto parts store and this makes for quick connect/disconnect. You will have to solder or splice cap these onto the wires coming off the charge controller. I have everything together in one setup that I can carry around with the solar panel. Takes about 3 sunny days to fully charge a 12 volt 35 amp battery. I have used this setup specifically for camping. Get a plastic 12 volt battery case (easier to transport and keep together) Make sure to have a charge controller so you don't damage the battery and/or solar panel. I use the 12 volt connectors like you would use in the car cigarette lighter socket. You can purchase extensions with male/female ends at an auto parts store and this makes for quick connect/disconnect. You will have to solder or splice cap these onto the wires coming off the charge controller. I have everything together in one setup that I can carry around with the solar panel.... » Read More I have used this setup specifically for camping. Get a plastic 12 volt battery case (easier to transport and keep together) Make sure to have a charge controller so you don't damage the battery and/or solar panel. I use the 12 volt connectors like you would use in the car cigarette lighter socket. You can purchase extensions with male/female ends at an auto parts store and this makes for quick connect/disconnect. You will have to solder or splice cap these onto the wires coming off the charge controller. I have everything together in one setup that I can carry around with the solar panel. Takes about 3 sunny days to fully charge a 12 volt 35 amp battery. « Show Less
1687015
It would be appropriate for back packers. But I think a better option would be Goal Zero's Gude 10 Plus. My K3 doesn't charge any more by wind or solar. So, I don't know how reliable it would be...I love the idea of combining wind and solar in a small unit.There is a hook off hanging on the bottom. It's actually a metal loop, big enough for a caribiner.But I would check out Goal zero first. I do NOT work for nor do I get compensation in any form from them to recommend their products.
197216
I also bought this for a couple and it's worked perfectly. Unless you are going on an extended trip, When you travel you don't even need to bring the charger since it holds for at least 7-10 days on a single charge. At home, one if uses the base with uv cleaner and the other without. We love it.
1855943
I power the unit with the smallest storage battery I could buy, and I use a small trickle charger to periodically charge it and keep the battery charged. I've never let the battery go for more than 2 or 3 weeks without the trickle charger. This works for me because the fence is close to the house. I keep both the Zareba and the trickle charger in a plastic bin with a snap-on lid, with holes for the fence wire and the extension cord for the trickle charger. The plastic bin protects the battery and charger from the weather.
1848172
I believe it is similar to the charge time for a cell phone or IPad...relatively fast and hard to say how long to charge in the sun.. I used it in the Montana summer and always had a charge.I used used mine last summer along with another (isound portable power 16,000 mAh) battery pack on a 7 day paddle trip.I could charge the power monkey then the extra battery Pack. This was good because I found myself charging other people's phones. By the way, I had to keep my IPad charged because I needed it for navigation on the river and a motorcycle trip afterwards.
493265
I used this charger hiking the JMT trail in California. I had it strapped to the t of my pack during periods of sun and short rain showers and found no effects of the rain during later use. Everyone in my group used the charger for their phone,I pod,or I pad.
1940831
The solar panel is plenty strong. There are no weakness issues in the design I can see. It's really been useful camping since it also will charge cell phones!
775073
Go with the hand crank, the solar charging lasted about 4 months. The battery part still sorks but that is not what I bought it for.
510919
No, it is not waterproof. Yes it is durable enough to bring on a long trip. However, you're likely better served by bringing a decent rechargeable battery. I own the Nomad 7 and Guide 10 combo. Bringing a USB rechargeable battery or two is cheaper, lighter, and takes up less bag space. Anker products offer amazing options (as a single example for half the cost of this unit you can get 20,000 mAh which is enough to charge an iPhone 6 seven times). If you are concerned with size and/or weight, and have USB chargeable items just get a battery. I can get away with 5,000 mAh for a three day trip using USB powered speakers, goal zero flashlight, and keeping my phone variable for pictures, video and music. No, it is not waterproof. Yes it is durable enough to bring on a long trip. However, you're likely better served by bringing a decent rechargeable battery. I own the Nomad 7 and Guide 10 combo. Bringing a USB rechargeable battery or two is cheaper, lighter, and takes up less bag space. Anker products offer amazing options (as a single example for half the cost of this unit you can get 20,000 mAh which is enough to charge an iPhone 6 seven times). If you are concerned with size and/or weight, and have USB chargeable items just get a battery. I can get away with 5,000 mAh for a three day trip... » Read More No, it is not waterproof. Yes it is durable enough to bring on a long trip. However, you're likely better served by bringing a decent rechargeable battery. I own the Nomad 7 and Guide 10 combo. Bringing a USB rechargeable battery or two is cheaper, lighter, and takes up less bag space. Anker products offer amazing options (as a single example for half the cost of this unit you can get 20,000 mAh which is enough to charge an iPhone 6 seven times). If you are concerned with size and/or weight, and have USB chargeable items just get a battery. I can get away with 5,000 mAh for a three day trip using USB powered speakers, goal zero flashlight, and keeping my phone variable for pictures, video and music. « Show Less
2115989
I've been using the Tenergy T-1199BE Universal NiMH Battery Charger for maybe six years now, and I absolutely love it. I'll never buy another dinky Duracell or whatever charger again. It will charge four of these D-cells at a time. I've used it in a greenhouse to keep portable water aerators running around the clock. The batteries charge overnight or over the course of a day, and then are run down with 12 hours of constant use after. I've cycled these batteries through this charger in that fashion hundreds of times, and haven't noticed a decrease in the batteries' capacity. Tenergy stuff is good stuff. I've been using the Tenergy T-1199BE Universal NiMH Battery Charger for maybe six years now, and I absolutely love it. I'll never buy another dinky Duracell or whatever charger again. It will charge four of these D-cells at a time. I've used it in a greenhouse to keep portable water aerators running around the clock. The batteries charge overnight or over the course of a day, and then are run down with 12 hours of constant use after. I've cycled these batteries through this charger in that fashion hundreds of times, and haven't noticed a decrease in the batteries' capacity. Tenergy stuff is... » Read More I've been using the Tenergy T-1199BE Universal NiMH Battery Charger for maybe six years now, and I absolutely love it. I'll never buy another dinky Duracell or whatever charger again. It will charge four of these D-cells at a time. I've used it in a greenhouse to keep portable water aerators running around the clock. The batteries charge overnight or over the course of a day, and then are run down with 12 hours of constant use after. I've cycled these batteries through this charger in that fashion hundreds of times, and haven't noticed a decrease in the batteries' capacity. Tenergy stuff is good stuff. « Show Less
277439
It'll take a couple days over the solar. I use mine more as a spare battery and charge it up over the micro USB and save the solar charging for when I'm up camping and need it for some emergency power. USB charging is maybe a couple hours. Charges my phone fast. They have to be fully charged to use both USB ports.
2012145
To be honest, it hasn't got much use in my household over the past year. We seem to just use the car charger and stick with one battery. However, I did use it the other day when I wanted to bring a backup battery, and it worked fine. For the price, it's a lot more durable than I expected. I hope that helps!
765244
Works great for me, as long as the whole panel is seeing the sky. I left one half shoved in a backpack and it didn't work properly. The rest of the charger is made from a high quality, smooth hard plastic of sorts. Looks good and is rugged enough for me.
523064
We have similar product for off the grid and will be appropriate for RV or any off-grid power. You can search amazon "235-Watt Solar Panel Charging Kit" by Ensupra.
1921391
Thats so funny you asked. It is loud enough for that. Just kayaked and camped on the CO river with this. Was awesome for my movies and music. Only holds charge for 2.75-3 hours on loud. Need a good solar charger. Its a tough, loud and cool system.
1361392
honestly i wouldn't even waste my money on that piece of crap. I bought it for my boyfriend and the thing never even worked. Get yourself one of the rechargable portable chargers, those work way better than the solar ones.