Extra Batteries v. Solar Charger

[COlineman78]

I can't fathom anyone burning through two 18650 batteries on one hunt. How long do you plan on staying out? Do you use you lamp on the high setting all the time? I can easily get through a 7 day hunt on one 18650 with plenty to spare in my zebralight. I've always carried a spare just in case I end up butchering or hauling an elk out in the dark but so far I've never even come close to needing the 2nd battery. I've always got a Petzl E+lite in my bino harness as a backup as well.

There is a very large variation in the quality of 18650 batteries. I have some of the cheap ones that barely last 6 hours and some expensive ones that last the entire trip. Both have the same mAh rating. Also, some are designed for high amperage devices and some are better for slow draw. Look up your flashlight and how you plan to use it and then compare the discharge curves for some batteries at that amperage. There are a ton of sites out there that test and post the discharge curves of 18650s.

 

[Tsnider]

ill probably opt for the 5w they have, charge a smaller style backup battery and recharge devices on different days. between an iphone, dslr (video) maybe a gopro (horrible battery life), and delorme it would work fine im sure. seems like that would be sufficient for 2 guys too and not too heavy.

 

[COlineman78]

ill probably opt for the 5w they have, charge a smaller style backup battery and recharge devices on different days. between an iphone, dslr (video) maybe a gopro (horrible battery life), and delorme it would work fine im sure. seems like that would be sufficient for 2 guys too and not too heavy.

This one interests me for that purpose: BioLite SolarPanel 5 | Designed to Maximize Your Charge

I have this one and it works well: Nomad 7 Plus Solar Panel | | Goal Zero

 

[mfllood3800]

As small and light as some of these solar panels are- just bring both?
Then you have no worries.
Just make sure all your electronics utilize the same size btty. You may not need to switch out the head lamp or hand held, but for sure the GPS .
I try to get all my stuff using AA. That way its less variety and more redundancy where needed most.

I also carry a small solar charger.

I will be getting the Dark Energy Charger and using the solar on it. I might only get it bumped 10% each day, but on a 7 day hunt, that's 70% more life. But in case of inclement weather, I will also have batteries

 

[mfllood3800]

Lots of good info here...
I was never looking to find a solar charger to fully charge my 10,000 mah pack quickly. I am just thinking it would benefit us even if it only gave us a 10% charge daily. I sure wish Dark Energy would come out with a 10,000 MAH battery that also has a solar charger. Id sell my wifes quilting material to get one for sure.

I am gonna get the dark Energy set up, and will look for a solar charger as well. Self filmed hunts take a lot of btty

 

[jjrgr21]

the Anker 15w panel is very good for the money

and if you want to charge everything, the poweradd 60w, folds up pretty well.