Lightweight solar panels?

[SonnyDay]

You’re crazy!

That’s why I have the solar but I leave it in the truck

Fair. Depending on the forecast and how far in we’re hiking, sometimes I leave it. But most of the time I bring it anyway… being crazy and all. Ha!

 

[skaliwagify]

I have a Suntactics from like 15 years ago that’s as fast as a wall charger in full sun. As near as I can tell they don’t make them anymore. But I’ve had decent luck with a GoalZero Nomad 5. Call me crazy but I like having a way to make power on top of storing it in case things go fully sideways…

I have a hard time believing this, especially for such an old panel. Would like to see the specs on this.

 

[SonnyDay]

I have a hard time believing this, especially for such an old panel. Would like to see the specs on this.

Well not sure how to give specs on it... and it's a moot point since they are no longer available and I'm definitely not selling mine!

But it easily charges a 30-40% phone to 100% in 3 hours in full sun. It has a nice feature that restarts charging every 5 minutes or so in case a cloud goes over and drops the output.

 

[Beendare]

But it easily charges a 30-40% phone to 100% in 3 hours in full sun. It has a nice feature that restarts charging every 5 minutes or so in case a cloud goes over and drops the output.

So you stop hunting to charge your phone?

OP, my iPhone will go 2-4 days without any charge in the backcountry. I did 5 days in Alaska once. Thats using it on Airplane mode and daily only using it for;
GAIA, checking GPS marking locations- not running long tracks,
photos,
an hour or two of audio books per day.

Add a 10k banker battery and I can get about 2 full charges- about 2 1/2 weeks of use. Now, if I'm sitting a stand and doing long listens to audiobooks, battery life is much less- add in charging earbuds.

So YMMV....depending on how much you use your phone of course. Airplane mode makes a huge difference. Closing windows helps too. A bunch of open windows eats battery life but the worst culprit is when you leave the phone on and its constantly searching for a signal or trying to update your email 5 times every minute.

 

[Ozarkhuntr]

I own an outdoor shop and have seen most of the solar panels out in the market (trade shows or shop use). most ultralight ones don’t have the size, you really need something large to get consistent energy (in varying sunlight). It also seems that with most small solar panels there is a 25% chance you get a lemon. Don’t know why, but shops get warranty work pretty frequently on solar chargers. I like to use just a battery pack and have phone on airplane mode. Big thing with battery packs is keeping them warm, if they’re cold it will kill the charge.

 

[SonnyDay]

So you stop hunting to charge your phone?

I do not. I will charge opportunistically if I am glassing, resting, etc. The 3 hours part is based on non-hunting use cases. Newer panels typically come with easy ways of attaching them to a pack brain... but mine does not. One of these years I may construct some kind of harness to let me do that.

 

[Bater]

My Anker 15W 2 panel will completely charge my 10,000mAH bank with good sun when left in camp all day. Goes with me on every 5+ day backpack hunt.

 

[AirlockIndustries]

Used one of these on a spring bear hunt. For the size, weight and price it was pretty solid. That being said you needed good sun most of the day to get a solid charge.

Amazon.com : FlexSolar 10W Foldable Solar Chargers 5V USB Small Power Emergency Portable 4 Folds Panels IP67 Waterproof Camping Hiking Backpacking for Phones Flashlight Watches Small Power Banks Battery Packs : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com : FlexSolar 10W Foldable Solar Chargers 5V USB Small Power Emergency Portable 4 Folds Panels IP67 Waterproof Camping Hiking Backpacking for Phones Flashlight Watches Small Power Banks Battery Packs : Patio, Lawn & Garden

www.amazon.com

 

[alexnelon]

I just carry 2 10K's, one for the phone and 1 for everything else, and then charge them in the truck when I'm driving to a new spot.