Portable Power and Communications Gear on Sheep Hunt

[Spiral Horn]

Going on a Yukon Sheep Hunt in August and contemplating what electronics to bring. In the past I've used portable power banks (Anker 20k Mah) and a Garmin Inreach Mini 2. On my last trip the guide was using a solar charging system that I was quite impressed with. Unfortunately, that was a Chinese made item not available in the USA. Since technology changes so rapidly and there have been numerous advancements within the past few years, I'd like to hear what folks have been using recently that they've been impressed with. Thanks in advance for any tips or advice.

 

[IBen]

I use the goal zero one and it worked well for a 10 day hunt or less i probably wouldn’t bother

 

[wyosteve]

I just got back from a hunt where I used a Garmin Messenger and my iPhone 16 Pro. Both did the job, but the Messenger would be my 'go to' when I go again. Excellent battery life, small and compact. I also took an Anker 20,000 pack and it worked as expected.

 

[medvedyt]

we are using zoleo, samsung phone and a battery bank and we are in the yukon.

 

[Snowhunter11]

I use exactly what you use. Garmin mini 2 and Anker 20k mah. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it

 

[aoudad]

Garmin inreach messenger plus and two dark energy power banks. It’s nice to send and receive pictures of the family and sheep on the mountain!

 

[aoudad]

Garmin inreach messenger plus and two dark energy power banks. It’s nice to send and receive pictures of the family and sheep on the mountain!

Also, I have the solar panel but opted for two power banks to save room.

 

[deserthunter2016]

I use exactly what you use. Garmin mini 2 and Anker 20k mah. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it

How many charges do you get out of the 20k? Are you just charging the Garmin or a phone as well?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Snowhunter11]

Looking back at my at home testing. Apple mini iphone and iwatch 6 every night for seven nights. Charger was down to one bar. I believe I have used it eight nights successfully afield. However in testing night number seven was only 77% charged on my phone. I also can use it to charge my headlamp and Garmin if needed. I only turn on my inreach twice a day to check messages so it has never needed charge on a trip. If I was heavily using power I would add an additional 10k bank. Skip charging my watch etc.PS-I know my testing wasn’t perfect lab work.. I would consider solar but only after heavy at home testing. A lot of factors come into play with solar. Currently I only charge at night, in the dark, and inside my sleeping bag if it’s cold out.

Test
iPhone mini 6/11/23 17%
6:57pm start-8:30pm 100%
Iwatch6 6/12/23 43%
7:20-8:20 80%

iPhone 6/13/23 13% 5:25-6:15 83%
I watch 20%

iPhone 6/14/23 5%-81%
I watch 23%-97%

6/15/23
iPhone 50%-77%
I watch 17%-96%

6/16/23
iPhone 4%-85%
I watch 18%-99

6/18/23
iPhone 7%-97
I watch 55%-97

6/19/23
iPhone 3%-77%
I watch 29%-74%
Down to one bar. Possibly another partial charge left.

 

[z987k]

I bring an inreach and generally have a jump pack with me that can also charge a phone or inreach but I've never used it and it does not go in my pack. If you turn the phone off except for photos, it'll last a month or more. Same with the inreach.

 

[Snowhunter11]

I also only use my phone as needed. I will try remembering to check my charger capacity after coming out of an extended camp or hunt. Normally so exhausted I don’t even look I just charge it up days later. I do know I have never been in a panic situation to date. Knock on wood