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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,875
Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,875 |
I'm looking for a Christmas gift for a relative. I have seen ads for small, light, flexible solar panels made for camping, backpacking, etc. but have no experience with them. What do I want and where can I get it?
Thanks, RS
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,855 Likes: 2
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,855 Likes: 2 |
https://buyersguide.org/solar-panels/t/portable?msclkid=7de623889af81093d9a340da5a259b9a&m=e&d=c&c=83150726577775&oid=kwd-83151122169769:loc-190&qs=portable%20solar%20panels%20for%20camping&lp=93657&li=&nw=s&nts=1&tdid=9267819
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,527 Likes: 24
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,527 Likes: 24 |
https://buyersguide.org/solar-panels/t/portable?msclkid=7de623889af81093d9a340da5a259b9a&m=e&d=c&c=83150726577775&oid=kwd-83151122169769:loc-190&qs=portable%20solar%20panels%20for%20camping&lp=93657&li=&nw=s&nts=1&tdid=9267819 All of those are too big for backpacking.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 3,447
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 3,447 |
Hiking equipment retailers and etailers.
Don't ask me about my military service or heroic acts...most of it is untrue.
Pronoun: Yes, SIR !
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 727
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 727 |
I've used Goal Zero and been very pleased. https://www.goalzero.com/
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 95
Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 95 |
This sounds obvious, but make sure they can use it in a place with lots of sun. I'm in the PNW and it takes very little cloud cover and shade to make my Anker solar panel useless. It was more worth it to take a bigger battery or a second battery rather than rely on it. Maybe they're better now.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,527 Likes: 24
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,527 Likes: 24 |
This sounds obvious, but make sure they can use it in a place with lots of sun. I'm in the PNW and it takes very little cloud cover and shade to make my Anker solar panel useless. It was more worth it to take a bigger battery or a second battery rather than rely on it. Maybe they're better now. They're a little heavy but some of the newer jump starters are very useful for charging phones & GPS's. During the off season, they can also be used to start an engine.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,875
Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,875 |
Went with the Goal Zero Nomad 20 solar panel. Just what I was looking for. Thanks for all of the input.
RS
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 727
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 727 |
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,125
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,125 |
Yep. I've been using a Goal Zero setup for well over a decade, and it still works great.
I've seen more well-shot game lost with TSXs than any other premium bullet.
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,799
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,799 |
I use Anker's 15w and 21w panels on 5+ day hunts, super light and work well
100% Public land DIY!
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Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 65
Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 65 |
I strongly prefer a battery pack.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,527 Likes: 24
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,527 Likes: 24 |
I have a 20k mah pack that will charge my phone many times. Now you can get them with over 30k mah. Those will charge a dead phone 6 or 7 times...without worrying whether the sun will shine. I don't know how the weight compares to a solar charger.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,799
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,799 |
Agreed, I much prefer a battery bank too. For 3-5 day hunts my 10kMAH is perfect, but for extended stays the 15w Anker Solar lite is perfect for recharging the bank, zoleo/inReach, headlamps, etc
100% Public land DIY!
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,576 Likes: 8
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,576 Likes: 8 |
I have a battery bank with a solar panel on one side of it. It charges slowly in the sun, but does work.
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,346
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,346 |
Same, use both. The Knog PWR Solar Panel 10w: Linkand the, Knog's, 10,000 mAH PWR Bank Large: Link but they also have the small 3350 mAh, and the medium 5000 mAh units too. Buy them direct from the manufacturer's web site. Phil
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,576 Likes: 8
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,576 Likes: 8 |
Mine is similar to this: Solar power bankAnd I see they make fold-out versions now, too: Fold-out solar power bank
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