Recharging Your Hiking Gear

I realized that unlike my previous generation of tech, I had chosen devices that used AA batteries, especially when it came to GPS & Satellite communicator. In the event that I ran low on power, I could swap batteries and extend the life of these. It also meant easy resupply of batteries by carrying just a few extra AA’s around in possibles bag.

However, most new devices have internal rechargeable batteries and I need to change my ways and get a few pieces that will be able to recharge these device.

My current electronic gear is composed of the following: – Garmin fenix (GPS navigation, tracking) – iPhone 5s (camera, mp3 player, communication) – Delorme inReach SE (communication)

For the most part, I use my smartphone as a camera since cell reception is partial to non-existent in many of my hiking areas. The new piece of gear I got which would allow me to recharge is an ETON FRX2 emergency crank radio. This unit has a little battery pack and USB outputs for charging. It has a small solar panel strip. I haven’t really used this much other than the radio.

But the next piece of gear I’ve just started to test out which is a GOAL ZERO Adventure kit; Nomad 7 solar panel and Guide 10 battery pack. The battery pack can be charged using the solar panel or via USB. Which means easy charging at home before leaving or in the car as you drive out to the trailhead. Guide 10 battery capacity appears as advertised as. I was able to top up all three device to 100% when they all were around 50%. I just started testing charging a device directly from solar and the Garmin fenix was topped up to 100% (from 50%) in under 2 hours on a clear day.

Provided that you have clear skies these two charging options could extent your devices by a number of days.


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