Solar chargers

[Rob]

anyone have any experience with these devices? they look pretty cool. seems like they'd be worth it in the backcountry if they do what they're supposed to do.

 

[Bruinbrewin]

If you are just looking to recharge your cell phone, I-pod or satellite phone I would look at the Solio chargers. I leave mine set up outside my tent while I am out hiking/hunting and when I come back to camp and make supper I hook up the charger to whatever I want to charge up and I am all set in a half hour or so. They can be charged up by 110 V as well. The one I use is the size of a PC mouse and fans out. 1 charge will do a cell phone about 3 times but I just set it in the sun everyday and it stays fully charged.I like it just fine.
BB

 

[rradams]

I looked into solar chargers recently and came away less than impressed. I was primarily looking for something to charge my iphone on my longer trips. I can't seem to live without listening to music or watching a movie late at night when I can't sleep. The reports I read seem to indicate that solar charging may not quite be there for daily use of devises like the iphone. Especially when you consider the variability of the weather.

Instead I opted for an auxiliary battery pack. I went with the Trent IMP550 which gives my phone and additional 3-4 charges, weights 0.33 lbs, and cost $35 + SH. The down side is this particular unit only works with iphones, ipods, etc. However, all my other battery devices (light and range finder) have light weight user replaceable batteries.

 

[Rob]

I was hoping to get one to keep my Garmin Rino charged up. I don't want to get the alkaline battery pack

 

[rradams]

You can carry alot of batteries for the equivalent weight of a solar charger or external battery pack; especially if you use lithium cells.