1st) Thank you Dixie. I'm an active hunter, camper, and trail runner, but I haven't backpacked since I was a teen. I'm 63 now and much has changed. I've been thinking about extending my backpacking from just the two or three miles it takes to find a place to camp to taking a week and covering some significant miles. I'm learning a lot from your videos. However... 2nd) One thing you didn't mention was using a hand crank generator. For many years now I've kept one like the unit in the link below (trying to use your affiliate link) in my "survival pocket". Reading the reviews on any similar unit, you'll immediately note mostly negative comments. Here is my input on the matter: (a) The unit is for emergency use only; not for fully charging your phone. (b) Despite what the product claims, it will not directly charge a modern Android or Apple phone. (3) However, it will charge a small battery pack, which can then charge your phone. (4) I keep a very small and light fully charged 1500 mAh battery pack in the pocket with the generator. (5) The small battery pack will give my phone a partial charge. (6) Then 10 minutes of cranking will put enough charge back into a depleted battery pack that I can power up a fully dead phone to make numerous text messages, a phone call of several minutes, or get my GPS coordinates. (7) You cannot crank the generator fast or put strain on the crank. It will break. It is very cheaply made. (8) Since it is cheaply made, test the one you have before you go out in the field with it. (9) Let me say it again, do not try to charge your phone directly from the generator. - - I'm traveling right now, so I can't weigh the generator and battery pack, but I would venture to guess they total 3 to 4 ounces. Once I forgot my large battery pack. This setup allowed me to stay in periodic touch with my wife over a long weekend hunting trip. It was worth its weight in gold. [LINK: www.amazon.com/Baynne-Travel-Emergency-Charger-Dynamo/dp/B07DYWX3M3/ref=sr_1_21?crid=1L3Q1BHT57IOL&keywords=hand+crank+cell+phone+charger&qid=1552353176&s=gateway&sprefix=hand+crank+cell+%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-21 ] 3rd) I've recently been using the "ElevenII 22W Solar Phone Charger" (people can use your Amazon link to find it). I haven't used it while hiking or backpacking, but I can say it will charge my Galaxy S8+, which has a 3500 mAh battery, from 0 to 20% in 1 hour 19 minutes with only broken morning sunlight through a tree canopy. I'll have to report back after I've tried it on a hike, but I suspect that if strapped to my pack it would keep my phone fully charged while hiking. At 1.5 pounds the unit is double the weight of the 10,000 mAh battery that I usually tote, but it's kept my phone and headlight fully charged on extended camping trips. For a trip 3 days or less, I'd take my Anker battery pack, but for longer trips or where I expect to use more juice then the solar panel saves weight in the long run.
One tip I have is if you have an older phone you no longer use you should bring it. My previous phone has a cracked screen but overall still works just fine. My main phone I keep off or in airplane mode and my older phone I use to take pictures or videos. Or have downloaded Netflix or prime videos saved to it and will watch them at night so my main phone can stay charged.
Solar charge your battery pack while hiking, then charge your electronics at night at camp. Get a good solar charging panel that will work in indirect light, and you still get some charge. Anker 15w or 21w is great for this. This is the combo I use while hiking/camping. Thanks for the videos.
Dixie you are awesome and are helping me a LOT to get everything ready for the AT 2023. Can’t wait to experience this life and meet all the trail members along the way!
I appreciate these trail lessons & have taken notes from this channel & Bryan's Mysteries & Adventures on Trail so I can learn about the newest stuff. Thanks!!
Test your devices before you go as well. How many pictures or video can I take on a single charge? How long will my GPS, Headlamp, etc work on a single charge. I tested every device as well as the Batteries to use. In '05 I relied on NiMH Batteries.
Thank you. 👍 All good tips, and I appreciate you giving every, single detail as some of us may not know about things that to others is common knowledge. Everyone is new to things at some point. 🤓
Changing your display to grayscale/black and white saves a ton of battery life. The pictures you take will still be in color when you switch back, but you get a lot more display hours on the same charge without all the bright colors. You can set home button (iPhone) or mutliple keys pressed at once (android) shortcuts to easily toggle back and forth.
Yeesh! In regards to Solar and USB Batteries... Rule number 1: Never charge your device while it's on (while outdoors). The device will use power from the cable to charge the device while it's trying to divert some of the power to the devices battery. Placing non-waterproof solar panels in a large, commercial, resealable bag will give it weather protection while charging your batteries in the rain/snow. As for me, I just hang my solar charger off of my backpack while I'm hiking. An added 30amp solar charge controller with USB works great to assist in charging a vehicle battery with a solar panel. They can be purchased ultra small and lightweight. These are used in offgrid homesteads to assist in charging arrays of marine batteries to give free power to common household appliances and technology like computers, TV's and internet routers/modems. Carry about 6 foot of 16/2 power cable some aligator clips to use as an emergency 12v vehicle battery charger. Cable can be harvested from a cheap, 2-prong, household, extension power cable and used with a charge controller. The charge controller can also be used to charge USB Battery packs and other types of electronics via the USB Outlets. Rule number 2: Charge your backup batteries during the day and charge your devices at night with the backup batteries (I learned this from active duty US military and have always used this tip with great success). Be sure to check your power connections from the solar panel to the USB battery for disconnections. Nothing will charge if the device disconnects. I've owned both Anker and RAVPOWER USB batteries. Anker are priced higher for the same or lesser quality battery (every since Walmart picked up their batteries for in store sales). RAVPOWER batteries with Qualcomm Quick Charge are my favorite! Plus, RAVPOWER batteries are better priced than Anker. USB Batteries with at least 20,000 mAh or more are generally preferred over a 10,000 mAh battery. The mAh rating of the battery gets weaker the more you recharge it. After several complete battery charges, 10,000 mAh will become 9,000 and 9,000 will become 8,000 and so on. Make note that outdoor versions of USB Batteries are marketed as weatherproof and will still work after being rained on and submerged in water. If you feel that your batteries may come in contact with water or humidity, then research these types of USB batteries. Sincerely, Jacob May 31st, 2021
I hike in the Sierra on the JMT and other trails and attach the Anker PowerPort Solar Lite 15W to the top of my pack to charge my Anker 10000+ brick during the day. I never fiddle with it unless it's raining, in which case I unhook the brick, which goes in a baggie, and stow the panel in a side pocket (it's ok in the rain and has survived a creek dunking just fine). I then charge my phone, Inreach and Fuji camera at night. Works for me since wall charging opportunities are infrequent. The panel is 12.5oz, the same as a 20000mAh brick. I always have extra power even though I'm lazy about turning off my phone and Inreach at night.
For the financially challenged! - A solar charger can save you money by taking fewer motel nights in town, mostly just to charge batteries for 6-8 hours. Aim to do laundry, resupply and get out of town in under 3 hours, to camp on trail whenever possible. It is hard to spend cash when you are always in the mountains!
@AaronThanks for your tips. I have heard of folks washing clothes in the woods using a dry sack to contain the soapy water and safely transport it, well away from the water source. These days my preferred lamps are integral solar and/ or dynamo hand cranked so I hope to never buy batteries for a flashlight ever again.
Spot on at minute 11:45 or so. If you are on a long back country trip with no access to power, a solar panel makes a lot of sense. If you are on a throughhike that gives you access to power every few days, a battery makes a lot of sense. Another great video Dixie.
One thing to add about the BioLite Campstove 2: at peak output, it generates 3 watts. At 5 volts, that's 600 mA (0.6 amps) per hour. That means it will take 4 hours and 20 minutes of peak burn to fully recharge the included 2600mAh battery. Plus, ashes build-up fairly quickly in the small chamber - every 30 minutes you'll have to dump ashes and restart the fire. I love the idea of the BioLite, but its just not a realistic option in its current incarnation.
As someone who has dealt with this issue for years I wan't to add one more thing to her list of things to keep in mind. Even if you keep your phone on airplane mode at all times, which I do while I'm working. Be careful because the inside of your thigh might constantly be engaging with your phone and might still drain your battery very quickly. It could constantly lighting up your phone and trying to access things that even airplane mode blocks. Because of this, I turn my phone outwards from my hip so it doesn't do this while I'm out in the woods.
Light bulb moment. I know my phone wakes if it contacts me in the pocket while I’m working. (It’s a timer set to vibrate) I often get low on battery for “nothing.” I’ll definitely build the habit to have it face out. Thank you.
Careful. Most powerbanks (also the ones from Anker) won't allow "passthrough", i.e. charging and discharging simultaneously. Just make sure you have one that supports this before going out on a trail and being disappointed.
@@DerKatzeSonne not meaning at once. My bust. Mean tag charge one fully. Change next fully charge Another fully...... that's what i do. By time i drain one the other is fully charged. By nightfall i have enough to make it until 10am.
@@mrmichaeltscott ah I see; that makes sense! I’m worried about the loss in efficiency because you add a second step by first charging the powerbank just to use that to charge the phone. On the other hand it seems to be the most robust and least problematic method. Personally I’m still trying different methods and need to find a way that works for me. Probably yours is what I’ll end up with anyways :)
I use both. I have a small (impulse purchase at a CVS checkout counter) power bank around 4400. I carry a solar panel (ANRAN 22W Dual USB Solar Charger). While hiking I throw it over my pack and charge my power bank. Then when I settle down for the night play a few games on the phone and plug it into the battery and go to sleep. No probs with my panel yet. Been able to charge phone and smart watch or power bank at the same time. Definitely not a thru hike panel but I think it's great. I love both, battery and solar. :)
I’m not currently a thru or long distance hiker but have brought n use the Bio-lite stove using for recharging my I-phone for photography n stove for the week long recharging needs. It’s a bit heavy but it’s my (Washingtonian) cooking n recharger as solar often is iffy with our somewhat less sunny ☀️ hiking 🥾 levels up here. Just tossing that in from my 65 yrs of trail experience.. I do like your battery 🔋 pack option. Just haven’t gone there yet but your thots n comments are very useful n worth considering. Thankz young lady.
Another great video with tons of useful info. Thanks Dixie! You are my backpacking guru. If someone were to tell you 25-30 years ago, that you would be able to use your phone to check your emails, schedule appointments, watch movies/TV shows on, take pictures/record videos, order food, shop, do your taxes with, & any research you gotta do; would you have thought they were crazy?
The battery packs hold about 60% of what they claim relative to your electronic device. So if you have a 10,000 mAH battery pack, you can divide your mAH of your battery you are recharging into 10000 x .6 or 6000 mAHs. So if you have a 3000 mAH battery that requires charging, you will get two full charges from your 10000 mAH bank.
I love the BioLite stove, but I think it’s best for car camping/van life situations. If you can carry the weight, know how to make a proper fire, and don’t mind tending to it, it produces a lot of electricity and is a ton of fun.
Thanks for the topic and video Dixie! 😉 And Everyone watch out for those battery banks that if you don’t disconnect your device when it’s done charging, the battery bank will actually use your device to try to recharge itself 😬 happened to me with a “Sunjack” brand battery bank.
ADV Nevada wire in a port to the electrical system of your motorcycle, and plug a 12v to usb plug in. I charge my phone as I go. I can also charge other batteries. Less buggering about.
It isn't water resistant, but it's very handy. The TOMO M4 power bank/18650 charger will use any combination of varying types and capacity 18650's, up to 4. It smart charges each battery individually. It also works as a power bank with two USB outputs. Total output is limited by the number/capacity of the batteries themselves. Maximum with quality batteries is 13600 mAh. Since much of my gear uses 18650's, it is both a charger and power bank with spare batteries. Just have to keep it dry-ish. Have IPX6 power banks (Anker, Levin) for use in damp conditions.
I used a solar panel on the JMT last year. It worked out really well. Three weeks on the trail and it was my only power source. Each night I charged my iPhone (sometimes two), a camera battery (sometimes two), headlamp occasionally and my inReach occasionally.
Really enjoy watching all of your videos. You capture a lot of incredible footage and I was just wondering what your camera of choice is? Looking for the right choice for photographing and videoing landscapes, at all times of the day. Some of the videos you were able to get of the stars were amazing! Thanks!
Another option is to use a Goal Zero Guide 10 battery pack charger, it’s the one that comes with the Nomad 7 solar panel as a bundle. It’s fast to recharge when you have power but you can also swap the 4 AA rechargeable batteries with a second set or with regular alkaline batteries when in a hurry. Best of both worlds for me in most situation.
I am enjoying getting someone else's perspective on things through this series. This one is the first that didn't apply. The only electronics I take are two flashlights and a tiny solar panel for charging them. :-)
I haven't backpacked since 2008 and your videos have been very helpful for people getting into or back into this world. Good information and very helpful.
I've got the biolite. It's not my main power source on trail, but I love it! The fire is easy to get going and control but be careful with your power cables. I wrapped mine in foil. I might try a foil tape to make it more streamlined.
I have two solar panels. The Suntastic 15w and one from Monoprice. They are now my backup in case of power failures. And I also own a Biolight stove. It is one of my base camp stoves.
Been enjoying your videos: one recommendation: please consider placing a financial disclosure for possible conflicts (or lack thereof) on products you discuss or recommend. It improves the quality of your own content, and helps raise the bar for similar sites. Simple stuff. Were you provided the merchandise for free, or did you pay for it yourself? Were you paid to produce the review or promote a product, or not? Thanks for the good information! (Oh, and I would say that even if you did receive promotional products you recommended. I would respect the transparency though).
I bring my older 2 panel goal zero kit, couldn't tell you the model anymore, but works great and is able to charge on fairly low light conditions. 2 small caribiners and wrapped out to the top of my pack ran the cable down my side and put the phone on my hip pocket. Used this set up at many music festivals and worked just as well this summer making my way around parts of glacier national park.
Hello, thank you for your information. I am planning on 5 days guided backpacking to Yellowstone. For taking pictures, do you recommend to use my iPhone with airplane mode? There will be no recharging stations; therefore I will purchase anker 20k milliamperes. Also they told me to bring battery powered headlamps. With the power source I should be able to use my anker device for recharging which should eliminate bringing extra batteries. Your thoughts?
I got a 4patriots solar power, power bank for my birthday. Haven’t hiked with it, but I like the idea to gather juice while out and about and charge later.
Great video as always! A good tip If you use a 2.5 amp or 3.0 amp charging block and cord you can greatly increase how fast your battery chargers. If u have a fast charging pack but only a 1 amp or 2 amp block and cord then you're not get the quickest charge possible because the cord and block can't push over there regulated amps. I have saved myself tons of time by using a 2.5 amp charging setup. Most of the newer phones are compatible with the 3 amp charging system. Also if you get one with multiple USB ports you can charge everything a lot faster. Good when you're trying to sneak a plug and get some quick power.
I use an Anker 21000 battery and solar panel. I charge my devices from the battery at night and then charge the battery pack from solar during the day. I just strap the panel to my pack and I’m good to go. It’s worked great for a couple years now. Yes, a little bulky but I don’t mind.
I can comment on generation 1 Biolite stove. I am a fan, however, I horse pack with it. I am slightly more frivolous with my weight than when I backpack. It will charge your phone however, it’s a little slow. I love my Biolite stove. That being said I also carry a MSR Whisperlite as well and use it also. I am a more leisurely traveler and am not looking for miles, rather I am looking at doing a little fishing, eating well and kicking back and enjoying the scenery, and sorta smelling the flowers along the way. I also canoe in wilderness and would take the Biolite for that as well. The portage can be hard but the trip back for the second load can be enjoyable. For me it is the journey and location and no longer about the miles that the thru hiker with a goal in mind has to consider. I used to crank out the miles, but with the years miles don’t mean much anymore. Just glad to see folks get out and go...
I use a linksolar 13 watt panel and I tie it to the back of my back, I plug that into an anker powercore 20100. In sunny Florida it will trickle charge the battery through the day. I think that’s the best use case for a solar panel, rather than trying to rely on it to bring your devices up to 100 percent off just the panel alone.
you are right. There has to be an inbetween, aka a battery. It should ALWAYS be SOLAR > BATTERY > PHONE in that order a lot of those cheaper solar panels too don't have good charge protection
I have the same battery pack, but where do you charge it and how often are there places to charge. You alluded to it, but still a little confused. Are you saying you do stuff like plug into a socket at a laundry while washing clothes, or you actually check into a hotel and charge over night?
I have both fixed battery banks to charge plus another option of a battery bank that has a built in small solar panel. This unit allows you to charge it fully before heading out, but with the solar panel giving it a boost as you are travelling. The unit that I have been using for 3 years is only a 5000mah unit, but there are others available with a much large battery capacity (check the web) and I have recently ordered one of those to test out. I never expect the solar panel to fully charge the battery bank except over a long period, but having the ability to add to its stored charge amount (that you have depleted), does give you an extra overall capacity.
" on top of climb vs down in a bottom" . Yea, you're from the South. Anyone else would have said " down in a valley". You're my kind of people!!! Keep up the info vids, I really need your knowledge. Thanx Dixie...
I have one of those super cheep battery power back ups with the solar panel on it, and I have been pleasantly surprised by it. Best of both worlds. I don’t rely on the solar panel but as long as it’s hanging on the out side of my bag it has done OK for me. Only problem is in the cold if it’s on the out side of my pack I don’t have much luck with any batteries in the cold.
I got the Biolite stove as a present. In addition to it being pretty heavy (935g minimum), most of my pots do not fit on it. My car camping cook set from GSI did fit on it okay. I think it's okay for backcountry camping with friends, but in those conditions, you really don't need a charger. Not to mention it takes a pretty long time to charge, making a meal will give you about 10% on your phone. I really like the idea, but I was really disappointed with the product. One possible use case is that it might be used during fireband. Not sure on the detail, but I know most metal wood stoves are included in fireband.
What is your opinion on solar charger power banks? It has same battery capacity of a normal battery but can charge banks a bit while walking thru some sunny areas.
I use Yolk solar paper, pricey but light weight and well made as it is simple to add panels and the display helps estimate charge time by output voltage ~ battery input requirement. gold magnetic panel hook-ups is just extra cool and no other panel i have seen has that feature. =]
1st) Thank you Dixie. I'm an active hunter, camper, and trail runner, but I haven't backpacked since I was a teen. I'm 63 now and much has changed. I've been thinking about extending my backpacking from just the two or three miles it takes to find a place to camp to taking a week and covering some significant miles. I'm learning a lot from your videos. However...
2nd) One thing you didn't mention was using a hand crank generator. For many years now I've kept one like the unit in the link below (trying to use your affiliate link) in my "survival pocket". Reading the reviews on any similar unit, you'll immediately note mostly negative comments. Here is my input on the matter: (a) The unit is for emergency use only; not for fully charging your phone. (b) Despite what the product claims, it will not directly charge a modern Android or Apple phone. (3) However, it will charge a small battery pack, which can then charge your phone. (4) I keep a very small and light fully charged 1500 mAh battery pack in the pocket with the generator. (5) The small battery pack will give my phone a partial charge. (6) Then 10 minutes of cranking will put enough charge back into a depleted battery pack that I can power up a fully dead phone to make numerous text messages, a phone call of several minutes, or get my GPS coordinates. (7) You cannot crank the generator fast or put strain on the crank. It will break. It is very cheaply made. (8) Since it is cheaply made, test the one you have before you go out in the field with it. (9) Let me say it again, do not try to charge your phone directly from the generator. - - I'm traveling right now, so I can't weigh the generator and battery pack, but I would venture to guess they total 3 to 4 ounces. Once I forgot my large battery pack. This setup allowed me to stay in periodic touch with my wife over a long weekend hunting trip. It was worth its weight in gold. [LINK: www.amazon.com/Baynne-Travel-Emergency-Charger-Dynamo/dp/B07DYWX3M3/ref=sr_1_21?crid=1L3Q1BHT57IOL&keywords=hand+crank+cell+phone+charger&qid=1552353176&s=gateway&sprefix=hand+crank+cell+%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-21 ]
3rd) I've recently been using the "ElevenII 22W Solar Phone Charger" (people can use your Amazon link to find it). I haven't used it while hiking or backpacking, but I can say it will charge my Galaxy S8+, which has a 3500 mAh battery, from 0 to 20% in 1 hour 19 minutes with only broken morning sunlight through a tree canopy. I'll have to report back after I've tried it on a hike, but I suspect that if strapped to my pack it would keep my phone fully charged while hiking. At 1.5 pounds the unit is double the weight of the 10,000 mAh battery that I usually tote, but it's kept my phone and headlight fully charged on extended camping trips. For a trip 3 days or less, I'd take my Anker battery pack, but for longer trips or where I expect to use more juice then the solar panel saves weight in the long run.
These backpacking basics videos are really well done and I'm really enjoying them. Thanks!
I second that!
One tip I have is if you have an older phone you no longer use you should bring it. My previous phone has a cracked screen but overall still works just fine. My main phone I keep off or in airplane mode and my older phone I use to take pictures or videos. Or have downloaded Netflix or prime videos saved to it and will watch them at night so my main phone can stay charged.
This series is so valuable! I wish I had some of these “one stop shop” basic video answers when I started. Thank you!
What about a really long extension cord?
You lose efficiency with longer cords.
That is what "little brothers" are for. I invite him to come with me . . . the catch is . . . being younger/dumber he does the heavy hauling.... ;)
Or........ quick charge portal's along the trail 😁😁 lol 🤣
Lol
It’s so obvious when someone else says it first.
You just need to invent a solar powered umbrella so you can charge your little heart out while lounging in the shade.
Why haven't I seen that?!!! Quick! Get a patent!!!
@@SkyBrigidRain The obvious problem is that photovoltaic cells aren't as flexible as you'd want an umbrella to be.
@@philipgwyn8091 Good point! Maybe someday. Sounds like a useful thing to research anyway.
Get a folding solar panel, get a parasol, open the the parasol, put the solar panel on top.
@Floyd Vaughn damn! I'm missing ouit then!!!
Solar charge your battery pack while hiking, then charge your electronics at night at camp.
Get a good solar charging panel that will work in indirect light, and you still get some charge. Anker 15w or 21w is great for this.
This is the combo I use while hiking/camping. Thanks for the videos.
i will be using the same Xd 2 ankers and one 30w panel
Again, good job. Your experience shows! Nice work on the short demo clips/pics to highlight your point. 😉
Dixie - You're the bomb! You started out like me to do a single thru hike, and it became your life. Thanks for helping so many hikers out.
Love your Videos Dixie....like to listen while I'm at work and it's close as I can get to being on trail...Keep up the great work...
Dixie you are awesome and are helping me a LOT to get everything ready for the AT 2023. Can’t wait to experience this life and meet all the trail members along the way!
I appreciate these trail lessons & have taken notes from this channel & Bryan's Mysteries & Adventures on Trail so I can learn about the newest stuff. Thanks!!
Great info , I have the anker 10k also, very reliable. Thanks !
Test your devices before you go as well. How many pictures or video can I take on a single charge? How long will my GPS, Headlamp, etc work on a single charge. I tested every device as well as the Batteries to use. In '05 I relied on NiMH Batteries.
Thank you. 👍 All good tips, and I appreciate you giving every, single detail as some of us may not know about things that to others is common knowledge. Everyone is new to things at some point. 🤓
Thanks! I asked this on another video in the comment section. Your channel has been extremely helpful
Changing your display to grayscale/black and white saves a ton of battery life. The pictures you take will still be in color when you switch back, but you get a lot more display hours on the same charge without all the bright colors. You can set home button (iPhone) or mutliple keys pressed at once (android) shortcuts to easily toggle back and forth.
Yeesh! In regards to Solar and USB Batteries...
Rule number 1:
Never charge your device while it's on (while outdoors). The device will use power from the cable to charge the device while it's trying to divert some of the power to the devices battery.
Placing non-waterproof solar panels in a large, commercial, resealable bag will give it weather protection while charging your batteries in the rain/snow.
As for me, I just hang my solar charger off of my backpack while I'm hiking.
An added 30amp solar charge controller with USB works great to assist in charging a vehicle battery with a solar panel. They can be purchased ultra small and lightweight. These are used in offgrid homesteads to assist in charging arrays of marine batteries to give free power to common household appliances and technology like computers, TV's and internet routers/modems. Carry about 6 foot of 16/2 power cable some aligator clips to use as an emergency 12v vehicle battery charger. Cable can be harvested from a cheap, 2-prong, household, extension power cable and used with a charge controller. The charge controller can also be used to charge USB Battery packs and other types of electronics via the USB Outlets.
Rule number 2:
Charge your backup batteries during the day and charge your devices at night with the backup batteries (I learned this from active duty US military and have always used this tip with great success).
Be sure to check your power connections from the solar panel to the USB battery for disconnections. Nothing will charge if the device disconnects.
I've owned both Anker and RAVPOWER USB batteries. Anker are priced higher for the same or lesser quality battery (every since Walmart picked up their batteries for in store sales). RAVPOWER batteries with Qualcomm Quick Charge are my favorite! Plus, RAVPOWER batteries are better priced than Anker.
USB Batteries with at least 20,000 mAh or more are generally preferred over a 10,000 mAh battery. The mAh rating of the battery gets weaker the more you recharge it. After several complete battery charges, 10,000 mAh will become 9,000 and 9,000 will become 8,000 and so on.
Make note that outdoor versions of USB Batteries are marketed as weatherproof and will still work after being rained on and submerged in water. If you feel that your batteries may come in contact with water or humidity, then research these types of USB batteries.
Sincerely,
Jacob
May 31st, 2021
Do you carry your Anker backup pack in the "travel pouch" or just stuff it in a drysac?
I hike in the Sierra on the JMT and other trails and attach the Anker PowerPort Solar Lite 15W to the top of my pack to charge my Anker 10000+ brick during the day. I never fiddle with it unless it's raining, in which case I unhook the brick, which goes in a baggie, and stow the panel in a side pocket (it's ok in the rain and has survived a creek dunking just fine). I then charge my phone, Inreach and Fuji camera at night. Works for me since wall charging opportunities are infrequent. The panel is 12.5oz, the same as a 20000mAh brick. I always have extra power even though I'm lazy about turning off my phone and Inreach at night.
Dixie, thanks so much. I was hoping you had a video on how you kept your electronics charged.
Thanks for the info. You have answered questions about things that I was trying to get and answer too. Happy Trails to you
For the financially challenged! - A solar charger can save you money by taking fewer motel nights in town, mostly just to charge batteries for 6-8 hours. Aim to do laundry, resupply and get out of town in under 3 hours, to camp on trail whenever possible. It is hard to spend cash when you are always in the mountains!
@AaronThanks for your tips. I have heard of folks washing clothes in the woods using a dry sack to contain the soapy water and safely transport it, well away from the water source. These days my preferred lamps are integral solar and/ or dynamo hand cranked so I hope to never buy batteries for a flashlight ever again.
Spot on at minute 11:45 or so. If you are on a long back country trip with no access to power, a solar panel makes a lot of sense. If you are on a throughhike that gives you access to power every few days, a battery makes a lot of sense. Another great video Dixie.
Thank You for this information. I am sporting a pair of cochlears and when the batteries run down I am stone deaf. Never thought about a battery pack.
I was looking for a new one to take to CampBisco this year, and this video popped up on my feed. As always, I appreciate ya, Dixie!
As always chock full of good information Thanks Dixie
Are you going to talk about resupply, mailing and the rest of the things that you need to do in town?
MidnightModder
Hopefully. It’s a great idea to share with her though if she hadn’t already planned on covering it for this series.
She has done a resupply video already, and maybe could have mentioned it.
One thing to add about the BioLite Campstove 2: at peak output, it generates 3 watts. At 5 volts, that's 600 mA (0.6 amps) per hour. That means it will take 4 hours and 20 minutes of peak burn to fully recharge the included 2600mAh battery. Plus, ashes build-up fairly quickly in the small chamber - every 30 minutes you'll have to dump ashes and restart the fire. I love the idea of the BioLite, but its just not a realistic option in its current incarnation.
Its' cool tech. Hopefully it will improve over the next decade.
As someone who has dealt with this issue for years I wan't to add one more thing to her list of things to keep in mind. Even if you keep your phone on airplane mode at all times, which I do while I'm working. Be careful because the inside of your thigh might constantly be engaging with your phone and might still drain your battery very quickly. It could constantly lighting up your phone and trying to access things that even airplane mode blocks. Because of this, I turn my phone outwards from my hip so it doesn't do this while I'm out in the woods.
Light bulb moment. I know my phone wakes if it contacts me in the pocket while I’m working. (It’s a timer set to vibrate) I often get low on battery for “nothing.”
I’ll definitely build the habit to have it face out. Thank you.
Great video, very informative. Thank you.
Daisy chain the solar into a backup battery while charging your phone from it. No on off charging
Careful. Most powerbanks (also the ones from Anker) won't allow "passthrough", i.e. charging and discharging simultaneously. Just make sure you have one that supports this before going out on a trail and being disappointed.
@@DerKatzeSonne not meaning at once. My bust. Mean tag charge one fully. Change next fully charge Another fully...... that's what i do. By time i drain one the other is fully charged. By nightfall i have enough to make it until 10am.
@@mrmichaeltscott ah I see; that makes sense! I’m worried about the loss in efficiency because you add a second step by first charging the powerbank just to use that to charge the phone. On the other hand it seems to be the most robust and least problematic method. Personally I’m still trying different methods and need to find a way that works for me. Probably yours is what I’ll end up with anyways :)
Thanks Dixie! you have become my go to. I'm getting ready to do the GA section of the AT.
I use both. I have a small (impulse purchase at a CVS checkout counter) power bank around 4400. I carry a solar panel (ANRAN 22W Dual USB Solar Charger). While hiking I throw it over my pack and charge my power bank. Then when I settle down for the night play a few games on the phone and plug it into the battery and go to sleep. No probs with my panel yet. Been able to charge phone and smart watch or power bank at the same time. Definitely not a thru hike panel but I think it's great. I love both, battery and solar. :)
Thank you so much for the video, this give me really good ideas of my coming outdoor adventures
I’m not currently a thru or long distance hiker but have brought n use the Bio-lite stove using for recharging my I-phone for photography n stove for the week long recharging needs. It’s a bit heavy but it’s my (Washingtonian) cooking n recharger as solar often is iffy with our somewhat less sunny ☀️ hiking 🥾 levels up here. Just tossing that in from my 65 yrs of trail experience.. I do like your battery 🔋 pack option. Just haven’t gone there yet but your thots n comments are very useful n worth considering. Thankz young lady.
Another great video with tons of useful info. Thanks Dixie! You are my backpacking guru.
If someone were to tell you 25-30 years ago, that you would be able to use your phone to check your emails, schedule appointments, watch movies/TV shows on, take pictures/record videos, order food, shop, do your taxes with, & any research you gotta do; would you have thought they were crazy?
... don't forget endless selfies and every spare moment wasted on Facebook!
Yea and in maybe 50 years they have a version where you can say. .........beam me up scotty. If you are about 50 years. You understand.
No, because I watched them do that exact thing in the 60s on star trek!
Really awesome video. Have an amazing Monday, Andreas 🇸🇪
The battery packs hold about 60% of what they claim relative to your electronic device. So if you have a 10,000 mAH battery pack, you can divide your mAH of your battery you are recharging into 10000 x .6 or 6000 mAHs. So if you have a 3000 mAH battery that requires charging, you will get two full charges from your 10000 mAH bank.
good info with all the options.
I love the BioLite stove, but I think it’s best for car camping/van life situations. If you can carry the weight, know how to make a proper fire, and don’t mind tending to it, it produces a lot of electricity and is a ton of fun.
How long does it take to charge a phone? Thx
Thanks for the topic and video Dixie! 😉 And Everyone watch out for those battery banks that if you don’t disconnect your device when it’s done charging, the battery bank will actually use your device to try to recharge itself 😬 happened to me with a “Sunjack” brand battery bank.
Great video, I will use the information for motorcycle camping. Thanks!
ADV Nevada wire in a port to the electrical system of your motorcycle, and plug a 12v to usb plug in. I charge my phone as I go. I can also charge other batteries. Less buggering about.
I like the way you discuss situations that are not those you are usually in. Very well done.
It isn't water resistant, but it's very handy. The TOMO M4 power bank/18650 charger will use any combination of varying types and capacity 18650's, up to 4. It smart charges each battery individually. It also works as a power bank with two USB outputs. Total output is limited by the number/capacity of the batteries themselves. Maximum with quality batteries is 13600 mAh. Since much of my gear uses 18650's, it is both a charger and power bank with spare batteries. Just have to keep it dry-ish. Have IPX6 power banks (Anker, Levin) for use in damp conditions.
Needed this. Thanks!
Just what I needed! Thank you! 💜
I used a solar panel on the JMT last year. It worked out really well. Three weeks on the trail and it was my only power source. Each night I charged my iPhone (sometimes two), a camera battery (sometimes two), headlamp occasionally and my inReach occasionally.
Really enjoy watching all of your videos. You capture a lot of incredible footage and I was just wondering what your camera of choice is? Looking for the right choice for photographing and videoing landscapes, at all times of the day. Some of the videos you were able to get of the stars were amazing! Thanks!
Great Information. Thanks Dixie ! And Great Video.:)
I’ve learned so much from these videos! Thanks Dixie
Again so very helpful . Thank you
Thanks Dixie! very good contents! you rock, always.
Another option is to use a Goal Zero Guide 10 battery pack charger, it’s the one that comes with the Nomad 7 solar panel as a bundle. It’s fast to recharge when you have power but you can also swap the 4 AA rechargeable batteries with a second set or with regular alkaline batteries when in a hurry. Best of both worlds for me in most situation.
I am enjoying getting someone else's perspective on things through this series. This one is the first that didn't apply. The only electronics I take are two flashlights and a tiny solar panel for charging them. :-)
I haven't backpacked since 2008 and your videos have been very helpful for people getting into or back into this world. Good information and very helpful.
Please review the light saver MAX. I'm hiking the CDT 2020 and I need as much power as possible.
I was curious! Thanks!
I've got the biolite. It's not my main power source on trail, but I love it! The fire is easy to get going and control but be careful with your power cables. I wrapped mine in foil. I might try a foil tape to make it more streamlined.
I have two solar panels. The Suntastic 15w and one from Monoprice. They are now my backup in case of power failures. And I also own a Biolight stove. It is one of my base camp stoves.
Thanks Dixie. Keep up the great work! ATB
Been enjoying your videos: one recommendation: please consider placing a financial disclosure for possible conflicts (or lack thereof) on products you discuss or recommend. It improves the quality of your own content, and helps raise the bar for similar sites. Simple stuff. Were you provided the merchandise for free, or did you pay for it yourself? Were you paid to produce the review or promote a product, or not? Thanks for the good information! (Oh, and I would say that even if you did receive promotional products you recommended. I would respect the transparency though).
Thanks for the information.
Great information thanks.
I bring my older 2 panel goal zero kit, couldn't tell you the model anymore, but works great and is able to charge on fairly low light conditions. 2 small caribiners and wrapped out to the top of my pack ran the cable down my side and put the phone on my hip pocket. Used this set up at many music festivals and worked just as well this summer making my way around parts of glacier national park.
Hello, thank you for your information. I am planning on 5 days guided backpacking to Yellowstone. For taking pictures, do you recommend to use my iPhone with airplane mode? There will be no recharging stations; therefore I will purchase anker 20k milliamperes. Also they told me to bring battery powered headlamps. With the power source I should be able to use my anker device for recharging which should eliminate bringing extra batteries. Your thoughts?
Thank You.
Great information.
Cheers Ian
What about a crank radio with a charge option for phones and the like?
thank you . this is very informative. and actual facts.
I got a 4patriots solar power, power bank for my birthday. Haven’t hiked with it, but I like the idea to gather juice while out and about and charge later.
Thanks!!
Great video as always! A good tip If you use a 2.5 amp or 3.0 amp charging block and cord you can greatly increase how fast your battery chargers. If u have a fast charging pack but only a 1 amp or 2 amp block and cord then you're not get the quickest charge possible because the cord and block can't push over there regulated amps. I have saved myself tons of time by using a 2.5 amp charging setup. Most of the newer phones are compatible with the 3 amp charging system. Also if you get one with multiple USB ports you can charge everything a lot faster. Good when you're trying to sneak a plug and get some quick power.
Is there a charger you know of that works?
Thank you for making this
I use a more gear than most, I use a cpap.
I suggest using a solar panel, 2 small battery backups and a large backup.
Thanks Dixie
I use an Anker 21000 battery and solar panel. I charge my devices from the battery at night and then charge the battery pack from solar during the day. I just strap the panel to my pack and I’m good to go. It’s worked great for a couple years now. Yes, a little bulky but I don’t mind.
are there water powered chargers also or small wind ones for that matter? I use solar power most of my trips TY Dixie for the video :)
I can comment on generation 1 Biolite stove. I am a fan, however, I horse pack with it. I am slightly more frivolous with my weight than when I backpack. It will charge your phone however, it’s a little slow. I love my Biolite stove. That being said I also carry a MSR Whisperlite as well and use it also. I am a more leisurely traveler and am not looking for miles, rather I am looking at doing a little fishing, eating well and kicking back and enjoying the scenery, and sorta smelling the flowers along the way. I also canoe in wilderness and would take the Biolite for that as well. The portage can be hard but the trip back for the second load can be enjoyable. For me it is the journey and location and no longer about the miles that the thru hiker with a goal in mind has to consider. I used to crank out the miles, but with the years miles don’t mean much anymore. Just glad to see folks get out and go...
Thanks
Thanks Dixie. I’ve been wondering about the ins and outs of getting the phone charged while backpacking.
Great, helpful, thanks!
What is the best battery back for your cell that u can recommend?
I use a linksolar 13 watt panel and I tie it to the back of my back, I plug that into an anker powercore 20100. In sunny Florida it will trickle charge the battery through the day. I think that’s the best use case for a solar panel, rather than trying to rely on it to bring your devices up to 100 percent off just the panel alone.
you are right. There has to be an inbetween, aka a battery.
It should ALWAYS be SOLAR > BATTERY > PHONE in that order
a lot of those cheaper solar panels too don't have good charge protection
THANK YOU! Learned a lot from your videos!!!
I have the same battery pack, but where do you charge it and how often are there places to charge. You alluded to it, but still a little confused. Are you saying you do stuff like plug into a socket at a laundry while washing clothes, or you actually check into a hotel and charge over night?
I have a back pack trail suggestion for you, Isle Royal National Park, Michigan. Canoe passage is great but haven't tried the trail system.
I have both fixed battery banks to charge plus another option of a battery bank that has a built in small solar panel. This unit allows you to charge it fully before heading out, but with the solar panel giving it a boost as you are travelling. The unit that I have been using for 3 years is only a 5000mah unit, but there are others available with a much large battery capacity (check the web) and I have recently ordered one of those to test out.
I never expect the solar panel to fully charge the battery bank except over a long period, but having the ability to add to its stored charge amount (that you have depleted), does give you an extra overall capacity.
" on top of climb vs down in a bottom" . Yea, you're from the South. Anyone else would have said " down in a valley". You're my kind of people!!! Keep up the info vids, I really need your knowledge. Thanx Dixie...
I have one of those super cheep battery power back ups with the solar panel on it, and I have been pleasantly surprised by it. Best of both worlds. I don’t rely on the solar panel but as long as it’s hanging on the out side of my bag it has done OK for me. Only problem is in the cold if it’s on the out side of my pack I don’t have much luck with any batteries in the cold.
I got the Biolite stove as a present. In addition to it being pretty heavy (935g minimum), most of my pots do not fit on it. My car camping cook set from GSI did fit on it okay. I think it's okay for backcountry camping with friends, but in those conditions, you really don't need a charger. Not to mention it takes a pretty long time to charge, making a meal will give you about 10% on your phone. I really like the idea, but I was really disappointed with the product.
One possible use case is that it might be used during fireband. Not sure on the detail, but I know most metal wood stoves are included in fireband.
Big Blue 3 28w solar panel, I hang mine on my backpack all day long.
What is your opinion on solar charger power banks? It has same battery capacity of a normal battery but can charge banks a bit while walking thru some sunny areas.
Where do you post your photos?
Right on Dixie....see you on the PCT
Did you use your phone for vlogging or did you carry another camera as well?
Thank you.
Encore un vidéo très instructif! Merci beaucoup pour tout! Xxx
The hand power wind up options work well and are pretty fool proof, yet heavy.
I use Yolk solar paper, pricey but light weight and well made as it is simple to add panels and the display helps estimate charge time by output voltage ~ battery input requirement. gold magnetic panel hook-ups is just extra cool and no other panel i have seen has that feature. =]
I wear my solar panel on my hat with carabiniers. Never had an Issue.
Hi Dixie, I just found a Dynamo hand crank USB charger on ebay and aliexpress, very cheap and small. Have you ever tried it?