Why All the Hate? Should You Use a Solar Panel Backpacking? (And Solar Charger Tips for Thru Hikers)

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The Most Important Step

The Most Important Step

Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 50
@baneverything5580
@baneverything5580 3 жыл бұрын
I bought seven portable solar panels between 20 and 60 watts with USB outputs, 15 power banks, various USB devices like lights, fans, and battery chargers, and 300 watt Rockpals and Golabs power stations. We were hit by two hurricanes last year and have been having more and more power outages. My 60 watt panel has a USB C output and charges my power banks with USB C ports fast. The hqsolarpower website has a very compact 20 watt panel for only 25 right now. It folds up very small but unfolds into six aprox 7 inch panels. It will power a USB fan even on cloudy days.
@TheMostImportantStep
@TheMostImportantStep 3 жыл бұрын
Good to know! Thanks for sharing this beta!
@tinymetaltrees
@tinymetaltrees 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I’ll be sure to use your link when I snag that panel..
@ibmtpx24
@ibmtpx24 2 жыл бұрын
It is for unexpected situations: the supply place does not have a working power socket / a long line waiting for lower. Or you lose your way, injured and need power to connect with the outside world.
@danniraepoop
@danniraepoop 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! I plan on using a power bank and solar panel and probably couldn't have made that decision without your helpful video, you definitely mentioned some things that I wasn't quite aware of. I'm not hiking though, motorcycle touring to the coast! It seems both of our communities are fearsome of solar power lol. Thanks again!
@TheMostImportantStep
@TheMostImportantStep 3 жыл бұрын
Glad to help! I’ve always been curious about the logistics involved with doing a motorcycle tour. Sounds like you will have an awesome trip planned!
@user-ky1rd4wf7z
@user-ky1rd4wf7z 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the detailed explanation
@Querenciatv
@Querenciatv 3 жыл бұрын
Lovely Video! Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to see more content 😍
@TheMostImportantStep
@TheMostImportantStep 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much, I appreciate the feedback!
@ChucoHiker
@ChucoHiker 3 жыл бұрын
This is the first good solar panel video I’ve seen. Got my sub! How big a power bank were you charging? Was the panel keeping up with daily usage on the power bank? Or was the power bank still losing charge over time, just slower?
@TheMostImportantStep
@TheMostImportantStep 3 жыл бұрын
Hey, thanks for the feedback! I used a 20100 mAh Anker power bank. This is pretty excessive for most folks backpacking as I’ve used it for 10 days in the backcountry without completely draining it. That being said, it also takes a long time to charge completely (11-12 hours if dead). I drained the power bank down to 1-2 out of 4 bars at one point and was able to completely charge it from that point just using the solar panel. However, hiking in Colorado the sun is pretty intense. I hung it off my pack all day and set in the sun during breaks to get it charged back up all the way (took 2-3 days before it was full again). So long story short, I was able to use my solar panel to restore lost charge on my power bank.
@ChucoHiker
@ChucoHiker 3 жыл бұрын
@@TheMostImportantStep Thanks! That’s good info that you were able to recover the power loss. A 10,000 mAh gets me through 4 days pretty good, which is usually the max length trip that I would do. But weighing options for a possible longer trip in the near future :). I’ll probably just go with a bigger power bank, but you’ve given me a data point for consideration. Thanks, and hope your channel grows!
@stevealcocer4862
@stevealcocer4862 2 жыл бұрын
I have to power a Cpap machine for my sleep apnea and I am looking at solor panels and a battery pack to run my Cpap machine during the night. Charging the battery pack each day. My Cpap needs 9 amp's to run. So, what size solar panel do I need?
@TheMostImportantStep
@TheMostImportantStep 2 жыл бұрын
Hi Steve! I’m no expert, but it looks like you’d need a minimum of a 72,000 mAh power bank to keep your cpap machine running for 8 hours. For reference, the power bank I use is 20,100 mAh and it takes me at least 2-4 days to fully charge it using my 13w solar panel (depending on The strength of the sun and how much I use the battery. With that said, you’d probably need a pretty large panel in order to adequately recharge your power bank every day and/or multiple or very large batteries. It does look like there are special cpap machines that are light weight and made for outdoor travel along with some batteries that go with them. I don’t know your situation, but maybe this is a better option?
@kd5txo
@kd5txo 2 жыл бұрын
I suggest you look in to a different CPAP machine.... I'm sure you can find one that is way less power hungry.
@joesmith9139
@joesmith9139 3 жыл бұрын
Hi, thank you for the useful info! I just want to go for a zero waste home. We live in the tropics, so plenty of sun here. Also plenty of rain. We do quite a lot of outdoors activity, using the motorbike to move around, etc. Would you recommend this gear for this type of everyday use? I am def a newbie in this area, I could use some insight. Thanks!
@TheMostImportantStep
@TheMostImportantStep 3 жыл бұрын
Great question! I’d say it depends on what you’re powering. It’s spring enough that my phone will gain charge while I’m using it if it’s plugged in and it also works well with my power bank. However, I’m not sure I would use it for anything bigger/more powerful than a phone, especially for frequent charging.
@WalshPhoto
@WalshPhoto 3 жыл бұрын
I love your shirt. What is the logo on the front. Thanks
@TheMostImportantStep
@TheMostImportantStep 3 жыл бұрын
It’s my friend’s business logo! Rancho Terra Norte
@philliesblunt247
@philliesblunt247 Жыл бұрын
My biggest issue with them is the attachment. I usually pick most difficult trails and I'm modifying the attachments but it's annoying. Some of them only have 1 corner attachment. Some a wierd plastic handle. I just have to be picky and it must have usb c. And be folable.
@33sosa85
@33sosa85 Жыл бұрын
sunjack 15w. you are welcome
@philliesblunt247
@philliesblunt247 Жыл бұрын
@@33sosa85 eureka! Absolutely buying
@AlsleumMusic
@AlsleumMusic 3 жыл бұрын
I'm doing a ~24 day wilderness backpacking trip. The only chargeable electronic device I'm bringing is a GoPro Hero 9. Though I'm really into photography and videography and want to capture a lot of footage/do daily vlogs. Since I imagine that will use a decent amount of power, I've been asking myself the question of power banks vs solar panels. I don't want to worry about running out of charge, but I'm also concerned about pack weight. Any advice?
@TheMostImportantStep
@TheMostImportantStep 3 жыл бұрын
It’s definitely a hard decision, although I’d say that no matter what you need some sort of power bank, just either a smaller one paired with a panel or a bigger bank by itself. I personally like the piece of mind of having the panel. I have noticed that I’ve been using way more battery on my phone this year since I’ve been vlogging, so have been happy to have my solar panel. Do you know how many hours a full charge will last on your GoPro? That might help you decide
@AlsleumMusic
@AlsleumMusic 3 жыл бұрын
@@TheMostImportantStep Yeah, I'm going to try the solar panel (I ordered the same one you have) and a 10,000mA Anker power bank. Together they weigh around 20 ounces. I think it's a little over 2 hours for a full charge. I do agree the peace of mind of having the panel will be nice, and I'll be in the Wind River Range in Wyoming so it'll be sunny most of the time. Thanks for the input!
@George-tk2hj
@George-tk2hj 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing your insight!
@MichaelSelhost
@MichaelSelhost 2 жыл бұрын
Great video and I appreciate you sharing, but I just wanted to maybe recommend speaking a little quieter. I'm sure you sound fine in person, but average speakers tend to get a little tinny and even piercing when female vocals reach the upper volume thresh hold of a microphone. Just a suggestion, but keep making videos!! 😄
@ronmathias6719
@ronmathias6719 3 жыл бұрын
New sub here!! Buying these for my hike Thanks for info
@urtwietii
@urtwietii 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the insight!
@opnobo
@opnobo 2 жыл бұрын
This took me a long time to actually find someone that wanted to talk about their setup and, most importantly, finally some pros to using a solar panel setup for their power. Thanks! I'm going to be doing the PCT here in a few months and with all the electronics I was thinking my best option was to use a 10000 mAh Anker, along with the Suntactics s5. The thought being to use a Suntactics to charge my 10k pb while I hike, and use the 20k as reserve (expecting to eventually deplete the 10k). The thought being I would only like to charge at a motel (to which I plan to only stop once a month for - I have trust/forgetfulness issues keeping things plugged in at restaurants or such). Any experience with certain power banks not working with your solar panels? And also, have you had to hike in sub 30's temps that required extra insulation around your power supply while it charged?
@TheMostImportantStep
@TheMostImportantStep 2 жыл бұрын
Hi Ryn! That’s awesome that you are going to be hiking the PCT! I’d love to hear how your setup worked out after your trip! As for your questions, I haven’t had any compatibility issues on the power bank end, I’d say the biggest thing is just to realize that charging rate will vary based on size of the solar panel/number of panels, size of the back you’re charging, and how intense the sun is. As for cold temperatures, it’s always a good idea to put your electronic batteries in your sleeping bag or quilt at night as it reduces power loss and is better for the overall health of the battery. I found that I didn’t use my solar panel as often when it was colder out and the days were shorter on the CDT, but part of that was I also stayed at motels in town more often towards the end of my hike. Hope that helps and I’m glad to clarify if that didn’t completely answer your questions! Bailey
@opnobo
@opnobo 2 жыл бұрын
@@TheMostImportantStep thanks for the input. I will do my best to share the knowledge of the trip; happy to give feedback. My departure is in mid March so I’ll have cooler temps for at least half of the hike. Plan on hiking the Sierras in May so I expect some chilly jaunts while charging. I had heard Anker pb’s have a delayed start when you begin to charge them. Coupled with a auto-resume feature on the suntactics, I had heard it sometimes will not sync to receive a charge. I see you have a different solar panel so was curious if you’ve had any similar experiences. Glad to hear you haven’t! There is hope still!
@nglswt
@nglswt 5 ай бұрын
In my opinion if you have a solar panel. JUST FREAKING TAKE. Trees or no trees, need extra ways to charge batteries or not. SUN OR NO SUN just do it bro. You never know You never know.
@20Hikecdt23
@20Hikecdt23 2 жыл бұрын
If you want to use solar panels or take big/little dogs have at it! To each their own. When people are “passionate” about their gear its just them wanting to be the head dog. I for one do not wish to discuss gear on the trail.
@PeaceChanel
@PeaceChanel 2 жыл бұрын
Peace.. Shalom.. Salam.. Namaste and Thank You for All your efforts 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ 🌷 ☮ ❤
@Wolverine05
@Wolverine05 2 жыл бұрын
Omg Iam taking my dji mini as well on an 8 day
@Wolverine05
@Wolverine05 2 жыл бұрын
And I tested my 20000 mah battery and charging 1 dji mini batter took it down to 72% capacity
@TheMostImportantStep
@TheMostImportantStep 2 жыл бұрын
Would love to hear how it goes! I ended up deciding to leave mine at home for the CDT after doing a shake down, but hope to use it on other adventures
@Wolverine05
@Wolverine05 2 жыл бұрын
@@TheMostImportantStep awesome fast reply
@TheMostImportantStep
@TheMostImportantStep 3 жыл бұрын
What Solar Panel questions do you have?
@Forignerdrivewave
@Forignerdrivewave 3 жыл бұрын
I just bought this and after 4 hours of full sun in the backyard my powerbank was still at zero even though it said it was charging
@TheMostImportantStep
@TheMostImportantStep 3 жыл бұрын
Hmmm, what size powerbank do you have and how does it tell you how much battery it has? Mine definitely takes a while to charge my Anker 20100 mAh battery as it would normally take 10+ hours to charge it from the wall. When hiking I usually have it out all day long every day until I get it back to full (can take a few days to get there). If you want to make sure the panel is working you could try charging something smaller that gains battery faster
@Forignerdrivewave
@Forignerdrivewave 3 жыл бұрын
@@TheMostImportantStep it’s a 20000 mAh with a digital display. Normally takes about 4 hours to fully charge
@TheMostImportantStep
@TheMostImportantStep 3 жыл бұрын
Sorry to hear it’s not working out to well thus far! It worked well for me in the past, but of course it’s based on just one person’s experience. The ECEEN panel did have pretty good reviews from places such as outdoor gear lab, which is why I chose it. I would still recommend trying to charge other things from it, move it around/try different angles, and clean it off or try a different cord just to make sure you’ve covered all your bases. If I can offer any other insights or brain storming ideas definitely let me know and I’ll do my best to help from afar!
@MrTuber4000
@MrTuber4000 3 жыл бұрын
The Eceen is terrible for power output, it also will shut off if a cloud passes over your pannel and it doesn't turn back on automatically which makes it one of the worst backpacking panels on the market. Get bioLite or a anker, will charge your device to full in an hour and turn on automatically in the sun.
@NatureBoy711
@NatureBoy711 2 жыл бұрын
they work but don't get cheap ones. spend at least $100 .... or, just wait 33 hours for cheap solar chargers to be fully charged ! LOL !!!!!!!!
@DamianChirek
@DamianChirek 6 ай бұрын
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