Does anyone have any recomendations for a good solar charger. Something that would charge a camera, cell phone, etc.

Thanks.

It's the 'etc' that will burn you on solar chargers, LOL . You have to know the input your device needs and the output of your solar system.

Without more information, it is hard to give specific recs, but in general, you can't just plug a panel into your device and expect it to charge.

Look at Brunton or Goal Zero for a panel and power pack. You recharge the Li batteries in the power pack and then charge your device from that. Advantage is you take a fully charged power pack with you so that helps right off the bat. Also, you need to be able to charge via USB cables, as that seems to be the most common connector in the small solar world.

Dont go with the 'minimums', as there is rarely the ideal place to set a panel and an ideal day to charge a battery.

power packs
http://store.bruntonoutdoor.co...ortable-power-packs/


Panels
http://store.bruntonoutdoor.co...ldable-solar-panels/

goal zero 'kits'

http://www.goalzero.com/shop/c/1/

I just bought one that will charge cell/sat phone batteries or camera batteries. It won't charge a laptop.

I will check on the brand when I get home. I think I paid about $150 at DSC.

Thanks guys!

https://powertraveller.com/iwa...larmonkeyadventurer/

have been using this recently to charge iPad/iphone GPS and camera batteries. its a good bit of kit.

Thanks Faisal, that looks like a great unit.

The one we got was from : Goal Zero

I've got a Brunton and one of the Goal Zero that I also bought at DSC. Haven't tried either one yet but I will the first of June!

I have used the same Goal Zero Sherpa 120 Kit (panel, battery, and inverter) for the last two full seasons in Zambia and have been very pleased with it. With the battery and the inverter, it's easy to power and/or charge a laptop, sat phone, cell phone, GPS, or anything else of reasonable wattage. It's hard to get the battery to fully charge in a single day in the winter, especially if you aren't there to move the panel to follow the sun, but it typically charges more than enough for any reasonable purposes. Also, you can charge the battery from an AC outlet or a cigarette lighter, if available. I don't think they make the exact same setup anymore, but you can get something close to it.

quote:

Originally posted by sandyhunter:
...... Also, you can charge the battery from an AC outlet or a cigarette lighter, if available. ...

Excellent point. When driving around all day in the Land Cruiser, you can hook your powerpak to the cigarette lighter and charge away.

Then charge your gadgets overnight.

Repeat.

Goal Zero is my choice. I have a lot of their stuff and it's great.

quote:

Originally posted by faisal:
https://powertraveller.com/iwa...larmonkeyadventurer/

have been using this recently to charge iPad/iphone GPS and camera batteries. its a good bit of kit.

Second that.

I have a Zero and it works OK. Gadgets, who needs all those gadgets?? That's what African Safaris and ALL hunting trips are for, toooo get away from those God awful GADGETS!!

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

Thanks for all the great info!

Larry: