[pct-l] Charger

[Kevin Cook]

I appreciate all the feedback and ideas about how to charge electronics in
the backcountry. Solar is still an option, I just think the PEG will suit my
needs more. On MY hike next year, I need to know everytime I cross a mile
marker along the trail for a project I'm working on. This will require I
frequent use of the device. I know how to minimize battery use, ie turn off
backlight, turn off radios other than GPS, minimize the number of apps
running, etc.  I've seen the supplimental battery packs that I can carry to
give the phone another charge, but 4 AAs will only provide about 1.5 charges
of the iPhone at best. I'm assuming I will need nearly a full charge
everyday. Solar might be able to do it, but if the sunlight is less than
optimal, I have my concerns. Batteries could probably do it too, but how
many would I have to carry? Some sections between my resupply will be 7 or 8
days! Again, there is still the hassle of recharging all of them in town.
I'm less concerned with access to an outlet as I am concerned about the time
and effort. Recharging a LOT of batteries is a hassle. Then there is the
problem of making sure the charger is bounced ahead and available everytime
I need to recharge. I really do appreciate everyone's advice, but the only
batteries I will be carrying are some extra AAAs for my headlamp.

Btw, this isn't my thread. I just responded to someone asking about solar
options to charge their phone. Hopefully he has been reading all these
replies and gotten some good ideas. Until I find out the PEG does not
provide the energy it claims, that's what I plan to use, and you guys are
unlikely to change my mind on this one ;)

On Tue, Nov 16, 2010 at 11:22 PM, Paul Bodnar <paulbodnar at hotmail.com>wrote:

>  Hi Kevin,
>
> On my hike I used AA batteries to supply all my energy needs.  But I had to
> power both my iphone, gps (Garmin 60CSX) and SPOT.  By utilizing batteries I
> was able to convert battery power to the iphone with a charging device and
> then use the batteries for the GPS and about every 3-4 weeks change out the
> batteries in the SPOT.   By having a unified system I reduced the complexity
> and saved on weight.  I purchased alkaline batteries in bulk for cheap, used
> lithium batteries as a backup and for my SPOT.  Both types of batteries
> could be used in the charger, lithium batteries performed the best and are
> very light but expensive.
>
> If you only have an iphone to charge I would recommend carrying a unit
> specified charger.  I saw others with a devices similar to the  3GJuiceBlack 2.0 1800 mAh/2A DeLuxe Version iPhone/ iPod Battery Charger.  This is
> the way I would have gone if I was just carrying an iphone.  This device is
> reported to weigh only 1.6 ounces and cost $55.95 on Amazon with free
> shipping.  However I would look around for other chargers to make sure you
> get the best one.  This is only an example of what is available after a
> simple search.  I'm sure other thru-hikers can comment on other charging
> devices for the iphone.  The cost of these iphone chargers is substantially
> less than the reported PEG charger of $149.95
> http://www.trailspace.com/blog/solar-chargers/ and a lot lighter.  You
> could buy two back up chargers and still save about $40 and about half a
> pound of weight.  Now that is a lot of weight....
>
> I wouldn't be too concerned about charging up the iphone and chargers in
> towns.  I can't recall this being a problem at all for my thru-hike this
> year.  I would charge up my iphone in towns all the time without getting a
> hotel room.  It is amazing how many outlets are just available these days.
>
> I hope this information helps you make a more educated choice on what is
> best for you.  The PEG looks like a good device but might not be the best
> for your needs.
>
> Good luck on your planning.
>
> Paul
>
>
>  > That was in reference to the the weight of the solar charger. I think it
> was
> > 24oz!
> > The PEG weighs under 12oz. There is another big difference. If I carry
> > rechargeable batteries, I would need dozens. At ~.5oz each, the PEG
> > represents the weight of 20 batteries. Then there is the weight of the
> > device that transfers the battery energy into my iPhone. The big problem
> is
> > charging 24 batteries at resupply locations. I don't plan to stay in
> hotels
> > as often as some folks do. Charging that many batteries is more hassle
> than
> > I want to deal with. I'm still convinced that the PEG's 12 oz will be
> worth
> > it.
> >
>



-- 
~ Kevin
Soon To Be PCT Thru Hiker!
"The indoor life is the next best thing to premature burial." Edward Abbey