Solar Power For Your Backpack
Escaping Into The Outdoors
Our thirst for adventure in the great outdoors has inspired a technological revolution, that is growing in leaps and bounds. The amount of technological “gadgetry “ available to modern day adventurers is both impressive and extensive.
Light-weight materials shelter us from the elements, cook our meals and guide us safely back home. After all is said and done, we demand the same levels of comfort in the wilderness as we do back home, and this is being made possible by improvements in the technology itself but also by the introduction of lighter, smaller and more technologically complex materials.
The emerging heroes in this world of new age materials are the carbon fibers and metals such as titanium.
In addition to Material Composition improvements, the field of Electronics provides another area where products and purpose are also ” catching fire “. Electronics that were not part of yesteryear ‘s experience have become ubiquitous in today’s outdoor adventure backpack.
Smart-phones, DSLR cameras, and GPS navigation units are only a few of the many examples that we bring with us on these wilderness adventures. All this new electronic technology is of course powered by batteries.
Batteries provide freedom of movement and remove the tether that corded tools require. This comes at a price – and this price is weight and the fact that they “ run out of charge “. Meet the new superhero!
The New Super Hero!
Welcome Solar Power! Now we have a light-weight, efficient means of recharging all these various electronic units without the need to carry pounds and kilograms of batteries.
In some instances, such as smartphones and cameras, we recharge the batteries that are included – instead of replacing the batteries. This is where solar power and solar panels move up – to the front of the class.
The Goal Zero 41022 Guide 10 Plus Solar Recharging Kit
This is one of my newest pieces of Outdoor Technology. This is the Goal Zero 41022 Guide 10 Plus Solar Recharging Kit available at the following link.https://outdoortech4u.com/solar-power-for-your-backpack
What’s In The Box?
- The Nomad 7 Solar Panel
- The Guide 10 Recharger
- 4 AA Rechargeable batteries ( included )
- AAA Adapter ( batteries not included )
- 12-volt car adapter for solar panels
This Solar Panel Kit can be used to charge cell-phones, smart-phones, GPS units, MP3 players, and Tablets. All units using AA and AAA batteries, units with USB connections and 12-volt system units can be serviced with this Solar Panel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What batteries can be used?
- any AA or AAA NiMH batteries can be used and recharged.
- we do not recommend other types of batteries.
- 4 same-sized batteries MUST be charged at once, but not all batteries need to be empty.
How do I charge?
- From Solar: Use Goal Zero Nomad 7 with solar charge cable for fast charging.
- From USB: Use any USB power source, such as a computer or any Goal Zero power pack.
Is it waterproof?
No, but it is weather-resistant. Care should be taken to shield it from direct sunlight and the elements. Unexpected rain storms probably won’t harm it.
How is it protected?
Usage is plug-and-play. The built-in battery management system prevents overcharging and over-discharging of batteries. The USB output will only supply the amount of power needed.
Usage Tips For Nomad 7 ( the solar panel)
- It is often helpful to let the Nomad 7 warm up, opened to the sun for a moment, prior to connecting any electronics.
- The performance of this panel is highly dependent upon weather and placement. Please observe placement tips given in the user guide.
- Excellent results are achieved when used outside, in direct sunlight.
- Usage indoors, in cloudy, or overcast conditions, may work, but will not yield optimal results. Any obstructions to direct sunlight – even faint shadows – may also significantly reduce power output.
- iPhone and other smart devices; these devices will charge with the Nomad 7, but special attention is sometimes needed. If power is disrupted, the device may cancel the charging session. Restore by re-plugging-in the device.
- Keep panels wiped clean of grit and grime.
- Many electronic devices will overheat in direct sunlight. While charging, place them in shade or behind the Nomad 7, to avoid direct sun exposure.
The Nomad 7 Solar Panel and The Guide 10 Recharger
This small light-weight solar panel system weighs only 362 grams ( 0.8 ) pounds and measures 22.8 x 3.8 x 16.5 cm and 9 x 1.5 x 6.5 inches . In addition, it can directly charge a smartphone in 1(one) hour.
It can charge AA and AAA batteries from sunlight and USB. Another excellent benefit is the ” flashlight ” in the Guide 10 Recharger Unit. This is a built-in LED light that runs for 150+ hours per charge.
In Conclusion
This is an excellent unit that I personally own and have been using for three (3) seasons.
I have used this unit for charging my smartphone that I pair with another unit to maintain contact with the civilized world, should an emergency require it. This other unit is the DeLorme inReach AG-008373-201.
More advanced, modern units are available and I will be reviewing these in future blogs at my website:https://outdoortech4u.com/ and also at https://www.google.com/+PaulBoudreau14.
This very light-weight Solar Panel System ( less than 1(one) pound ) is well its weight when you suddenly run out of power.
If you are looking for a light and small, Solar Panel, that has received excellent reviews – do yourself a favor and give it a try. I have used it on dozens of occasions and it has never let me down!
Further reviews can be viewed here at: