solar panels

[CRAZY FROG]

Duse anyone use solar panels when on bushcraft meets or bushcraft in general?

 

[MikeE]

I use a freeloader to power my mobile and HP IPAQ on which I have loads of bushcraft/survival books (pdf files). If I can just get RMs videos to import I'd be over the moon! Not tried the AZ Bushcraft DVD yet.

 

[mitch66]

hi, i have a silva solar 1. nice well made will charge 2 or 4 AA batterys, handy for anything that run's on AA and its nice to have a bit of free power. they also do a 12v unit. carl

 

[Neumo]

If I am at a base camp I tend to use my lamping battery, which is an 8"x2"x3" one with a 12v cigarette lighter on it, that keeps mobiles, iPods etc.. topped up for ages when used with a car USB adaptor.

I have been thinking about one of those smaller solar powered battery charger things for when I am out in the bush for days (as opposed to camping at meets N moots). I must look at the 2 ones mentioned.

 

[Neumo]

I have been looking at the Freeloader kit mentioned above & it looks like a good system. I want to have a play with one but I may well add some of their stuff to my toys list

 

[IntrepidStu]

I bought a little freeloader thingy about a year ago and used it a couple of times to charge my phone. Definately worth having. Im going to have to think of a way to stick it to my ruksack for when I go hiking.

Stu

 

[tommy the cat]

I've heard mixed reports about those free loaders, some say they are pants?!?
d

 

[IntrepidStu]

I've heard mixed reports about those free loaders, some say they are pants?!?
d

I suppose it depends on what you need it for. If its just for an emergency charge for a phone then its OK, anything more draining and you may be in trouble.