Solar Charging

[Camo]

What are you guys using for charging you phone, camp lamp, etc. on back packing trips? I have looked at the Goal Zero stuff and it looks pretty good but it can get a little expensive. Send me some ideas.

[Navesgane]

For my phone I use a few portable power chargers. I have two I bought off woot. Anker is the brand for around $10 each, they work great and are really bomb proof but rather heavy. I can get 1.5 charges from them on my iphone. I recently purchased a much lighter plastic body one for ultra light backpacking and only get one charge on it.
When I charge my phone I either shut down all non essential apps and/or put it in airplane mode, or just turn it off, otherwise it doesn't charge as effectively.

[itsnlkthing]

+1 on the anker external battery. Solar only works if you can keep it in bright sunlight for a long time. With the battery, you just recharge at night. I have a bigger one and can get 3 charges on my galaxy, which will last me a week if I only use my phone on a limited basis and keep it in airplane mode the rest of the time.

[ST52V]

Check out new trent as well. If it is cold keep it warm just like any other battery. I like to keep mine in the bottom of my bag at night.

[Indian Summer]

I use a Brunto Restor. Works good but definitely needs direct sunlight.

[ferris bugler]

I like my Goal Zero Switch 8 for backpacking. It's great. Just don't let the power totally die on what ever you want to charge.