portable solar, camping solar | the best solar gear
Camping, hiking, the outdoors – few would say they don’t love it. Anyone who’s gone camping or hiking knows that gear makes the difference between a good outdoor experience or a frustrating one. A clean water supply, adequate lighting and energy for cooking or cell phone charging, are basic “power requirements” for the adventure hiker, the rugged camper, or the hosteling world traveler. Potential emergency situations for campers and hikers alike is reason enough to consider adding a few key portable solar gadgets to your hiking plans, solar gear which will help ensure you complete your trek safely.
Having reviewed a wide variety of solar gadgets including portable solar chargers, compact portable solar panels and solar camping gear we’ve created a hand-picked list of solar chargers that demonstrate superior performance and reliability. Our pick of portable solar chargers provides something for the on-the-go person, tent and RV camping, and hikers looking for reliable, durable solar gear. Again keep in mind that many of these gadgets double as emergency back-up cell phone chargers, laptop chargers, lighting or power for an auxiliary portable heater when the sun goes down or the grid goes out. These items are reasonably priced considering their value and quality.
I’d like to add a thought that speaks to the timely idea of planning for emergencies. We’ve heard a lot and seen a lot in respect to economic collapse in the last 2 – 3 years, and for many the idea of emergency situations on a personal level, may yet seem to be on the distant horizon. For others that day has arrived, I think specifically of many of my neighbors in the US. Perhaps a couple of years ago the message of “prepare” seemed like a good idea we would undertake to some day. Today however global unrest is everywhere, while economies and markets remain unstable. Preparing for potential hardships isn’t a laughable idea but an intelligent course of action. I myself have started preparing for potential hardships. Although were I live in Canada things seem eerily calm, I know that we live in a global economy, and that everything is connected and has a trickle down effect. Consider the service you do yourself and your family by preparing now with portable solar power.
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EXTREME™ Adventure Portable 30W Solar Panel Kit – Take power to earth’s most extreme places
When your mission is to maintain power for longer periods of time in the world’s most extreme conditions, the Extreme 350 rechargeable power pack delivers exactly what you need to succeed. Capable of powering a facility up to 1,200 square feet, it’s designed for base camps and long-stay environments. Charge via wall, solar panels or car adapter and use as a primary source of power for lighting, cooling and accessories. Stack up to three additional Extreme 350 batteries and get a total of 1,600 watt-hours of power. 
The Benefits:
- 350 watt hours of Power Pack storage capacity
- LCD status monitor keeps track of power storage in 20% increments
- Ergonomic rubberized handle for greater comfort and grip
- UV treated and weather-resistant Backup
- Replaceable fuses to protect from power surges
- Includes a 1 year warranty
- FREE SHIPPING
Escape 150 Explorer Portable 30W Solar Panel Kit
The GOAL ZERO Escape line is an ultra portable, dependable and completely modular system of alternative, renewable energy sources designed to provide electric power for the adventurer that travels light. Perfect for powering portable electronic devices including: cell phones, laptops, PDAs, cameras, portable DVD players, radios and CPAP machines.
The Benefits:
- 150 watt hours of Power Pack storage capacity; 80 watt AC inverter
- Three options for charging: AC wall outlet, solar panels and car adapter
- Can be discharged in three ways: USB , 12V DC, and AC
- UV treated and weather-resistant; ergonomic rubberized handle for comfort and grip
- Built in charge-controller, power surge protection
- Built in temperature control and replaceable fuse system
- Includes a 1 year warranty
- FREE SHIPPING
XTG SOLLANT Solar Portable Battery Pack with Flashlight and Lantern
A sturdy solar charger, this unit is great for the outdoors, especially hikers and campers. Lightweight and small it packs a powerful charge to recharge your cell phone and other USB devices. Even as compact as this portable solar charger is, it will continue charging from the sun even when it’s overcast. It’s dimensions are approximately 13cm x 8.5cm.
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Key features of the XTG SOLLANT include:
- Charges iPhone, iPod, MP3, Droid, Smartphones, and Other USB Powered Devices
- External battery and charger – Charge via solar power or USB port (USB cable included)
- Button for multifunctional lighting options: Flashlight, SOS strobe, bright lantern, dim lantern
- Built-in battery capacity: 1800mAh. USB output DC5V±5% 500mAh max
- Liftable hook great for hanging in tents, on windshields and backpacks
- Includes a 1 year warranty
, the lantern can provide up to 15 hours of energy time. An unexpected feature is a built-in compass, a tool campers shouldn’t go without. It can also operate on three AAA batteries (not included – see solar battery charger below).- Self-powered lantern with built-in AM/FM radio
- An audio input cord to connect your ipod or mp3 player
- Three minutes of winding the handle generates up to 75 minutes of use
- Low setting (3 LEDs), high setting (6 LEDs), and emergency setting (6 red blinking LEDs)
- Has emergency siren, DC charger, nightlight and a compass
- Includes a Nokia cell-phone adapter (An adapter for other cell-phone models is sold separately.)
- Includes a 1 year warranty
This is the most versatile battery charger available on the market today. As a high powered solar charger it can charge two sets of rechargeable batteries of the same type and size including, D, C, AA, AAA. Charger voltage is important and this unit put out a stable 5 volts. The solar panel is incorporated into the hinged cover which can be angled for maximum sun exposure. Its in-built meter will display the following >the strength of the sun, the strength of the current out-put from the solar panel, and the time required to fully charge the different types of batteries. This charger incorporates a built-in blocking 
diode to prevent reverse flow of electricity from charged batteries during storage. This is an environmentally safe product, charges for FREE via the sun, and best of all it’s completely portable. The polycarbonate transparent cover makes for a weather resistant charger.
I won’t even try to list all the reasons this unit is a must have. Great for camping and emergencies, the Crane is very reasonable priced while providing truly excellent quality as a solar battery charger you can add to your arsenal of portable solar gear.
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