How to charge your gadgets while hiking?

In modern urban life we use a variety of electronics. And although many people claim that they go to the mountains to take a break from city life, from phones and Internet, even in the mountains we still need some gadgets. For example, a smartphone, which is a phone, a photo camera and a GPS navigator at the same time. We also often use action cameras, flashlights, GPS navigators, walkie-talkies, e-books and so on. And if without a camera or an e-book you will survive in the mountains, then your phone and the walkie-talkie should always be accessible and charged. In the mountains, your phone is an important tool. There you have all your maps, and if something happens, you will need a phone to call for help. In general, it is difficult to predict what to expect during hiking. That’s why charging gadgets during hiking is a very important topic, even if it’s a one-day hike.

Power bank

The easiest way to charge your gadgets is a power bank. It can charge all major devices that have an access to USB. The main indicator when choosing a power bank is the battery capacity, which is measured in milliapmeres per hour – mAh. The larger the capacity, the better. However, do not forget about the weight and size of the power bank. The larger the battery capacity, the heavier your power bank will be. Usually 10.000 mAh is enough to charge a phone with a 4.000 mAh battery twice.

Also note the loss of energy, that can happen due to fuses and adapters of a power bank. In addition to capacity, pay attention to an output current, as the charging speed of the power bank depends on it.

The standard indicator is a power connector with a capacity of 1 ampere per hour, but there can be several, one of which is 2, 2.5 or even 3 amperes per hour. Also calculate how many devices you plan to charge. If you will only charge a smartphone, it is enough to have a power bank with one USB port. But if you have more devices, or your friend’s smartphone also needs to be charged, then it’s better to buy a power bank with two or more USB connectors. If you like outdoor activities and are often in extreme situations in nature, then your power bank should also be ready for extreme conditions. It is better to choose a waterproof power bank, with metal case, and with rubber plugs for connectors to protect them from water and dust.

One more tip related to power banks. It is advisable to have several power banks. It is better to have two 7.000 mAh power banks than one large, as they can be damaged, broken or discharged from the cold. In these cases it is always good to have a spare option.

Power banks have one flaw: they operate at a voltage of 3.7 V. It means that a number of devices will be impossible to charge without special adapters. They add weight and take up extra space in your backpack. Therefore, it is better to purchase spare batteries for the photo camera and walkie-talkies, and always keep them charged in your backpack. In the case of flashlights it is advisable to purchase the ones with disposable batteries, AA or AAA type. You can also purchase rechargeable batteries of these sizes, but in any case, be sure to stock up on a few disposable batteries.

Solar chargers

As for solar chargers, their effectiveness is a bit controversial, since compact and lightweight panels that are convenient to carry in a backpack do not always provide enough power and direct current to charge devices. Along with them you must also have an intermediate battery – a power bank, which can charge from such an unstable power source. The batteries of smartphones and other gadgets are simpler, and with a low current they may not charge at all, or will charge very slowly. This whole system can make your backpack one kilogram heavier. Therefore, you should think carefully about whether you need a solar charger, or not? If your trip does not last a week or more, then it is pointless to have solar chargers with you. They come in different capacities, ranging from 0.5 to 75 Watts.

It will be realistic to have a solar charger in your backpack with a maximum power of 20-25 watt. More powerful panels will be too heavy. You can take such panels with you to long camping trips, when there will be various devices in the camp and you will have a relatively passive rest. Remember also that the power of the solar charger is directly dependent on the sun. It should be directed towards the sun with its entire surface. To provide a maximum power, there should be a strong sun and cloudless sky. The power also depends on geographic location. In Yerevan it will be easier to get more power, than in Helsinki, for example.

How to save battery?

And now some tips on how to save the battery of your gadgets.

• Protect all devices and batteries from the cold. Wrap them in warm clothes and in waterproof bags so that they do not get wet. Wet clothes will cool gadgets faster.
• All phones, tablets and photo cameras have power saving mode. Activate this mode so that your gadgets consume less power.
• In the mountains there is mostly no radio coverage. And in the absence of network, the phone increases the antenna power in order to find a network. Because of this phone discharges faster. Therefore, put your phone in an airplane mode. This mode turns off the antenna and other wireless modules, which significantly extends the battery’s life. It’s possible to stay in the mountains for three days without recharging your phone, using only GPS and sometimes a camera. In urban conditions, the same phone will barely last two days.

• Your smartphone or any other device may suddenly discharge. Do not despair. Move it to a warm place: tent, under warm clothes in a backpack, or under a jacket. Most likely the battery just froze and after warming up it can work for some time, until it’s completely discharged.
• Have a spare phone with you. Take your old Nokia or Sony Ericsson phones with buttons that hide in some far corner of your closet. Everyone knows that these phones can last for weeks. Here they will be very needed.
• And finally, prioritize everything. Use your smartphone only if it’s necessary: don’t play games, don’t watch movies; turn off internet, social media, work emails. You may need your phone in case of emergency, or when you need to call for help.

We talked about the importance of charging gadgets during hiking. Although most of these tips were obvious, someone had to collect them all in one article, right?

Hike safely!

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