Solar charger for IPOD

imported
#1

Anybody out there actually filed test a Solio solar charger to use with an IPOD Nano out there and find it to work? I am struggling with this one and have a day to decide, little trusty radio or an IPOD that only lasts me a couple hours…

How is the radio reception on the PCT in general?

Thanks!

NEMO

#2

My initial thought to just the title of the thread was…“not a good idea” After reading the thread my thought has not changed. you would have to keep the charger in clear sunlight for it to be effective. On overcast days it won’t work very well. The old and trusty disposable batteries are still supreme. hopefully Ipod will come out with one soon.

In the Know

#3

I love my Ipod nano as I am a bookaholic. But I can only get about an hour a night for 5-7 nights (all depends if I fall asleep with it on…) If you are on a trail that you will get in to town once a week and only use it sparingly it is okay. Otherwise the little ole radio with batteries works better.

I tried a new Pocket PC for my trail journals this year and found that having to recharge periodically was a PITA!! I finally went back to the larger pocketmail simply because battery operated devices are better for trail travel.

Then there are others who would say leave all the “crap” at home. However, remember HYOH!:girl

Hammock Hanger

#4

There are powerpacks for the ipod that you can use.
they accept regular cheap AA batteries. Lasts for ages too.
all you do is plug it into the ipod.
they you just buy a new set of AA in town.
The nano is the best ipod to use on the trail as it don’t have a harddrive. No harddrive = less batt usage.

Me

#5

I am takin the bugger and stickin my radio in my bounce box. If I walk with the solar charger on top of my pack in So Cal, it should charge pretty well on clear days. I will do this until I am frustrated and annoyed and then switch to my less high maintenence radio. Music is glorious and precious to me. We’ll see how it goes.

Thanks for the feedback.

NEMO

#6

When are you guys starting out???

L to the K:pimp

Lion King

#7

NO ONE SEEMED TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION ABOUT RADIO RECEPTION. FROM WHAT I RECALL ABOUT MY HIKE WAS THAT FROM CAMPO TO THE SIERRAS YOU SHOULD HAVE NO MPROBLEM WITH RECEPTION. MY FAVE STATION IN SoCa was KKGB. Once in the mtns, unless you are on a ridge, pass or peak, reception is not that good.

LONGTRAILMAN

#8

sorry about the caps

longtrailamn

#9

I’m bringing the powered eighty decibel speakers and a gig. of goodness 45hours on four triple AAAs! If I make it through the 2 day sixteen hour and five minute bus ride from Raleigh NC see you second night of Kickoff!! Happy Trails to all. :cheers

Feral

#10

Might I sugest ditching the IPod for a MP3 player? I carried a solar charger for a small Clie to write and read ebooks as well as listen to music with. It on lasted to Mt Laguna and we sent it all back home.
I’ve ordered a MP3 player for next years PCT hike. It runs on one AA for 40 hours and has 1 GB of memory and a radio as well as a voice recorder to take notes (sounds kind of starnge to me at first but when you are walking some times little verbal notes are great ways to jog your memory later for your Diary/journal) all for just under 2 oz.

Trav

#11

Trav,
Could you please share with us which brand name of the MP3 player you got? That is exactly what I have finally chosen to do as well. DSH (dear sweet hubby) wishes to get me one for our anniversary coming up…so would love to see how you liked yours.

AlohaTink