[pct-l] Solar Charging your iPod, etc.

[c.engberg at cox.net]

I was curious about slow's experiences with the Solio Universal Hybrid 
Solar Charger. I have never used a solar charger while hiking but after 
looking at the specs on the Solio website, I am rather disappointed. On the 
Solio website they give a solar panel output of 155 mA @ 6V. This gives a 
power output of a measly 0.93 W. The one thing I am not sure of is if you 
can actually run a fully dead GPS unit off this low of power?

Solio Specs:
$99
0.93 Watt output
5.6 ounces
15.28 cu. in.

After some research I think I may have found another solution. Powerfilm, 
Inc developed folding flexible solar chargers for the military, which are now 
available to the general public.

Here: http://store.sundancesolar.com/po5wafosobac.html

F15-300 Specs:
$149
4.62 Watt output
6.08 ounces
18.56 cu. in.

Th 10W version weighs only three more ounces! This would allow a group 
to charge all their devices at the same time.

It lacks the internal battery (this is really an additional inefficiency) but 
makes up for it with 5 times the power output and flexible, weatherproof 
design. Simply unfold and use. I was thinking of getting one for my next 
extended trip and simply draping in over the top or side of my pack as I 
hike. Has any one used this in the field? Any opinions?

your fellow hiker,
-Chris
c.engberg at cox.net