[pct-l] Cell Phones etc.

[Mike Saenz]

I carry a "Solio" (http://www.solio.com/v2/ ) which I mainly use to
recharge my Sirius Satellite "Stiletto" radio. It can also charge my
cell phone, though I've never had the need (I carry it, but keep it
turned off). I carry a cell phone, satellite radio, GPS and digital
camera.
If necessary, I can recharge all the above with the Solio. But since the
cell phone is for emergency use only and I keep it turned off, its
internal battery keeps a charge as long as it isn't exposed to low temps
for very long. I use the radio often. Satellite reception is available
in all the most remote locations I've been in. My GPS uses AAA
batteries, but I'd rather carry the extra batteries than a rechargeable
setup on short trips. My camera has a rechargeable battery, but I've yet
to run it completely down on a trip, so I don't carry its charger
either.
I charge my Solio before each trip by plugging it into a wall outlet. To
fully charge from solar energy, it takes about 6-8 hours. It's small
enough that I can tie it to the top of my pack and hike with it "open"
all day. I then plug it into my radio when I sleep and let it recharge
during the night.

There are solar chargers out there that recharge faster than the Solio,
but they are larger, heavier and the panels are bulky. You'd have to
drape it over your pack to use while walking, or set it up and sit tight
for a few hours.


Michael  Saenz
Associate Partner

MVE & Partners, Inc. | Architecture + Planning + Interiors 
Irvine + Oakland + Honolulu

1900 Main Street, Suite 800 | Irvine, California 92614-7318 | T
949.809.3388 | www.mve-architects.com
-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net
[mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of drifter at tmail.com
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2007 10:02 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Cell Phones etc.

Hi all, new guy here.  I'm seriously considering (planning) a long-hike 
for 2009, either the AT which I've wanted to do for 30 years or the PCT 
which I now live near.  I don't talk much on the cell phone but I do use

it a lot for e-mail.  I'm using it now as it is my primary and only 
email device (Sidekick by t-mobile.)  It worked out very well when I was

crusing on my sailboat but the boat has a couple of ways to charge the 
battery and thus charge the cell phone.

I've seen where they have solor and hand crank chargers now.  This 
battery must be recharged daily.  Has anyone hiked with a similar 
device?  Has anyone actually used one of these chargers?  Do they work?

Any other ideas?  I do like my e-mail and web.  Hey, I might need to 
order something to be delivered somewhere on the trail.....

Beyond this point
There be dragons...

Chris ~ S/V Drifter
Anacortes, WA. ~~~_/) ~~~
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