Battery Packs

[soumodeler]

Looking for a battery pack (not a solar charger) to keep my phone and camera charged. Any recommendations?

[JumpMaster Blaster]

I use the Radio Shack ones. The 4000mAh (4.4 oz w/ cord) gives me juice for phone/camera/iPod for about 2-3 days of heavy use (using GPS, track recording, etc). The 6000mAh (6.1 oz w/ cord) lasted 4 days with heavy use.

I remember paying about $30 for the small one and $45 for the larger one. The 4000 came with a multi-device cord (old iPod/Iphone connector, new Apple Lightning connector, mini USB, micro USB, and a DC female connector) The 6000 has dual outputs, if that's something you need.

There may be a better deal online with some other brands, but at the times I needed them I couldn't wait for shipping.

[rocketsocks]

Here's the one I use, no complaints with it, and at the current amazon sale price, that's about 10 dollars cheaper than I paid. It has ample power for my needs, and then some, check out there whole line though, you will likely find one that fits your needs as well.

http://www.ianker.com/product/79AN7917-BA


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009USAJCC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=ianker-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B009USAJCC

[rocketsocks]

Here's the one I use, no complaints with it, and at the current amazon sale price, that's about 10 dollars cheaper than I paid. It has ample power for my needs, and then some, check out there whole line though, you will likely find one that fits your needs as well.

http://www.ianker.com/product/79AN7917-BA


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009USAJCC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=ianker-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B009USAJCC

Ooops, forgot, I bought the high output changer for it, it's like 1 1/2 to 2 ampers per hour, if memory serves it takes me about 6 1/2 hours to fully charge the battery from AC and my devises (ipod, none smart phone, radio, and various lamps ) charge pretty quick, couple hours. But I think they have ones out now that are even faster.

[rocketsocks]

Ooops, forgot, I bought the high output changer for it, it's like 1 1/2 to 2 ampers per hour, if memory serves it takes me about 6 1/2 hours to fully charge the battery from AC and my devises (ipod, none smart phone, radio, and various lamps ) charge pretty quick, couple hours. But I think they have ones out now that are even faster.
Found the charger I use.

http://www.amazon.com/Generation-SlimTalk-CarbonPak-PowerPak-Universal/dp/B00E45DC7K/ref=pd_bxgy_cps_text_y

[Toga]

I use the Anker 15000 mAh (11.2 oz) which will fully charge my S4 four times. $49 on Amazon.

[Deacon]

Looking for a battery pack (not a solar charger) to keep my phone and camera charged. Any recommendations?

You need to ask yourself how many days you want to go in between recharging the battery pack. Then figure 2000 mAh per charge on a typical smart phone or camera.

I used a NewTrent 5200mAh pack, good for 3 charges. But it weighs 4.8 oz. I decided to try an Anker Astro mini, the lipstick sized 3000mAh pack, which should give 1.5 - 2 charges, and that weighs just 2.8 oz, good for 4 days.

[Wise Old Owl]

Rocket Socks nailed it... I just bought that Anker. - its Awesome

[Deacon]

If you are hiking in the east, forget the solar charger and stick with a battery pack. They're ok for the west where you get more sun.

[Wise Old Owl]

Sorry Deacon - have you tested that theory? Stuff changes over time....

[leaftye]

It'd help to know if you have a preference for lower cost or lower weight and to know how much capacity you want.

[Deacon]

Sorry Deacon - have you tested that theory? Stuff changes over time....

No I haven't. It's just that I am such a gram weenie that I haven't seen any solar charger yet that I could justify carrying all day long.

[soumodeler]

It'd help to know if you have a preference for lower cost or lower weight and to know how much capacity you want.

Both? :)

I am unsure of what actual capacity I will need as I still need to purchase the camera and will most likely upgrade my phone before my hike.

Mainly just looking at what other people have had good luck with.

[arclight]

So, a batt backup is a better choice than a solar collector? I'd think there'd be ample clearance for direct sun collection

[Alligator]

So, a batt backup is a better choice than a solar collector? I'd think there'd be ample clearance for direct sun collection Once the trees are leafed out, you spend a lot of time under the canopy.

[QHShowoman]

Another vote for the Anker, here. I have the Anker Astro 15000mh. Weighs a ton (12oz) but it will keep my phone fully charged for a week and since I use it as my camera, email device, etc., it's totally worth its weight to me. And for $49, you can't really go wrong.

[leaftye]

Both? :)

I am unsure of what actual capacity I will need as I still need to purchase the camera and will most likely upgrade my phone before my hike.

Mainly just looking at what other people have had good luck with.

If it was cost, you could check out the battery recycle bins for used laptop batteries and put those in a battery case like this (http://www.gearbest.com/mobile-power-bank/pp_19533.html). If capacity was your preference, then you'd pay a lot for these batteries (http://www.orbtronic.com/3600mah-18650-li-ion-orbtronic-panasonic-rechargeable-battery) or find a battery pack with lithium polymer cells inside.

Since you may upgrade your phone, you can use that opportunity to have what I feel is the best option. Get a phone with swappable batteries and carry spare internal batteries. If you want to be able to use your phone in town while a battery is charging, then carry an external battery charger. If you really want to save weight and have faster charging, you could build yourself a smaller/lighter cradle that uses a 1A charger instead of the 0.5A chargers that are usually in those external battery chargers.

[jjozgrunt]

I have 2 x 15000 mAh ones from anker. http://www.ianker.com/product/79AN7905-BA I will be using both for a 28 day walk in Nov/Dec where I can only recharge mid way. So 14 days out of them. Recharging my S5, inreach, Olympus TG3 and garmin 650. I use them a lot here, Australia, as most longer walks don't have regular places to recharge and I hate carrying a pack full of batteries. All my electronic equipment has been bought with recharging from these batteries in mind. Bonus is they have a readout of remaining power.

[rocketsocks]

...and if your wanting to save even more weight, and your power requirements are such that you don't need but a little...give this one a shot. I've had good results with it.

http://www.rayovac.com/Products/Portable-Power-Chargers/Micro-USB-Portable-Battery-Pack-2-Hour-Power-Bundle.aspx

[rocketsocks]

...and if your wanting to save even more weight, and your power requirements are such that you don't need but a little...give this one a shot. I've had good results with it.

http://www.rayovac.com/Products/Portable-Power-Chargers/Micro-USB-Portable-Battery-Pack-2-Hour-Power-Bundle.aspx
oh, and you'd need to get the right one for your devise, phone/ipod.

[Ricky&Jack]

oh, and you'd need to get the right one for your devise, phone/ipod.


it says it comes with/uses CR123a battery.... is that just a fancy C battery? Can C batteries be used?

And I know it adds up to 2hrs of talk time per charge.... does that mean 2hrs per CR123a battery?

[ChuckT]

I think that a CR123a is one of hearing aid "button" batteries.

[Ricky&Jack]

I think that a CR123a is one of hearing aid "button" batteries.

Oh, okay. I wasnt sure, cause they looked pretty big.

http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b607/Ricky_Sanftner/ScreenShot2014-07-26at33016PM_zpsa2b68f8a.png (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/Ricky_Sanftner/media/ScreenShot2014-07-26at33016PM_zpsa2b68f8a.png.html)http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b607/Ricky_Sanftner/ScreenShot2014-07-26at33027PM_zps90cc89ee.png (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/Ricky_Sanftner/media/ScreenShot2014-07-26at33027PM_zps90cc89ee.png.html)http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b607/Ricky_Sanftner/ScreenShot2014-07-26at33136PM_zps13348959.png (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/Ricky_Sanftner/media/ScreenShot2014-07-26at33136PM_zps13348959.png.html)



I never knew this product existed but for only $18 for 3 of these sounds really good.

[rocketsocks]

it says it comes with/uses CR123a battery.... is that just a fancy C battery? Can C batteries be used?

And I know it adds up to 2hrs of talk time per charge.... does that mean 2hrs per CR123a battery?Yes, that's my understanding. But I didn't use it for a phone, just an ipod, and It lasted me for days watching a couple movies and listening to audio books and music.


I think that a CR123a is one of hearing aid "button" batteries.it's a pretty big battery for a hearing aid, it can be seen in the picture. wider than a AA but shorter in length. I take this on day hikes or going out for the eveing somewhere, it's so small, much smaller than my Anker Astro...wouldn't be good for a long hike though, to expensive to use. the batteries run about 10 bucks for two. Buy em on sale when you can.

[rocketsocks]

Oh, okay. I wasnt sure, cause they looked pretty big.

http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b607/Ricky_Sanftner/ScreenShot2014-07-26at33016PM_zpsa2b68f8a.png (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/Ricky_Sanftner/media/ScreenShot2014-07-26at33016PM_zpsa2b68f8a.png.html)http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b607/Ricky_Sanftner/ScreenShot2014-07-26at33027PM_zps90cc89ee.png (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/Ricky_Sanftner/media/ScreenShot2014-07-26at33027PM_zps90cc89ee.png.html)http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b607/Ricky_Sanftner/ScreenShot2014-07-26at33136PM_zps13348959.png (http://s1294.photobucket.com/user/Ricky_Sanftner/media/ScreenShot2014-07-26at33136PM_zps13348959.png.html)



I never knew this product existed but for only $18 for 3 of these sounds really good.Got mine at home dept for like $12 bucks IIRC and that came with one battery.

[Ricky&Jack]

Got mine at home dept for like $12 bucks IIRC and that came with one battery.


Amazon has 12 batteries for $18.

$1.50 each

http://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-85177-Lithium-Batteries-12-Pack/dp/B000IXCO8K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406403929&sr=8-1&keywords=cr123a

[rocketsocks]

Amazon has 12 batteries for $18.

$1.50 each

http://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-85177-Lithium-Batteries-12-Pack/dp/B000IXCO8K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406403929&sr=8-1&keywords=cr123agood deal...thanks

[jjozgrunt]

...and if your wanting to save even more weight, and your power requirements are such that you don't need but a little...give this one a shot. I've had good results with it.

http://www.rayovac.com/Products/Portable-Power-Chargers/Micro-USB-Portable-Battery-Pack-2-Hour-Power-Bundle.aspx

I just don't like carrying batteries myself. The above solution gives you less than 1 charge of a galaxy S5 for at least 120+ grams of wt (batteries 30grams each x 4 and whatever the charger bit is). This anker is 127 grams and gives 2 complete charges to a S4 (5600mAh). http://www.ianker.com/product/79UN53V1-B8P56A . The other option in to use Sanyo Eneloop batteries, which I have found to be the best of all the AA/AAA batteries.

[rocketsocks]

I just don't like carrying batteries myself. The above solution gives you less than 1 charge of a galaxy S5 for at least 120+ grams of wt (batteries 30grams each x 4 and whatever the charger bit is). This anker is 127 grams and gives 2 complete charges to a S4 (5600mAh). http://www.ianker.com/product/79UN53V1-B8P56A . The other option in to use Sanyo Eneloop batteries, which I have found to be the best of all the AA/AAA batteries.
It' not a solution, it's an option, and it only uses one battery, not four.

[jjozgrunt]

Original question - Looking for a battery pack (not a solar charger) to keep my phone and camera charged. Any recommendations? He is looking for different options? He is looking for different recommendations? He is looking for a different solutions? Different strokes for different folks.

I simply was giving a comparison of the wt to power ratio of the Rayovac versus Anker. I will explain it out. Phone I used Galaxy S5 battery 2800mAH average talk time 12hours.

Rayovac - 1 battery = 2hrs talk time wt approx 30grams. 4 x batteries = 8hrs talk time (less than 1 full charge) wt = 120grams plus charger wt

Anker 5600mAh battery - 2 x full phone charge - wt = 127 grams

No contest on that basis.

[rocketsocks]

Original question - Looking for a battery pack (not a solar charger) to keep my phone and camera charged. Any recommendations? He is looking for different options? He is looking for different recommendations? He is looking for a different solutions? Different strokes for different folks.

I simply was giving a comparison of the wt to power ratio of the Rayovac versus Anker. I will explain it out. Phone I used Galaxy S5 battery 2800mAH average talk time 12hours.

Rayovac - 1 battery = 2hrs talk time wt approx 30grams. 4 x batteries = 8hrs talk time (less than 1 full charge) wt = 120grams plus charger wt

Anker 5600mAh battery - 2 x full phone charge - wt = 127 grams

No contest on that basis.



I just used solution cause you did, and I wanted to clarify, mine was not meant to be a solution to the OP question, just a friendly heads up on somethin I've used and like for it's weight, little bit of power, and availability of battery's, that's why I started my post with "...and if your power" as sometimes they change. In fact I'm gonna bring one on all my hikes now, less the battery as a back up should I ever need it...swing into a store and pick up a battery, the thing don't weigh but a puff of a whisper. (really though I'll bring one battery, maybe someone will need some power, and I could hook em up, I can handle the extra load).

I get now what you were figurin' with the four battery multiplier as to keep it a apples to apples thing.
Indecently that's a sweet little unit (the Anker you posted)...little pricey, but than what ain't. I'd be lookin' for that one to go on sale...but whatever (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ibWqDWGcBM). :)

[rocketsocks]

I just used solution cause you did, and I wanted to clarify, mine was not meant to be a solution to the OP question, just a friendly heads up on somethin I've used and like for it's weight, little bit of power, and availability of battery's, that's why I started my post with "...and if your power" as sometimes they change. In fact I'm gonna bring one on all my hikes now, less the battery as a back up should I ever need it...swing into a store and pick up a battery, the thing don't weigh but a puff of a whisper. (really though I'll bring one battery, maybe someone will need some power, and I could hook em up, I can handle the extra load).

I get now what you were figurin' with the four battery multiplier as to keep it a apples to apples thing.
Indecently that's a sweet little unit (the Anker you posted)...little pricey, but than what ain't. I'd be lookin' for that one to go on sale...but whatever (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ibWqDWGcBM). :)

Oops I mis quoted myself...here it is, but again whatever (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ibWqDWGcBM).
...and if your wanting to save even more weight, and your power requirements are such that you don't need but a little

[jjozgrunt]

I've never seen them on sale unfortunately. Wait until the good folks in the southern states get to hear my aussie accent, then your going to see misunderstandings.

[Wise Old Owl]

jjozgrunt beat me to it. The ray o vac will charge a smart phone...a little...it was more beneficial with older simple cell phones and here another concept - the Anker 3rd gen "sees" the Smart Phone is charged and shuts down to prevent further discharge... pretty cool in my book.

[RabbitHole]

Ankerv15000 on amazon don't forget to buy the wall charger

[soumodeler]

Just ordered the Anker E3 10,000mAh and a wall charge from Amazon (thanks for the links rocketsocks!). I am going to try it out and see how I like it.

[rocketsocks]

Just ordered the Anker E3 10,000mAh and a wall charge from Amazon (thanks for the links rocketsocks!). I am going to try it out and see how I like it.
Wait, did you say the E3.....no the E5...kidding, good luck with it, hope it works for you. Mines still goin' strong, and has ample power for my needs.

[Neemor]

I use an anker astro 20,000mAh i believe. I can charge my iphone 6-7 times. But i also use it to charge my gopro.

Anker makes some amazing batteries.

[Jake27]

I use a Rav power 15000 mah that charges my iPhone 6 plus 4 times and keeps my headlamp charged. but does weight 10 oz.

[YesRushGen]

I went with an EasyAcc 10,000mA model. It has dual USB ports, one supporting 1.5A and the other 2.1A. Currently on sale for 23.99.

http://www.amazon.com/EasyAcc-10000mAh-Brilliant-Portable-PB10000C/dp/B00H9BEC8E

It weighs 8 ounces and recharges my Galaxy S4 between 3 and 4 times. When the thing is depleted, it takes a long time (8ish hours) to fully recharge from wall AC power.

[Lyle]

As others have said, I find just carrying extra device batteries to be the most efficient. An extra battery for my phone weighs a hair over 1 ounce, extra battery for camera weighs .8 ounce, the charger for each weighs 1.6 and 2 ounces. I can carry multiple spare batteries for both my camera and my phone for less weight/space than an external battery or a solar charger.

Of course, I don't buy phones or cameras that don't use consumer replaceable batteries. :)

[cbr6fs]

ddd灤d灤d灤d灤d灤d灤d灤d

[cbr6fs]

Not sure what happened there :confused:

Anyways, i have 2 setups i use depending on how long i'm out or how long before i can recharge


#1
2 x 3400mAh (6800mAh total) 18650 cells in a Miller pack/charger (http://www.fasttech.com/product/1283100)

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d43/cbr6fs/Hiking/IMG_3595_zps17a151ec.jpg

If i'm on a extended hike and there is a chance i can recharge then i'll pack these as well

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d43/cbr6fs/Hiking/IMG_3597_zps34e4eb31.jpg

All together

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d43/cbr6fs/Hiking/IMG_3600_zps31c9083a.jpg

I tend to use my phone to record my trips so the GPS is usually on while i'm hiking, so pretty heavy use.
With this pack i tend to get 3 to 4 days before needing to recharge


Option #2 (https://www.fasttech.com/products/1592501)

4 x 3400mAh 18650's (13600mAh total)

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d43/cbr6fs/Hiking/IMG_3602_zps95a82850.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d43/cbr6fs/Hiking/IMG_3601_zpsde8f06f9.jpg

I usually get around 7 days out of these batteries before needing to recharge

[rocketsocks]

ddd灤d灤d灤d灤d灤d灤d灤d
I thought it was Greek DNA's

[kayak karl]

i have this (http://www.newtrent.com/store/external-battery/icarrier-imp120d.html) and recharge it with this (http://www.voltaicsystems.com/3-watt-panel) on the kayak. don't take solar hiking.

[cbr6fs]

I thought it was Greek DNA's


:D :D :D

Bought a new mouse and was trying to reprogram the keys, seems the default setting was type nonsense and hit post :o

[Jake27]

Anker seams to be the most popular band there very light.

[Treetoptommy]

Does the Anker 2nd gen have to have its own wall charger? Or can i use my wall part of the s5 charger and the appropriate wire to charge the anker pack? I want to buy it but i dont want to carry a wall charger and the battiery seems like unnecessary weight.

[soumodeler]

The Anker I have charges with a standard USB Micro cord.

I will be taking a dual port USB charger, 3 usb cables (1 proprietary cable for camera, 2x usb micro) and the battery pack.