Shelters and Solar panels

[Starchild]

Mine the other planets later?

The saying used to be 'Pluto first', we all know what they did to poor Pluto, not even considered a planet anymore, just something wandering around at the fringe of the solar system, Earth just better take a lesson from that and watch it, we want all planets treated equally.

[Tuckahoe]

Encourage shelter use (minimize impact area), discourage stripping forest of wood for thermoelectric chargers, add a degree of safety by allowing emergency recharging opportunities for hikers, rangers and maintainers, allow hikers to go further before resupply due to low power (recharging at night would be great as no extra time is spend waiting) so more pleasant hiking/resupply experience, getting data now on a small scale on how effective they are for future consideration or 'disconsideration'.

In what way would solar chargers encourage shelter use and minimize impact? Especially considering the reality that a significant portion of the hiking population already chooses not to use shelters, doesn't carry electronics, or has planned for charging. How would it reduce impact if hikers simply stop to charge and then move on to camp away from a shelter?

How would solar charging stations discourage the collecting of wood for thermoelectric charging, when the wood is already being collected for camp fires and wood burning camp stoves. How common are thermoelectric charges among hikers carrying electronic vs those simply carry charging packs or effective battery management?

How would a solar charging station allow hikers to go further before resupply? Especially in light of the fact that hikers generally resupply every 3-5 days, regardless of electronics.

How will exposed plastics and wiring be protected from rodents and gnawing critters?

Oh... and this...

I accept this as your opinion, a opinion I do not share. And since we don't currently have a solar shelter you have no evidence to state this any further then your opinion.

[Lone Wolf]

this starchild person seems to be all about electronics, apps, chargers, shelters, etc. typical of folks not comfortable in the woods

[Sarcasm the elf]

The saying used to be 'Pluto first', we all know what they did to poor Pluto, not even considered a planet anymore, just something wandering around at the fringe of the solar system, Earth just better take a lesson from that and watch it, we want all planets treated equally.

I don't even know what to say, that response was perfect.

[Starchild]

In what way would solar chargers encourage shelter use and minimize impact? Especially considering the reality that a significant portion of the hiking population already chooses not to use shelters, doesn't carry electronics, or has planned for charging. How would it reduce impact if hikers simply stop to charge and then move on to camp away from a shelter?

How would solar charging stations discourage the collecting of wood for thermoelectric charging, when the wood is already being collected for camp fires and wood burning camp stoves. How common are thermoelectric charges among hikers carrying electronic vs those simply carry charging packs or effective battery management?

How would a solar charging station allow hikers to go further before resupply? Especially in light of the fact that hikers generally resupply every 3-5 days, regardless of electronics.

How will exposed plastics and wiring be protected from rodents and gnawing critters?

Oh... and this...

Bold mine, which is in response to...

you have no evidence to state this any further then your opinion.

Which we both happy accuse each other of and accept as true, so I say to your questions and issues raised...

Lets find out. Since all we have is speculation and opinion, lets face it no done really knows how it will or won't work in the woods because it has not been done yet. So the way to know is to try it and get that data and proceed accordingly based on data, not opinion.

[Starchild]

this starchild person seems to be all about electronics, apps, chargers, shelters, etc. typical of folks not comfortable in the woods

Except on hike naked day, I do like to wear clothes also when I hike.

[Tuckahoe]

Solar power park bench charging stations -- http://fortune.com/2014/06/27/solar-...6pLid%3D495164

[T.S.Kobzol]

'Solar Stuff' is definitely not BS but I agree that it just does not belong on the the wilderness trail.

If you want juice, bring a freaking battery. This solar stuff is just BS at this point in time.

[T.S.Kobzol]

He called the idea dumb. He did not call the person dumb.

That's your opinion, please respect others'. Calling others' ideas "dumb" is disrespectful. External charges are heavy, but sure, an option for some.

[T.S.Kobzol]

You improve battery efficiencty - people will just use more juice and end up empty by lunch time :-)

The other point that needs to be mentioned is that within the next 5-10 years improvements in battery technology will likely remove the need for frequent charging. So just wait a while and this will be a non-issue (This is based on an NPR tech story I heard a little while back, sorry i don't have a link)

[T.S.Kobzol]

Actually this brings up an interesting point - priority. If we spend money to bring solar to the shelters then the power should probably first be used for improvement of composting and disinfecting waste.

why don't we run water and sewer to the shelters so we can have real toilets ? I mean im sure most people would rather crap on a real toilet then in a privy ! and why wouldn't it be easier for someone carry a external charger?? they have ones now that can charge your iPhone 7 or 8 times and only weigh 1.5 to 2 pounds! like Chinmusic said its a dumb idea.

I mean if we are going to dumb ideas, I say 50 inch plasmas, direct TV (with NFL package, of course) in each shelter !!! NEVER have to miss your favorite shows or big games ever again !!!

[T.S.Kobzol]

I would doubt that

i'm willin' to bet ATC memberships would drop off sharply if they allowed this foolishness

[rickb]

Solar charging on select park benches in Boston:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/201...IMN/story.html

[ChinMusic]

Solar charging on select park benches in Boston:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/201...IMN/story.html

Wow, those benches go for $3000 a pop. I hope no federal money went into that. If Boston wants to burn cash that is their business.

[July]

Wow, those benches go for $3000 a pop. I hope no federal money went into that. If Boston wants to burn cash that is their business.

Ahh, the infancy... Really?

[ChinMusic]

Ahh, the infancy... Really?

Do you EVER have a point or are you a poor man's Matty?

[July]

Do you EVER have a point or are you a poor man's Matty?

We appreciate your interest.

[rocketsocks]

Bumpin'

"the thread of the month"

it's a good read, with some great discussions.

[kayak karl]

life-in-the-woods.jpeg.........................

[Lyle]

Solar chargers in the shelters?

I don't even want to see the shelters....

There are PLENTY of trails with no shelters. Just hike one of them. The AT is pretty unique and awesome for what it is, but it is NOT a wilderness experience - far from it. It does not need to be wilderness to have great value, and to offer a very fun experience.

That said, I vote no on going as far as installing solar charging stations. It is plenty easy to keep your gadgets working as things are now. Do not spend limited resources and effort on a project like this.