Emergency Power. In the aftermath of one of the largest power outages in BC history (2015), where more than 700,000 people lost their connection to the BC Hydro grid, many for up to 5 days, I decided to write this
Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus Review
A lot of places sell the Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus solar recharger. MEC sells it. Costco often sells it. Modern Outpost sells it. Is it worth the money? This is a Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus review to help
Buying A Pocket Solar Charger
I’ve been seeing a huge number of ‘gadget’ solar chargers on the market this year. Everything from keychain size up to devices larger than your hand. Personally, I think this is fantastic, and am glad to see so many alternative
Solar Trickle Charging Vehicle Batteries
Need to store an RV, car, boat, SeaDoo, or ATV for the winter? Here’s a quick look at your solar options for keeping your vehicle battery maintained through our Canadian winter, and avoid the cost of a ruined battery in
Solar Gifts – Avoid Disappointment
Thinking about a solar gadget as a gift for someone? I’d like you to choose wisely. What they say it can do in the description often isn’t the case. And, they assume you won’t do a little math to make
Poweradd Apollo review on Trailspace
I just wrote a quick Poweradd Apollo review on Trailspace. You can read the review here… http://www.trailspace.com/gear/other/poweradd-apollo/?review=32193 The issues raised are consistent for any of these small, gimmick solar chargers. They are typically just a back-up battery with a solar
Solar Charger vs More Camera Batteries
The question almost always comes up… do I really need a solar charger for my upcoming wilderness trek, or should I just buy a bunch of camera batteries? Knowing that you will be away from power for days, weeks, or
Charging dSLR Camera Batteries from USB
USB battery packs & chargers are everywhere, but charging dSLR camera batteries from USB has not been possible. Until now. Editor: Graham Morfitt, BSc (Physics) The portable power and portable solar charger world is divided into two camps: USB &
Personal Power for Nepal Trekkers
I just helped Mick Bromley of Wilderness Trekking head off to Nepal on his latest excursion with two sets of portable solar power systems. One is designed to keep a videographer’s equipment charged while he chronicles Mick’s legendary attention to
Solar SmartPhone? Read This First!
Solar charging a smartphone is easy, but there are so many products on the market making promises that it becomes difficult to choose. The purpose of this article is to clear it all up for you. First, I will tell
Showdown : Thin Film vs Crystalline
As should be expected, a common question I am asked is: Thin Film vs Crystalline…Â what is the best solar panel to use? There are essentially two types: Thin Film & Crystalline. Each have their own sub groups, like amorphous silicone
Solar Charging A Camera… A Little Advice
Solar charging a camera is not tough, but most websites & stores selling solar chargers don’t know the difference between the statements: ‘can charge a camera’ vs ‘will properly charge a camera’. I thought it might be handy to provide
Goal Zero Solar Kit? Read this first.
Everyone in the solar industry has at least heard of Goal Zero by now. They are the American portable solar power company that was born out of african humanitarian aid projects. Goal Zero builds some fantastic products… heck, I sell
Test: Powerfilm R-14 & Voltaic V60
A quick report of charging a Voltaic V60 battery pack from a Powerfilm R-14 rollable solar panel… Solar Panel : Powerfilm R-14 Battery Pack : Voltaic V60 Connectors : Stock CLA connectors provided with the panel & battery Mounting :
Camping With CPAP or BiPAP
As a portable power guy, I get asked quite frequently about power for camping with CPAP or BiPAP machines. My former business partner uses a ventilator in managing his Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy, so this application is important to me. It
The Modern Outpost Solar Gift Guide
Your Best Gift Ideas Are here This is continually updated, because every year something cool emerges. Either it’s new efficiencies, or it’s new battery capacities, or new connector formats. Last Update : December 11, 2018 I want you to avoid