Posted on 09/27/2019 at 12:00 by Seth Hansen
Power, there never seems to be enough to go around.
We need it for an increasingly large number of things.
Our smartphones, smartwatches, cameras, headsets, speakers, the list goes on and on.
In a time where seemingly everything needs electricity, how do we stay connected?
In today's post, we are going to talk about why power is necessary, the solutions available, and why bringing together disparate systems can make a significant impact.
Why is portable power necessary?
Portable power is essential for different reasons.
For many, power is a means of staying connected longer and getting more value from their electronic devices.
Taking photos, sending texts, or making phone calls.
The backpacker, thru-hiker, and adventure photographer have a different set of needs.
To them, power is crucial, allowing them to document their travels, keep in touch with loved ones, or call for help should an emergency arise while on the trail or in a remote location.
Where do portable solutions make sense?
Portable power solutions make sense almost anywhere including on road trips, at the airport, in the outdoors and beyond.
For the adventure power user, power is vital when filming on location, traveling to the next gig, or stuck at the airport waiting for a flight.
When do portable solar solutions make sense?
When your power needs are beyond short-term (topping off a cell phone here, charging a small action camera there) and span many days.
When the professional is filming on location for an extended time, and access to mainland or grid power isn't possible.
When the hiker is embarking on a month-long journey and won't be near grid-power.
So what do you do?
Let's explore some potential solutions and how people are solving this problem today.
One solution is to charge your device directly from a solar panel. This can technically work, but requires constant sun and for you to leave your device plugged in and in the sun.
Another possible solution is to pair a portable solar panel with a battery. These systems are quite common, and a quick Google search will deliver thousands of results.
You can sift through reviews, select a solar panel and battery, and hope they work together.
While these two systems may "work," they will likely be throwing away a massive percentage of total power.
This has to do with the fact that they are separate systems designed to do different things and not necessarily to work together efficiently.
Not only might you be throwing away precious power, but with cabling, and often-times a breakable solar panel and separate battery, these systems are cumbersome, heavy, and frustrating to use, especially on the go.
Is there a better way to stay powered on the go, or during that all-important backpacking trip or thru-hike?
There is, and it's called the LightSaver Portable Solar Charger.
Watch this video of adventure photographer Max Seigal talking about how the LightSaver Portable Solar Charger helped on a recent trip to Nepal.
The LightSaver was designed to be a simple integrated solution, making solar technology accessible to everyone.
The LightSaver is an all-in-one solar solution that features a roll-out thin-film solar panel and an integrated battery for storing the solar energy it creates — no more leaving your device connected directly to the panel, charging only when the sun is shining and leaving your device in the hot sun.
The LightSaver weighs just 4.9 ounces adding little weight to your pack or purse and packs a 3200mAh battery ideal for charging smartphones, action cameras or other USB-enabled devices.
With the LightSaver you don't need extra cables or an external battery. You unroll the panel, and it starts charging.
That's all there is to it.
Whether heading out on a family vacation or embarking on a thru-hike of the Appalachian trail, for your next trip, pick up a LightSaver Portable Solar Charger and stay charged up with the lightest and most portable solar charger on the market.
Categories: Solar Education