In today’s world, technology plays a big role in our outdoor adventures, doesn’t it? From navigating trails with GPS apps and capturing memories with our phones or cameras, to staying in touch (when we want to be!) and having a lifeline in emergencies, our gadgets are often key companions. But all this tech relies on one crucial thing: power.
Keeping everything charged, especially on multi-day trips, when you’re off-grid in the SoCal desert, or hopping between hostels and campsites, can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve dialed in our go-to charging solutions to ensure we stay powered up wherever our adventures take us. Here’s what keeps our devices running.
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The Versatile Hub: At Home & On-the-Go Charging Station
Having a reliable, multi-port charging station is a game-changer, both for everyday use and for travel.
- Our Go-To Charger: The Anker Prime 6-in-1 USB C Charging Station is an absolute workhorse. We use this 140W compact power strip at home on a daily basis, and it’s proven to be super reliable. Its versatility makes it an automatic inclusion on our trips, especially when staying in hostels or at campsites with electricity. With 6 ports and a 5 ft detachable extension cord, it handles all our charging needs efficiently. (Note: it’s a charging station/power strip, not a portable battery/power bank itself).
Off-Grid Power: Harnessing the SoCal Sun
For those longer, independent auto-trips or when we’re camping away from power sources, a portable solar panel setup is a must-have.
- Our Solar Solution: Oh, we absolutely find we need this on long, independent auto-trips! The FlexSolar 120W Foldable Solar Panels Charger is our source of electricity to charge power banks and other devices. We’ve found that lower/smaller wattage solar panels often aren’t efficient enough for our needs. This 120W unit, however, is an awesome piece of inexpensive but powerful technology. We often put it on the car’s roof at remote parking lots or campsites to soak up that SoCal sun. It has a 20v-28v DC output, is IP65 waterproof, and is perfect for power outages, emergencies, camping, home use, or RVing, especially for keeping solar power station generators and battery packs topped up.
Essential Cables: Connecting & Fast Charging
You can have all the power sources in the world, but without the right cables, they’re useless! We’ve learned that having a few quality, specific cables is key.
- The Long Reach with Info: It’s always good to have a reliable, longer cable, especially when outlets are awkwardly placed. The USB A to C Cable Fast Charging Cable, 6.6FT with LED Display is a great one to have in your kit. This 66W/6A USB Type C nylon braided cable also features an LED display, which is a neat touch for seeing charging status.
- Compact Power with Display: Similar to the one above in its utility with an LED display, but in a much shorter form factor for when you don’t need the length, is the Short USB C to USB C Cable (100W 5A), 1ft with LED Display. This is perfect for connecting to power banks or charging hubs on a desk or in a car without excess cable.
- The Powerhouse Universal Cable: For truly fast charging when your devices and power source support it, we really recommend the Silkland 240W 100W Short USB C to USB C Cable (1FT, 2 Pack). This is another travel USB cable we use, and it’s the most powerful in our collection. It provides very fast charging when available, and because of its robust build (thickness, as you noted), it fits snugly and reliably into literally all our USB-C devices.
Having a dependable way to keep your essential tech powered up can significantly reduce stress and enhance your hiking and travel experiences. Whether it’s navigating a new trail, capturing a sunset, or just knowing you can call for help if needed, these charging solutions have become indispensable parts of our adventure kit.
Stay charged and explore on!