Episode 56 | Portable Battery Chargers for Backpacking
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Summary
In this episode, we chat with longtime Backpacking Light contributor Rex Sanders about his ongoing tests of portable battery chargers. Also, Ryan and Andrew chat about vandalism on public lands, electronic device management, new gear from Atom Packs, and the benefits of freeze-drying.
Outline
- Why is vandalism so bad on public lands right now?
- What organizations are promoting responsible stewardship?
- What is a portable battery charger?
- Why is it important to test portable battery chargers?
- Why is it challenging to test portable battery chargers?
- Which performance metrics are about the same across different brands and models of portable battery chargers?
- Should I leave my iPhone plugged in overnight when camping?
- What’s going on with the portable battery charger market?
- What are some common failure points on portable battery chargers?
- Are Nitecore carbon fiber battery packs any good?
- What are some portable battery charger best practices?
- Is portable battery charger price an indicator of quality or capacity?
- How is portable battery charger capacity measured?
- How can I pick a portable battery charger for backpacking?
- Are solar battery chargers worth it?
- How can portable battery chargers be improved?
- How can the outdoor industry improve its marketing and standards ethics?
- What’s the best way to design at-home tests for outdoor gear?
- Are cables an important part of managing electronics in the backcountry?
- What are some device management strategies when backpacking with electronics?
- Is the Atom Packs Nanu a good pack?
- Is the Durston Gear X-Mid Pro 2 shelter a good shelter?
- How does freeze-drying work?
Resources
- Save our Smokies.
- Battery Bench: A Protocol for Testing Portable Battery Chargers and Electronic Devices for Backpacking.
- Rex’s battery charger recommendations – Nitecore NB series
- Read more of Rex’s ongoing work examining manufacturer claims in the outdoor industry.
- Atom Packs Nanu
- Durston X-Mid Pro 2
- Drew Smith’s newest freeze-drying article.
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Credits
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- Ryan Jordan - Director and Host
- Chase Jordan - Producer
- Look for Me in the Mountains - Music
- Written by: Chris Cunningham and Ryan Jordan
- Performed by: Chris Cunningham (acoustic guitar, lead and harmony vocals, harmonica), Chad Langford (upright bass), and Tom Murphy (mandolin).
- Produced by: Basecamp Studios in Bozeman, Montana
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(Updated April 9, 2024)
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