Get a 2nd charger for your bag. Our cell phones are so useful, its important to have a way to keep it active

It is best to have chargers for both auto and AC. Plus one can get an external battery that can be used to charge a cellphone when no power source is available. A solar charger could also be useful, however, they are still quite expensive.

The cheap solar chargers I've toyed with haven't been remotely worth the money. If mobile solar is part of your strategy, get a good one that either charges its own onboard battery (which you can then use to charge your device) or charges AA batteries that your device can use.

Crank-based chargers might be good enough to send a quick text message or 911 call, but as a charging strategy for other use they leave a lot to be desired.

On the issue of solar charging, I've tried a couple from Goal Zero and they work fine. However, they are not cheap.

the Guide 10(4 AA battery pack of the Goal Zero system)can be charged via a 5v mini USB as well as the solar panels... it has a small LED hand light and a USB out connection, comes with a USB to mini USB cable which I use for my older Motorola flip phone

+1 vote for the Goal Zero products line. You can put regular AA's into Guide 10 and have you phone charged over its USB port.

Yes, and the 5v output is at least 750ma which is enough to charge my Android smartphone.

It is 500mA - for sure according to specs, but they are real 500mA, unlike some gimmicky USB/solar chargers.

(Just found my old thread abandoned by an accident about a year ago, where we had discussed the GoalZero bundle in details).

There are so many really qualified and educated people on this forum that can educate us on chargers. I am not that person but here is what I do. And my set up is because I don't just think about myself in these situations. If I can add a few items that make my family or friends situations easier, then prepping is worth it.

I carry an electronics package in my daily EDC pack. Its a small waterproof pelican case. Inside I have a folding socket wall charger with USB out. A mini car charger plug with USB out, a portable battery charger with USB out. Then I carry a short iPhone cord, mini USB cord (for most other phone and electronic inputs) and a specialized cord for my Gtab. This way I can charge almost any electronic device, anywhere, three ways: from inside a building, traveling by vehicle or stuck in the middle of nowhere. I can also recharge the external battery with the other two options.

Recent real world situation. I was working out at the lake I normally go to and using my gopro helmet cam to record it. The battery died right at the beginning of a long session. I used the mini USB and portable battery and charged it on the beach while I worked out and was able to get some good video of the hike that ended the day.

I also have a couple pair of inexpensive headphones tucked into micro zip baggies in the kit. Because I have run into situations where I didn't have a pair on me or someone needed them.

I have a kit similar to comms'--a wall charger w/ 2 USB ports, a car charger w/ 2 USB ports, and a battery w/ 1 USB port. Then I have multiple cables and adapters to charge all my and my DW's devices and most others I come across. They all fit into a small, soft-sided, portable hard drive case.

I would like to add solar though.