The <A href="http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=276358#Post276358">21st-centuries migrant's checklist</A> got me thinking about charging technologies that can be used "on the go". I don't want to hijack the thread, so I created this one.

By "On the go" I mean:
1) Small/Light enough to carry in an INCH backpack along with the rest of your stuff.
2) Does not required anything supported by infrastructure (i.e. electrical sockets, car jacks, etc.).

To the best of my knowledge, there's
1) Direct solar chargers - Charges the device directly from solar panels
2) Indirect solar chargers - Charges a battery from solar panels, which is then used to charge a device
3) Direct crank chargers - Charges the device directly from soa hand cranked dynamo.
4) Indirect crank chargers - Charges a battery from a hand cranked dynamo, which is then used to charge a device
5) Thermo-electric - practical power PowerPot V. Turns your dinner into a battery.

While not quite independent of infrastructure, worth a look anyway
6) Disposable battery adaptors - Commercial or homemade. When mixed with a couple of battery adaptors, can charge the device off of commonly available batteries.
7) Big honking (>10Ah) backup battery - Can extend the battery life by a factor of 6 or more.

What am I forgetting?

Some time ago there was a post on a 4 AA battery charger mentioned, and I bought one. Used it a couple of times while traveling, and it worked fine. The key is, IMO, AA batteries are available all over the place, and usually cheaply. So when I travel, the AA powered charger goes with me.

The migrant thread did get me wondering too.

And always wondered why cordless tool power packs never had usb charging ports... but seems nowadays you can by adaptors for the battery packs from the major makers.

I plan to use an "indirect solar charger" (Goal Zero) as a supplement to a vehicle on an upcoming project which will be out on the boonies and off the grid.

There is also some fuel cell type things.
Brunton has one

http://www.brunton.com/pages/power

Though not really convinced it's any better than lugging in a big li battery.

Hikermor... AFLM recommended a Fujicell SCH808F controlled charger and it works well with either 12vdc (from my GZ 7watt panel via the cigarette receptacle) 12vdc from a cigarette plug, 120vac from the wall, and 5vdc USB... don't know if they are available any longer... I got mine thru Amazon/UK IIRC... you might look at similar chargers... if you have not already got your Goal Zero kit, be sure that you get the newer Guide 10 Plus pack... my older non plus will not charge my older phone... there is an adapter pack if you get Goal Zero AAA cells that work with the Guide 10 pack so you can charge the AAAs in the AA charge well... or you can make a AAA adapter with a couple of coils of 3/8 wire

the additional charger gives you multiple options

This is what I'm currently using;

Levin Solwing 13 W PV Solar Panel;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Levin-trade-Ultr...solar+panel+13w

Which has two USB outputs

i) Can recharge directly an Olight R40 torch via USB

and a Aukey 7500mah Waterproof Portable Charger External Battery

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aukey-Waterproof.../ref=pd_cp_23_3

ii) Can also recharge either a Landrover A8 smartphone or charge or run a Eye TV Wifi Mobile hotspot to view Digiral TV and Broadcast Radio on the A8.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elgato-Mobile-Ho...ZYV931CMFF70PGV

The Aukey powerpack and A8 Smartphone fit perfectly into a Condor DigiPouch perfectly.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007I..._1_1&sr=8-1

10+ absolutely is what I have, along with the AAA adapter. In a situation without 12V DC or 110, I should be able to keep phone, lights, and GPS humming along.....

AFLM... is the Fujicell SCH808F charger still available in the UK? I have not seen it listed, and would like to get one for a friend

There is a lot of power just sloshing around ready for the taking.

Have a Google around for "energy harvesting".

Energy Harvesting