I know that several Paddlewise members do serious expeditions so this device, although somewhat expensive, might be a valuable addition to your kit. Solar panels for charging are pretty good and relatively inexpensive but the big problem is that unless you take a day on the beach or spread them on your kayak's deck (with the possibility of loss due to wave action) they don't work as well for the overnight stops This guy invented a device that you can use over your campfire to charge your GPS (or any device that can be charged via USB). It's an ingenious idea because it's just a pot that you use to boil water. The difference between the hot bottom of the pot and the relatively cool boililng water creates an electrical current that is routed to your batteries by a USB cable. So you can charge your GPS while you boil water for tea! The downside is that it takes a couple of hours to charge most devices so presumably you have to keep adding water as it boils off. and you'd have to keep the pot on the campfire all evening. Nevertheless, it's an intriguing little unit. Link: http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/boil-water-to-charge-your-mobile-new-invention.htm Craig Jungers Moses Lake, WA www.nwkayaking.net www.bigboxbikes.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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