Tech On The Trail

Tech on the trail is a somewhat tricky subject amongst AT thru-hikers. Some feel that it is a violation of the wilderness to enter the long green tunnel with anything more advanced than a LED headlamp. Others wouldn't dream of taking the first step without their iPhonePodBerry safely ensconced in their pack. I'm thinking something a bit more hybrid. I do think that loud conversations on cell phones and MP3 players blasting out tunage is a distraction, but I also think that technology, when used discretely, is not a problem. As the mantra goes, "Hike your own hike". I hope to be able to keep posting while on the AT and to that end, I'm putting together a solution which (hopefully) will allow me to "go green"; using solar power to keep my palmtop and digital camera alive for the duration of the journey. After exchanging several e-mails with vendors, I've ordered the components of what I hope will be just such a system: - Raon Everun UMPC w/ 2300 mAh battery (Blogging, photo uploads, e-books) Weight: 1.0 lbs http://www.dynamism.com/everun/main.shtml - Raon Everrun 4000 mAh battery Weight: .25 lbs - Xantrex PowerSource Mobile 100 (4000 mAh battery w/ AC inverter) Weight: 1.05 lbs http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/233/p/1/pt/5/product.asp - Global Solar P3 - 15 watt/12 volt Folding solar panel Weight: 1.6 lbs http://www.globalsolar.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=38&Itemid=67 - Targus Mobile 70 Universal AC Adapter (To charge Everun and digital camera from PowerSource Mobile) Weight: .5 pounds http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=APM10US Total System Weight: 4.4 lbs While the setup won't exactly earn kudos from the ultralight hiking crowd, it's about the best config that I have been able to work out thus far. As soon as the components arrive, I will post the results.