Between 10 and 20 million people in the US have dedicated some of their time and resources to prepare for doomsday, which has plenty of practical uses even in their everyday life. If you’re looking to get started preparing for the worst, it can be much easier than you think. In fact, all you need is a backpack!
If you find yourself in a bad situation, you’ll be glad you came prepared! Let’s talk about how to make a solar backpack that can save your life in a pinch.
Why You Need a Solar Backpack
First, let’s quickly discuss the importance of a solar backpack. Well, solar energy is the best way to avoid relying on the grid, reduce your emissions, and always have access to electricity.
We’ve discussed the importance of an off-grid solar system for your apartment or home base, but what about when you travel?
Well, if the time ever comes when you need it, we know that our phones are our best chance for communication. If you travel far, get lost, or just need the power, having extra off-grid power from something like solar panels could save your life.
A backpack is meant to be carried around, and with modern technology, you can fit just about everything you need to survive into a small backpack.
In the modern age, that includes solar powered electricity. Think about it.
Only a generation or two after the hunter-gatherer period, the average person could not have survived without farming. Conversely, most people today could not survive without electricity, and that’s not an exaggeration.
For that reason, we don’t want to limit ourselves to only having power in our homes, even if we’re off the grid. That’s where solar backpacks come in, which you can buy online. However, should you?
Why DIY?
We’re just going to say it: a DIY solar backpack is your best option.
When you purchase a manufactured solar backpack, your options are limited, and the price is high. Buying a ready-to-go solar backpack won’t have everything you want, it will cost more, and they’re less durable.
However, by starting with your own backpack, you can choose the quality, weigh your options, select the equipment you want, and have more control over the price.
It will especially save you money considering that you likely already have a lot of the items you need somewhere around your apartment or house.
Essentially, for a practical doomsday prepper, making your own solar backpack will be more enjoyable, more rewarding, and offer a better end product.
How to Make a Solar Backpack
Now that you know why making your own backpack is the right option, it’s time to start prepping. Here’s how to make a life-saving solar powered backpack.
Choose a Backpack
For this, you will need to choose the right outdoor backpack. You want something with durable material, enough storage space, and one that’s comfortable to carry for long distances. The only additional feature that’s handy is extra pockets, but that’s just for the sake of organization.
Don’t worry too much about holes for wiring just yet. If you have a backpack that offers everything except that, you can always cut a small hole and either add a patch or run over it with a lighter to stop it from fraying.
If the backpack isn’t waterproof, we suggest lining the inside with a trash bag and using waterproof cases for your batteries. You will be carrying electronic devices in here, so prepare for the worst in case you have to cross a river or get stuck in the rain.
Fill With the Essentials
From there, fill your backpack with the essentials. Anything that you would need to survive for a few days should remain in this backpack.
Water, emergency food supplies, a flare gun, a Ferro rod, and backup communication devices are excellent options to start. Depending on your climate and surrounding area, there are plenty of other lightweight and low-volume options that could save your life. Other good ideas include:
- A lightweight tent for shelter (or at least a tarp)
- Pair of socks (preferably wool)
- A quality knife
- Fishing line and hooks
- Paracord
- Sun protection (visor, white shawl, etc.)
- Flare gun
- Small lantern/flashlight (rechargeable)
- First aid kit
- Signal booster
The list goes on. Remember, somebody in Arizona will have very different needs from someone in Vermont. Whether your priority is water or heat, plan ahead for it.
Conversely, if you live in a cold climate, there may be a dozen other materials that could save your life. An insulated tent or tarp is a good idea to start, but there’s plenty more. If you have enough power, there are energy-efficient heating pads that only use under 20 watts.
Whatever you have lying around that weighs under a pound that could save your life, consider putting it in the backpack.
Once you’ve checked off your emergency preparedness checklist, assess how much room you have for batteries and external room for solar chargers. Try not to hang anything from the backpack that may obstruct the solar charger. Remember, you can’t see what’s behind you!
The Right Solar Panel.
We believe the right solar panel is the nomad 5 solar panel by GoalZero. This Solar panel will collect enough energy to charge your phone, Satellite communicator and flashlight.
Why do we like it so much? For starters it has a built-in Kickstand. The built-in kickstand locks into place at many different angles and positions for maximum solar collection.
It is tough,rugged and lightweight, built to last as long as you need it. Weighing in at just under 13oz. With the following Dimensions 9.5 x 7 x 0.8 inches It can easily fit into just about any backpack.
What we like the most about it has a USB plug on the back. GoalZero will recommend you use their Flip 12 power bank. We recommend The Nimble ‘champ’ Charger works just as good and provides just a little more flexibility.
This solar panel does not hold a charge like the SolarPanel 5+ by Bio-lite. Their version has a built in battery and usb out to charge external devices. It also is a good choice for you solar backpack. We just happen to like the Nomad 5 Solar panel. The key is the Power Bank.
Power Bank
Okay, now you need to choose a power bank that fits your backpack and your power needs. Some maybe to big bulky and barely fit in your bag, and some maybe to small and my fit your power needs.
We recommend the Nimble “Champ” lite portable charger. What we like most is that it has USB-C 15w fast charger outlet. on the the other end it has standard USB plug.
Two thing make it cool. First it has pass through charging.This mean you could be charge you power bank you phone at the same time.
Second the Nimble “Champ” Lite Portable charger can charge two devices at the same time. Talk about flexibility. Take along two of these chargers and you could want ever have to worriy about finding a wall outlet ever again.
Whatever you choose, make sure it works for your needs.
Keep in mind, if you’re planning to use this to charge your communication device (smartphone, two-way radio, etc.), then you won’t need too much power. However, if you’re using a larger radio, laptop, or internet hotspot along with your communication device, you will need a bigger power bank.
Now, if you’re using anything that requires a lot of energy, like a small heating pad, then we recommend getting the biggest portable battery you can carry.
Ensure that you keep your power bank is dry and and way from water.You power bank will likely be inside until you need to use it. Check it occasionally to clean debris off so it’s always working at optimal levels.
Practical Uses of a Solar Backpack
Doomsday doesn’t have to come for a solar backpack to be useful. If you have it prepared with everything you need, then you can easily bring it on your regular leisure trips outside of the city.
A solar backpack has many practical uses in your regular life, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Around 2,000 people get lost in the woods each year, and you shouldn’t feel too self-righteous. It can happen to anyone.
Simple fishing, camping, hiking, or hunting trips can put even the most experienced adventurers in danger, and it’s easy to carry a backpack.
If your backpack has all of the necessary survival essentials, along with a reliable (albeit limited) power source, then you will be prepared for the worst.
Remember, protect your equipment from water, assess your power needs, and ensure you have communication with the outside world. In the modern world, these are essential for survival.
Stay Safe & Stay Prepared
Now that you know how to make a solar backpack that could save your life, there’s no time to waste. You never know when you will need it, so look around your home, stop at the store, and put it all together!
Stay up to date with our latest emergency preparedness tips and feel free to contact us with any questions!
