The Benefits of Solar Chargers: Powering Our Outdoor Adventures, 80s Kid Style

Remember when our biggest outdoor tech concern was making sure our Walkman had fresh batteries? As an 80s youngster who grew up with the evolution of portable devices, I'm amazed at how far we've come. Today, we're talking about solar chargers, which would have blown our youthful minds back then. Let's examine these modern marvels and see how they fit into our outdoor activities.

## Solar Chargers: The New-Age Power Solutions

Our power requirements have expanded alongside our transition from cassette tapes to streaming services. Solar chargers come in two varieties: those with built-in power banks and those without. Let's get in and see how they compare.

### Solar Chargers With Power Bank Functionality

Consider these the Swiss Army knives of the charging world. Remember how wonderful we thought those multifunctional watches were? These chargers function similarly, but with more power.

Take the CW | 20000mAh Solar Power Bank as an example. With six solar panels and a capacity of 20,000mAh, it's like having a little power plant in your backpack.

**Key features:**

- Solar Charging: Six panels to absorb sunlight - more than the solar calculator we thought was cutting-edge technology in school!

- Flexible power options include built-in wires and even a hand crank generator. It's like the charging version of the TV/radio/cassette player combos we used to bring to the beach.
- Bright Lighting: Two lights for emergencies. No more fumbling with torches on late-night camping outings.
- Detachable Case: This elegant case protects the power bank. Because we learned the hard way that durability is important.


**Pros:**

- Recharge several gadgets. Perfect for those of us who carry a smartphone, tablet, and possibly a portable game console (old habits die hard).
- The lights improve safety in low-visibility settings. We aren't as fearless as we once were, which is fine.

**Cons:**

- It is bigger and heavier. People, our backs are no longer as strong as they once were. Leaving it in direct sunlight may pose safety issues. We've learnt to be more cautious with our technology throughout the years.


### Solar Chargers Without a Power Bank

These are more like the sleek, minimalist technologies we've grown to enjoy as adults. The CW | Solar Phone Charger is an excellent example.

**Key features:**

- Direct Charging: Charge your phone directly from the sun. It's like the solar-powered calculators we used in school, but more cooler.
- Lightweight Design: Easy to transport on outdoor adventures. Our younger selves might laugh, but our elder backs appreciate it.
- Affordable: A low-cost option to go green. We've learned the value of a dollar, right?


**Pros:**

- Much lighter, which makes it easier to pack. Because we have discovered that less is frequently more.
- There is no risk of overheating a power bank in the sun. Safety first - a lesson we've learned along the road.

**Cons:**

- Charging is limited to one device at a time. But do we really need to be so linked outside?
- There may not be enough power for lengthy use. Requires some of the patience we've (hopefully) honed over time.


## How to Choose: Power Bank or Direct Charger?

Choosing between these two is like picking between a Swiss Army knife and a traditional pocket knife. Both have advantages, but it comes down to your specific requirements.

If you're going on a lengthy journey and need to keep numerous gadgets charged (because, let's be honest, we're not as good at disconnecting as we'd like to be), a solar power bank might be your best bet. It's like having a backup generator with you on your trips.

However, if you want to take a more basic approach, embracing the carefree spirit of our youth, a direct solar charger may be the way to go. It's ideal for keeping your phone charged for those "just in case" scenarios without weighing you down.

## The Eighties Kid Verdict

If you're going out into the wild, I recommend skipping the power bank. We grew up in a time when being unavailable for a while was normal, and there's something to be said for that. Furthermore, the direct solar charger is lighter, safer (no battery to overheat), and reminiscent of simpler times.

## Conclusion:

Both sorts of solar chargers have their place, just as we've learned to balance our nostalgia for the 1980s with our embrace of contemporary technology. Your pick should be based on your personal demands and the type of outdoor experience you seek.

Personally, I like the direct solar charger. It's lightweight, straightforward, and gets the job done quickly - much like how we used to do things before life became so complicated. Furthermore, it is a reference to sustainability, which we have come to cherish more and more.

Whatever you decide, keep in mind that the goal of getting outside is to reconnect with nature, not with your technology. Use these solar chargers to keep your vital devices charged, but don't forget to gaze up and enjoy the scenery. After all, we didn't have Instagram to document every moment when we were kids, but we still had a great time outside!

Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to charge my phone in the sun while listening to some digital mixtapes. Some things never change; they simply receive an upgrade.