Off the grid - list of questions

[Zapirian]

I disliked the design when they were used for modem cables. Still not that keen on the design, especially if reliability is a top requirement.

 

[usbotg]

I am going to try take the electronics out of the charger and put them in a waterproof box (depending on the weight of what I can make). If possible, the charger will have a permanent lead, sealed against moisture and kept on the outside of the backpack

 

[Russell Evans]

I am going to try take the electronics out of the charger and put them in a waterproof box

A roll top dry bag might be easier to work with. Just roll the cable with the bag closure.

http://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Products-3-2dPack-Ultimate-Sack/dp/B00DCI3SLK

Thank you
Russell

 

[Russell Evans]

I won't be taking a backup camera other than a phone

You could do both in one device with the Panasonic CM1. It is an Android phone with 1 inch sensor.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/panasonic-cm1/panasonic-cm1A.HTM

Thank you
Russell

 

[kelvinn]

Second post. I'm still excited for you.

I've done some 10-day treks on the PCT, and was really glad to have a light pack. I contemplated what I would do if I was in your shoes, and I would probably ditch a big (or two!) cameras for something smaller like the RX1. I think you're set on what cameras to bring, yet I would probably try to reduce weight as much as possible.

Maybe your knees are better than mine

 

[CatLikeFelix]

Sounds like an awesome trip!

For me, I'd def be taking a small spare body - prob an NEX-5*. Imagine your camera fails and your days away from your next supply stop - all those missed opportunities...might miss the shot or series of the trip! I'd also take another weight hit and pack a WD My Passport Wireless ("If you were looking for a backup solution for a very remote expedition, the drive could be charged using a solar power option such as those available from Goal Zero. Given my experience with the drive on my Rockies trip, I'd be confident in that kind of solution for a computer-less backup strategy.") and do daily backups of photos and GPS data to it. Then backup to the cloud if any of the supply stops have internet access.

Either way - good luck and enjoy it...

 

[usbotg]

I planned to invest in the sony system before this trip . If it works out far too heavy, then perhaps I can order a camera at a resupply. It is not an ideal solution, but I'd rather try push myself.

Some people take alcohol, more clothes than they need to, and heavier items than they need to. I am hoping that I can save a lot of weight on the other items and distribute the weight efficiently. The extra weight is a concern, that's for sure

 

[usbotg]

I am going to try take the electronics out of the charger and put them in a waterproof box

A roll top dry bag might be easier to work with. Just roll the cable with the bag closure.

http://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Products-3-2dPack-Ultimate-Sack/dp/B00DCI3SLK

Thank you
Russell

They look good

 

[Russell Evans]

I posted this in another thread and got to thinking that it might be useful with your solar charger as well. Assuming your other devices are charged, you could plug in the USB charger below to charge your Sony batteries out of the camera.

http://www.amazon.com/OAproda®-NP-FW50-Portable-Cyber-shot-Camcorder/dp/B00PA2HMBS

The charger weighs 28g by itself. With including the cable it comes with it, the total weigh is 37g. That's about 1.3 oz for the two.

Thank you
Russell

 

[Charles Hull]

While it is not tiny, you could consider some version of the Delorme inReach. http://www.inreachdelorme.com/product-info/inreach-explorer.php

I have an older version that I carry in no-cell-service situations in the US, more for emergencies than anything else, and I am thankful that I have not had to use it! It does clip on a backpack strap or hang off one pretty easily.

The newer version could work for you - but heavier than your proposal. Perhaps it does more than you need....

Customer support have claimed a GPS log is recorded forever and won't get deleted. Meaning it could store two years of information and stay on their servers. Is this true? I find it hard to believe, but that would be great if so

For sure. I use an inReach in my airplane (also the older version), and have tracks available from several years back. I highly recommend this unit for backcountry and off grid use.

 

[usbotg]

While it is not tiny, you could consider some version of the Delorme inReach. http://www.inreachdelorme.com/product-info/inreach-explorer.php

I have an older version that I carry in no-cell-service situations in the US, more for emergencies than anything else, and I am thankful that I have not had to use it! It does clip on a backpack strap or hang off one pretty easily.

The newer version could work for you - but heavier than your proposal. Perhaps it does more than you need....

Customer support have claimed a GPS log is recorded forever and won't get deleted. Meaning it could store two years of information and stay on their servers. Is this true? I find it hard to believe, but that would be great if so

For sure. I use an inReach in my airplane (also the older version), and have tracks available from several years back. I highly recommend this unit for backcountry and off grid use.

Wow, that is incredible. Thank you for the confirmation. Is there a limit to the daily logging they can do? This adds to the confusion of whether I should buy one of these instead

 

[Charles Hull]

While it is not tiny, you could consider some version of the Delorme inReach. http://www.inreachdelorme.com/product-info/inreach-explorer.php

I have an older version that I carry in no-cell-service situations in the US, more for emergencies than anything else, and I am thankful that I have not had to use it! It does clip on a backpack strap or hang off one pretty easily.

The newer version could work for you - but heavier than your proposal. Perhaps it does more than you need....

Customer support have claimed a GPS log is recorded forever and won't get deleted. Meaning it could store two years of information and stay on their servers. Is this true? I find it hard to believe, but that would be great if so

For sure. I use an inReach in my airplane (also the older version), and have tracks available from several years back. I highly recommend this unit for backcountry and off grid use.

Wow, that is incredible. Thank you for the confirmation. Is there a limit to the daily logging they can do? This adds to the confusion of whether I should buy one of these instead

I don't know of any limit. I log every 10 minutes. You might check with Delorme directly.

 

[tsk1979]

I think you can get a dedicated GPS track recorder with 2GB SD card capability. This means years worth of recording one poi every second.

Columbus is one such company. 90-100$ I think

 

[usbotg]

I stumbled upon a backpacking website (backpackinglight.com) and found a couple of useful links - http://lighterpack.com/r/4oo1hy and http://lighterpack.com/r/f1dn48. It demonstrates how little the base weight can be. Lighterpack.com might be useful for other people too.

Batteries, chargers, phones, watches and lenses can distribute weight evenly across the body