Hi Pete, I know this is an old video. I've been gearing up for the season and wanted to invest in the voltaic system. I found the V88 but the 17watt panel was out of stock so I ended up getting a different brand 20Watt panel (at least it's IP67). We'll see how it goes. My former setup was more "consumer level" with a romoss 40,000mah battery (among other USB juicepacks) and a 20Watt folding USB panel. The reason I'm upgrading is that at USB voltages (5 volts), the panel couldn't keep up with charging the battery. I lost 10-20% of the battery every day, even while charging all day. Hoping the 12 volt system charges faster. All I need to keep charged are 8 AA batteries for my very old GPS dashboard and the air mattress pump I use when we don't have good hammock trees, 3 gopro batteries, and my phone. I think the new system will be more efficient than the old because batteries are heavy!
Dude! Thanks for the shout out! I was bummed because I was just under 3 hours from home, in horrible rain and traffic when I got the notification that you had posted the video. When I got home from what turned into 4 hours of white-knuckling it on I-75, I pretty well just crashed in bed and just got to watch the video this morning. Very informative! Thanks again for the shout out! I actually already have looked at the rav 4s, just as a suggestion from Amazon. I had thought about getting some of them, and just having each of my buddies to carry one to help spread out the weight of the camera gear. More research to do to see what will meet my power needs the best, while not killing us in the weight department. BTW, thanks to my superhero wife, I got a new Inreach as an early Christmas present. My OLD Garmin, (circa 1998 or so) used AAA batteries, but the new one does not. It is USB rechargeable as well. Pretty excited to get it out and learn how to use it…it is a good bit of an upgrade from the old one. LOL!
Right on Brad! Sounds like you are on your way. Thanks for the comments/questions...they made for a perfect intro. Let me know if you need anything else!
Finally! This is the video I've been looking for! Never had much luck with smaller solar banks. I saw your video review on the Yukon Expedition, and you showed this system. Searched your videos, and BAM! Found it! I really wish I had found this before that trip down the Yadkin last year. I will have this when I take my daughter down the Yadkin for a week this summer. Just gotta figure out where to put the box!
I have the Ravpower, as recommended by The Wondering Electrician, and it has been a great asset, even coming in handy during ice storms when power is lost in your home. One of the great things about devices like these are they are not just for kayak/camping use only, which is something to keep in mind. My Ravpower does have a built in flashlight as well. I'm glad you discussed the weights and cost differential between the two, as I have considered the voltaic approach as a possibility. Another very informative video!! Thanks for the review!
Those Voltaic power bank systems are really nice and are reasonably priced too. Seems to be a much more robust option than even the Goal Zero stuff. I spent a considerable amount of time looking at all the different systems out there, but ultimately ended up building my own which so far is working very well for my needs. In all honesty though for very little more money I could have purchased one of these Voltaic Systems. Awesome review man! Thanks for sharing.
Hey Pete, maybe an update on this system is in order, given you've had it for a couple years now. I just bought the 10W solar charging system from voltaic, hoping to try it out this summer at some point.
Awesome power set up , I would love to be able to stay a whole year on the river. Loved the G-N-R, November Rain!! Twas just listening to them yesterday
That shore wuz a fancy setup with all them wires going everywhere. My question is this, I have several polyester/cotton wife-beater t-shirts. Would they be good to paddle in or would they chafe my under arms?
Great review! That would be just the ticket for an expedition. Well I'm dreaming again lol, back to work tomorrow, but looking forward to your next adventure!
i was looking into this system for keeping a trolling motor battery charged for longer trips. Is this a suitable setup for keeping it charged longer? for just 1 12v lead acid battery.
@@RiverKingsKayak Man, you are a great resource. I really appreciate your work. Cheers from Oregon! I'd kayak camp with you are your crew in a heartbeat. I have virtually learned to kayak from watching your vids, btw.
Would you recommend the Voltaic System Kayak for a trip from Texas to Maine along the Coast? I would be taking my phone, tablet, Nav Light pole (4 AA batteries) and maybe a go pro?
@@spidennis they claim they are built for the salt. No corrosion in mine after salt water use though that use has been Limited. Perhaps someone else has long-term saltwater exposure on these for a more legit opinion...
@@RiverKingsKayak i can't say that i have even remotely close to as much time on the water as you have, but I've been paddling for the past few years on salt water around Puget Sound on the NorthWet coast - I've been coating all connections on power banks, cables, etc. with vaseline, and no corrosion in 3+ years of year-round paddling. Dielectric paste would be much more appropriate, and is not a conductor, but i'm a cheap bastard and use whatever i have handy that kinda work.
Thanks Pete for allowing me to access this video. This system is really great!
Indeed!
Hi Pete, I know this is an old video. I've been gearing up for the season and wanted to invest in the voltaic system. I found the V88 but the 17watt panel was out of stock so I ended up getting a different brand 20Watt panel (at least it's IP67). We'll see how it goes. My former setup was more "consumer level" with a romoss 40,000mah battery (among other USB juicepacks) and a 20Watt folding USB panel. The reason I'm upgrading is that at USB voltages (5 volts), the panel couldn't keep up with charging the battery. I lost 10-20% of the battery every day, even while charging all day. Hoping the 12 volt system charges faster. All I need to keep charged are 8 AA batteries for my very old GPS dashboard and the air mattress pump I use when we don't have good hammock trees, 3 gopro batteries, and my phone. I think the new system will be more efficient than the old because batteries are heavy!
Right on! let me know how it goes! The voltaic has been awesome for me!
*EDIT* nevermind.. Jeff just got back to me and said they are actually out of the panels :/
Dude! Thanks for the shout out! I was bummed because I was just under 3 hours from home, in horrible rain and traffic when I got the notification that you had posted the video. When I got home from what turned into 4 hours of white-knuckling it on I-75, I pretty well just crashed in bed and just got to watch the video this morning. Very informative! Thanks again for the shout out! I actually already have looked at the rav 4s, just as a suggestion from Amazon. I had thought about getting some of them, and just having each of my buddies to carry one to help spread out the weight of the camera gear. More research to do to see what will meet my power needs the best, while not killing us in the weight department.
BTW, thanks to my superhero wife, I got a new Inreach as an early Christmas present. My OLD Garmin, (circa 1998 or so) used AAA batteries, but the new one does not. It is USB rechargeable as well. Pretty excited to get it out and learn how to use it…it is a good bit of an upgrade from the old one. LOL!
Right on Brad! Sounds like you are on your way. Thanks for the comments/questions...they made for a perfect intro. Let me know if you need anything else!
@@RiverKingsKayak Thank you for the info. And i still say that a River Kings/Bite Me Expeditions trip would be an epic adventure!
@@mountainsnmoore256 yes sir!!
Finally! This is the video I've been looking for! Never had much luck with smaller solar banks. I saw your video review on the Yukon Expedition, and you showed this system. Searched your videos, and BAM! Found it! I really wish I had found this before that trip down the Yadkin last year. I will have this when I take my daughter down the Yadkin for a week this summer. Just gotta figure out where to put the box!
Right on Woody!!
I have the Ravpower, as recommended by The Wondering Electrician, and it has been a great asset, even coming in handy during ice storms when power is lost in your home. One of the great things about devices like these are they are not just for kayak/camping use only, which is something to keep in mind. My Ravpower does have a built in flashlight as well. I'm glad you discussed the weights and cost differential between the two, as I have considered the voltaic approach as a possibility. Another very informative video!! Thanks for the review!
Right on Tracy!
Advantage of not being a UA-cam star is one Anker 13000 lasts me all week. Definitely a nice setup for that application.
Indeed! I have used the smaller Anker packs before as well. Sometimes I look at all the gear I bring to support the filming and laugh
Those Voltaic power bank systems are really nice and are reasonably priced too. Seems to be a much more robust option than even the Goal Zero stuff. I spent a considerable amount of time looking at all the different systems out there, but ultimately ended up building my own which so far is working very well for my needs. In all honesty though for very little more money I could have purchased one of these Voltaic Systems. Awesome review man! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Chris! They are far more robust than the goal zero products in the fact that they can charge waterproof. Diy can be fun and rewarding though!
Hey Pete, maybe an update on this system is in order, given you've had it for a couple years now. I just bought the 10W solar charging system from voltaic, hoping to try it out this summer at some point.
Good call Jason!! Will do!!
Awesome power set up , I would love to be able to stay a whole year on the river. Loved the G-N-R, November Rain!! Twas just listening to them yesterday
Right on Josh!!
That shore wuz a fancy setup with all them wires going everywhere. My question is this, I have several polyester/cotton wife-beater t-shirts. Would they be good to paddle in or would they chafe my under arms?
I'm not sure. Being an alpha male, the question I ask myself is whether or not my underarms will chafe the shirts I wear.
Wish I would have known about this a couple years ago, would have been a better solution to my kayak adventure charging system.
I hate that! LOL!
Great review! That would be just the ticket for an expedition. Well I'm dreaming again lol, back to work tomorrow, but looking forward to your next adventure!
Thanks PDC! We are all dreaming of the next one!
i was looking into this system for keeping a trolling motor battery charged for longer trips. Is this a suitable setup for keeping it charged longer? for just 1 12v lead acid battery.
Good question...I would contact Voltaic with your battery specs and see what they say...
Did you ever find a smaller case that would fit the V88, so it would fit behind your seat? If so, what worked?
I have not pursued that yet. But this is a good reminder! Thanks! I have a trip coming up soon and I need to get on that asap!!
I have Pelican 1200 on the way that shud be perfect...I will do a vid
@@RiverKingsKayak Man, you are a great resource. I really appreciate your work. Cheers from Oregon! I'd kayak camp with you are your crew in a heartbeat. I have virtually learned to kayak from watching your vids, btw.
@@iangustafsonkayaking6149 right on Ian! Thank you for the kind words! I would love to paddle out that way someday soon!!
Battery packs are essential in the backcountry! Thank you for the review, Pete
yes sir! thanks GB!
This wouldn't work for Kayak camping with a cpap would it?
I have no idea. I don't know the power requirements on that.
@@RiverKingsKayak OK, thank you sir.
Would you recommend the Voltaic System Kayak for a trip from Texas to Maine along the Coast? I would be taking my phone, tablet, Nav Light pole (4 AA batteries) and maybe a go pro?
Yes! That would be a perfect fit!
Robert Joseph Bussiere salt water. I don’t see those connections holding up.
Robert Joseph Bussiere I’m about to do the Texas coast. You should contact me. I live at the end of your trip, South Padre Island, Texas.
@@spidennis they claim they are built for the salt. No corrosion in mine after salt water use though that use has been Limited. Perhaps someone else has long-term saltwater exposure on these for a more legit opinion...
@@RiverKingsKayak i can't say that i have even remotely close to as much time on the water as you have, but I've been paddling for the past few years on salt water around Puget Sound on the NorthWet coast - I've been coating all connections on power banks, cables, etc. with vaseline, and no corrosion in 3+ years of year-round paddling.
Dielectric paste would be much more appropriate, and is not a conductor, but i'm a cheap bastard and use whatever i have handy that kinda work.
Great info, very helpful. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Ricky!
When are we going to find out about that long yellow thing? That doesn't sound right, does it.
It is coming...almost like a seasonally timed event! ;)
LOL! Must have loved my November rain pun on that other social platform 😂 J/K
Great minds! Or maybe you seeded my subconcious...lol!
We can take either one 🤙
Yeah....we were stupid..lol
LOL!!
Im glad i wasn't involved in that aspect of the trip!!🤣🤣🤣