Prepping isn’t just about amassing canned goods and tactical gear. It’s about planning and ensuring you have the means to weather any storm, be it a literal hurricane or a metaphorical social storm. As a seasoned prepper, I’ve learned from a young age the importance of fire drills, designated ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts, and well-rehearsed evacuation plans. But are your emergency supplies also power-proofed?
Whether it’s natural calamities like floods, wildfires, blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes or just your average power outage, having an alternative power source is crucial. One of the most effective and sustainable options is solar power. Mother Nature, despite her occasional wrath, also bestows us with this renewable energy source that can be a life-saver in an emergency.
Your emergency plan should contain solar-powered essentials that can cover a range of needs – from communication and lighting, to medical requirements, sanitation, and even entertainment. Here are some of my top product recommendations for your solar-supplied backup plan:
- Solar Backpack (RuK Multifunctional Solar Backpack with Power Bank): The RuK Multifunctional Solar Backpack with Power Bank has earned my utmost admiration for its blend of practicality and innovation. Not only does this backpack provide ample storage for essential survival items, but its built-in solar panel also absorbs sunlight and transforms it into electricity, stored in an included power bank, ready to juice up any device through its USB port. In the direst of situations, where communication is critical, this backpack can be a true game-changer, charging your phone, radio, or other survival gadgets even when traditional power sources have failed. In a survival situation, redundancy is a virtue, and the RuK backpack provides an extra layer of power security that’s hard to ignore, making it a must-have for any serious prepper’s emergency kit.
- Solar Power Bank (SOXONO Portable Charger Power Bank – 30000mAh Solar Charger): The SOXONO Portable Charger Power Bank – 30000mAh Solar Charger stands as a crucial piece of equipment in my emergency kit. The expansive 30000mAh capacity ensures I’m never left in the lurch without a power source for critical devices, like my cell phone, GPS, and even medical equipment. The dual input and output ports allow me to charge multiple gadgets simultaneously, saving precious time during emergencies. The solar charging capability sets it apart, as it provides a sustainable and virtually limitless power source when grid electricity is down – all I need is sunlight. Equipped with an integrated LED flashlight and built rugged to endure tough conditions, the SOXONO Solar Charger isn’t just a power bank; it’s a lifesaver that every serious prepper should consider.communication.
- Solar Flashlight (Goal Zero Torch 500): The Goal Zero Torch 500 has earned its place as a mainstay in my survival kit. Combining reliability with multifunctional use, this solar flashlight is a perfect companion for emergencies and off-grid living. It’s built with integrated solar cells, allowing you to harness the sun’s energy during the day, and features an impressive 500 lumens light output for when darkness falls or when power sources are scarce. But what sets it apart is its dual lighting modes – spotlight for targeted illumination and floodlight for a broader scope. With a built-in USB port, it also doubles as a power bank, letting you charge devices in a pinch. Moreover, its durable build ensures it can withstand rough handling, making the Goal Zero Torch 500 a practical and robust addition to any prepper’s arsenal.
- Solar Radio (Eoxsmile Emergency Hand Crank Self Powered AM/FM NOAA Solar Weather Radio): For a prepper, the Eoxsmile Emergency Hand Crank Self Powered AM/FM NOAA Solar Weather Radio is a non-negotiable addition to any survival kit. This compact yet powerful device not only provides access to AM/FM radio broadcasts and NOAA weather alerts, keeping you abreast of any emergency situation, but it also sports a built-in LED flashlight for lighting needs and a 2000mAh power bank to juice up your essential devices. With three ways to charge – hand crank, solar panel, and a micro-USB cable – you’ll have a reliable power source irrespective of your circumstances. Featuring a robust, water-resistant design, the Eoxsmile radio promises to endure tough conditions and potentially hazardous environments. This versatile survival tool definitely earns its place in the prepper’s essentials list, offering peace of mind when it’s needed most.
- Solar Blanket (S.O.L. Survive Outdoors Longer 90% Reflective Emergency Blanket): As a dedicated prepper, I can’t overstate the importance of a reliable emergency blanket in your survival kit, and the S.O.L. Survive Outdoors Longer 90% Reflective Emergency Blanket stands as a prime example of functionality meeting necessity. This isn’t your typical space blanket; the S.O.L. blanket is designed to retain up to 90% of your body heat, becoming an indispensable asset in frigid conditions where hypothermia is a constant threat. What sets it apart is its durability and size – unlike other emergency blankets, it’s tear-resistant and large enough to fully wrap an adult, providing comprehensive coverage. Its reflective surface also doubles as an effective signaling device in daylight. Compact and lightweight, this blanket can be easily tucked away in your backpack or car’s emergency kit, making it an essential investment for any serious prepper.
- Solar Oven (GOSUN Solar Oven): In the realm of emergency preparedness, a reliable and efficient way to cook food is a top priority, and the GoSun Sport Pro Pack Solar Oven stands as a game-changer for preppers. Utilizing solar energy, this incredibly compact and lightweight oven provides a dependable, fuel-less cooking solution, even in less than optimal sunlight conditions, making it perfect for use during crises when traditional power sources might be unavailable. With the capacity to heat up to 550°F in only 20-30 minutes, the GoSun oven allows for the safe preparation of a range of foods, from thawing frozen goods to boiling water, ensuring survivalists can maintain a balanced diet even in challenging circumstances. Outfitting your emergency kit with the GoSun Solar Oven is an investment in self-reliance and a significant step towards truly sustainable preparedness.
- Solar Lantern (LuminAID Solar Camping Lantern): The LuminAID Solar Camping Lantern is an essential tool for every prepper’s arsenal, striking a balance between practicality, portability, and a sustainable power source. This solar-rechargeable lantern collapses down to a compact, lightweight form for easy storage and transport. When fully expanded, it provides a surprising amount of ambient light, making it perfect for illuminating a campsite or a makeshift shelter during a power outage. The LuminAID’s solar-powered design means you can leave it to charge during the day and rely on it to deliver hours of light after sunset. This eliminates the need for spare batteries or access to an electrical outlet, a common challenge during emergencies. Coupled with its waterproof and floatable nature, the LuminAID lantern is not just a device for convenience, but a beacon of safety and resilience in the face of uncertainty.
- Portable Solar Panels (Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel): In an emergency situation, reliable, sustainable power sources are essential, and the Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel stands out as an absolute game-changer. With an impressive power output of 100 watts, this foldable, lightweight solar panel can efficiently charge high-capacity power stations or smaller devices in a pinch, giving you the capacity to meet critical needs like powering emergency medical equipment, keeping communication lines open, or even maintaining a decent light source during extended power outages. Crafted with durable, weather-resistant material, the SolarSaga also ensures durability and resilience in harsh conditions, an absolute must for any seasoned prepper. Its portability and high-efficiency conversion rate make it a worthwhile addition to any emergency kit, truly epitomizing the merging of utility and technology in disaster preparedness.
- Solar Water Purifiers (GOSUN Solar Water Purifier + Pump): The GoSun Solar Water Purifier + Pump is an indispensable tool in my arsenal of survival gear. It brilliantly harnesses the power of the sun to purify even the murkiest water, making it safe for drinking – a vital capability in many emergency situations. Unlike traditional filtration systems, this device doesn’t require any pumping or squeezing, which gives it a significant edge. Additionally, the in-built pump can even be solar-charged, ensuring its operational even during extended periods of off-grid survival. Its compact design, efficiency, and ease of use make it a must-have for any serious prepper preparing for a crisis scenario where access to clean, potable water might be compromised.
Solar energy isn’t just environmentally-friendly, it’s emergency-friendly. Take a critical look at your existing emergency kits in your home and vehicles. Incorporating solar-powered gear might just be the upgrade you need to stay ahead of any crisis.
Photo by Mayur Gala on Unsplash
