Section 9 — Power

Why Power Matters

In a survival situation, power keeps your critical gear running:

• Flashlights & headlamps
• Radios
• GPS units
• Phones (offline maps, notes, camera)
• Medical devices

Managing power wisely extends your operational capability dramatically.

Battery Basics

• AA/AAA batteries — most common, easy to store
• 18650 lithium cells — high‑capacity, used in flashlights
• CR123A — long shelf life, cold‑resistant
• Power banks — portable USB charging

Battery Management

• Store batteries in a cool, dry place
• Rotate stock every 2–3 years
• Use lithium batteries in cold weather
• Keep batteries in original packaging to prevent shorts
• Carry spare batteries for critical gear

Solar Power

Solar is the most reliable long‑term off‑grid power source.

Portable Solar Panels

• 10–20W panels charge phones and radios
• 40–100W panels charge power banks and small devices
• Use direct sunlight for best results

Solar Charging Tips

• Charge power banks first, then devices
• Keep panels angled toward the sun
• Avoid shade — even small shadows reduce output

Hand‑Crank Power

• Good for radios and emergency lights
• Low output but reliable
• Best as a backup, not primary power

Power Banks

• 10,000 mAh — 2–3 phone charges
• 20,000 mAh — 4–6 phone charges
• Solar‑rechargeable banks — slow but useful
• Store at 50–80% charge for longevity

Energy Conservation

• Use low‑brightness modes on flashlights
• Turn off devices when not in use
• Use airplane mode on phones
• Disable Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi
• Keep batteries warm in cold weather

Improvised Power Sources

• Car battery + inverter (short‑term use)
• Solar garden lights (night lighting)
• Hand‑crank radios with USB output

Critical Gear to Keep Powered

• Headlamp
• Radio
• Phone (offline maps & notes)
• GPS unit
• Medical devices (if applicable)