Thats why I also use the battery pack, it allows me to keep it charging almost all the time, and then I have a full pack to charge the ipod anytime I need it. I have found that the solar panel will take several hours to fully charge an ipod/iphone.

iPod + solar charger + battery pack begins to sound like it's both extra weight and extra fuss when you compare it to the lightweight alternative. Simplifying your hike by leaving this stuff home weighs zero grams and occupies no space in your pack. You don't have to attach anything, adjust anything or monitor anything.

I just listen to the jukebox in my head.

I only know one thing for sure that in future solar energy is the ultimate solution for every big problem, like electricity, heating, etc. I always encourage everyone through my blogs that use solar panel texas at home for small stuff which help you in saving some money which you gave to authority. My friend just got a solar panel at home and now he is saving 40% electricity bill which is quite more in texas city.

Looking outside at a very gray day, typical of western Oregon (and the lower elevations in eastern Oregon), I wouldn't want to rely on solar energy here, especially in the wintertime. In fact, the local medical establishment is now telling us to take supplemental vitamin D in winter because the sun (when present, which is rare) is at such a low angle that it isn't enough for our bodies to manufacture it in our skins.

BTW, the much longer days and really long twilights in summer do make up for the winter gloom, though!

Anybody tried the Suntactics 8?

I have a StrongVolt solar charger. They are new I think. I bought a 7W panel and it charges my phone for 2 hours. It's pretty good, very light, I hang it on my backpack or just anywhere around. They have a website if you want to check it out, they are a lot cheaper than some brands.

In amateur radio land, we use the biggest thing we can find. Surface area is everything. Roll up panels, like these:
http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/products/?...ategoryIDs=6578

....is what I would carry, but you will spend $300 or so for them. Wind is another option. Tiny portable windmills are easy to cobble together.

That said, I try and leave home all the electronics I can. Even flashlights will be coin cell versions. I still like map/compass nav over GPS. Cell phone, maybe, left off most of the time, and left home if no service is available. I've hiked ham radio gear in and made contacts in very remote places, and that's where I'd use the big, roll up, chargers. Remember, they are worthless on cloudy days or at night. Sometimes just a bank of lithium batteries, like some of the new car jump starters, will power your stuff for weeks and weigh less than a solar panel. I own this one for my motorcycle, and have started many cars with it...downright amazing for it's lightweight and size. Has lights and will charge your phone many times.
http://www.geniuschargers.com/boost/