For charging smaller USB only, we recommend our 9 Watt Kit or Fuse Tablet Solar Charger.

Once you decide on a system, make sure to email us a copy of your acceptance letter to our team at sales@voltaicsystems.com to receive your Peace Corps discount.

Solar Chargers for Laptops

For those volunteers that need to take a laptop along with them, we recommend the two following solar charging systems:
1) Arc 20W Solar Charger Kit
2) 17 Watt Solar Laptop Charger Kit

They are both highly portable and similarly powered but here are the major differences…

Arc 20W Solar Charger Kit

The Arc 20W Kit is our most powerful solar charger and is designed to charge laptops whenever you need power. This compact solar charger is perfect for traveling and features flexible ETFE coating allowing for the solar charger to be folded up when not in use. The Arc 20W will fully charge the included V88 Laptop Battery in just 5.5-6 hours of direct sunlight and power your laptop about 1X times. For more information about your specific laptop, visit our Solar Laptop Guide.

• Weatherproof solar panel (not suitable for use in rainy weather)
• Built-in USB port for charging devices directly from solar panel
• UV-resistant ETFE coating will last 5-7+ years in the field

17 Watt Solar Charger Kit

The 17 Watt Panel Kit provides comparable solar power to the Arc 20W Kit (6.5 hours to charge in direct sunlight), but features one of our rigid solar panels instead of the folding style. What we like about this option is that you can mount the waterproof panel on the roof of your living space and run an optional extension cable (we recommend our 10ft. Extension cord) inside to your battery. The panel generates power whenever there is sunlight and your battery stays inside your home ready to power your devices when you need it.

• Waterproof solar panel
• Rigid panel for long-term outdoor usage (10+ years)

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution to leave outside 24/7, regardless of the weather, this could be a good fit for you.

Additional Recommendations

If you need to charge a MacBook or DSLR camera, we recommend you read our detailed product guides to make sure you have all the items you need before you depart:

MacBook Solar Charger Guide

DSLR Solar Charger Guide

Protecting Your Voltaic Battery Pack

In addition to the solar panel, many Peace Corps Volunteers are able to charge their battery from an AC power supply in a local village. While this can be very convenient, an unstable power grid in developing countries can lead to large fluctuations in power that can potentially damage your battery beyond repair. That is why we strongly recommend using a small surge protector (like this one from Amazon) between your V88 laptop battery and the AC power supply in the village. It is cheap, small and lightweight, and most importantly can potentially save your electronics from doom. As of 2016, Voltaic Systems will no longer provide a warranty replacement on batteries that are damaged while charging from an unreliable power grid in a developing country.

Peace Corps Discount

To get your 25% Voltaic Peace Corps Discount, simply email a copy of your acceptance letter to sales@voltaicsystems.com

Important Note Regarding Warranty: Due to international shipping regulations on lithium ion batteries, we cannot ship replacements (if needed) outside of the US. 

At Voltaic we know the importance of having access to a reliable power source. When disasters strike, one of the first things to go is the electrical power grid. This lack of power not only makes it difficult to receive important alerts but it makes it difficult to stay connected to with friends and family. Choosing a solar charger as an emergency backup system is a simple way to make sure that you are always prepared.

In this Emergency Solar Power Guide, we’ll go over how to choose the right emergency power system for your needs as well as best practices for keeping gear charged.

Choosing The Right Emergency Solar Charger

To make sure that you’re truly prepared, you need to make make sure that you choose the best emergency solar charger for your needs. The three main things to consider when purchasing a solar charger for emergency backup are:

1. What devices do you want to keep charged?
2. What kind of emergencies are you preparing for?
3. In the event of an emergency, would you have access to good sunlight during and/or after the event?

What devices do you want to keep charged?

When choosing an emergency solar charger it’s important to think about the essential devices that you would like to keep charged. For most emergencies, it’s important to have enough power to charge a cell phone and a small USB light. This allows you to stay connected while providing extra lighting if needed.

If you’re looking for this essential setup, we recommend one of the following solar chargers:

Amp Solar Charger: Minimal, compact solar charger for smartphones and small USB lights. Includes a 4,000mAh battery pack for power storage. Zippered carrying case makes it easy for travel if needed.

Arc 10 Watt Kit: Foldable, high performance solar charger with built-in USB port for smartphones and USB devices. Includes a 4,000mAh battery pack. Optional 12,000mAh battery upgrade is available for more power storage.

9 Watt Kit: Super durable, rigid solar charger kit for smartphones, tablets, and USB lights. Includes a 12,000mAh battery pack with two USB ports for charging mulitple USB devices at once. Panel is 100% waterproof and may be left outside 24/7 (batteries are not waterproof).

For those who want more power storage or need to keep a laptop charged, we recommend one of our solar laptop chargers. The 17 Watt Solar Charger Kit and Arc 20 Watt Solar Laptop Charger both offer high performance solar power with a Voltaic laptop battery pack. The larger power bank will charge a laptop 1X or a smartphone 7X.

What kind of emergencies are you preparing for?

The type of emergency that you’re preparing for can also help you decide which solar charger you need. If you live in a known storm path and have experienced significant power outages in the past, then opting for a larger system is recommended. Something like our 9 Watt Kit or 17 Watt Kit will allow you to charge a phone mulitple times should the power grid stay off for an extended period of time. On the other hand if you are looking for occasional backup or something to keep in your car, a smaller system like our Amp Solar Charger or Arc 10W Kit is a good option.

In the event of an emergency, would you have access to good sunlight during and/or after the event?

Depending on the type of emergency and where you live, you may not have great access to sunlight when you need it.  When purchasing a solar charger, think about where you would recharge the battery in case of emergency. Remember: solar chargers will not work indoors and require direct sunlight to charge.

In the event of a hurricane, for example, the weather can be extremely unpredictable after the storm passes. If you’re preparing for one of these types of emergencies, we recommend choosing a solar charger that is slightly above your power needs to compensate. Likewise, if you live in a home or apartment that does not have easy access to direct sunlight, choosing a solar charger slightly above your power needs is recommended.

Regardless of which of the system you choose, we always recommend purchasing a system that includes an external battery pack to make sure you always have power stored.  For additional storage, extra battery packs are available for purchase.

Shop Solar Chargers

Be Prepared, Always

Now that you have an emergency solar power solution picked out, it’s important to learn some best practices. Here are our top tips for making sure that you are ready if power goes out.

Keep Emergency Power Handy: One of the most dangerous realities of emergencies is that they can happen at any moment. Make sure that your Voltaic solar charger and battery pack are in an accessible location in your home so that you won’t have to search for it should an emergency arise.

Charge Batteries Frequently: As a general rule, make sure that your Voltaic battery packs are fully charged when stored. Since batteries can lose some power naturally when not in use, we recommend checking batteries every 6 months to make sure that they are full.  In preparation of an emergency, take out and fully charge all batteries (from the solar charger or from the wall).

Conserve Battery Power: During an emergency it is important to conserve battery power in your devices. For smartphones, this means turning on the power save mode and turning off unnecessary applications such as WiFi and Bluetooth. We recommend leaving your location services on in case emergency services need to locate you and for updates/alerts.

Check-in Regularly: Schedule regular check-ins with loved ones as a simple way to make sure that everyone is safe while conserving power in your devices.

Voltaic COO Jeff Crystal helps a resident charge her phone after Hurricane Sandy in 2012 (Rockaway, Queens).

Thank you for reading our Emergency Solar Power Guide, if you have questions about choosing a system or how to best prepare your home please contact us at info@voltaicsystems.com. For more information about emergency preparedness in your area, visit Ready.gov.

Anti-poaching patrol team sets out his Arc 20W to charge.

The patrol teams rely on electronics for communication and for tracking and logging their efforts. Their routes are stored in a database along with records of various events including identifying signs of poachers or interactions with poachers. To keep the teams powered up, Voltaic Systems recently provided the patrol teams with our Arc 20W Kits. The systems are used to charge GPS units, Motorola walkie-talkies and smartphones.

The V88 battery is used to charge Motorola walkie talkie and AA batteries.

Arc 20W getting sun on the Lower Zambezi River.

Off-grid Solar Installation

Conservation Lower Zambezi runs off the grid. Solar power generated by a large scale array as well as several smaller systems power lighting, fans, laptops and all the communications equipment.

Solar panel installation at Conservation Lower Zambezi

Power is stored in lead acid batteries. Again, there is a large bank of batteries, here a batch of Trojan IND13-6V, but smaller systems for redundancy on some of the offices and tents.

Array of lead acid batteries used to power camp.

The camp uses a wide range of energy conservation techniques including lower power LED bulbs and solar hot water heaters.

This post details how to use our solar chargers for specific drones. We explain how to connect from our battery to each drone and set expectations for charge times. If you have questions about a drone that is not listed here, feel free to reach out to us directly.

NOTE: Many of these drones require a lot of power to operate for a relatively short amount of time. We recommend that you review the specifications and make the appropriate choice for your particular application.

Charging Drones from an External Battery Pack

In general, the easiest way to charge a drone battery is by connecting our V88 laptop battery to a car charger designed specifically for your drone’s battery. You can often find third-party car chargers that are much less expensive than the ones sold by the drone manufacturer. In the case of DJI Mavics, the DJI branded car charger may not work because of their voltage restrictions. If a car charger is not available for your drone, you must use a LiPo battery balancing charger or hack your drone’s charging cable to connect to one of our Voltaic cables (you risk over-charging the battery since there is no circuitry to balance the drone battery cells, so proceed down this path at your own risk).

The recharge numbers below include the loss that occurs when you transfer power from one battery to another. In addition, we see the car chargers unfortunately wasting energy as heat.

Charges from Voltaic Battery Pack (V88)

Solar Charge times for V88

DJI Mavic 2

The Mavic 2 is (thankfully) relatively easy to charge from our V88.

The 59.29Wh smart battery used to power the Mavic 2 charges from the car charger supplied by Mavic using the 12V output of the Voltaic V88 battery. It draws approximately 6 Amps.

DJI Mavic Pro / Pro 2

The Mavic Pro and Pro 2 are compact and lightweight, and have a much smaller battery than the Phantom series DJI drones. However, there are some tricks to charge their Intelligent Flight battery.

The 43.6Wh smart battery used to power the Mavic has a minimum current threshold that is required to reliably charge it. In addition, the DJI branded car charger has a acceptable voltage range of 12.7 to 16.0 Volts. The V88 outputs 12.1 or 12.2V on the 12V setting and 16.2V on the 16V setting…just out of range.

We recommend this 3rd party charger for the Mavic Pro and this one for the Mavic Pro 2.  The ones without the USB output integrated in the car charger seem to work best. Here is a picture of the setup.

DJI Mavic Air

The Mavic Air Battery is only 27.4 Watt hours. It charges by connecting to a car charger to a V88 battery and we expect to get about 2 full charges from the V88.

We have not tested the DJI branded car charger yet, but its voltage specifications are more relaxed than the Mavic Pro. It is stated as 12.0 to 16.0V – any feedback on this would be appreciated.

DJI Spark

The Spark is DJI’s latest and smallest drone. DJI claims a 16 minute flight time from the 16.87 watt-hour battery, which you can charge from the USB port on any Voltaic battery pack using the micro-USB to USB cable included with the Spark.

Estimated Spark Battery Charges

Head over to our newest drone post to learn more about charging your DJI Spark from solar.

Phantom 4

The Phantom 4 was the first drone from DJI with automatic obstacle avoidance and visual tracking of its target. It boasts 4K video resolution, 28 minutes of flight, and 44mph top speed. By using the Phantom 4 Car Charger, its 81 Wh battery (15.2V 4480mAh) will get about 75% recharge from our V88 battery.

Check out this video or this video of Voltaic customers charging their Phantom 4’s.

Phantom 3

The Phantom 3 is the most diverse single product in DJI’s lineup, as you decide between the Standard, Advanced, Professional, or 4K model of the Phantom 3. Check out DJI’s comparison page to see the differences between Phantom 3 models.

By using the Phantom 3 Car Charger, the 68 Wh battery (15.2V 4480mAh) will get about a 85% recharge from our V88 battery. There are plenty of third party car chargers on Amazon or eBay for the Phantom 3 and we’ve even hacked a cable from the DJI standard charger when there was no other option.

Phantom 2

The Phantom 2 is an entry-level drone for beginners that is much less expensive than other Phantom models. It has a smaller battery than the Phantom 3 or 4, so by using the Phantom 2 Car Charger with our V88 you can get a full recharge for the 58 Wh battery (11.1V 5200mAh).

DJI Inspire 1

The Inspire 1 uses a monster 130 Wh TB48 (22.8V 5700mAh) or 100 Wh TB47 (22.2V 4500mAh) rechargeable battery. Fortunately there is an Inpire 1 Car Charger available through DJI that can provide the pure sine wave necessary to recharge this battery.

Unfortunately since these batteries are so large, you will not get a full recharge from our V88 in one sitting. The TB47 will fill up around 65% from a full V88, and the TB48 will fill up around 50%.

Yuneec Breeze

The Breeze is a relatively inexpensive drone that still boasts 4K video performance, though only 12 minutes of flight time. No car charger currently exists for the Breeze 12.8 Wh battery (11.1V 1150mAh), but you can use an 11.1V LiPo battery balancing charger with a 12V input from our V88 to get over 3 full recharges.

Yuneec Typhoon H / Typhoon 4K

Typhoon drones come standard with car chargers, so no additional purchases are necessary. The Typhoon 4K 60 Wh battery (11.1V 5400mAh) gets approximately an 83% recharge. The Typhoon H has six propellers instead of four for more stability and load carrying ability. It’s 80 Wh (14.8V 5400mAh) battery will get about a 75% recharge from our V88.

Parrot Bebop 2

Bebop 2 is also relatively inexpensive for casual drone users, and while it does not shoot 4K video it can be piloted directly from your cell phone. Even though no car charger exists for this drone, you can use an 11.1V battery balancing charger with a 12V or 16V input to get about 2 recharges to its 30 Wh battery (11.1V 2700mAh).

3D Robotics Solo

3DR Solo uses a GoPro to capture video similar to the Phantom 2. Currently, there is no car charger available for the Solo, but we have successfully hacked a Solo charging cable to our V72 (predecessor to the V88) output cable to charge the battery directly. Pictures attached below. Contact us directly for more info about this solution, as it is very possible to accidentally plug in the cable backwards and fry your battery. You can also use a 5V-9V regulator cable to charge your Solo controller.

Hacked Pics for 3D Robotics Solo

Hacked Cable Pics for Phantom 3

We are excited to announce the release of our brand new V88 Laptop Power Bank with USB-C Power Delivery (USB-PD). This upgrade allows users with USB-C PD devices including MacBooks, DELLS, HPs, Lenovos and more to quickly and efficiently charge their devices away from the grid. The V88 with Power Delivery is available now alone and on all laptop charging systems.

Maximum Device Compatibility

Rated at 24,000mAh / 88Wh, the V88 is a portable powerhouse for charging laptops, drones, DSLR cameras and more. This high performance battery pack features:

• NEW! USB-C Power Delivery for efficiently charging new MacBook and other USB-C laptops
• A hi-voltage laptop port (selectable 12V, 16V, 19V or 24V) for traditional laptops and 12V devices such as drones
• USB Quick Charge 3.0 for ultra-fast charge times for smartphones and other USB devices

This new USB-PD technology now allows our customers with USB-C laptops to experience the same power they see from a standard outlet, anywhere the day takes them. Most USB-C laptops will charge fully in 2 hours (maximum charge rate = 45W).

To charge your USB-C laptop from the V88, simply plug into the USB-PD output on the battery using a USB-PD supported charging cable.

Shop V88 + Power Delivery

Estimate Charge Times for Popular USB-C Laptops

Dell XPS 13 Charging From USB-PD Cable at: 19.5V, 2.21A, 43W

MacBook Pro 15″ Charging Via USB-PD Cable At: 19.5V, 2.2A, 42W

Functional Design

Rugged and user-friendly, the V88 features a strong aluminum case, corner bumpers, and an easy-t0-read LED display. With the simple push of the power button, you can quickly determine the battery’s power level, input charge rate, and the battery’s output.

The innovative V88 also features Voltaic’s signature Always On Mode, ideal for IoT projects and time-lapse photography. Learn more about solar for IoT.

Solar Optimization

Featuring high quality, li-polymer cells the V88 is specifically engineered to charge efficiently from any of our 18V solar panels or the included AC wall charger. The V88 also features an integrated Maximum Power Point (MPP) circuit to deliver as much power as possible from the solar panel to the battery.

The V88 also features pass-through charging so that you can charge and discharge the battery at the same time.

V88 Charge Times from Solar

For more information on the battery or product recommendations, please contact our support team at: support.voltaicsystems.com

All Voltaic battery packs and solar chargers are approved for airline travel. Read more: Lithium Battery Policy by Airline

Holiday Gift Guide 2018

Our Holiday Gift Guide 2018 is here, featuring a curated selection of unique gifts for almost everyone on your list. From the aspiring photographer, to the business traveler, to the gear geeks – these high performance solar chargers and battery packs are guaranteed to make them smile.

Check out our full gift guide below and be sure to sign up for our newsletter today to get access to our Friends & Family exclusive holiday deals.

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V88 Portable Laptop Battery with USB-C PD

Ideal Gift For: Frequent Flyers, Business Travelers, Gear Geeks, Van-Lifers

Photo © Robert Zaleski / rzcreativeproductions.com

Brand new for 2018, this upgraded 24,000mAh USB-C Power Delivery portable laptop battery will quickly, and safely, charge laptops, DSLR cameras, smartphones or drones away from the grid. Featuring a hi-voltage laptop port for traditional laptops, a USB-C PD port for newer USB-C laptops and a USB Quick Charge 3.0 port for smartphones and tablets – it is the perfect tech gift for travelers who are always in search of an open outlet.

Retail Price: $129

Available via Voltaic Systems or Amazon

Arc 20W Solar Charger Kit

Ideal Gift For: Outdoor Adventurers, Photographers, Drone-Addicts, Van-Lifers

Photo © Tom McCorkle / tmiportfolio.com

Compact and powerful, the Arc 20W Solar Charger Kit is a customer favorite. The perfect gift for serious adventurers, this foldable solar charger includes our upgraded V88 Portable Laptop Battery with USB-C Power Delivery and will keep them charged up wherever their next trip takes them. Compatible with most consumer laptops, drones, DSLR cameras and USB devices.

Retail Price: $265

Available via Voltaic Systems or Amazon

OffGrid Solar Backpack

Ideal Gift For: Photographers, College Students, Emergency Preppers

Photo © Lynsy Terbosic / @adventuresoffour

The powerful OffGrid Solar Backpack is the perfect all-in-one solution for those on your list who like to be prepared. From commuting to class to capturing the next sunset, this 25L recycled PET backpack will store and charge their gear anywhere. Featuring a 10W matte black solar panel and our 12,000mAh dual USB battery pack – this backpack will charge smartphones, tablets, DSLR cameras and other USB devices.

Retail Price: $199

Available via Voltaic Systems or Amazon

Arc 10W Solar Charger

Ideal Gift For: Casual Hikers, Beach-Goers, Adventure Travelers

Photo © Robert Zaleski / rzcreativeproductions.com

For those on your list who enjoy spending their free time outdoors, help them keep their phone charged wherever the day takes them with the foldable Arc 10W Solar Charger. Featuring a built-in smart circuit USB port, your favorite weekend warrior can recharge their phone directly from the sun in 4 hours of direct sunlight. Also available as the Arc 10W Solar Charger Kit featuring our V15 USB Battery.

Retail Price: $49

Available via Voltaic Systems or Amazon

Amp Solar Charger

Ideal Gift For: Busy Parents, Weekend Campers, Emergency Preppers

Photo © Scott Hardesty / scotthardestymedia.com

Put their mind at ease and keep their phones charged with the compact Amp Solar Charger. Featuring 4W of solar power and 4,000mAh USB power bank, the Amp can easily be thrown into a bag or stowed away in a car for accessible power anywhere. Ideal for weekend tailgaters and emergency preppers alike, the Amp Solar charger remains one of our best selling solar chargers.

Retail Price: $99

Available via Voltaic Systems or Amazon

Fuse 6W Solar Charger

Ideal Gift For: Hikers, Backpackers, Cyclists

Lightweight and versatile, the Fuse 6W Solar Charger is the perfect gift for the backpacker or cyclist on your list. The included V15 4,000mAh Battery Pack will keep their phone and GPS charged while the Fuse’s signature universal clip system allows them to easily attach to this portable solar charger to their favorite daypack or bicycle rack.  Made from recycled PET fabric.

Retail Price: $129

Available via Voltaic Systems or Amazon

Have a question? Contact our team directly at support.voltaicsystems.com

Just like your phone and other electronics, extreme temperatures can affect the performance of a solar charger. In this post we’ll go over how extreme heat can affect both our solar panels and external battery packs as well as some tips for using solar chargers in hot weather.

Lithium Ion Batteries and Heat

Since most modern electronics require a regulated input voltage to charge, you will likely be using an external battery pack to charge your devices. Voltaic battery packs, which contain lithium ion cells, will react to hot temperatures in a similar way to your smartphone. Hot temperatures can not only cause a significant decrease in battery capacity but can cause the battery’s over temperature protection to kick in and shut the battery off.

The recommended charging temperature for all Voltaic batteries is between 0-45°C (32-113°F) and the recommended storage temperature is -20-35°C (-4-95°F). For temperatures on the high end of these ranges, use our Solar Charger Tips for Hot Temperatures below.

We do not recommend using lithium ion batteries in temperatures outside these limits.

Solar Panels and Heat

It may be counter-intuitive, but solar panels actually perform better in colder weather not warmer weather. In fact, for every 2.5 degrees over 25° C (77°F) the average solar panel output will drop by 1%. This is because as the ambient temperature rises, the panel itself heats up causing the output voltage to drop.

For temperatures above 25°C (77°F), follow our Solar Charger Tips for Hot Temperatures below.

Solar Charger Tips for Hot Temperatures

When charging devices in hot temperatures here are a few tips to make sure you get the most of your solar charger.

1. Always store your battery in the shade, away from direct sunlight
2. Never leave your battery in a car or confined space
3. Remove the battery and/or solar panel from it’s case or bag to increase airflow and reduce internal temperature

To help make solar charging in heat easier, we recommend purchasing a 10 Foot or 4 Foot extension cable so that you can keep the battery in a a shaded area while charging.

If you have any questions or need additional gear recommendations, please contact us at: support@voltaicsystems.com

How to choose the best solar charger for your next camping trip.

Whether you’re an avid camper or just like to get out of town on summer weekends, having a reliable solar charger when off the grid keeps you safe and connected. In this post we’ll cover the different types of solar chargers used for camping so that you can stay charged on your next trip.

Shop Solar Chargers

Solar for Tent Camping

When choosing a solar charger for tent camping, you’ll want something lightweight and compact so that you can bring into your tent with you at night. Our Arc series is perfect for this application. Made with super durable EFTE coating, the Arc 10W and Arc 20W Kit feature built in metal grommets for easy attaching and a compact foldable design. You can attach to your day pack while hiking or to tent poles when at camp using carabiners or any extra rope or pulls.

Features:

• Weatherproof ETFE Coating
• Folding Solar Panel Design
• Lightweight
• High-efficiency SunPower Solar Cells

Recommended Products:

• Charging USB Devices: Arc 10W Kit
• Charger USB Devices & Laptops:  Arc 20W Kit

Solar for Camper Vans

For car camping we recommend choosing a solar charger that is designed to be left outside 24/7, that way you can leave the panel attached to your van while exploring for the day. Our Solar Panel Kits, which feature a Voltaic small solar panel and an external battery pack, can easily be installed (temporarily or semi-permanently) so that when you’re parked in the sun – you’re solar charging. Compared to our Arc panels, our signature rigid panels are IPX7 waterproof and can withstand high winds and heavy rain thanks to the super strong aluminum/plastic composite backing.

For more information about temporary and manual mounting options, read our solar for camping mounting instructions.

Features:

• IPX7 Waterproof Panels
• Strong Aluminum/Plastic Composite Backing
• Lightweight
• Designed to Last 10+ Years Outdoors

Recommended Products:

• Charging USB Devices: 9 Watt Solar Charger Kit
• Charging USB Devices & Laptop: 17 Watt Solar Charger Kit
• Charging Laptop & a USB Lighting System: 2x 17 Watt Solar Charger Kits

Don’t see your ideal solar for camping setup? Please feel free to reach out to our team at support@voltaicsystems.com for a personal recommendation.

After getting off the train, the team set up camp about 30 minutes from the cliff.

According to van Haeren’s article in Gripped, “Throughout the week, conditions kept improving and between the crew of five, we climbed six new routes. Fauteux and I established La variation du Néerlandais WI4 100m+ and the mixed start to Chercheur d’or M7 A0 15m. Fauteux, myself and Takeda climbed the new Âme du Nord M6 WI5R 125m, which we added a bolt the first anchor on.”

One advantage to the train departure is that they could set up a relatively comfy tent with stove.

After 9 days in the region, the team waited for the train to pick them up.

More pictures on Escalade Quebec

A dark tower of volcanic rock shrouded in clouds dominates the unearthly landscape. Formed millennia ago when high pressure magma solidified inside the vent of an active volcano, it’s presence is foreboding. This is the peak of Cão Grande, a 370m volcanic plug situated deep in the jungle on the island of São Tomé in sub-saharan Africa.

Prior to the expedition, I’d spent a year planning (mainly dreaming) of the day I would be able to visit this island whose landscapes resembled a scene from a Jurassic Park movie. It was a project I knew was ambitious on so many levels. Everything had to be carefully planned and arranged as the island offers almost nothing in the way of purchasable goods or medical help. If something was to go wrong, we would be on our own.

Arriving on the island was a cultural eye opener. Stray dogs running wild through the busy streets, a seven person family riding a single 125cc motorbike, a balancing act fit for a circus performance. Navigating the narrow roads that winded south from the capital we arrived at Agripalm plantation, the furthest point we could reach before being forced to continue on foot through the jungle.

A 3km hike through thick jungle and we emerged at the base of the wall, greeted unknowingly by a 100m high roof that jutted out some 30m. There was no information on the peaks rock formation prior to arrival and standing at the base we gained a very real sense of the task at hand.

Three weeks of 14 hour days later and we were stood on top of the peak. Reaching the summit had been wrought with difficulties that threatened to end the project from the start, many of them not climbing related. Luggage problems, blown battery chargers, generator issues, snake bites, jungle logistics, currency exchange, sickness and stuck vehicles all looked that they would stop us in achieving our goal. However, with each new obstacle that stood in our path, we would find a solution, though non were what you would describe as “traditional”.

Having now completed the route and with time to reflect upon the island, the peak and the people we have encountered along the way. I am thankful in all that I have gained from the trip which amounts to a lot more than just a new route, but new friends, skills and an understanding of a life where people are masters of their environment.

About Gareth Leah:
In addition to climbing, Gaz is an author, Director of Escalando Fronteras and Founder of Adventure 4 Good.

About Matthew Parent:
Matthew Parent is a Los Angeles photographer and camera operator. Follow him on Instagram.

About the Gear:
Gaz and Matthew used the Arc 20W Kit with the V72 battery (now available as the upgraded V88 Battery Pack) encased in our solar-ready Nanuk box. The Nanuk provided a waterproof seal for the battery in an environment that was rainy and consistently wet. “The V72 and large panel were also really tough. I’ve dropped them, stood on them, rocks have landed on them and some how they still work!”