POWER! We all need it, whether we are at home, on the road, camping or just surviving the next flood, wind or snowstorm that knocks out your power.
It not only makes life easier, in some instances it is lifesaving. We take power for granted, until we need it. We use it for all of our appliances, cell phones, laptops, vehicle batteries, GPS, lighting and so on.
But what are our options when we go off the grid?
We can always use a generator, but they can be expensive and you better have plenty of gas. And the noise... not much fun in the outdoors when you have a generator screaming in your ear in the backwoods of Idaho. Oh and try strapping one to your back — I don’t think so.
But there is a choice. I discovered a company right here in the Pocatello/Chubbuck area. In fact I have known of them for 5 years and I watched them grow and develop into a company that brings consumers a powerful yet quiet alternative to generators, with easy portability and no mess or smell of gasoline. Let’s talk about Inergy and what they bring to the table in the outdoor community and to the household.
They have a line of power stations, including the Kodiak, Timber Wolf and Wolverine. They are portable, lithium-powered systems with AC and DC power when and where you want it. They all have solar panels that charge the systems as the demand is needed.
The Kodiak is your home-based unit. During hurricanes, tornadoes, snow storms or power outages, this will power up to 150 cell phones on a single charge. You can also plug your satellite receiver and LED TV into the Kodiak and watch Satellite programming for 12 to 20 hours or Blu-rays for 10 to 15 hours. That is impressive. This system is what you want in your cabin on that weekend trip to Island Park.
What about the kitchen? Can I run a refrigerator? Depending on its size and age, you can run your typical refrigerator for a day or two. And if you hook up the small solar panel, you can run it indefinitely. The battery is a lithium ion 1,100-watt continuous for 1 hour, 3,000-watt peak (AC and DC) 12.6VDC, 90AH 2,000+ charge cycles with up to 10 years shelf life. You do have to charge it at least every 2 to 3 months or leave it plugged into a wall charger or solar panel. That goes for all three power stations we are talking about.
Lets talk about the Timber Wolf station. How many people use a CPAP? I know outdoorsmen that do and they need a good night’s sleep and cannot get it without using it. They are tired of being chained to the house or a hotel and unable to camp because they do not have power outside in the camper or the tent.
Hey, not everyone can afford the gas for a generator or even a generator itself. As far as power goes, you can cut it in about half of what the Kodiak puts out. But the trade-off is it’s portability, weighing in at only 7 pounds. The Wolverine is perfect to run a fish finder for ice fishing or run all your LED lights around camp.
The Wolverine station is a game changer — literally. Take this small 3-pound bad boy with you in the truck to charge your phone, laptop or GPS. Throw it in your backpack and go off the grid into the backcountry and still have power for all your needs.
I can tell you this, I wish I had it 10 years ago when my cell phone died and I had a dead truck battery at Oneida Reservoir. And if I would have had it, I could have at least maybe put some air back in using my small air compressor. I also love to listen to the weekend game on my radio in my boat. Again, something like this would be handy not for only games but also for storm warnings.
Technology is incredible. It is constantly changing daily. Solar power that runs large or small ultra-power stations are now available at prices everyone can afford. Five or 10 years ago, I would have said no way, it is too expensive. Now everyone can enjoy the comforts of home and also go off the grid. Sometimes, power units like these can save your life during a crisis.
Check them out at www.inergysolar.com. There are others available on the market. But this company seems to cater to homeowners, campers and the off-grid enthusiast. And guess what? They are built and sold right here in Idaho!
If you have any comments to add or questions, drop me an email at WesternStatesSportsman@gmail.com
Until next week, enjoy Idaho’s great outdoors.
Dave Langston has been in the outdoor industry for 27 years as a writer and television show host. His show, AMERICAN PREDATOR OUTDOORS, is seen on The Outdoor Channel’s MOTV.com hosted on the Roku box, iPhone and Android platforms, Xbox, Playstation and Fire Stick. You can also get more information on his website at American PredatorOutdoors.net.
