Originally Posted by
01 CAt Man Do
Right now I think the combination of dynamo plus back-up battery is the way to go. I plan to take this approach myself once I get the money for a dynamo. A dynamo should be able to keep the average cell phone from fully discharging during a long ride even with a navigation app being used full time. Coupled with the right external battery set-up you can also have a plan B waiting in the wings.
Yeah, that seems like the best option to me as well (though note that I am not actually doing tours).
I don't know of anything more reliable than a dynamo (other than being 100% sure you're always stopping somewhere with a regular power outlet) - it constantly outputs power as long as you keep moving. Solar power means attaching it to the back of your bike somehow, it doesn't work much when it's cloudy, and having to try to keep it pointed at the sun. I've heard of people doing it, but it seems like they already have a dynamo and just need to charge more stuff, stuff like an iPad that if it runs out of juice for a day or two it's annoying but not horrible.