Hi Steve, An AT thru-hike is a gruelling exercise. The last thing you're going to want to do at the end of a 20-mile day is play radio. You're also going to quickly decide that there are far more important things that could be taking up the space and weight in your pack.
If you're still determined to pack a radio, at least leave the solar panel at home -- it just ain't worth it. I would be surprised if the AA's didn't last you a week. You didn't specify what radio you want to use, but I'll assume it's a KX3. On a recent backpacking trip I operated SSB at *10* watts for about 5 hrs and when I returned home found that I still had a 60% charge on my 4200 mAh LiFePO4 battery. Good luck with your hike! Mark AI4BJ ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
