The Wide World of USB Charging and Devices For Preppers

The wonderful world of USB charging has a lot to offer preppers.

While a lot of people just use USB for cell phones or a tablet, there are so many other devices that can provide everything from entertainment to helping fix things that break.

In this post, we are going to explore the world of USB chargeable devices and talk about how to set up easy to maintain and affordable USB charging stations that will work even if the grid is totally down.

Tablets and e-readers

A lot of people have tablets. The size of the tablet is related to how much power it burns. You can set the screen to dimmer to save power or turn off the WiFi. A 7-8 inch tablet will be easier on power than a 10 inch. E-readers that use e-ink technology burn very little power. Kindle claims that you get up to 8 weeks reading time on a single charge but that is ideal circumstances and considers a days reading to be a mere 30 minutes. That adds up to 30 hours of reading time. I am not sure I believe that is a realistic figure. My Kindle will last a very long time but I don’t think my battery would last for 30 hours of reading. If you mostly read books on your tablet, an e-reader may be a cheaper option that burns less power. EBL 40Min iQuick Smart... Buy New $16.99 (as of 08:25 UTC - Details)

Other useful USB Devices

Here is a brief list of the available USB rechargeable devices on Amazon. There are so many more that it would be a full-length book if I described them. The items below are just a handful compared to what is out there. Over time I expect there will be even more USB chargeable devices out there.

Shaver

Being able to keep up with hygiene is very important during a long emergency or survival situation. Shavers and hair cutting equipment can help with keeping clean and put together. Shorter hair is easier to take care of and may be necessary if parasites and vermin are rampant.

Battery chargers

AA or AAA batteries can run a lot of additional devices. USB battery chargers can add a lot of additional power to your household.

EBL 40Min iQuick Smart USB Individual Battery Charger for AA AAA Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries

Lighting

Oh my, there is a lot of USB lighting out there. They have come so far, and they can really help out during even a minor power outage.

Here are a few examples of easy to keep going USB rechargeable lights.

Led Wireless Desk Lamp with USB Charging, Table Dimmable Light with Pen Holder

EACHPOLE |3-Pack| Outdoor Camping LED Lantern 2-in-1 Solar and Cable Charging and Built-in Power Bank 

Fans

I have to say that while fans are not essential they sure can make it nicer when it is hot outside or you are cooking a lot. IF you are used to having air conditioning, a fan can help you gradually acclimate yourself during times when it is not possible. Matt and I have learned that we don’t need air conditioning in the summer unless we have guests.

Diffusers

I know a lot of readers like essential oils. This is something I want to explore myself but I have not got around to it. It is not surprising that you can get USB powered diffusers. A diffuser can provide valuable therapeutic and medicinal benefits and remind you of normal times.

I am putting an example in this post. There are a lot of neat diffusers out there, but they vary a lot in size and quality so be careful when shopping around.

Walkie Talkies

Communications are very important, and walkie-talkies are one very simple and easy to use device that you can keep going via USB. You don’t have to have the fanciest radio or walkie talkie for them to be very useful.

Midland – X-TALKER T75VP3, 36 Channel FRS Two-Way Radio – Up to 38 Mile Range Walkie Talkie, 121 Privacy Codes, & NOAA Weather Scan + Alert (Pair Pack) (Mossy Oak Camo)

Midland makes high-quality walkie talkies with an amazing range. This pair charges via USB and is made to endure what the woods and rough terrain can throw at them. While these claim to have a range of 38 miles, this is likely assuming flat terrain and average obstruction levels.

Group Walkie Talkie Systems

EACHPOLE |3-Pack| Outd... Buy New $17.50 (as of 09:30 UTC - Details) I was really surprised how many sets of 10 or more walkie-talkies are for sale. If you have a big group or family, it may be worth it to purchase a large set that all charge on USB. Even if you don’t use a few of them, you will have extras when one breaks or gets lost.  I was a bit incredulous about the cost but a lot of the ones that come in big packs get a lot of solid reviews.

Retevis H-777 Walkie Talkies UHF Long Range Rechargeable 2 Way Radio 16CH Portable Handheld Emergency Two Way Radios Set

Retevis makes a lot of different walkie-talkies that vary a little in cost. You can get them in packs of up to 20! These are not as rugged as the Midlands but they cost far less.

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Midland - X-TALKER T75... Buy New $89.99 (as of 08:40 UTC - Details) Retevis H-777 2 Way Ra... Best Price: $100.07 Buy New $119.99 (as of 07:10 UTC - Details) Jackery Portable Power... Best Price: $144.89 Buy New $117.99 (as of 08:40 UTC - Details) Palumma 24W/4.8A Dual ... Buy New $12.99 (as of 08:40 UTC - Details)