Battery AM/FM radio

A small radio for BMIR when the phone is dead and the weather turns.

Why it's on the list

The checklist asks for a battery radio so you can hear BMIR, 94.5 FM, when the city has something to say. Rain, gate times, and a whiteout do not wait for a signal bar. A small AM/FM that runs on cells you already packed is the one. Your car radio counts on the drive. It does not count once you are on a bike.

How we use it

Put fresh batteries in before gate, and a spare set in the same bag. BMIR is 94.5. Gate Advisory on the way in is 95.1. A hand crank is a bonus. A Bluetooth speaker with no tuner is not this.

Heads up
A radio is news, not a light, and not a reason to skip the weather page before you leave camp.

Battery AM/FM radio

A basic portable is often $15–35

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Notes that mention this

Often bought for the same camp

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Rechargeable AA cells in a tray beside a headlamp.

Panasonic

Panasonic Eneloop AA, 8 pack

Eight AA cells for the headlamp, the lantern, and the second headlamp.

Often about $24

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A small black power bank and a cable on a crate.

Anker

Anker 20,000 mAh power bank

A small bank for the phone, the lights, and a camera battery.

Often $40–70

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In the same lane

Each card opens the shop. Amazon links are affiliate links. Your price does not change. How the links work.

A small power station and a fan in the shade.

Jackery

Jackery Explorer 300

About 300 watt-hours for lights, phones, a fan, and a laptop.

Buy this early

Often about $200–300

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A compact portable air conditioner with the exhaust duct leaving a tent.

EcoFlow

EcoFlow WAVE 3

A portable AC and heater for a closed tent. The battery is its own box.

Buy this early

The unit is often around $1,000. The add-on battery is separate.

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Power

Foldable solar panel

A panel that tops up the station and the battery packs on a clear day.

Buy this early

A foldable 100-watt panel is often $80–200

Read the note