The Eton FR300 ($50) covers virtually all emergency necessities except food and water.
The Ranger ($45) is water resistant but not waterproof.Ī rugged, easy-to-carry Lifeline Radio ($100) for kids adds a shortwave band.įreeplay also makes windup flashlights like the see-through Sherpa Xray and the windup FreeCharge mobile phone charger, each $50. And once the sun comes up, the solar panels - encapsulated polycrystalline - can run the radio. A 30-second crank of the wind-up alternator keeps the radio going for 35 minutes. In a true emergency, I want a radio that works every time, guaranteed.įreeplay radios, including the compact Ranger, can operate on power from a wind-up alternator, rechargeable battery or solar panel.Ī single charge of the built-in nickel-metal hydride battery pack lasts 25 hours.
When the power goes out, it's no time to fumble around for batteries. But here's a starter kit if you're looking for a reliable radio that'll help get you through those tough times.
