(Part 2) Best products from r/TheSilphRoad

I've been searching the Ingress posts and elsewhere for tips on how to keep playing pokemon Go in the winter cold. I had purchased a Vibrelli bike mount to ride and play this summer, and I remembered the silicone "gaskets" it came with. There were extra, so I strapped one on my phone, as seen in the picture. It works like a charm!

I had purchased a bike mount this summer to ride and play, and it came with extra silicone straps. The hand warmers are flat enough to slip under and they stay in place great.

An added bonus was to keep one upper corner unattached, and I slid my pointer finger under it, which held my phone securely to my glove! It was a nice break from grasping the phone, and I could swing my arm fully and it didn't come loose.

I am now wearing heavy bulky gloves, so I use a stylus. It has been an adjustment getting used to playing like this, but worth it for warmth!

I looked up to see if you could buy JUST the silicone straps, and you can. Here is the link:

https://www.amazon.com/Wellci-Replacement-Universal-Motorcycle-Smartphone/dp/B01GWLU8O8/ref=sr_1_7?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1482245683&sr=1-7&keywords=Replacement+silicone+bike+mount

I hope this helps my fellow cold weather players!

Here it is in use on a glove and with a hand warmer:

For our German lingerie fan, I changed to festive holiday red!
http://imgur.com/JSiLY7z

Remove one corner:
http://imgur.com/nYigYiz

Place pointer or middle finger in loosened corner strap:
http://imgur.com/UqK3aqJ

Voila! Hand warmer held in place in back of phone (make sure to use a good case on phone), and held in place on glove:
http://imgur.com/dbRjlOh

Oooh, In that context I see what you mean..there are already several great alternatives to the Go Plus, but I wouldn't consider the Pokeball Plus unless you plan on playing the Switch games or perhaps you have a younger child that plays..

The Go-Tcha is a nice alternative, though I personally didn't like the charger. It does fully automatic catches just fine and the vibration can be toggled.

Modified Go Plus This is what I use currently because I prefer the battery...I didn't use the switch like he did, though..just removed the vibrate motor and soldered wire directly to middle.

Pocket Egg Auto Catcher I don't own this one personally, but friend says it works very well. Uses AA batteries, so the charging cable won't be an issue and claims to last 3 months between battery changes.

Go-tcha Ranger This one looks amazing for the hardcore player. Charges using USB, so none of the problems of original Go-Tcha and readily available. Also doubles as a Power bank to charge your IOS or Android device..Would definitely look into getting this one if/when my current Go+ dies.

Hope I could help :)

I played a lot of Ingress before PoGo was released. Everyone used external batteries. There was a good spread of brands (though out of hundreds of players I only met one who used Mophie's slide-on battery case), but Anker was a noticeable winner. Lots of people had good things to say about them, nobody had bad things to say, they were (importantly) able to fast charge both iPhones and Android phones (they can tell through the cable which they are plugged into - this is more widespread now), and they're available in a wide variety of sizes.

I have... too many of them. My favorites from Anker are the (2x 18650 cell) "Astro E1" and "PowerCore II 6700", for their small size with substantial capacity, and the (3-cell) PowerCore battery family (there are many variations) in the 10000ish mAh range (50% more power but not unwieldy). An Astro E1 is well under $20 on Amazon (Anker likes to sell through Amazon - I'd recommend buying from a listing that is actually coming from Anker).

(Be aware that most of the external batteries on the market are based on the 18650 Lithium-ion cell, which is the size of two stacked CR123 batteries - looks like a AA battery on steroids, puts out 2500–3600 mAh as capacities have improved over time, Tesla has used 18650 batteries in their cars - this is why so many of these external battery packs have similar sizes and capacities, they contain between 1 and 8 of these 18650 cells along with some controller circuitry.)

I carry my batteries in Amphipod belt pouches (designed for runners, minimal bulk, extremely secure, fits one of the 2-cell or 3-cell batteries along with a 3ft cable - the larger size pouch can squeeze in a 6-cell 20000ish mAh battery and a cable).

Be aware that Anker offers a bunch of batteries from several generations of their product line, and some of them offer things like the newer Quick Charge protocols for Android phones, and/or recharging the battery pack via USB-C (most battery packs are recharged via Micro-USB) - make very sure you're buying the right battery that meets your needs, to avoid disappointment.

I'm a daily messenger bag carrier but I used to have several backpacks. There are few i am considering to purchase as well. I'll list them below.

 

If you want something that will last you for the rest of your life, go tactical. These are great for bug-out bags as well. Some of them will be compiable with Hiker cosplay. Amazon

 

If tactical isn't your thing and you prefer something urban. Need a cool looking pack that lasts for a long time too? I got you; I have few suggestions. Herschel Supply , Arctic Fox , ASERF , Rhine , Blue Lounge , CaseLogic , and Convey.

 

If you want to go down on the messenger bag route like I did, then here I go ~! Timbuk , Tumi , MNMUR. I personally am a huge fan of Timbuk's messenger bags.

I use one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/SKYRAY-10200-Lumen-7xCREE-Flashlight/dp/B00J3GRH9Y

(Walking usage).

It lies totally about the lumen output (it's maybe half what they quote), but it is pretty bright.

And as a bonus - gets pretty warm when it's chewing through your batteries. Spares - and a charger - recommended, as you'll get about an hour or two at 'full burn'.

I usually just take my PoGO+ and one of these big honkin' batteries. It's got 3 USB ports, so my non-existent friends can charge their phones too! I'll take a water bottle too sometimes, but usually not if I can avoid it, since it's pretty big.

Both are pretty cumbersome to carry around, and I prefer to travel light. If anybody knows of any small/light backpacks that they'd recommend, definitely let me know.

I bike quite a bit too. I have something like this for my phone and have been using it to play PoGo since it came out. However, I average around 15mph on the bike, and that is about double the current speed that distance will be tracked at. It will sometimes refresh when I'm coming to a stop and give me some of that distance, but other than that I hardly get the distance I'm logging. 20km on MapMyRide will net ~5-7km on PoGo.

I just wish there was someway we could get bike distance. Biking was a huge part of the original games. Raise the top speed to 12-15mph. That is still far to slow in a car to be worth it, but just fast enough a steady pace on a bike would work. Or raise the speed to 20, but just net me half the distance. I just want more consistent distance logged on a bike.

Like most have suggested Anker is king of power banks, but I've honestly had no issues with my EasyAcc power banks which have been great for the price (I bought them at cheaper than the current Amazon listings). Link to those if you're still interested: 10,000mAh and 20,000mAh

I've used the RAVPower 22,000mAH Battery Bank since the game launched and it has been amazing. Lasts several days of use while charging one phone, and can charge from all three ports at fast charging speed.

Without that fast charge there is no way my phone would gain battery during play. With fast charge I can be raiding with full brightness and still gain battery.

Really? Wow, you must work for samsung and have customized your own one right off the factory lines. Impressive.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S_III_Mini

http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i8190_galaxy_s_iii_mini-5033.php

http://www.phonearena.com/phones/Samsung-Galaxy-S-III-mini_id7536

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Galaxy-S3-Mini-International/dp/B00A29WCA0

Truly a one of a kind model you have there, how did you fit those extra 3gbs of ram on there? Did you solder it on yourself?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B071VG7C61/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_Qqc6Bb7KT5P90

I purchased ciscle mesh tip. Couldn’t find them on uk site but the above would have been my second choice and had great reviews. Here are mine:

Ciscle Universal Capacitive Fine Point Stylus Touch Pen Fine Replaceable Micro-Fiber Tips for iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 6, 6 Plus 5S 5 SE, iPod Touch, iPad Air, Samsung Galaxy, Tablet PC (Black + Blue + Rose) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01KCGD6BQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2sc6BbCPXXHYR

I like that the tips are replaceable as I do wear them out with my excessive stardust grinding.

Alright I just Solo'd an Alakazam right now https://pokemongo.gamepress.gg/alakazam-solo-raid-guide he had Confusion (rated Challenging by gamepress) and Future Sight (rated Easy by gamepress) and it took me 4 attempts to get it. I went with lv30 Houndoom (S/FP), lv32 Houndoom (S/C), lv32 Scizor, lv30 Mewtwo, lv32 Tyranitar (B/C), lv30 Tyranitar (B/SE). I kept timing out as you can tell based on my unoptimized squad. Some issues were hitting me like timing out with 5 seconds left. What I discovered with this little experiment of mine was a nice little hack to improving your phone performace underpressure. https://www.amazon.com/Kenu-Airframe-Android-iPhone-Accessories/dp/B00LU5LWQK/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1523903603&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=kenu+phone+holder&psc=1 I have this car mount and it's on your air vent. What I did was turn my car on and placed my Airconditioner on low and removed my phone case, shut all my vents off except for where my phone was mounted. It worked I beat Alakazam with 0 seconds left.

So would I recommend challenging any Tier 3 higher than Intermediate on Gamepress ratings? No. Don't do it. There may be exception if you have a tracker and know the moveset and have an optimized team for that moveset but it took me too much time and resources to solo that Alakazam and I regret doing it to be honest though I am stoked to have won.

Something of a lesson/cool story for you guys.

EDIT: The Houndooms were caught in the wild. So look out for lv35 15 attack houndours/houndooms on clear or foggy days.

EDIT: I'm also updating the guide with some performance hacks

I'd reccomend buying a Datel's knockoff version. Its a little more expensive but it's so much more useful. As someone who works on top of two pokestops, the auto collection is a lifesaver

YoK Go-tcha Bracelet, wristband - Android, IOS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071K63M65/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_s86JzbAJ2V0AD

After some research I bought this set:

1. Anker 20000mAh
   
2. Anker Micro USB
   
3. Anker PowerDrive
   I have a Samsung S7 edge that has a 3600mAh battery in it.
   According to some redditors, that played the Beta and had a Samsung S7 edge, I can play +/- 2 hours, that means, with the Anker 20000mAh I can fully charge it 4-5 times... 10 to 12 hours of play time.
   
   The Anker PowerCore 10000mAh is good too, if you have an older phone with a less powerful battery.

I would recommend the one I use, based on price alone.

Know this, it's a single earbud and even on the lowest volume setting, it can still be a bit too loud at times. There's also a few millisecond delay to get used to, but not a deal breaker, imo. But for $10 now $17.99, it's well worth it for the QoL (quality of life) improvements.

It would definitely be worth shopping around for, but if you want the exact one I use - here ya go: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYVG6FU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Wuq9yb6ZFEX6P

I use this and have been very happy, more secure than any of the others I've tried and works with just about any phone.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B071CZ7GHX/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

EDIT: and despite the link above on the kind of bike to ride, I play on a road bike with drop bars. Honestly, if you know how to coast and balance, it's fine.

I’m not sure if they sell it in Germany but in the US you can buy a prepaid Visa or Amex card for a set amount, usually around 50 to 100 dollars. You do have to pay a one time fee for it (usually around $5 US) but then you can use it just like a regular credit card up to the amount purchased. Here’s an example on the US Amazon store. $200 Visa Gift Card (plus $6.95 Purchase Fee) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HJD9FVV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nTV1CbMT8NK3S

In the US they typically sell them in supermarkets or drug stores such as CVS/Walgreens.

Pocket Egg Auto Catch Pokemon for Pokemon Go Plus Accessory with Bluetooth 20m Range Long Distance and 3 Months Battery Life https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C1MCH3V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_q1knDbTE622G8