I just got my USB-C to Type A Female cable - similar to the one Apple sells - and doing some experimentation. Happy to report that you can use this to charge the Macbook using normal USB power packs or power adapters, albeit slowly.
1. You can use a USB Y-cable (it has 2 USB Type A male-male connectors). This was usually supplied with portable 2.5-inch drives.
2. You can also fashion one yourself if you have spare USB cables around. Just cut out 2 Type A Male connectors and join them together. You just need the black-black and red-red cables.
3. A powered USB Hub will also work when connected to this cable.
Take note that the USB-C must be connected last, i.e., the power must be on first and then you connect the the USB-C to the Macbook. This sequence is significant.
1. You can use a USB Y-cable (it has 2 USB Type A male-male connectors). This was usually supplied with portable 2.5-inch drives.
2. You can also fashion one yourself if you have spare USB cables around. Just cut out 2 Type A Male connectors and join them together. You just need the black-black and red-red cables.
3. A powered USB Hub will also work when connected to this cable.
Take note that the USB-C must be connected last, i.e., the power must be on first and then you connect the the USB-C to the Macbook. This sequence is significant.