One of our favorite greener trends is portable sustainability. An incredibly practical (not to mention cool) product that is available online and in stores around the world is the Solar Backpack, part of the line of solar powered bags from Voltaic Systems. At first glance, the line of solar powered bags look like your typical backpack, laptop bag, and messenger bag, but they are really innovative products that support the green movement.
These bags have solar panels on the outside which soak up solar energy when the bag is in direct sunlight. The solar energy charges the battery, included with each bag, and the adapters transfer the energy to your favorite electronics, including your camera, iPod, cell phone, and even your laptop! (Adapters are also included with each bag).
Even the fabric that the bags are made from is green. It is made from recycled PET. The one caveat is that the battery inside the bag does not get wet. However, this would probably prove difficult since the solar panels and bag material are waterproof. This is a wonderful way to save a little on your utility bills (especially when combined with the Kill-A-Watt), and also makes you a little more eco-friendly! Just imagine going on a hiking or camping trip and not worrying about your cell phone, GPS, and digital camera running out of battery power!
Also, in case you were wondering, only the Generator bags produce enough power to charge a laptop, but other smaller electronics such as your cell phone, GPS, iPod, and digital camera can be charged by any of the other Voltaic bags. This video gives more information about the Voltaic Systems bags.
This is a great product and could be an interesting and practical gift for the holidays.
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Such a great idea for the “wired” teens who need to charge their iPods, cell phones, etc.
Perfect for charging your phone or iPod during a long hike!
Ashs last blog post..Light Up Your Bike Lights
Hey, I HAVE that backpack!
I still get funny looks when I wear it, along with my bike’s Hokey Spokes. Funny to roll like Burning Man through the streets of Portland.
Anyway, here’s a trend tip…
If you have any writers that live in Portland, please have them sign up and report back to you about Bright Neighbor. This system is a game changer from all the feedback we are receiving from the community, businesses, and local government.
It is setting the trend for uber-hyper local living and sustainable behavior technology. I am happy to answer any questions you have for your blog. Thank you for your writings!
Respectfully,
Randy White
Founder, Bright Neighbor
(971) 235 – 4204
randy@brightneighbor.com
Blog: http://www.lawnstogardens.com
Follow me at http://twitter.com/brightneighbor
I saw a similar solar powered laptop bag somewhere recently. I think it was awarded one of the greenest products of 2008 by a magazine.
http://www.green-vaccine.com
Such a great idea for the “wired” teens who need to charge their iPods, cell phones, etc.
One of the reasons I don’t bother with a GPS when hiking long-distance trails is because on the need to carry sets or replacement batteries. I guess I no longer have that excuse.
It’s great to see a practical use for solar power.
How about a PV jacket?
Thanks for sharing.
I was a bit confused why people would need bags to be solar powered, but its helpful if it charges these gadgets!
Nice backpag. Smaller scale project do have a prupose imo. They show people that it isnt really that hard to make a solar panel and you are helping the environment If you build your own according to a good pan, you can save money. You can also choice which materials to use, so you can control how fast it errodes. Sure, it cost some time. But when i made mine, i found it actually a fun project to doo =)