I like the idea of solar backpacks, having the ability to not only transport your personal electronic devices, but also being able to charge them on the go. For the most part, this technology isn't super viable, just because of the fact that the solar panel on the majority of solar backpacks doesn't cover a very large surface area. That being said, there are a couple of big name brands that manufacture a very nice quality backpack, and even generate an impressive 5 watts of power. 5 watts is not really enough power to keep all of your personal electronic devices fully charged, but it can definitely generate a fair share of energy over a couple of hours of direct sun.
The one thing I like the most about solar backpacks is that they're not too much more money than regular backpacks. One brand for example, Samsonite, which produces some of the best quality packs and carrying cases, also makes a solar backpack with a big solar panel woven into the back of it. A good quality Samsonite pack without a solar panel would already run you around $100, but with the solar panel included, it's only $135. So you aren't really paying much more for the solar feature included. Even if you can't see an immediate way to use the solar panel, it's always nice to have the feature available for those just in case moments when you're on the go.
But for real usability, it's still only really worth it for people of pretty specific situations. Most people don't spend near sufficient time in the sun to make a solar backpack worth their time. College students and backpackers are probably the only big segment of the population that could make full use of a technology like this. Businessmen who always find themselves on the go could probably also make use of this technology, but the rest of us who spend 8 hours a day at a desk right next to an electrical outlet, we don't generally need a technology like this.
But personal solar panels are really beginning to alter the way that people do outdoor adventures. One activity specifically, Geocaching, makes great use of portable solar technology. Geochaching, for people who don't know about it, is basically a blend between backpacking and treasure hunting. Most geocachers use GPS and other little gadgets to get the job done, and like having the ability to power them while on the go. Another outdoor adventure that portable solar is changing is boating. Peel and stick solar technology are showing up on boats all across the nation. It's pretty neat.
While these panels are great the big issue with solar backpacks is that they just don't generate enough power to make them very viable. That's why many people who use portable solar technology, purchase a flexible solar pad or some brand of peel and stick solar. These tend to produce more power and are pretty handy for most outdoor activities. These technologies is a bit more costly, but they really get the job done. So for people serious about being able to charge their portable electronics through the power of the sun, you might want to look into other personal technology as a better solution.
Check out the Samsonite solar backpack. In the realm of solar backpacks, it is the best out there. You might also want to look into peel and stick solar panels as a feasibly solution for your solar needs.
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