Solar Backpack

It is back to school time. These days, kids are bringing laptop, I-pods, cell phones and other fun devices to school with them. Everything seems to becoming more technologically advanced, including backpacks. Voltaic Systems makes this solar panel bag. It can recharge electronic items. It takes 4 to 6 hours to charge the pack and weights three and a half pound. It creates four watts of energy and the bag itself is made from recycled soda bottles. The bag retails for about $250.

This back is handy for people who have a lot of gadgets, and don't want to worry about have to plug them in all the time and waste energy. The person who will use this the most is the outdoor traveler. The panels are water and scratch resistant. The panels themselves are only $30 dollar each to replace. There are adaptors for every kind of appliance you can think of.

There are drawbacks to a solar backpack. It is expensive, as many people are trying to save money; you may not with this one. It has a battery that will need to stay charged. Make sure to be in the direct sunlight, otherwise the panels don't work as well. This is a novelty item that may not be for everyone.

Eclipse and Helius are other companies that make similar items

If you are a mid outdoors person that still enjoys a few amenities this could be a useful item. College student and frequent travelers could see this handy as well. At nearly $250 it is not priced for everyone. If you are coming up on a birthday or holiday than this could make a great gift.