Gadling

Any time I find a cool new solar product I like to share it with our Gadling readers so that we can all benefit from the gifts of Apollo.

The latest nifty gadget is a Voltaic Backpack. Simple enough. The solar panels are on the backside of the pack so when you walk around outdoors, it powers up as the sun shines on your back.

The device generates 4 watts of power which should be enough to charge up all your hand-held devices but is unfortunately not enough for a laptop. It also includes the necessary adapters and cables so that you can plug your ipod or cell phone directly into the pack and power away.

Sure, it's a little pricy at $249, but wouldn't it make the perfect gift for a student? They carry backpacks anyway; why not help out the environment by giving your favorite student a solar one? Unless, of course, they happen to be attending Washington State.

Filed under: Hiking, Gear