{"id":8962,"date":"2010-10-14T14:44:27","date_gmt":"2010-10-14T19:44:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.sustainablog.org\/?p=8962"},"modified":"2010-10-14T14:44:27","modified_gmt":"2010-10-14T19:44:27","slug":"solar-gadgets-outdoors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sustainablog.org\/articles\/solar-gadgets-outdoors\/","title":{"rendered":"Ten Solar Gadgets for the Eco-Adventurer"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"outdoorEditor’s note: To move from page to page in this post, just click on the “Pages” links at the very bottom of each post.<\/em><\/p>\n

To leave \u201ccivilization\u201d behind for more than a night, we used to require a car, batteries or access to power in order to use new gadgetry. Those days are past. Solar energy<\/a> is now improving every aspect of outdoor life. After all, where the eco-adventurer wanders, so goes the sun.<\/p>\n

The following 10 solar gadgets are useful for everything you could want, from car camping to backpacking to bicycling to a stroll in the park. Enjoy and explore, with only the sun as your guide.<\/p>\n

On to our first solar gadget<\/a>…<\/p>\n

Image credit:<\/strong> Alaskan Dude at Flickr<\/a> under a Creative Commons license<\/a>
\n<\/p>\n

#1 The Scorpion<\/strong><\/h2>\n

http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=tYlBaw_eUqQ<\/p>\n

Have no fear. This solar-kinetic hybrid stings nothing but photons, stealing their solar electrons with its integrated solar cell. From Eton, maker of all things kinetically powered, the Scorpion charges various electronic gadgets, including GPS, phones and MP3 players. It can also access weather reports through NOAA bands, broadcast radio and even comes with a built-in LED flashlight. Add to that a walkie-talkie-sized design that includes a bottle opener and aluminum carabineer, and you have everything a survivalist could hope for. The Scorpion<\/a> retails for $50, although more powerful and subsequently more expensive options are available.
\n<\/p>\n

#2 \u2026And Beyond<\/strong><\/h2>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"The
The Solio Hybrid Charger<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Scorpion is not the only solar charger on the market. There are plenty, many of which fit into the palm of your hand. Explore models from Solio<\/a>, Suntrica<\/a>, Novo’s hybrid charger case<\/a> for the iPod Touch, and even one from Kinesis Industries<\/a> powered by both sun and wind\u2014great for summit hikes.<\/p>\n

Image credit:<\/strong> cogdogblog at Flickr<\/a> under a Creative Commons license<\/a>
\n<\/p>\n

#3 Solar Backpack<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"solar
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Another handy, easy-to-wear solar charger, this one in the form of a backpack covered in solar cells. The larger size means more power, enough to handle a laptop at the right charge, but primarily intended to charge cell phones or MP3 players. The most notable example to date is the Offgrid Solar Backpack<\/a> from Voltaic Systems. A full battery (built-in) provides up to 19 hours of talk time or 48 hours of music playback. The pocket decked with solar cells is removable and can be attached elsewhere while it powers up. Integrated laptop sleeve, phone pouch and a bunch of other pockets keep the pack as functional as any old Jansport. Retails for $249.<\/p>\n

Image credit:<\/strong> mikebaird at Flickr<\/a> under a Creative Commons license<\/a>
\n<\/p>\n

#4 Solar Bluetooth<\/strong><\/h2>\n