[geeks] Solar backpacks

[hike]

On Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 5:01 PM, Sheldon T. Hall <shel at artell.net> wrote:

> Has anyone any experience with, or opinions of, "solar backpacks" like the
> Juice Bag (http://www.rewarestore.com/product/classic.html) or the Eclise
> (
> http://www.eclipsesolargear.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=4&idp
> roduct=1<http://www.eclipsesolargear.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=4&idproduct=1>)?
>  I'm thinking of giving one as a Christmas present, but I can't
> tell if the dam'things work or not.  Or whether they last, or are useful
> ...
>
> Anyone?
>
> -Shel
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>

the two reviews that i saw said that these work fine on sunny days but at
reduced levels on cloudy/rainy/snowy days.  (i don't remember the
manufacturer--i have been severely restricted on computer
cases/backpacks/etc/ by THE boss. :) )

the charge provided helps run a laptop but will not provide all the power a
laptop needs.  but the reviewers wrote about increased life away from the
electric socket and thought it was an effective tool and an advance.  that
is, every little bit helps!

some models are either bulky or have less room for stuff.

it will be a couple of years before the recent/current advances in solar
cells reaches backpack.

as with water-packs for backpacking, be sure the system can be upgraded for
advances or replacement.