I purchased this backpack after a full week of research while crews restored power from Hurricane Sandy. My only regret is that I didn't purchased it sooner. I call it my "mobile powerstation", because I often use it for unpowered train commute situations, as a backup power source. I can't even begin to describe the extraordinarily thoughtful design of this product, but I'll try:1) Sturdy, enviro-friendly backpack has plenty of storage space for commuting or weekend trips. Lots of panels and compartments including a padded laptop section so you can easily view and access your 'stuff'. The Solar panel section can zip-on and zip-off. It neatly houses the battery, connector tips, and an AC power cord (for optionally recharging the battery from a wall socket). Still it is all very lightweight especially compared to my rolling backpack the other 'must-have' I recommend for road warrior equipment. The front badge (red plastic icon) is powered by the panel so you can get a visible red light when the solar panel is exposed to sun.
2) Super Battery! This has got to be one of the most powerful batteries available in such a compact form factor. I have used this battery on my 2+ hr commute to power my 'phablet' and modem. I have yet to manage to drain it on a trip. I haven't needed it yet for my Macbook Air, since the battery lasts several hours, but I have no doubt it will serve either buy a magsafe adapter from voltaic, or use a magsafe-auto/truck power converter available here on amazon. I chose the DC cigarette lighter converter, so I'll have more options for power sources.
3) Super Solar Panel! Well constructed and sturdy outer panel can either charge the included battery, or charge up to 2 devices at once. You can power or charge a typical 5v smartphone device, plus a more power-hungry 12 or 18v device while the sun's up.
I can't say enough good things about this backpack, because it perfectly fits my particular need and addresses my power-insecurities in a "green" way. I plan to purchase another for a friend who lives in the tropics where getting consistent power is often a problem.
Don't let another storm or "wall-socket-less" outing find you without a setup like this. I write this as another 3-day blizzard approaches, confident this power-setup can get me through the expected "72-hour black-out".
PLEASE NOTE: Both the panel and the battery supply DC output. So if you plan to charge a laptop, make sure it accepts DC power (apparently some laptops like Dell will run off it, but not charge off it). If you have questions you should contact the folks at voltaic dot com before your purchase. There's an instruction sheet included, so it takes about 10 minutes to educate yourself on the full setup super straightforward. Just check the requirements of the devices you want to charge.
Buy Voltaic Systems 1022 Array Solar Laptop Charger Backpack, Silver Now
I was looking for a backpack and needed it to be at least rain proof and this one fit the bill very nicely. As a plus is very spacious and rugged The solar panels worked very well and did charge the battery as advertised. I used it with my Beats Pill, Samsung Galaxy S1 and 15in laptop and worked well. It has 3 different voltage modes.Shipping was FAST.
The only con that I had is that It wont charge my Black Berry phone and some 17in laptops computers. For some gadgets you will need to by a separate adapter (like for the PSP) but at lease their are not too expensive.
In all I'm pleased with my purchased and ppl are very curious about seeing a backpack with solar panels. They think its from another world lol.
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