Often enough building electronic projects is more than just a circuit board. Materials, construction quality, and aesthetics is as important as the PCB layout.
To the outdoor adventurer, keeping devices charged can pose a difficult problem. When traveling away from the grid, or outlet, there is an affordable and eco-friendly solution being developed. The answer, a solar photovoltaic backpack that outputs more electricity than anything else available. The inventor, Norman Ho, working for the company ZenTrek, is currently trying to get a production run of the pack.
The backpacks are modeled behind those used by the military. The materials used to make the backpack are what define its quality. They feature highly flexible silicon wafer photovoltaic cells that will not crack. The exterior is composed of Kevlar-like carbonate-hardened ballistic fiber, three times stronger than leather, abrasion-proof, puncture resistant, of course waterproof but also allows for aeration between the backpack and the user for those long hot yet fulfilling and delightful hikes.
On the go. (via ZenTrek)
ZenTrek is offering three different versions of the system, the slimline Xplorer, the full-sized Instinct and the hybrid Endura. All of which are described in detail and offered in return of from a respective contribution of $199, $269 and $399. The full Endura system features dual solar panels, which they claim will deliver 30% more power than currently available solar backpacks. This Endura also includes the most carrying capacity and even comes with a multi-tool set, tactical flashlight, hiking stick and more.
As ZenTrek motto says, these backpacks are intended to make you “Go Outside and Stay Outside”. For nature lovers, there is no reason to go back home now, even if you repeatedly forget to charge your electronics.
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