Solar Bags - Generating Power on the Go!

Solar bags are great for the urban warrior, student, back packer, or anyone who, like myself, has accepted their addiction to personal electronics and need power. There are many different styles of bags that have solar power incorporated, to reflect the many applications that a solar power bag could be used in. Probably the first that comes to mind is a backpack. Probably one of the best applications will be the powering of phone/gps/radio for a backpacker.

City dwellers have their power needs as well. However many city dwellers need something a little more stylish than a backpack. For the urban scene, a messenger bag may be more the way to go.
Another sector of electronics that are not left out in the need for power are cameras. There is nothing worse than being out with the family at WallyWorld and be out of batteries. Sure you can go to the closest WW store inside the park, but be prepared to give up an appendage for a card of AA or AAA batteries.
So here are some of the better offerings out there for solar bags. Some of these bags even go that extra mile towards being green by being made out of recycled material, such as plastic bottles.
Enjoy!

Reactor Solar Bag by Eclipse
This stylish and smart backpack is the first in a line of backpacks with an integrated solar charging solution. Perfect for the student, mobile commuter, and outdoorsman, this backpack provides a quality pack with an integrated solar charging module for your high-tech toys. Using a cell phone as an example, you can trickle charge the cell phone battery during casual commutes or long hikes with the backpack using your existing cigarette lighter cord (not included). The result is an extension of battery life, and a source for charging when traveling in remote areas where traditional charging sources are not available, or in emergency situations. Many colors offered.

Fusion Solar Messenger by Eclipse
Won 2006 Consumer Electronics Show - Best of Innovations. The award winning Fusion messenger bag offers a sharp, urban design with an integrated solar charging solution for your hand-held electronic devices. The messenger has pockets for your cell phone and PDA as well as a large cavity for a laptop computer. The Fusion messenger bag features an extra large cavity for storing folders, paperwork, and books. The front flap features a ligh-weight, flexible, integrated solar charging module which can utilized by connecting a common 12V cigarette lighter adapter. Using a cell phone for an example, you can trickle charge a cell phone battery during casual commutes to work or on campus.

Solar Flare Messenger Bag by Eclipse
This stylish and smart messenger bag has all the traditional functionality of a well-equipped laptop computer case with the addition of an integrated solar charging module. Perfect for the student or mobile professional, this messenger bag gives you a classic design with an integrated solar charging solution for your high-tech toys. Using a cell phone as an example, you can trickle charge the cell phone battery during casual commutes to work or on campus.

Nova Solar Camera Bag by Eclipse
This solar camera and gear bag gives the photographer an extra power source in the great outdoors. The large cavity bag can handle a digital SLR camera and 3 lenses with room for more accessories. The bag features adjustable dividers and foam to customize the interior to fit your specific camera gear needs. The top cover features an integrated solar module designed to charge extra batteries or other electronic gadgets using a common 12V cigarette leghter adapter.

ES300 by Juice Bags
Flexible, high-efficiency, water proof solar panel for generating on-site electricity anywhere there’s sunshine Solar panels are removable for remote use. Water resistant. Reinforced Bottom. ES Series Juice Bags fabric is made from recycled 2-liter soda bottles Each bag keeps up to 8 soda bottles out of the landfill All seams are stitched to military specifications for extra strength and durability Easily connect your cell phone, iPod, GPS or other 12 volt unit using your item’s car charger adapter Each Juice Bag comes with a universal CLA/Car Charger Female Socket One Large main storage area Padded division in main space for laptop storage Zippered quick access top pockets for storing electronic devices Underflap organizational pockets Adjustable high-tensile shoulder strap Power Rating Specifications: Power 6.3 Watts Voltage, 16.6 Volts* Current, 0.325 Amps Solar Panel Weight 0.45 lb. Solar Panel Size 12 x 12 x 0.1 inches *Blocking diode to protect your portable electronics Dimensions: 18″ H x 4.5″ D x 15″ L 38 x 46 x 11.5cm Volume: 23L/1,400 cu. in.

ES200 by Juice Bags
Flexible, high-efficiency, water proof solar panel for generating on-site electricity anywhere there’s sunshine ES Series Juice Bags fabric is made from recycled 2-liter soda bottles. Each bag keeps up to 8 soda bottles out of the landfill Solar panels are removable for remote use. Water resistant. Reinforced Bottom. All seams are stitched to military specifications for extra strength and durability Easily connect your cell phone, iPod, GPS or other 12 volt unit using your item’s car charger adapter Each Juice Bag comes with a universal CLA/Car Charger Female Socket One Large main storage area Adjustable high-tensile shoulder strap Ergonomically designed backpack strap that can be hidden away Internal pockets include two internal gadget pockets, and a large mesh pocket for all your wire/accessory storage One large external side water bottle pocket Power Rating Specifications: Power 6.3 Watts Voltage, 16.6 Volts* Current, 0.325 Amps Solar Panel Weight 0.45 lb. Solar Panel Size 12 x 12 x 0.1 inches *Blocking diode to protect your portable electronics Dimensions: 18″ H x 4.5″ D x 15″ L 38 x 46 x 11.5cm Volume: 23L/1,400 cu. in.

Solar Panel Backpack by Voltaic
High density padding in the shoulder straps and back panel for comfort Nylon mesh backing material for better air flow The solar panels provide protection for fragile items inside the front pocket Wire channels throughout the bag take power to the shoulder strap and for headphones etc. Adjustable phone / MP3 pouch on the shoulder Second lined MP3 / sunglasses pouch inside Optional clip in padded laptop sleeves Bladder pouch and channels to run the tube to the shoulder strap Includes a 2,200mAh Li-Ion battery pack with 3 voltage settings to store solar power When not in the sun, the battery can be charged using the AC travel charger or DC car charger Comes with 11 standard adaptors including a car charger socket and USB adaptor so you can always use a standard charger for your device Includes adaptor plugs in universal sizes for common cell phones, which eliminate the need to use a car charger for common devices.

Solar Panel Converter by Voltiac

Fully padded to protect laptops. Fits up to a 15″ screen (14″ x 10″ x 2″ or 35cm x 25cm x 5cm) Lined MP3 / sunglasses pouch inside Loops with fastek buckles at each corner to attach to easily to other bags Removable fastek buckles can attach to another bag and serve as an anchor point MOLLE compatible PALS for attachment to military style rucksacks The solar panels provide protection for fragile items inside the front pocket Wire channels throughout the bag for headphones, bladder tubes, hands free etc. High density padding in the shoulder straps and back panel for comfort Shoulder straps can be stashed in back sleeve when not in use Can be worn as a backpack or sling bag Nylon mesh backing material for better air flow Includes a 2,200mAh Li-Ion battery pack with 3 voltage settings to store solar power When not in the sun, the battery can be charged using the AC travel charger or DC car charger Comes with 11 standard adaptors including a car charger socket and USB adaptor so you can always use a standard charger for your device Includes adaptor plugs in universal sizes for common cell phones, which eliminate the need to use a car charger for common devices The three solar panels are tough, light weight, waterproof, and generate up to 4 watts of power Dimensions: 17″ H x 3-4″ D x 10-12″ L (43cm high x 25-30cm wide x 7-10cm deep) Weight: 2.9 lbs (1,300 grams) including battery and solar panels Volume: 600 cubic inches (10 liters)

Solar Messenger Bag by Voltaic
The Voltaic Solar Messenger Bag is reinforced and padded to carry and protect a laptop. It has large zipped pockets for documents, and multiple small pockets for electronic devices. Ideal for use in town or as a travel bag. Note: It is not designed to charge laptops, it will however charge cell phones, sat phones, PDAs, GPSs, iPods, cameras etc. If you don’t have a car charger, the Voltaic Solar Messenger Bag comes with a set of 11 standard adaptors for common cell phones and other devices. Embedded in the outside of the bag are three lightweight, tough, waterproof solar panels which generate up to 4 watts of power. This means quicker charge times! Included with the Voltaic Solar Messenger Bag is a Li Ion battery pack which stores any surplus power generated, so it is available when you need it - not just when the sun is up. The battery pack can also be charged using an AC travel charger or car charger (both included). This makes the Voltaic Solar Messenger Bag just as useful on the grid as off. The solar panels are waterproof, scratch resistant, and UV resistant. They use a high efficiency monocrystalline cell. The three panels operate independently to generate up to 4 watts of power. This is double the power of typical solar chargers and enough to charge most portable consumer electronics (other than laptop computers). The panels are mounted in a flexible fabric sleeve. They articulate with the bag, which means it doesn’t feel rigid or restrictive. Even if you manage to break one, which would probably take a conscious effort, they can easily be removed and replaced. Replacement Panels sold separately.

SOLSOM1003 by SoleStrom
Our SmartSwim featured accessory: Our Solar Beach Tote! Built in solar charger for any small device, even charge an Ipod with USB connection. Our exclusive tote has an UV meter panel to allow you to determine the UV intensity, both for yourself, and for your solar charging needs! Lightweight and convenient, our Solar Beach Tote weighs only a few ounces One water resistant solar panel 1.5 Watt silicon solar cell built into our Solar Beach Tote Will charge charge small portables such as cell phones, GPS, MP3 players Solar Beach tote made with UV and water resistant 600 Denier poly Very easy to use, simply select your adapter and plug in your device SmartSwim Solar Beach Tote Specifications: One built in 1.5W solar cell Rechargable 3.6V/1200MAH Ni-MH battery 6 standard adaptors for common cell phones and other devices Battery pack can be charged with AC source Output: 5V/200MA