Zeal Reliant Backpack Features Solar Charging

This incredibly versatile backpack is set for exploration and will even keep you devices charged. Built into the bag is a 1500 mAH lithium polymer battery and a removable solar cell. Besides the portable, renewable power option, the Zeal Optics Reliant backpack packs 1280 cubic inches of outdoor gear.

Zeal designed the bag specifically to complement their Transcend GPS goggles, which give skiing enthusiasts real-time data on a heads up display. A special pocket accommodates the goggles and of course they can be charged with the solar cell and battery just like other devices.

Any USB or mini-USB device can be charged using the Reliant backpack, and if you need to top off the bag's lithium battery with conventional power you can plug it into a USB charger or computer USB port before hitting the slopes. The battery will also charge automatically using the solar cell, which is made of organic plastic.

The lightweight, thin-film photovoltaic material is made of conductive polymers and organic nano-engineered materials. The solar panel is also fully recyclable at the end of its service life. The ripstop nylon backpack itself has a ventilated, padded back, a rubberized waterproof bottom, mesh side bottle pockets and plenty of storage space for ice axes, probes, beacons and skis. Reliant retails for $199 and comes in black or rust colors.

The solar panel can be used anywhere by simply detaching it from the main bag. We expect to see many more products that integrate high-tech components into clothing and accessories. This type of portable, low-cost solar charging system will be even more necessary to keep all of these devices running in the great outdoors.