Backpacks for power off-the-grid

A Kickstarter campaign is seeking funding for the manufacture of a range of backpacks that feature integrated solar panels and batteries for charging devices in remote locations.

The company responsible, Voltaic, is promoting two models of its backpacks on Kickstarter, the Array and Offgrid. The smaller Offgrid model features a 6w solar panel and a 4000mAh battery, while the Array has a larger 10w solar panel and 19800mAh battery. Both batteries are removable and can be charged using mains power.

The Array model includes Voltaic’s V72 universal laptop battery with selectable 12v, 16v, and 19v options for charging laptops. It also has a USB port for charging USB devices. The battery takes 12 hours to charge via solar or 4 hours to charge from a wall outlet and is suitable for charging DSLRs between 3 and 6.5 times, a tablet 2.5 to 3 times, a drone one time, a laptop up to 1.7 times, or a smartphone between 4.5 and 8 times.

The Offgrid bag model is for less demanding devices, featuring a V15 universal USB battery with a 5v/1a output. The battery takes 4.5 hours to charge in the sun or 4 hours to charge via USB. It can recharge a DSLR between 0.7 and 1.5 times. Voltaic also offers a V44 12,000mAh battery upgrade, enabling it to charge a DSLR between 2 and 4.5 times.

Both packs feature access channels for the wires, a padded sleeve for tablets or laptops, space for a camera and lenses, tripod attachment and external carry straps for extras. The bags are waterproof and of rugged construction.

Voltaic is expecting to be shipping product out to backers this December. 

More info available at Kickstarter.