I’ll be honest – when I go camping and hiking, I go to get away from things. I want to get away from the phone, the television, the Internet, the music. I disconnect from the digital world and I reconnect to the natural world.
So there are few times I really need a power source when I am “out there.” But a couple of things come to mind. First, not everyone is like me. Many people who enjoy the outdoors like to bring electronics along. Maybe to listen to music. Maybe to stay in touch with those left at home. Maybe to take pictures or check in with Facebook or tweet the news of a Big Buck Down!! The second thing that comes to mind is that, even though I like to really get away from everything, I know things can go wrong in the field (or woods, or canyon, or mountain…). If I need to contact someone, the last thing I want to see is a dead phone.
This is where the Sunsocket Duo-Flex Solar Panel from Aspect Solar comes into play. It will power mobile devices, chargers, small fans, GPS Navigation systems, and LED lighting. It is perfect for those with limited time and space. It weighs only 1.5 lbs. It is thin and can slide into any pack. It is weather resistant. It clips to my backpack, my tent, or my chair. I’ve even set the Solar Panel up on my windshield while car camping.
The battery pack itself, once fully charged, is able to charge 2-3 devices a day. It has two regular USB connections so I can charge my iPad and my camera at the same time. Even better, the battery pack can be charged by the solar panel at the same time it is charging my devices.
I am amazed that the Duo-Flex Solar Panel costs only $159.99. I am not one to throw money around, but for a device that powers so many other devices and does it from the free power of the sun, this is more than reasonable.
Of course, if you are looking to power something bigger, say your LED television, a video game console, or your laptop computer, Aspect Solar offers larger versions and larger battery packs. But for me, the Sunsocket Duo-Flex is just the right power source. Small, lightweight, solar, and rugged.
Specs
Solar Charge Time: 10 Hours (Good Sun)
Outputs: USB (2 Sockets)
Dimensions: Deployed Vertical – 27.2 x 11.0 x 0.6 in.
Deployed Horizontal – 18.1 x 15.0 x 0.6 in
Weight: 1.5 lbs.
Price: $159.99
If you are looking to get a great system to keep your electronics up to charge check out Aspect Solar: http://www.aspectsolar.com/duo-flex-solar-charger.html
