So summer is here and the sun is shining, but now you have a terrible dilemma. You want to be outside but the electricity is inside, so what do you do? What if I told you, that all you had to do was strap on a backpack and you would be good to go? I know you may be thinking “Awww, it’s summer; schools out, I don’t wanna wear a backpack.” Just hear me out. Samsonite developed a very light weight that makes a great travel bag, laptop tote, or overnight rucksack. Introducing the Samsonite Solar Powered Backpack.

While the Solar Backpack clearly lacks creativity in name, Samsonite obviously chose to spend that time on the actual product. Time well spent, in my opinion.

The Use

The Solar Backpack goes on like a normal backpack, no surprise there. I found the straps and back to be extremely comfortable, even when carrying a laptop and a few books. Here is where it gets interesting though. The Solar Backpack has a 12v adapter (a car charging port) attached to the front pocket and connected to a solar panel. With this port you can plug in any adapter that you would normally plug into a car and supply power to that device. The backpack works great on iPhone, iPads, iPods, and numerous other portable devices. The smaller devices can be charged in about 4 hours of sunlight, while larger electronics will take longer. One trick that I do is use my USB Power Bank, a portable power pack, and have that connected to the backpack and always charging when in the sun, then I just plug in my devices into that and I can have power regardless of whether I have sun or not.

The only problem I had with Samsonite was that they do no provide a USB car adapter, therefore I had to purchase my own to use with my iDevices.

The Compartments

The Solar Backpack is a treasure trove of pockets. The Backpack consists of three main compartments ranging to the largest, which can accommodate a laptop up to 15.9 inches along with some books, to the smallest front panel which is great for storing all of those gadgets. On the outside you will find a side zippered pocket as well as a mesh water bottle holder, both of which are good sized. The only problem I have noticed with the compartments is that there is no hole in the front one to feed a charging cable out to a device or headphones from a charging device to my ears.

The Solar Panel                                    

I thought I would breifely mention the quality of the solar panel. It is flexible and durable, and it appears that it will be able to withstand a beating, which is good especially if you are a frequent traveler and choose to use this bag as your carry on. The only problem I have noticed is that the both the solar panel and the backpack get quite hot, expectantly so, considering they are black and sitting out in the sun. I just worry that a laptop might get overheated in these conditions, so be careful.

 The Overall

Overall the Samsonite Solar Powered Backpack is a great product. It is very spacious and comfortable as well as durable. The solar technology works great at topping up my devices and I take comfort in the fact that I can now venture outside without having to worry about dead batteries. The only problems I had were the lack of an adapter as well as a headphone hole and, the excessive absorption of heat. The Solar Powered Backpack can be purchased HERE originally for $300, but right now it is ON SALE FOR $134.99!! So get it while its hot! I give it 4.5 Stars because of the minor problems.

Did you get it? Have an app or product you want me to review? Let me know in the comments below.

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