Devices, wearables incorporating solar
Sangean’s MMR-88 emergency alert solar hand-crank USB AM/FM portable radio is a rugged digital AM/FM Public Alert certified radio with three charging modes (hand crank, USB or solar power). It broadcasts alerts of severe weather warnings and has a built-in adjustable LED flashlight and loud emergency buzzer.
The Solar Bank from Xtreme is a ruggedized, weatherproof 5,000 mAh portable charger for handheld devices. It has two USB ports and comes in three colors: black, red and blue.
Secur’s Waterproof Solar/Dynamo LED flashlight never needs batteries. It is charged by a built-in cranking dynamo generator or an integrated solar panel. The emergency flashlight has high-power LEDs and is waterproof to 45 feet. Designed for continued use in storms, floods and other disasters, it is ideal for camping, boating, hunting and backpacking. It retails for $22.99.
ThermalTech fabric is designed to capture the sun’s ultraviolet rays, as well as energy from artificial light sources, and transform them into heat to warm wearers up to an additional 18 degrees in a matter of minutes. The stainless-steel mesh fabric threads are strong yet lightweight, lending to extended lifetime use, while its paper-thin design reduces the additional weight that heat-storing materials typically bring to outerwear. The first ThermalTech jackets are expected to reach the market this year.
Allsop’s Glow is a solar-powered10-inch round festival lantern that opens accordion style. It is constructed of heavy-duty nylon for outdoor use and available in multiple colors/ patterns with white LED. Also included: a stainless-steel hanging handle, one AAA rechargeable battery, photo light sensor and on/off power switch. Available now, Glow lanterns are priced between $14.99 and $19.99.
Lifepack is a solar-powered anti-theft backpack with: a solar USB charger and portable speaker; an integrated cable lock that doubles as a bottle opener; proprietary Workzone mobile office and Lifezone mobile wardrobe compartments; lockable zippers; and two hidden strap pockets and two hidden back pockets. The Lifepack’s design was inspired when the company founder’s girlfriend’s bag was stolen from right under their noses while having a coffee. Inside the bag was her laptop, work stuff and Bluetooth speakers, which he had just bought her as a gift.
