Click to View

Although handheld technology consistently improves with faster and smaller devices, one area notoriously lags behind, the battery: Leaving many of us always on the look out for an outlet.

A company called Eclipse Solar Gear's recently unveiled a solution to help mobile device users of all stripes keep their devices juiced—at least if you live in a climate with a good amount of daylight. That’s because Eclipse leverages the most powerful of energy generators, the Sun.

The Solar Backpack—designed to appeal young people and hikers—trickle charges the batteries of many types and brands of electronics, including cell phones, PDAs, smartphones, handheld GPS units, and some MP3 players. It can basically charge anything you can plug into your car using a 12V auto adapter via an integrated solar panel.

The panel provides up to 2.5 Watts of power with no extra deployment or effort required other than plugging in your device. The company says it is made of durable 1680 Denier Nylon and constructed to protect and power personal electronics and other items.

There is also a padded waist-belt, mesh ventilated padded back panel, contoured and padded shoulder straps, removable padded laptop case, organizer pockets, accessory pockets, water bottle pockets, MP3 pouch with a headphone portal exit, reflective features for nighttime visibility, and a key-ring lanyard with clip.

Eclipse sells the Solar Backpack for $129. It plans to release more products, including a Messenger Backpack, later this month.