Are you tired of your devices dying on-the-go? Whether you’re a backpacker, camper, student, or commuter, having access to power is essential. For many purposes today, people rely primarily on their digital devices (yes, even in the wilderness!)
Traditionally, people carried power banks to charge their devices, but the new era has brought with it a renewable alternative: solar backpacks. Today, we will compare solar backpacks and traditional backpacks to help you decide which one meets your needs.
Power capacity
Traditional backpacks have no inbuilt power capacity, so your devices' battery life is determined by what you carry along with you. On the other hand, solar backpacks come equipped with solar panels that can harness sunlight and convert it into energy.
While the power can vary, generally, most solar backpacks exert between 6 to 10 watts in direct sunlight, which can charge most modern devices like smartphones, smartwatches, cameras, and tablets. Moreover, many solar backpacks come with a battery bank that can store energy if you are not under strong sunlight conditions.
Weight and Comfort
Weight and comfort are two essential factors to keep in mind when choosing a backpack. Traditional backpacks prioritize comfort and design over weight. They can have padding on the back panel, shoulder straps, and are made from high-quality materials like leather, Nylon or Polyester.
However, these additional comfort features can add weight to the backpack, which can make wearing it for extended periods uncomfortable.
In contrast, solar backpacks are designed for efficient energy trappings and are usually made from lightweight materials like Nylon. As a result, they are generally lighter than traditional backpacks. However, because they are loaded with solar panels, the weight differences might not be significantly felt.
Price
Price is always a significant factor when deciding between two options. Traditional backpacks tend to be more cost-effective than solar backpacks. Depending on the design, material, and brand, a traditional backpack can cost from under $50 to up to $300.
While solar backpacks come with additional features and environmentally friendly benefits, their prices tend to be higher. Depending on the type, brand, and power capacity, solar backpacks may cost anywhere from $100 to a whopping $500 or more.
Durability
Durability is an essential factor to consider when buying anything. Traditional backpacks are made from materials like leather, Nylon or Polyester, while Solar backpacks are designed around the solar panels. Hence, if the solar panels are not well protected, they can get damaged, affecting the backpack's overall durability.
Nevertheless, many solar backpacks come with waterproof and highly resistant materials to protect the solar panels from any impact. In contrast, traditional backpacks may lack this protective feature, making them more prone to tearing, scuffing, and scratches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Solar backpacks might seem like the future of backpacking and carrying essentials. Still, it comes with additional costs, weight differences, and less material options compared to the more traditional backpacks.
At the end of the day, it boils down to a compromise between convenience and environment-friendliness. It is also essential to keep in mind that solar backpacks rely heavily on sunlight, so they might not be the best option for cloudy days. On the other hand, traditional backpacks can offer a wide range of designs, take more wear and tear, and are generally more affordable.
So, which backpack is for you? It's up to you to decide.