Whether you're a bustling urbanite or a happy camper (or both) your portable devices need to be charged. The New York City based company Voltaic provides the solution in the form of bags that double as mobile power generators. Three solar panels grace the bags and generate up to 4 watts of power, allowing you to recharge most small electronic devices including: cell phones, cameras, two way radios, PDA's, and MP3s. Unfortunately the bags won't charge your laptop.

 

The award winning bags come with eleven standard adaptors for common cell phones and other devices and a full range of optional adaptors are available on the website. Best of all, is the battery pack containing a 2,200mAh Lithium Ion battery, a voltage converter, built in LED torch and charge indicator. It clips inside the back pocket of the bag and allows you to save the juice for later. In case the forecast is really gray, the battery pack can also be charged using an AC travel charger or car charger (both included).

 

Currently Voltaic offers 4 different models, Backpack, Daypack, Pouch and Messenger and you can customize your bag by choosing the color of the solar panels – silver, orange, green or charcoal.  Regardless of which you choose, curious random strangers will stop you and ask "are those solar panels?" giving you an excellent opportunity to speak to the virtues of renewable energy sources.