Solar USB charger for backpacks

US-based research group Skajaquoda has launched a flexible solar panel with a USB charger that can be mounted on backpacks, camera straps and even bikes.

The group has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its product and has pledged to raise $15,000 by September 2014.

Sun Strap features a USB charger for smartphones, cameras and tablets. It has a built-in 5600 mAh battery with a 5 V/1 A USB output, LED battery indicator and 5 V/1 A micro USB input. The lightweight charger - weighing 165 grams with a size of 7.6 x 38 cm - is suitable for outdoor activities.

Sun Strap is made from weather- and water-resistant fabric and can be used when hiking, golfing, cycling, travelling; at school; at the beach; at a music festival; or doing outdoor photography.

“When we looked at other solar products we found most of them to be unattractive or inconvenient to carry around or spent most of their time inside a bag away from the sun. We wanted to design something that is always exposed to the sun, charges automatically as you go about your day and is appealing and more comfortable than what currently exists,” said Agust Agustsson, vice president at Skajaquoda.

Skajaquoda hopes to deliver the products in December.