Voltaic Systems Converter Review

We like:

The built-in battery; the drool-worthy design; the useful array of bundled adapters; the recycled fabric; that it's relatively cheap

We don't like:

Its incredibly limited carrying capacity; the lack of UK distributors

SmartPlanet judgement:

We like solar bags, and this is one of the cream of the crop. It's relatively cheap as far as solar backpacks go, and Voltaic's experience -- it started making them in 2004 -- shows in the small details. The bag's manufactured to a high standard down to the zips and stitching, the built-in battery means it can keep going at night and the supplied adapters for your gadgets are comprehensive. Green travellers looking for a weekend bag or local shoppers hunting for a groceries bag will do better with the larger and more expensive Backpack model from Voltaic, but otherwise we recommend the Converter wholeheartedly.

Solar bags have been kicking around for three years now, but the reason your average high street's not jostling with photovoltaic cells generating clean green electricity is simple -- price. You'd have been lucky to get change from £150 for most solar bags so far. The Converter, by contrast, is just £100 -- not quite a bargain by anyone's standard, but cheaper nonetheless. Continue reading...

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