Solar flair: Sun-powered tech offers renewable power, comforts of home while in the woods

photo Instapark Mercury 10 solar panels

Tuesday is the first day of autumn and, with the prospect of warm days, cool nights and absurdly colorful foliage just around the corner, plenty of people will load up their backpacks and head into the woods.

In today's increasingly tech-centric, digitally connected society, however, some would-be campers might find themselves torn between a desire to reconnect with nature and a fear of disconnecting from their devices.

But with more companies creating devices that take advantage of solar power as a clean, limitless source of energy, there is plenty of outdoor gear available to make roughing it a smoother experience without the need to lug around batteries or generators.

Before you throw the following devices in your pack and pile into the car, however, it's probably a good idea to check the forecast to make sure the sun will actually put in an appearance.

Contact Casey Phillips at cphillips@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6205. Follow him on Twitter at @PhillipsCTFP.

[Note: Prices reflect manufacturer's suggestion and may be different at various retailers.]Luci Inflatable Solar LanternThe problem: The sun just went down, and you were right in the middle of your novel. You must know what happens to Harry Potter. You must!The solar solution: After eight hours in the sun, a fully charged Luci Inflatable Solar Lantern by MPOWERD can illuminate up to 10 square feet for 12 hours, courtesy of a ring of LED bulbs in its base. Two brightness settings are available as well as a flashing pattern for emergencies. The lantern is shatter- and waterproof and, at only four ounces, it won't weigh down your pack.Price: $15Website: mpowered.com•••Eton Rugged Rukus Stereo SpeakerThe problem: Before committing to this trip, you hadn't realized birds were quite so loud. You'd much rather listen to The Byrds. Or perhaps A Flock of Seagulls.The solar solution: Escape the tyranny of Mother Nature's soundtrack -- and wires -- with the Eton Rugged Rukus solar-powered stereo speaker. After charging for five hours using the built-in solar panel, pair it wirelessly to any Bluetooth-equipped device for eight hours of tunes. The Rukus is a survivor, too, with a water-resistant exterior and a drop protection rating for falls up to 3.3 feet. While jamming out, charge a smartphone or similar device using the speaker's USB port.Price: $100Website: etoncorp.com•••SteriPEN FreedomThe problem: You're feeling parched, your water bottle is empty, but you seem to remember someone advising against drinking straight from a pond.The solar solution: If you're away from a campfire and can't boil your water, the SteriPEN Freedom offers a lightweight portable water purification alternative. After 48 seconds of stirring with its germ-killing, ultraviolet light, the SteriPEN will eliminate 99.9 percent of microorganisms linked to water-borne illnesses. On a full charge, it can treat the contents of the included 1/2-liter bottle 40 times and can be recharged via a micro-USB cable attached to the included solar panel.Price: $130 (includes purifier, solar panel, USB cable, bottle, AC adapter and carrying case)Website: steripen.com•••Instapark Mercury 10The problem: Your phone just ran out of juice, and you're missing important Facebook updates. Also, "Candy Crush Saga."The solar solution: There are many portable solar panels aimed at campers and backpackers, but reviewers at Outdoor Gear Lab suggest the best deal for the money is the Instapark Mercury 10. Although it doesn't have internal power storage, the Instapark can simultaneously charge two USB-powered devices, such as smartphones and tablets, while on the trail. The reviewers also praised its light weight compared to other 10-watt panels, and its ability to continue powering even when clouds or other temporary obstructions block the sun's rays.Price: $100Website: instapark.com•••Seattle Sports Solar Pocket ShowerThe problem: You've been at camp for three days now, and your ... aroma is so distinct even the bears have started wrinkling their noses in disgust.The solar solution: More "solar-heated" than "solar-powered," after several hours in direct sunlight the Seattle Sports Solar Pocket Shower will provide up to five gallons -- or several minutes -- of hot-tub temperature water to wash all the nature off yourself. The shower's tapered design concentrates water through the attached push-pull shower head for better flow rate. Not for the weak-of-arm, the shower weighs one-half pound when empty but, at capacity, it tips the scales at 40 pounds. For colder climates or expert showerers, smaller capacity bags also are available that offer shorter showers but heat up faster.Price: $28-$30 (sizes range from 2.5 to 5 gallons)Website: seattlesportsco.com•••••Sunflair Solar OvenThe problem: You can't start a fire, and the prospect of dining on cold beans and lukewarm Spam is getting you down.The solar solution: Harness the power of sunlight to heat foods up to a more civilized temperature with the Sunflair Solar Oven. The oven is foldable and weighs three pounds, including its cooking accessories. Unfolded and placed in direct sunlight, its insulated, reflective interior lining can reach temperatures up to 260 degrees. In Chattanooga, which is below the manufacturer's recommended 40 degrees latitude, the Sunflair can be used year-round. Further north, campsite chefs will see the best results in spring, summer and fall.Price: $110 (includes oven, two collapsible silicone pots, a cooking rack, a baking tray, a thermometer and a carrying bag)Website: sunflair.net

photo Luci inflatable solar lantern
photo Steripen Freedom water purifier
photo Seattle Sports solar pocket shower
photo Sunflair solar oven

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