Keeping mobile electronic devices powered up can be difficult for the modern camper and hiker. Generating power from Mother Nature in the form of wind and sun is the preferred option for many, with a number of portable solar and wind generators emerging to fill this need. The latest is Windpax, a collapsible, portable wind turbine system designed to not take up too much space in a backpack.
According to Windpax, the system’s charm is not only its portability but that it’s collapsible, light-weight, adaptable and inexpensive. Looking to raise US$50,000 through a Kickstarter campaign, the Windpax system can generate electricity where solar charging units might lose out, like at night or on cloudy days. It will, however, be useless if there’s no wind.
Capable of generating 25 Watts under “average wind speeds” Windpax claims the Wisp can provide enough juice to power six mobile phones simultaneously. The Wisp’s battery also has an integrated LED to allow it to be used as a flashlight or camp lantern, and can charge three mobile phones when fully charged.
The larger of the two models, the Breeze, is designed more for longer term outings at the cabin or camping. Weighing in at 9 lb (4 kg) the camouflage covered turbine stands upright at 10 ft (3 m) tall when fully assembled, with the wind-catching elements measuring out at 24 in (610 mm). According to Windpax, the Breeze can generate 100 W under average wind conditions and comes with a 12 volt adapter in addition to the supplied USB power connections.
read more original article Gizmag
