Portable PowerPac

We’ve seen a number of systems that allow a bicycle to charge up devices on the go. These typically feature a dynamo but not Ideso has introduced the PowerPac, which works much like larger stationary bike power systems. This device, which recently found the Red Dot “Best of the Best 2012” Design Award, could be the world’s first product to offer removable power storage.

Previously the systems required a cyclist to ride a stationary bike and act much like a generator. This provided power but it wasn’t very portable. The other solution is to mount the dynamo to the bike and juice up a device while going somewhere. The PowerPac seems to be a little of each, and after riding for about 80 minutes or so the battery is what can travel, offering enough power to be used to fully charge or power a smartphone, computer, tablet, camera or other devices. Continue reading Portable PowerPac

Pin Lights the Night

Camping in the backyard means there is likely no shortage of light, but real camping out in the wilds probably means that when the sun goes down and the camp fire goes out things can be a bit dark. For those not familiar with their location this can be a bit dangerous in the night – such as when answering nature’s call.

But Pin Light, which was designed by Jung Su, Kim Dong Hwan, Yoon Ji Soo and Yoon Jae Sun and won a RedDot design concept award, is a simple concept that will help light the way at night. Essentially the Pin Light is tent stakes with built-in LED lights. As with the type of LED lights that are used to provide some illumination around a garden these are juiced up via the solar panels. While still in development these Pin Lights might make sure a trip to relieve one’s self doesn’t result in a trip over a tent line.

[Via RedDot: Red Dot Winners]