While it’s true that many of us hit the trails to get away from the technology, there’s no denying that more and more electronics are finding their way into our packs for various functions. GPS units for accurate navigating, cell phones for emergency situations, etc. The problem is, packing electronics means packing plenty of extra batteries – at least, it used to. Brunton, pioneers of portable solar power, have launched the most efficient and compact integrated solar charger available in the new Brunton Restore. Unlike other solar panels that require you to unroll a panel and hook up your device, the Brunton Restore acts as both a portable power storage unit and a solar generator, meaning once its charged, the Restore’s power is on tap anytime. Think of it as an external rechargeable battery that you can recharge with the sun and then use to power anything you need, any time. It’s an ingenious design, and it makes powering your various gadgets a breeze on a multi-day excursion.
In addtion to its solar charging capabilities, the Brunton Restore can also be charged using conventional means. There’s a standard USB port that allows charging via you computer, or you can use a standard wall outlet or car charger to fill the Restore’s battery. To ensure compatibility with a wide array of devices, there’s also a mini USB adapter included as well.
In terms of real world performance, with a full charge, the Brunton Restore managed to charge my iPhone 3 times, and I would expect similar performance for most other phones and/or MP3 players. Once the Restore’s battery is depleted, it takes about a day to recharge it via the solar panels with direct sunlight. On overcast days, recharge time goes up rather significantly – but the Restore still has no problem generating enough power for a variety of tasks, including charging your phone. In all likelihood, if you’re on a multi-day excursion, you’re not out spending 6 hours a day on your phone, so the Brunto Restore really provides ample power for most real world situations. Most importantly, in the event you ever need power, you’ll always have a direct way to get it.
Other features of the Brunton Restore include:
- A water resistant, durable rubberized shell
- Internal rechargeable lithium polymer
- Power gauge and auto shut-off
- Two (2) 100 mA polycrystalline solar panels
- 2,200 mAh battery storage
- Output of 1,000 mA / 5V (USB 2.0 compatible)
- Dimensions: 3″ x 5.75″ x 1.13″
- Weight: 7.2 oz
With an MSRP of $125, the Brunto Restore is a fantastic way to have an infinite amount of power at your disposal any time you hit the trails. You can learn more about the Brunto Restore at Brunton.com or buy now from Amazon.com, currently for only 
.
