[AZHikr4444]

This is interesting...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050909/tc_nm/backpack_dc

[Al_HikesAZ]

I saw this in the Arizona Republic this morning. Here is some additional info:
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepubli ... ack09.html

Rome developed the new backpack at the request of the Office of Naval Research, which was looking for ways to reduce the need for service members to carry lots of batteries to power equipment while on duty in Afghanistan.

A company called Lightning Packs LLC has been formed to improve the suspended-load backpack and to develop an ergonomic backpack based on the prototype. Lightning Packs has applied for patents on both inventions.

Rome said he hopes to have the new version ready for testing in six months to a year.

[joe bartels]

I read that yesterday, on the Associated Press, I think they'll need to work on the weight before it's usable.

The electricity-generating frame weighs about 10 pounds, Rome said in a telephone interview. He's working to lighten it, so it will weigh only a couple of pounds more than a standard backpack.

Power generated increases as the load in the backpack gets heavier, he said. Tests ranged from loads of about 40 pounds to about 80 pounds.

even at a couple pounds more I'd rather go with lithum batteries

BTW...what kind of person carries an eighty pound pack a fricken elephant!

[Trishness]

I read that line too about the 80 pounds. I have enough trouble carrying 35 pounds so I guess I'll be carrying those extra AA's at 4 oz!!!

[Al_HikesAZ]

These don't make power while you walk, but if you need power in the field, here are some nifty alternatives.

http://www.diamondbacktactical.com/Sola ... 091C0.aspx
Solarroll™ 14 This next-generation solar device is the ultimate means of powering your equipment in the field. Even though the SolarRoll weighs just 17 ounces, its capable of producing 14 watts of power

http://www.diamondbacktactical.com/Sola ... 092C0.aspx
Solarport 4.4 Whats the point of mobile electronics if you cant take them anywhere? The SolarPort 4.4 is an unbelievably convenient way to recharge and run your portable equipment far away from any power outlets.

http://www.diamondbacktactical.com/Sola ... 090C0.aspx
Solaris™ 25 Tri-Fold Solar Array Convert sunshine into 25 watts of 12V DC power with the Solaris 25. The tri-fold solar array that has the muscle to run all sorts of portable electronics,

[joe bartels]

Solarroll™ = 17 ounces / 14 watts

the Power Walker

It doesn't crank out a lot of juice - just a bit more than 7 watts

Sad part is, the media is gonna make that man rich & that man is gonna break your back

[matt gilbert]

The next thing he should invent is a back straightening device to sell to all the people who are haunched over from using his backpack. Imagine the money making power...

[joe bartels]

no kidding

or perhaps a wheel barrel
yeah, the wheel barrel packer!
hurry patent it quick!

[Al_HikesAZ]

BTW...what kind of person carries an eighty pound pack a fricken elephant!

Joe - these packs are being designed for military extended field operations. You start adding ammo to a pack and it gets real heavy real fast. Most of these guys carry a lot more ammo than we carry (oops did I just start another gun debate)

But I still think most of these guys will balk at a 10lb frame and it sounds too gimmicky to trust in a hostile environment.

[joe bartels]

Good point!

and I think gimmicky sums it up