Products: Reviews
Silva Solar I AA Battery Charger
They say: “The Silva Solar I AA Battery Charger is a high-performance solar AA battery charger designed specifically for the outdoor person. The weather-proof design along with strap holes for attaching to rucksacks makes the Silva Solar I a must-have accessory to keep you on the move. Whether it's a GPS, headtorch, CD player or any other device that takes AA batteries, the Silva Solar I is the ideal solution for keeping your batteries charged, allowing you to get out there and enjoy the great outdoors.”
LFTO.com says: “This solar panel is designed to charge two or four AA batteries, which is what most headtorches and GPS receivers use. The weather-proof casing can be attached to the lid of your rucksack so you can charge batteries during the day while on the move. It comes with a battery holder and a set of straps so that it can be stuck to the inside of a window. It has a lower power output and is relatively large. Also there is no protective casing, so you might need to protect it when it’s in your rucksack. It comes supplied with a housing to store your batteries while they charge. The ability to strap this to your rucksack is a real bonus though, and it’s probably the main reason for choosing it.” Verdict: “Best for strapping to your rucksack and recharging your AA batteries.”
LFTO.com rating: 3/5
Price paid: £40
www.silva.se
Tap Pure Water Filter Bottle They say:“Purifies and filters water instantly up to 1,600l. Squeeze gently to provide water on demand. Useful for washing grazes, brushing teeth, pouring and filling other bottles/containers.”
LFTO.com says: The Drinksafe Systems Travel Tap Pure Water Filter Bottle is an attractively priced option that’s very convenient for swigging from during a walk. It’s extremely simple to use; just remove the cap, fill with water from a stream, pop the lid back on and squeeze the bottle to force the water through its spout. The filtration takes place as the water passes through the cap and has been shown to be effective against bacteria, parasites and viruses. The Environment Agency has tested it, and units have even been supplied to Haiti Disaster Relief. The bottle comes with a carrier and shoulder strap so you can have it ready at all times. But like other filter systems of this type, it’s not so good for dealing with large quantities of water. Also, as there’s no pre- filter, it’s recommended that you take a little more care when collecting, as really dirty water will clog the internal filter and reduce the unit’s longevity.” Verdict: “An extremely well-priced drinks bottle that’s ideal for drinking with confidence on the move.”
LFTO.com rating: 3/5 Price paid: £25
www.drinksafe-systems.co.uk 30 Drinksafe SystemsTravel Gregory Z65
They say: “The Z65 boasts a newly designed, beefed up waist belt that effectively transfers the load off of your back and onto your hips for maximum comfort on the trail.”
LFTO.com says: “The Gregory Z65 is a ‘bells and whistles’ pack festooned with pockets, zips and straps, and sporting a complex, venting back system that offers a novel hip angle adjustment. The Z65 is a wide pack that forms a kind of tortoise-shell shape on your back. This is partly to provide space for the ‘Jetstream LTS’ back system, which offers a space in the middle of your back for ventilation and intrudes on the volume of the main compartment. Beneath this is a substantial waist belt, with a couple of snack pockets, that’s adjustable for small, medium and large waists. On the sides you get excellent mesh pockets and good compression/attachment straps with clips, plus there’s an exit point on either side for the hydration system. On the back is a large pocket with centralised zip access, along with a long curving zip that allows you to open up the main compartment like a suitcase. The large zip on the front of the pack offered useful access to the main compartment and was appreciated when at camp, and it also functioned well as another pocket when walking. It did let rain into the pack, however. The biggest problem I had was the ‘Jetstream’ bulge in the back system. Combined with the overall tortoise-shell shape, it meant it was impossible to get the Z65 to feel balanced.” Verdict: “The Gregory Z65 has good, easily accessible pockets; feels well- made; lots of features; great side compression straps and mesh wand pockets; handy hip belt pockets; and good access to the main compartment. But it’s hard to position weight to create a stable carry; has a fussy design; the main compartment zip leaks in heavy rain; and it is expensive for what you get. Overall, it’s a pack with lots of pockets and straps for attachment that’s well- ventilated, well-made and offers good access and packing. Unfortunately it feels unbalanced when carrying heavy loads.”
LFTO.com rating: 3/5 Price paid: £160
www.gregorypacks.com
RewarePowerPocket 12W
They say: “At more than 12W, this is our largest personal power unit. Folds up into a tight package that can be stored anywhere from a backpack to the trunk of your car.”
LFTO.com says: “When opened out this unit has eight solar panels spread across its 67 x 44cm design, yet it packs really small concertina- wise. At 360g it is a reasonable weight too when you consider the 12W output. The panels are flexible, unlike the lowest-priced options, while the folding design means the solar panels are protected from being scratched. A bunch of cables allow this unit to plug into the standard 12V connectors, and you can even use it to charge your car battery thanks to a pair of clamps. On the hill it’s too large to easily dangle from your rucksack, so this is best kept for static use at campsites, bothies or bivvies.” Verdict: “Best for travelling relatively light while maintain lots of recharging power.”
LFTO.com rating: 5/5 Price paid: £220
www.rewarestore.com Reviews courtesy of Trail magazine and
LFTO.com www.sgboutdoor.co.uk
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