Zeal Optics Reliant Solar Powered Backpack

I got this pack from TheClymb for a nice little discounted price. Figured I could add another pack to the collection for the price, PLUS, when I saw it had a solar panel, I HAD to have it. (or at least try it out) Here are the features from this pack presented by Zeal.

Reliant Solar Zeal Optics Backpack

1000 denier ripstop nylon body

Lightweight, thin-film photovoltaic material

Patented photo-reactive materials made from conductive polymers & organic nano-engineered materials

Reacts with both indoor and outdoor light

Low-cost source of renewable energy

Green sustainable and organic plastic

solar panel is fully recyclable

MOL-P08 Battery Characteristics

Lithium Polymer Battery 1500mAH

The MOL-P08 uses Mini USB for charging

Auto charging self contained battery

Also Chargeable from computers USB port

Mobile Device Charging Ability

Goggle size top compartment is perfect for Transcend GPS goggle

Organic Plastic Solar Panel

Supercool ventilated padded back & straps

Hydration system compatible

Easy grab haul loop

Side compression/ski carry straps

Padded hip belt

Storage for ice axe, probe, beacon & ski’s

Front shock and cord carrying system

Adjustable chest strap

Padded wind and tunnel backsystem

Adjustable waist belt

Rubberized waterproof bottom

Zipped front pocket

Mesh side bottle pockets

Top load – quick snug closure system

Removable solar panel goes with you anywhere

21 liter / 1280 cu in / 3 lb w/o battery

BLAH BLAH BLAH

So what do I think?

PROS

Amount of compartments. There are more than enough pockets to fit anything that you may need for some outdoor/travel needs. The side pocket is nice but it is not very deep and you can squeeze in a water bottle. Hydration compatible. The Solar Panel. C'mon this alone is what the pack is even about. Is a nice solar panel size wise. Collects low light as well making charging mp3 players really convenient when out on a trail, or going on a plane. Back ventilator. Nice to not have sweaty back!

CONS

Lacks comfort. The padding on the arms are very basic with very little padding on it. Fit is a little weird. It sits really high on my back so the waist band is being cinched up past my belly button. Hydration compatible but not big enough for it. Yes, nice feature, but it is an inconvenience trying to fit a bladder in it. It just swishes around with everything else in the pack.

RECOMMENDED

Eh? Maybe? I would not use this pack other than bike riding, hiking, snowboarding (if you are not hiking somewhere) or everyday use. The only reason I support this is the solar panel. It is very handy to be able to charge my phone and my mp3 player when they die. Also, you can just leave your mp3 plugged in, so if you go on a long ride by bike, it is guaranteed it is not going to die. But,really, the long battery life of these devices are so long now, do you really NEED it? For you to decide I guess. Here's a little slideshow of the features of this pack...