Years and years ago I used to have a photographer’s vest. It was very stylish blue denim with more pockets than I could fill with my modest gear. Trouble was I didn’t have the nerve to wear it outside, and I think it might be the same with this Solar Vest (CVFR-S09).

It’s a relatively ordinary looking, waterproof vest except for the four solar cells and the words “Solar Vest” sewn onto the back. The cells recharge a huge capacity 8.8Ah battery pack stored in the left hand pocket. The battery can output 5V, 6V, 9V and 12-20V, the upshot being that you can charge anything from iPod Shuffles to laptop batteries. There are 8 power adapter tips and 7 connectors (Nokia 2/3.5mm, SonyEricsson large/small, Samsung, micro and mini USB.

The solar cells can also be removed from the vest and left out to charge if you’re headed somewhere dark. Oh and for Pete’s sake, don’t even think about wearing this thing on a plane or you’ll wind up somewhere very comfortable. US$126.

The CVFR-S09 Solar Vest is designed for your comfort and convenience. It comes with big storage pockets for holding tools or camera equipment and includes a battery pack + cables and connectors for all of today’s popular portable electronics. The vest’s canvas is soft but durable and the stitching is second to none. The vest’s 4 solar panels are laminated to be truly weatherproof, so you don’t have to change this vest just because the weather is bad. You can also detach the solar panels and place them in sunlight while you are working inside a cave or shaded terrain.

Tags: gadget, usb, photography eco+gadget,chinavasion, solar+vest, solar+recharging+vest, solar+charger, solar+photographers+vest