This Spring I’m planning a crazy camping trip with my boyfriend. We’re going to a deserted island with nothing but the necessities. We’re bringing water, a tiny bit of food (just so we don’t starve), and enough clothes and blankets so we don’t freeze. We plan to forage for food in the forest, build a fire for warmth, and just “be” in nature. The one gadget we definitely want to bring, for safety reasons, is a cell phone.
Portable Fuel Cell Charger
This caused a problem for us because a cell phone would not stay charged for the entirety of our trip. We plan to stay a week, and we want a cell phone just in case of an emergency (you never know when a snake may choose to bite you on the foot!). I was considering buying a solar-powered charger, but they really don’t last that long and they depend on sunlight for a charge. What if it rains the whole trip?
Lucky for us portable fuel cell technologies have been developed by a few different companies! A company called MTI has developed a portable fuel cell charger, Mobion. This product can charge multiple types of electronic devices from ipods to cell phones. In fact, one cartridge has enough energy to fully charge a standard cell phone ten times, to last as long a one month! This would be all well and great, but it is not supposed to be on the market until the end of 2009. Grrr!!!
There is, however, another company called Medis which has already developed a portable fuel cell charger, wahoo!! Small, lightweight, and cost effective, the Medis Xtreme Portable Power System provides worry-free, instant power when a user needs it most – anytime, anywhere. The Xtreme System is ideal for business travel, “off-the-power-grid” applications, in-field use, camping, and emergency situations. This product can charge a cell phone for up to 30 hours of talk time, plenty of time if we only need it in case of emergency… and it only costs $50.00 
This will be great for our camping trip!!
My only question is… are fuel cells safe? They seem somewhat risky to me. I did some research and developers say the fuel cell itself is well insulated and safe for consumers. The Fuel Cell Power Pack has a Department of Transportation permit, allowing for it to be used on an airplane. It also bears the UL and CE markings, so you can trust that the product is safe.
