Blue Freedom from Power Cables

Outdoor enthusiasts have been adopting portable solar panels for a while now. The technology advanced enough to minimize cost and maximize charging capabilities, but, in reality, solar panels are rather inefficient for generating electricity, converting only 15 percent of the sun’s potential energy into a current.

© Blue Freedom | Hydropower

Hydropower on the other hand can transform up to 90 percent of the water’s energy, and Blue Freedom hopes to let outdoorsmen take advantage of that. Its portable floating turbine is capable of charging an iPhone 6 in one to two hours, which is much faster than the best portable solar panels on the market. If you don’t want to use the USB connection, Blue Freedom Hydropower has an internal 5,000 mAh power bank.

© Blue Freedom | Hydropower

The device is designed to steadily float in moving water, adapting to shifting currents so you can leave it alone while it generates electricity. It can survive in temperatures ranging from 41 to 104 degrees, and can function in altitudes up to 16,400 feet. Most important, though, is its size. The device is small enough to fit in a backpack, making it a convenient and more efficient alternative to a solar panel.

After a successful Kickstarter campaign, Blue Freedom is now available from the website for $319.