Summer is almost upon us, and if you’re not lucky enough to live somewhere sub-tropical, it’s time to get outside. The yearly exodus into the great outdoors is something most of us enjoy. The chance to get some fresh air, spend time in the sun and relax a little.
This year we have a bevy of solar camping lights, fairy lights and other toys to make your time outside a little more enjoyable. I’ll run over a few of them here. I won’t mention manufacturers because I’m not selling them. I just want everyone to enjoy solar powered toys as I do.
First up are the inimitable solar camping lights. I know I talk about these a lot, but they are one of the most useful implementations of solar power I can think of. The new versions of these solar camping lights now come with remote controls so you don’t even have to get out of your sleeping bag to turn them off.
They are ideal for enjoying a piece of home comfort while out in nature. They don’t pollute, they don’t make noise, the light isn’t too bright, and they could last for years with absolutely no maintenance whatsoever.
With festival season on the way too, these solar camping lights and solar string lights are the ideal adornment for your tent as you enjoy a weekend of frivolity and music. What better way to find your tent in a sea of them than having a solar lantern shining like a beacon in the night.
Just remember to fasten it to the tent, or have it just under the canvas so it doesn’t get stolen!
Solar powered radios are also emerging as a realistic technology to brighten up summer days. Some are wind-up radios with solar panels to add power, others are dedicated solar devices. Both are eminently useful, don’t need external batteries and provide a decent signal strength to pick up your favorite station.
Solar phone chargers are also handy to have around if you absolutely must stay in touch. Just because you’re outside doesn’t mean you can’t use your smart phone or iPod. Just leave them out in the sunshine for a while and they will keep your batteries charged all day long.
Solar fairy lights are the last solar powered toy we’ll touch on today. They are ideal for parties or dining outside. String them up all over the place, make sure the panel has access to light, and enjoy hours of fairy light magic during the evening. They are ideal for creating a relaxed atmosphere and for lighting the area when it gets dark.
As each year progresses, so does technology. While I did explore most of these toys, especially solar camping lights, they have developed further. Each seems better quality, more robust, versatile and have a longer battery life than before. Of course that might just be me, but they do seem more enjoyable this time round.
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