I happened across this post on a UK blog about a folding-panel solar recharging kit and it made me wonder if anybody actually uses such a thing on the trail. It sounds like one of those “great ideas” that people never get around to checking out. Here’s a collection of reviews at Backpackgeartest.org discussing one Coleman model; the gist I get is that it’s more trouble (and a lot more weight) than it’s worth.

I can see where somebody might pack a GPS as a “just in case I get hopelessly lost” precaution and have the solar setup as a backup, but it seems like carrying a few extra alkaline batteries would be just as effective.