While we love the idea of getting our energy straight from the sun, solar is “still a little on the cost-prohibitive side for most people to implement on a larger scale (like with a flock of panels on the roof, for example),” as Treehugger blogger Collin Dunn notes in a recent post. But for small-scale solar power, there’s a bunch of neat new gadgets like Voltaic Backpack that can charge your cell phone, iPod, and other devices when you’re on the move. In its original review of the Voltaic, Treehugger praised the solar-panel-embedded backpack as a “true mobile power source” that’s “just as useful in the city as off the grid.” What’s more, it “helps promote the wonders of solar power,” says Treehugger.

ThisNexters rlsally and David have both picked up the pack, with the former raving that it’s “a great way to carry your gear and stay charged with solar power.” For David, the Voltaic marks “the ultimate in geekwear. It can power your phone but more often than not it powers conversation.”

We all have our dreams. Some are just more unique than others. Take Paul at (At Least) One Cool Thing, for instance: “I’ve often said that if I am ever obscenely wealthy,” he writes in a recent post, “one of my eccentricities will be to never wear the same pair of socks twice. There is something about the new sock feel that puts an extra spring in your step.” Paul’s dream sock of choice is Thorlo athletic socks, which “retain that new sock feel even after dozen of washings.” Our own Gordon is a Thorlo fan as well, as evidenced by his Running Crew Socks shopcast (“A run without my Thorlos is always a bit sketchy, often ends in blisters,” Gordon points out).

...continued: ThisNext will knock your socks off

“Having a bad day at work?” asks NorCal hiking blogger Calipidder. “Google Evolution Basin, or LeConte canyon, or Muir Pass, of the Golden Staircase, or Rae Lakes, and pretend you’re there.” Or you could just check out Calipidder’s picture posts of her excursions around places like the Cottonwood Lakes, Tahoe National Forest, and the John Muir Trail. The inspiration’s mighty valuable, as are Calipidder’s occasional product picks - including, most recently, her “bright shiny new long handled titanium spoon from Backpackinglight.com.” Created to fulfill all your “meal-in-a-bag” backpacking needs, the spoon features ergonomic design and 8.375-inch-long handle.

Calling all hikers, backpackers, and other nature-lovers who live for exploring the outdoors on foot: Andy Howell at Must Be This Way has just set up WikiTrek, a “public domain Wiki that deals with all things hiking/backpacking, etc.” Created to cover walks and treks throughout the globe, WikiTrek needs lots of you-generated content about favorite excursions, gear, cafes, and so on. Click your way to the main page and get going on building what Andy hopes to be a “great resource for walkers and trekkers everywhere.”

When it comes to product reviews, there are few accolades higher than the old “I gotta calm down or I’m gonna go pee myself” (recently exclaimed by Spence at Two-Thirds The Venture). The object of her excitement? The Triathlon Backpack by Rocket Science Sports, a dream birthday gift for any triathlete. Built to satisfy all your running/swimming/biking needs, the backpack features a helmet compartment, ventilation-promoting padded back, rain cover, and multiple compartments to house all your triathlon gear.

NetSweat Fitness Blog’s advice to those taking their workouts outside this summer: Drink up! Whether you’re biking or hiking or even headed out on a lengthy stroll, bring along fluids aplenty so you don’t risk dehydration. NetSweat recommends the CamelBak MULE Hydration Pack, which features a 100-ounce reservoir and ample room for packing sunscreen and snacks.