We’re having great discussions with folks here at PopTech about how and where the FLAP can be used. We started this thread to facilitate the conversation, so let us know what you think! The more feedback we get and the more interest we drum up, the more we can improve the product and the better chance we’ll have to bring it to market (i.e. you!).
This particular woman thinks she’d use the FLAP as a hat. . .
Charles works for The Portable Light Project, Timbuk2’s partner on the FLAP Bag. In the images below, Charles is showing off how the FLAP bag’s LED can be worn on-strap to light the way, rather than just illuminating a space. Bike Messengers may be into this.
Don’t need a light? The FLAP bag is rigged with a USB port which enables you to charge USB-compatible devices like cameras and cell phones. If you don’t want or need to charge a device, the solar panels will hold the charge for later use or to power the bag’s attached LED light. See the FLAP in action below.
The FLAP’s LED light used on-strap. May be a hit for bike messengers.
The FLAP’s LED light is incredibly bright. You can reflect it off the FLAP itself for diffuse light or use it as a direct light.
We sold more than 50 4 watt solar panels at PopTech this morning in less than 15 minutes. And they’re lining up again. . . we only have 10 left. Great progress! The interest in the FLAP bag is encouraging; we need this demand and interest to be able to bring the FLAP bag to large-scale production. Even Erik Hersman, founder of AfriGadget, stopped by to buy a FLAP. Exciting! Want to buy a FLAP bag? Fill out this inquiry form and return it to flap@poptech.org.
4 Watt Bag on a new owner
The morning rush for FLAPs at PopTech
Erik Hersman, buying a FLAP bag
Daraja Academy is an all girls secondary school in Kenya. Daraja uses generators to power their school and due to high costs, they turn the generators off at night. While the savings are necessary for the school, the darkness makes it difficult for the girls to study at night. So Timbuk2 sent two FLAP bags to the Daraja Academy to see if the bags would be useful for Daraja’s students. The Daraja team was put together the video below to show the FLAP bags were indeed useful on campus. Daraja’s feedback is incredibly helpful in making the FLAP bag a more useful and efficient source of portable light.
Timbuk2 Solar Bags at Daraja Academy from Mark Lukach on Vimeo.
The FLAP bags have arrived in Camden, Maine for the annual PopTech Conference. This morning we tested and assembled the FLAP bags and they work! They look pretty slick too. Learn more about the FLAP bags here or share your FLAP thoughts here.
FLAP bag testing. The solar panels and LED lights work!
FLAP bag assembly.
Wired recently reported on the HEPAV (Human Powered Electric Amphibious Vehicle), otherwise know as a bike-kayak love child. The Czech inventor, David Buchwaldek, created this recumbent bike to enable people to peddle their way across rivers. Finally, someone has solved the river-crossing problem!
Actually, I wouldn’t mind riding a Hepav home on this rainy San Francisco day . . .
amphibian velomobile from Jan Jan on Vimeo.
The New York Times Magazine recently reported on the trend of super high end hotels offering bicycles to guests for luxurious cruising on holidates. The article explained, “Bye-bye, Bentley — the latest hotel amenity on wheels is the bicycle.” Guests should refer to the New York Times style tips on what to wear while riding borrowed bicycles. What if your hotel doesn’t offer bikes? Rentabikenow.com to the rescue!
Photo courtesy of AARON FARLEY/GETTY IMAGES. NYT Magazine 9/27/2009
In Athens paying homage to the cradle of my civilization. As an artist it feels a little weird and humbling with my canvas T2 bag I painted. I have studies this architecture in great detail in art school and now here it it….Had to snap the photo fast so as not to alert the angry guard ladies with their whistles and stray dogs.
Here, my bag and I are dreaming of Electra in the Theater of Dionysus.
Last night we kicked of Timbuk2 Bar Week by sewing fanny packs and giving away Dolores Chiller’s at the Blue Light on Union. Tonight we’ll be doing much of the same at Swig from 6 ‘o clock.
Timbuk2 team and fans at the Blue Light on Union. Fans include Sergio Rodriguez, Holden Hardcastle, and Sallyanne English
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