Getting away from the city and into nature is a powerful way to recharge, lower stress levels, and connect with the environment. Hiking, long distance running, or simple nature walks all provide a range of health benefits, and can build cardiovascular health as well as burn away unwanted body fat.
While disconnecting from modern society on occasion is essential in maintaining psychological balance, many outdoors enthusiasts choose to take modern technology with them in the form of smartphones or fitness wearables. Smartphones now offer high powered integrated cameras that are perfect for taking quick shots of the natural environment, and provide a critical connection to emergency services.
Fitness trackers and wearable tech also provides outdoors and fitness enthusiasts with the ability to track their movement, counting steps taken, distance traveled, and in the case of the latest generation of wearables, even offering GPS mapping functionality.
Keeping your devices charged while off the beaten track can be difficult, however. Battery packs offer a viable solution to keeping energy-intensive devices charged while hiking or walking, but are bulky and represent a significant amount of weight in the limited space of a daypack or camping gear. Solar chargers present the same issue, with bulky solar frames hard to carry around and slow to charge devices.
A highly innovative new charging solution harnesses the energy created from the motion of walking, charging smartphones and devices through a unique piezoelectric plate that converts kinetic energy into electricity. StepCharge offers outdoors enthusiasts a range of human-powered charging devices that can deliver energy on the move.
In this article, we’ll check out the StepCharge range and find out what it offers to help you determine whether it can help you stay connected while traversing the outdoors environment.
What Is StepCharge?
StepCharge is a new charging solution that is able to convert the micro-movements of a user into electrical energy to charge a smartphone or any other digital device. A single one-hour walk while wearing StepCharge products delivers more than three hours of smartphone charge, with no need to carry bulky batteries or solar arrays.
The StepCharge solution is completely independent from the power plug, and never needs to be charged- instead, the StepCharge platform converts kinetic energy generated from the feet striking the ground into usable electrical energy. StepCharge products are weather-resistant, waterproof, and can be used in even the most extreme outdoors environments.
The StepCharge Range
StepCharge offer three different charging solutions that all integrate the same advanced power generation technology. We’ll proceed to break down the range and find out what each product offers.
Energy Generating Insoles
StepCharge Energy Generating Insoles are the simplest solution offered by the brand, and consists of comfortable memory foam insoles that are placed inside of shoes. Each insole is constructed from multiple layers of memory foam complete with a silicon heel cup for maximum comfort.
StepCharge Energy Generating Insoles are covered by a comprehensive two year warranty, and can be custom tailored to fit any show. The Energy Generating Insoles from StepCharge have been designed to fit all major brands of hiking shoes, but can be tailored by StepCharge before shipping to meet specific requirements.
Each insole weighs in at just 150 grams, and measures in at 35cm by 11cm, with just 1cm thickness. Sizes from EU 35-48 are available, which translates to US 4-15. Inside the insole is a super-thin battery pack that can be removed and used to charge any micro-USB charging device.
Importantly, the Energy Generating Insoles are covered by a 30 day 100% money back guarantee that provides consumers with the ability to try the product at no financial risk. The insoles are also 100% waterproof and have been subjected to intensive safety testing.
StepCharge Hiking Boots
StepCharge Hiking Boots offer outdoors enthusiasts a complete footwear solution that integrates the Energy Generating Insoles. Designed by hiking enthusiasts and orthotic experts, the StepCharge Hiking Boots are currently under development, but once released will offer the same functionality as the Energy Generating Insoles in a robust, comfortable hiking solution.
StepCharge Grip Anti-Slip Spikes Shoe Grip with Energy Generation
StepCharge Grip Anti-Slip Spikes Shoe Grip with Energy Generation, like the StepCharge Hiking Boots, are currently under development, but can be pre-ordered via the StepCharge website. Unlike the insole solution, the StepCharge Grip Anti-Slip Spikes Shoe Grip with Energy Generation solution is designed to be worn on the outside of the boot to increase traction while generating energy.
StepCharge Review Summary
StepCharge offers hiking enthusiasts and individuals passionate about the outdoors with arguably the most unique charging solution available on the market. The StepCharge solution is eco-friendly, lightweight, and highly energy efficient.
If you’re looking for an intelligent way to harness the energy your body creates during hiking or walking to charge your digital devices, the StepCharge range is definitely worth considering.
