As anyone who uses a handheld or mobile device on a frequent basis will attest to, portable electronics eat batteries. Sure, we try to be diligent in charging them, but let's face it - there are often times when juicing your various gadgetry just isn't a viable option. Need to charge your cellphone on the go? Forgot your digital camera's USB cable before going on that big trip? Enter the Powerbag from RFA Brands, Inc. Available in backpack, messenger bag, and briefcase varieties, it aims to provide a comfortable, readily available charging solution for portable devices.

The entry level backpack model starts at $139.99, and includes a removable 3000mAh battery, along with an AC adapter. At first glance, the Powerbag is virtually indistinguishable from a standard backpack. Sporting a simplistic, yet functional aesthetic, many of the electronic components are designed to blend in with the rest of the backpack. This isn't so much a battery that can hold your portable devices, so much as it is a backpack with a built in battery. Take the power button, for instance - to the untrained eye, it looks nothing more than a rubberized patch used to designate the brand name. In reality, it is the backpack's on/off mechanism, which also doubles as a battery life indicator. A quick tap will illuminate a series of LEDs hidden in the surrounding area, showing how much power is left in the battery, while pressing and holding the button for 3-5 seconds starts the charger.

Hidden in the right hand pocket is the PowerVine system, consisting of a mini USB cable, a micro USB cable, and an Apple compatible cable. Additionally, a small pouch in the front most section includes a USB port, opening up numerous charging capabilities. With few exceptions, any device with a standard USB plug can be charged with the Powerbag. We are happy to report, yes, this most certainly does include handheld gaming devices. Even devices that do not natively support a USB connection, such as the 3DS, are fair game. Just track down a 3DS to USB adapter cable (they're cheap, and easy to find), and presto! No more random shut offs when you're in the middle of world 6-4 in Super Mario 3D Land. Up to four devices can be charged simultaneously, and the Powerbag's included battery has roughly enough power to charge most smartphones twice, before needing to be recharged. For those that need a higher charging capacity, the battery can be swapped out for a higher capacity one; both 6000 and 9000 mAh batteries are available on the Powerbag website.

In our tests, charging speed was comparable to that of a regular wall charger; bringing our smartphones from depleted to fully charged in a little under an hour and a half. When it comes time to recharge the bag itself, doing so is as easy as attaching the included AC adapter into the port on the front of the bag, and plugging it in to any wall socket. A brief word of advice, though - whenever your Powerbag isn't being charged, leave the AC adapter in the bag. As it is not physically attached, it is easy to misplace. Hopefully future design iterations will see a built-in retractable power cord.

As with any backpack, storage space here is a non-issue. The right pocket on the front, in addition to housing the charging cables, is wide enough to suitably carry most mp3 players, cell phones, and point and shoot digital cameras. Clearly designed with mobile power users in mind, the inclusion of a dedicated tablet/e-reader pocket comes as a welcome convenience. Several smaller pockets are present as well, which will provide easy access to items such as a wallet, passport, and business cards. A zippered laptop compartment, that will safely store laptops up to 15.6", is located on the side of the bag. Speaking of laptops, if there is one real complaint to be had with the Powerbag, it is in its lack of ability to charge a laptop. Note, however, that this is by design. As the average laptop takes a significant amount of power, adding such a feature would ultimately result in increasing the size and weight on the battery, as well as adding the necessity for an in-bag cooling system, which in turn would have resulted in an increased cost, and a cumbersome design not befitting of this otherwise stylish backpack.

All told, Powerbag advertises an easy to use portable charging solution, and on that promise, it delivers. For anyone on the move, from the casual to mobile power users alike, this backpack will prove invaluable. Between support for a wide range of devices, to a minimalist, easy on the eyes design, Powerbag is a must for gadget lovers.

Pros