Coolest new product I've seen recently

The Blow-up-waterproof-solar-charged-lantern designed for many different applications - heard about it from my new favorite webstire: The Gear Caster blog. check out the video!

As for Backpacking:

You can charge it during the day in watever activity your doing, it just needs to be soaking in some sun rays, and you can turn it on (high or low setting) for some ambient light around camp. use it as your tent light so you don't headlamp-blind your tent buddy, or use it around the stove/dinner for some night lighting. The plastic around the super bright LEDs help to diffuse them and turn them into a more ambient light, and the whole ting can fold down and fit in your pocket!

Prety awesome huh?!