check out the following link (may be present for a limited time only) to a recent Yahoo News article.

Power Generating Backpack - only 85lbs

Paul,
I can't wait for the ingenious subculture around BPL to get off alcohol burners and to start inventing useful UL generators. Here's a start: Why not use the old permanent ceramic magnet-in-a-coil generator tied to a bungee tied to the shoulder strap anchor? Perhaps put the rig inside the shoulder strap itself. Or similarly, use the shoulder strap to actuate a piezo generator (feeding a battery via a capacitor). Bet you can beat 85#!

not sure i want to go this route. i'd probably electrocute myself by falling into a stream.

PJ,
Jah, that's why I suggest someone else (besides me) needs to try it. I seem to remember a discussion way back before the lava cooled regarding piezo-electric inner soles for charging batteries. Guess that didn't work.

I’ve almost completed my redbull alcohol fed steam driven turbine power generator just under 7oz. ;)

now that you mention it, i remember reading someone's post about the p-e inner soles. i didn't think that they were serious though.

Paul, I am shocked you don't remember that was my post about the shoe sole battery charger. Not a joke, Looking for parts and a way to keep from getting shocked if I step in water.

sorry, Bill. please accept my apologies. my "old-timers" is acting up. since it's you, i must reconsider my words. obviously, i've seen enough "magic" from your hands to believe that you could fabricate such if you put your mind to it. guess i was only projecting my own lack of capabilities and limitations. i would very much like to see what you come up with.

I think Bill should be up for a lightitude award next year as the most igenious do it yourself gear maker.

2nd that.