# Homeless Support Backpacks The Makeshift Traveler Backpack Has a Solar Panel and More By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2025-11-03 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-makeshift-traveler-backpack References: [newatlas](https://newatlas.com/good-thinking/makeshift-travel-solar-panel-smartphone-charging-backpack/) & [thehomemoreproject.org](https://thehomemoreproject.org/traveler/)  The 'Makeshift Traveler' backpack has been developed by The HomeMore Project as an accessory engineered to support homeless individuals with a handful of vital capabilities. The backpack has a [durable waterproof shell design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coalax-lancer300) made from recycled water bottles and boasts a [4W solar panel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-outdoor-emergency-charger) on the top that will passively charge an internal 10,000mAh power bank. This will allow a person to keep their smartphone charged, while the pack also comes with a urethane-coated nylon pillow, a theft-resistant locking zipper, a tent, [sleeping bag](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/travelbird-thermoshift-sleeping-bag), radio, rain poncho, ID card, lockbox, socks, water bottle, hygiene kit and more. More than 2,000 of The Makeshift Traveler backpacks are expected to be given out to homeless individuals by the end of the year thanks to partnerships with local nonprofits in Washington, Virginia, South Carolina, Illinois and Maine. Image Credit: The HomeMore Project ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 8.4/10 - Popularity: 100% | Activity: 98% | Freshness: 54% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Sustainable Backpack Design:** Incorporating recycled materials and multifunctional features in backpacks presents a sustainable innovation for creating versatile, eco-friendly products. - **Integrated Solar Charging Solutions:** Utilizing solar panels in everyday products, like backpacks, offers renewable energy solutions for mobile device charging. - **Comprehensive Support Kits for Homelessness:** Packaging essential items into a single, easy-to-carry solution offers a new way to address the immediate needs of homeless individuals. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Renewable Energy Devices:** The integration of solar technology into personal accessories opens up new markets for renewable energy applications. - **Nonprofit and Charity Organizations:** Collaborations with nonprofits to distribute innovative support tools present new avenues for impact-driven partnerships. - **Outdoor and Survival Gear:** Expanding the functionality of outdoor gear to address social issues highlights new, socially-conscious business opportunities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Modular Travel Photography Packs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onepro-flex-backpack.md) - [Backpack-Inspired Storage Hoodies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nomade-58.md) - [Solar-Powered Power Bank Wallets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/power-bank-wallet.md) - [Expandable Solar Power Banks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deepsolar-x20-solar-power-bank.md) - [Adaptable Three-in-One Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultix-outdoors-superpack.md) - [Trail-Ready Retro-Style Backpacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/topo-designs-rover-trail-pack.md) - [Dynamic Modular Camper Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-camperkit.md) - [Solar Generator-Integrated Backpacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handsfree-2.md) - [Featherlight Casual Backpack Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/troubadour-neo.md)