A solar charger for backpacking trips keep devices charged despite being far, far away from a conventional power source. On longer trips, or even backpacking excursions that last a day, it can be necessary to keep satellite phones, GPS devices, or even cell phones charged for safety and navigation. Solar chargers have come a long way and are designed to be lightweight, easy to use, and portable so hikers can stow their personal solar charging devices in a hiking backpack, waistpack, or even a large pocket, depending on the size.
With so many options on the market, shopping for a solar charger can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of devices from reputable outdoor gear and electronics companies. Before diving in, let’s first consider a few things to keep in mind before buying a solar charger.
Why Buy A Solar Charger For Backpacking?
Photographers, explorers, mountaineers, and thru-hikers all have a need for electricity while on the go. It’s both rewarding and risky to spend time in the backcountry and for those navigating new terrain, needing to stay up to date on weather changes, or reliant on an electronic map, you’ll want to pack a portable solar charger.
Additionally, packable solar chargers can come in hand for short, overnight camping trips. Instead of charging your phone or camera batteries from your car and risk draining your battery, you can rely on a more renewable energy source.
What Makes a Good Solar Charger?
A good solar charger is reliable and efficient, above all else. If your solar charger doesn’t efficiently or effectively convert the sun’s rays to usable energy, then it’s of no use to you. Depending on your needs or preferences, you may require more outlets, less weight, more packable, and the like. Additionally, a good solar charger has a decently long warranty so you can rest assured that your financial investment is protected.
How many watts of solar do I need for camping?
This depends on your energy needs. Consider what devices you’ll be charging from your portable solar charger. REI has this in-depth guide that explains watts, amps, amp hours, and input voltage. For example, if you purchase a solar charger with a 3.7 -7.4 voltage input rating, you probably won’t be able to charge a laptop or netbook, even if the charger has an electrical outlet. Decide what devices you’ll need to charge, consider how long you’ll be able to spend charging them, and figure out if you’ll need to mount the panel on your backpack to collect energy while on the go. Then proceed to shop.
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BigBlue 3
Key technical specs:
- Price: $99.99 (sale $69.99)
- Weight: 20.6 ounces
- Size: 11.8 inches x 33 inches
- Number of Outlets: 3 USB charging ports
- Materials: SunPower Solar Panels and PET Poly Fabric
- Style: collapsible panels
What we love
The BigBlue 3 solar panel offers a lot of bang for your buck and it has a high conversion rate. This 28W panel has a working capacity of 24W and works well in variable conditions, meaning you don’t need clear blue skies to juice up on electricity.
What we don’t
It’s a bit bulky and may not fit easily in some packs. Because of its volume, it takes up space more easily than other solar chargers on this list. The BigBlue 3 wouldn’t be a solar charger you could easily slide in and out of your backpack when needing to charge up. You’d want to attach it to the outside of your pack for easy access or plan not to use it again until at camp so you can stow it away.
Product Review:
Even in partially cloudy skies, the BigBlue 3 offers a reliable, quick charge for small devices. It comes with four carabiners and was made to clip easy to the outside of your pack. Three USB ports mean you and your hiking companions can charge off of it. This solar panel and charger is plug and play, requiring no additional knowledge of solar energy or technology.
OEUUDD Portable Solar Power Bank 25000mAh
Key technical specs:
- Price: $41.99
- Number of Outlets: 3 USB outlets
- Style: Battery bank shape with panel built into face
What we love
This solar charger keeps it simple. The panel is situated on one entire face of the OEUUDD charger. Plus, it comes with a flashlight so you can use it to read in your tent at night.
What we don’t
It’s a bit on the heavy side, weight-wise, but it does pack easily into the outer pockets of hiking bags. Ounces are pounds in the backcountry so this battery and charger may be better left as a frontcountry option.
Product Review:
Waterproof, scratch resistant, and shock resistant, this affordable charger can take a beating. Its self-explanatory nature allows users to simply purchase it and take it on the trails, ready to use. The high powered flashlights can even be used as a light for night-time hiking excursions. With a full day of sun exposure, this battery can charge up to 25000 mAh, allowing you to juice up myriad devices off of a single day of energy absorption.
Lixada 10W Solar Charger
Key technical specs:
- Price: $26.99
- Weight: 3.56 ounces
- Size: 10.2 x 5.5 inches
- Number of Outlets: 1 USB port
- Style: Collapsible
What we love
The price of this solar charger can’t be beat. If you’re looking to get something quick without investing too much time, money, or research, the Lixada 10W solar charger is your best bet. Easily ordered on Amazon, this charger can help make a quick trip into the woods a little easier. If you need a simple
What we don’t
Because it’s so cheap, it feels pretty fragile. There isn’t a warranty and we wouldn’t rely on it for electricity during important, backcountry situations. Additionally, this charger doesn’t have a blocking diode meaning that in low-light situations, it may draw power from your device.
Product Review:
For backpackers who know how solar works, who crave light and fast methods of travel, and don’t need much power, the Lixada is a fantastic option. Incredibly cheap for solar and extremely lightweight, the flexible panels easily hang off your backpack, suction to a car window, or lay gently against the outside of a tent wall.
Goal Zero Nomad Solar Chargers
Key technical specs:
- Price: $59.95, prices vary depending on wattage
- Weight: 12.7oz/17.6oz/33.6oz
- Number of Outlets: 1x1A/1×1.5A/1×2.1A + 8mm 1.3A solar port
- Materials: fabric and panels
- Style: foldable
What we love
It’s widely known in the outdoor community that Goal Zero makes reliable, trustworthy electronics. The name carries weight. Plus, a two year warranty and an easily accessible customer service are huge pros for customers who are initially nervous to drop some dough on a new item.
What we don’t
The Nomad solar chargers are heavy and can be slow to charge devices. When considering the amount of watts per ounce, the Goal Zero Nomad chargers are proportionally some of the heaviest on the market.
Product Review:
For outdoor adventurers who may spend more time in the frontcountry than the backcountry, this type of solar charger may be all that you need. Reliable and rugged, this panel is waterproof and charges in variable conditions. It won’t drain your devices’ batteries and it’s chainable with other Goal Zero chargers so you and your mates can beef up your solar capabilities, should everyone decide to invest in the same brand.
Goertek 25,000mAh
Key technical specs:
- Price: $50
- Weight: 19 ounces
- Number of Outlets: 3
What we love
The Goertek delivers a quick charge to small devices like GPS watches, iPhones, and Androids. As a battery pack, it stores up to 25,000mAh, which is a ton of energy compared to other chargers/battery packs on this list. It’s an affordable option that provides a lot of energy, should you charge it up before getting off the grid.
What we don’t
The small solar panel takes a long time to replenish the 25,000mAh battery. It may take a few full days in complete sun to charge up, however, the panel will trickle charge the battery pack when devices are plugged into it.
Product Review:
With three USB ports, this solar device has enough space to plug in all your electronic devices. When the battery is topped off, it can fully charge a cell phone multiple times without draining completely. This is a reasonably priced option that is reliable, powerful, and packable.
ECEEN 13w Solar Charger
Key technical specs:
- Price: $39.99
- Weight: 15.5 ounces
- Number of Outlets: 2 USB ports
- Style: foldable
What we love
The price on the ECEEN 13W solar charger is appropriate for what this charger offers. It’s lightweight and easily packable and mountable should you want to charge while on trail.
What we don’t
While there are two USB ports on this device, it really can’t charge two electronic items successfully at the same time.
Product Review:
Because of its price and weight, the ECEEN ranks up there with other dual-paneled, canvas-covered solar chargers. It charges one device quickly and collects energy at a decent rate. It feels fairly durable and works well with small devices, like camera battery chargers, watches, and headlamps.
BioLite SolarPanel 5+
Key technical specs:
- Price: $99.95
- Weight: 13.76 ounces
- Number of Outlets: 1 USB port
- Style: Rigid panel and kickstand
What we love
The BioLite has numerous awesome ratings and is highly lauded by backpacking enthusiasts because of its ruggedness and durability. The SolarPanel 5+ has an integrated battery that offers 2200mAH so users can charge up when the sun’s out and plug devices in at night, pulling power from storage.
What we don’t
For such an expensive price tag, the BioLite doesn’t charge large devices well. If, for some reason, you need to venture into the wilderness with a laptop, this solar device won’t keep you charged.
Product Review:
This water-resistant backpack-friendly charger feels sturdy yet lightweight and offers a 5 watt output. The 360 degree kickstand lets campers set up the charger on variable terrain. The BioLite SolarPanel 5+ charges your device while collecting energy from the sun. If you plan accordingly, you’ll never run out of power.
Riapow Solar Power Bank
Key technical specs:
- Price: $37.99
- Weight: 16 ounces
- Number of Outlets: 3 ports
- Style: brick
What we love
This solar panel and battery pack combo comes with two USB-A ports and a C port that lets you plug it directly into the wall.
What we don’t
Compared to some of the other panels on the list, this charger is heavier. If you chose to hang it off your pack to charge, it might make you feel off kilter because it’s an extra pound swinging around while you trek.
Product Review:
The Riapow is water resistant and coated with a rugged plastic to keep it free of dust and dirt. You can take this product into the backcountry and rest easy that it will stand up to variable conditions. With an LED flashlight, this solar device doubles as a light, with a dimmable option, in case you misplace your headlamp or want a little ambiance. A wireless charging option provides a bit of a safety net should your cell phone’s charging port get water logged or should your cell phone charging cords disappear.
Stealth Angel Survival Solar Panel
Key technical specs:
- Price: Originally $79.95, now $39.99
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Number of Outlets: 2 USB ports
- Style: foldable
What we love
This is one rugged solar panel that can stand up to snow, rain, ice, and more. Thru-hikers on some of America’s longer trails should strongly consider this panel and battery bank. It folds up to the size of a small book and easily slips into the outer pockets of daypacks or waist packs
What we don’t
If this battery pack stays on sale, then there really isn’t anything we don’t love.
Product Overview/Review:
With a host of 5-star reviews, the Stealth Angel Survival Solar Panel clips easily onto backpacks and won’t throw off your stride because it’s only 3/4ths of a pound. It charges iPhones, Androids, and even tablets efficiently.
QiSa Solar Panel and Bank
Key technical specs:
- Price: $39.99
- Weight: 1.14 lbs
- Number of Outlets: 2 USB ports
- Style: panel and bank
What we love
We love the price. Plus, with over 7,000 positive reviews on Amazon, you’re likely to love this purchase.
What we don’t
This is one heavy option for those who have other gear to carry. It’s really not a great option for those doing overnight backpack excursions but for those setting up a basecamp and taking day treks, the QiSa solar panel and bank is a good bet.
Product Overview/Review:
With a 38,800mAH battery, this is one of the largest capacity solar chargers on this list. It can charge multiple devices, over and over before ever getting close to running out. This panel and bank combo is drop-proof, dust-proof, and works well in extremely inclement environments. Unlike other batteries, this can stand up to cold temperatures without losing a lot of energy.
BEARTWO Portable Solar Charger
Key technical specs:
- Price: $26.99
- Weight: 7.4 ounces
- Number of Outlets: 1 USB port
- Style: panel and bank
What we love
This is one of the smallest devices on the list and will fit easily into side pockets of hiking packs. Depending on your pants, this charger can also slip comfortable into the cargo pockets of hiking pants.It can be charged in three different ways – via a Micro USB, a wall adapter, or by sunlight.
What we don’t
Because of its small size, the BEARTWO takes 8 – 10 hours to charge in the sunlight.
Product Overview/Review:
This makes our list because its extremely lightweight and small. The inexpensive pricetag makes it an easy buy for backpackers who just need a little bit of charge each day to keep a phone or headlamp juiced up. The BEARTWO is 5 watts and has an internal 2000mAH battery.
Quick Guide
- Top Choice: BigBlue 3
- Lightweight: BEARTWO
- Most Durable: QiSa Solar Panel and Battery
- Greatest watt Capacity: QiSa Solar Panel and Battery
- Smallest size/ most compact: BEARTWO
- Best Value: OUUEED
Buyer’s Guide: Considerations to keep in mind
Charging speed
For thru-hikers who spend much of the day moving, charging speed is a key consideration. You want your solar panel and battery bank to be able to charge up all your necessary devices each night.
Weight and portability
Depending on your needs, you can go up in weight and size, which usually means a larger battery capacity and longer life. Those who need to consider every ounce will want to select a solar panel and bank that is ultralight and fits easily into full packs. You may consider sacrificing other non essential items like approach shoes or a hiking chair to bring a larger, higher-capacity charger with you on the trail.
Durability
The types of adventures you will partake in may dictate what solar charger you purchase. Certain solar chargers are designed to withstand long mountaineering trips, inclement weather, wet conditions, and hot temperatures.
Watt capacity
The devices needing electricity will dictate how much wattage you need.
The Takeaway
Solar chargers are fantastic for spending time outdoors without sacrificing safety. They can be convenient for overnight trips and an absolute necessity for long adventures through unknown terrain. If anything, consider getting a small, inexpensive charger to carry with you as a backup should your cell phone die and you need help.
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