Solar charger can be a great addition to have on a backpacking, camping, or any outdoor trip especially if it is extending longer than a few days. It can give you the boost you need to keep your devices alive throughout your journey. I have to say don’t expect the solar charger to perform like magic when charging your phone or devices but they will keep you going. Here is my review for the best solar chargers for backpacking.
My top picks for the best solar chargers for backpacking:
- Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Power Bank with 4 Solar Panels
- BigBlue 28W Solar Charger
- Riapow Solar Power Bank, 26800mAh
- A ADDTOP Solar Charger Power Bank – 25000mAh
- Solar Charger Power Bank, 10,000mAh
- Anker 21W 2-Port USB Portable Solar Charger with Foldable Panel
The Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Power Bank with 4 Solar Panels
The Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Power Bank with 4 Solar Panels performed admirably. I spent 5 days backpacking without electricity. Prior to first usage, I followed the directions and made sure the unit was fully charged. My cell phone was down to 10% and my tablet was down to 5% the first night. I turned them both off and connected them into the solar charger (at the same time). When I woke up the next morning, they were both fully charged.
I left the solar charger out in the sun during the day. It charged my phone and tablet to 100 percent every night. A word of warning: If the solar charger has a lower battery life than the device you are trying to charge, it will take the power from the device and put it into the solar charger. Before you try to charge something else with the solar charger, be sure it’s fully charged. Other than that the Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Power Bank with 4 Solar Panels is a great solar charger for backpacking.
I purchased this solar charger at the same time as the Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Power Bank with 4 Solar Panels. I’m glad I did, because it gave me an opportunity to compare them. The BigBlue 28W Solar Charger is a little heavier and thicker than the Hiluckey, but not by much. It also has more ports. Like you’d expect of a high-powered solar charger, it charges all of my devices quickly. It has enough power to charge a laptop and phone at once, which is awesome for my use case.
The Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Power Bank has 4 Solar Panels and has a 25000mAh Li-polymer battery built in that can charge your phone 8-10 times or tablets 3-4 times, giving you 9 days of use on a single charge. The solar charger can produce up to 1A of input current in the sun, which is 4 to 6 times faster than conventional solar chargers, thanks to four foldable high-efficiency solar panels.
You may also use a micro USB cable to charge it. Both sides have USB ports. The dual 2.1A USB ports help you to charge two devices at high speed at the same time. Auto-detect the current of your devices to pair the optimal output. It also has a built-in LED flashlight with SOS function; dust, shock, and waterproof design; suitable for outdoor emergencies. What you will get is a portable solar charger with a capacity of 25000mAh, a micro USB cable, and a user manual.
This is one of the best portable solar chargers I have tried and I would recommend it for any backpacking or camping adventure.
BigBlue 28W Solar Charger
This product has exceeded my expectations. In Alaska, I use it every day. I was exposed to a variety of factors, such as being stuffed into my backpack with several other items, rain/snow falling on it, being very chilly at night, and so on. Never did it stop working. Given the three outlets, more members of our trip approached me to use my charger, which was the most trustworthy of the three. It’s quite easy to attach it in such a manner that it can soak up a lot of light thanks to the holes on the borders and the carabiners that come with it.
It comes with three USB ports. Each port’s maximum output is 2.4A, with a combined maximum current of 4.8A. You can charge numerous gadgets at once with the BigBlue 28w portable solar chargers. It has smart charge technology, which can intelligently recognize your device and provide the best charging speed for it, which varies depending on the device. With overcharging, overheating, and short circuit protection, BigBlue ensures 100 percent safe charging.
With the integrated LED light function, you can easily see which ports are in use. The portable solar chargers have a built-in, sturdy carrying case with a handle for easy carrying.
BigBlue 28W Solar Charger can power laptops, smartphones, and tablets to go on adventures. With its built-in LED flashlight and durable aluminum alloy case, BigBlue is compact but can provide a powerful power solution. It is lightweight and easy to carry everywhere you go. You can charge your devices at any time just by using the sun and the provided carabiners to hang it in the sun.
SunPower portable solar panels convert solar power into energy at a rate of about 24% when exposed to enough sunshine, and they are now the most durable panels on the market, outlasting conventional panels in terms of weather and wear and tear. The solar panel is protected from rain or wet fog by an unique PET polymer surface, and three ports are covered with rubber covers to prevent dust or water damage.
The BigBlue USB best solar charger is excellent if you’re going on a long backpacking or camping adventure or traveling somewhere with an unpredictable power grid, alternative. It is compact and light enough to pack into any camping backpack or trekking daypack, thanks to its compact dimensions and lightweight design. It’s also essential to keep in a survival kit.
Riapow Solar Power Bank, Solar Charger 26800mAh
The Riapow Solar Power Bank, with more than 3A input and more than 3A output current, wowed me and did not even become hot. My Samsung Galaxy S6 edge plus accepts wireless charging and charges to 100% in 2 hours, which is the same as the original Samsung wireless charger. The flashlight is powerful, and the entire construction appears to be solid. The circuitry in the power bank prevents the batteries from becoming too low and hence causing damage. It’s not a little power bank, but it’s got all the juice I need in every situation. Solar charging is also possible, and it takes roughly a week of maximum sunlight to fully charge, so in terms of recharging the power bank on solar, there are better options.
The Riapow Solar Power Bank is truly cable-free. Wireless charging is supported by all QI-enabled phones. The Riapow Solar Power Bank is about the size of a phone and provides up to 8 days of reliable power on a single charge with its 26800 mAh battery capacity. What’s more, the Riapow Solar Power Bank is also a high-quality portable solar power bank with a capacity of 2,000mAh. The power bank can be charged by connecting any USB charger or laptop, and it can also be charged with a wall charger through the charging port.
If you are looking for one of the best backpacking solar chargers and camping or your outdoor adventure or travel then I would like to introduce to you the Riapow Solar Power Bank. This is an all in one solar system that can charge your batteries and power your devices with a single unit. It is ideal for backpacking, camping, boating and so forth. This is not a small little solar panel that gives you a little bit of juice.
The power bank is illuminated by four LEDs so that it is easy to find in the dark when you need it. And you can charge your phone and other devices at the same time as you do when using an ordinary power bank.
A ADDTOP Solar Charger Power Bank – 25000mAh
The A ADDTOP Solar Charger Power Bank is a fantastic power bank! I was able to gain the charge for my phone to 50% on roughly 4 hours of sun after draining it and charging it with only the portable solar panels. This, combined with the built-in illumination, makes it ideal for situations such as hurricanes and ordinary power outages. If you put the panels in the sun directly after charging your phone, you may easily extend the usage beyond the capacity.
The A ADDTOP best Solar Charger Power Bank has a big battery capacity of 25000mAh, making it ideal for use during outdoor activities like backpacking, camping, hiking, or fishing. On a full charge, it can charge an iPhone 11 about 7 times and a Samsung S20 5 times. In the sun, four excellent solar panels may create up to 5W of power, which can be used to refresh the power bank. The charging pace can be three to four times faster than a single panel. This intelligent solar battery packs charger will automatically pair the highest charging rate for your gadgets, substantially reducing your charging time. Dual 2.1A USB outputs can simultaneously charge two devices and are compatible with nearly all phones and tablets.
The A ADDTOP Solar Charger Power Bank is also an excellent solar flashlight. Two white light modes can be chosen and can illuminate the dark for 100 meters, making it easy to find things in the tent or find your backpack, tent or other items at night! With all this in mind, this power bank almost has no flaws. It is well designed, with a clear display and a single button that allows you to check the status of your battery packs (the digits are big and visible), choose between lighting modes and turn on a flashlight. It includes a USB charging cord for charging devices like smartphones.
The A ADDTOP Solar Charger Power Bank comes with LED light and is a safe bet for lighting up in the dark whether camping or traveling. It’s made of durable material and designed to withstand rain and other elements of nature. The A ADDTOP Solar Charger Power Bank has numerous protective features to safeguard itself and your devices from overcharging, overvoltage, overcurrent, and other hazards, so you can charge your device with the dependable backup battery pack wherever your adventures may take you.
Solar Charger Power Bank, Qi Wireless Charger 10,000mAh
The Solar Charger Power Bank is a well-made device, with a pleasant feel in the hand and a tough shell to help protect it. The robust shell is also composed of a non-slip material, so you won’t have to worry about the goods dropping out of your pocket. This is really convenient for me while I’m backpacking, hiking, or riding my bike because I don’t have to worry about it falling out of my pocket. This power bank battery pack capacity is much smaller than the other power banks in this review, but what it lacks in capacity it makes up for in a cheaper price.
Solar-powered wireless power bank with 10,000mAh capacity. Not only is it a wireless power bank, but it’s also a wireless charger that works with all qi-enabled mobile devices. Solar charging is an additional feature. Due to the tiny panel size, huge capacity, and uncontrolled sunlight intensity, solar charging serves as a backup solution when other power sources are unavailable. Before going on your journey, make sure the power bank is fully charged.
With a 2A converter, it can charge the iPhone 7 Plus up to 2.2 times, the iPhone X up to 2.3 times, and the iPhone 8 up to 3.5 times. The portable charger is built of high-quality ABS materials and a lithium polymer battery pack, making it extremely strong and long-lasting. It has two USB type C ports, dual torches, and a compass kit. Compact dimensions and little weight. The solar phone charger includes a portable compass and a dual bright flashlight, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, cycling, fishing, touring, hiking, and backpacking.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love the idea of solar panel chargers! The Solar Charger Power Bank is a fantastic solar panel charger that’s both easy to use and reliable. If you’re looking for a simple solar panel charger where you simply place your device on the panel and let it sit in the sun, this is a great option. It has a built-in battery pack that can be charged or used for charging other devices via USB. The solar panels are pretty small, but you can still get about 30% charge on your phone after hours in direct sunlight.
Anker 21W 2-Port USB Portable Solar Charger with Foldable solar Panel
Anker 21W 2-Port USB Portable Solar Charger with Foldable Panel is something I carried with me at all times when trying it out on my backpacking trip. My solar batteries work fine, but this is the real stuff. With 15 other people, I went on a weekend backpacking trip. This was the only power source available, and it was the topic of conversation throughout the journey. Even in cloudy conditions, charging two phones at a time didn’t seem to slow it down much. It can also be hung from a backpack to charge while you walk.
Under direct sunlight, PowerIQ charges at a rate of up to 2.4 amps per port or 3 amps total. SunPower’s 21-watt solar array is about 22 percent efficient, which means it can charge two gadgets at the same time. The built in solar panels are made with an industrial-strength PET polymer face woven onto a tough polyester canvas to provide weather-resistant outdoor durability. Easy attachment to backpacks, trees, or tents thanks to the compact dimensions and stainless-steel eye-holes on each corner. Its ultra-thin form and light weight make it suitable for lengthy hikes.
Anker 21W 2-Port USB Portable Solar Charger with Foldable Panel is just what I needed, an easy to use but well made solar charger for powering my phone in the field. The build quality is excellent, and it’s nice to have a fold-up panel for saving space in my pack. It’s also lightweight, which is good because I often carry it with me at night when I’m camping or backpacking. Most of the products were tested on an iPhone 8, but it will work fine on other smartphones as well. Solar Charger Power Bank, Yxygen 10,000mah Solar Power Bank with 2-Port USB 3.0
Yxygen 10,000mah Solar Power Bank with 2-Port USB 3.0 is a big, powerful solar charger that’s ideal for serious outdoor enthusiasts who travel or camp for extended periods of time. In terms of charging speed and capacity, this solar power bank is nearly unbeatable. It has two USB ports and a micro-USB port that can be used to charge the device itself. This power bank can charge smart phones at least three to four times on a single charge and both my iPhone 8 Plus and iPad Air 2 simultaneously while hiking at night in the mountains.
It did a fantastic job keeping up with our usage, and as with most things in life, you get what you pay for and I think this is worth the price.
What to look for in the best solar chargers for backpacking?
Based on my experiences and research, here are a few key factors to consider when looking for the best solar battery pack charging kit for backpacking:
Weight: How much weight will this add to my backpack? Can I carry it all day without feeling tired?
Battery Capacity: Does this have enough capacity to keep me charged throughout the day?
Charging Speed: How long does it take to charge my device with the portable solar battery charger?
Power Output: How much power can the solar panel produce? Is there anything else I can use my portable charger for in addition to charging my smartphone or other devices on-the-go?
Cost: What is the cost of the portable solar charger and is it a reasonable price compared to other products on the.
Solar Powered Bank vs Solar Powered Battery
If you see a solar powered battery just know that is pretty much the same thing as a solar powered bank, I would suggest either one that has strong reviews. The solar powered battery is pretty much the same thing as a solar powered bank just without any extra gadgets. I personally like the idea of having a power bank as part of my kit which can charge my phone and other devices in addition to a solar charger. Having separate options gives me more flexibility and versatility than just using one form of power for all my needs. A little extra weight isn’t that big of a deal, but I only take what I need and leave behind anything that I don’t really need in my backpack while backpacking through Europe.
If you love backpacking and camping but hate carrying extra weight, a power bank is an ideal solution. They’re lightweight, small and will keep your devices charged. A power bank will come with a solar panel built-in or separately. You can use it to charge on the go or have it work as a portable solar panel for charging your phone in the field. There are also power banks that charge via USB, which is great for indoor use when it isn’t sunny outside!
So like I said earlier, if you love backpacking but hate carrying extra weight, a portable solar charger is great to have.
How do the solar panels work in your solar charger?
The solar panels in these solar chargers work the same way as the solar panels that you see on the roof of homes or in solar farms. They do not work nearly as well as the solar panels on your roof or in solar farms but they conceptually function the same way. Solar panels work on the same principle as solar batteries. When sunlight hits the solar panel, you have a chemical reaction that produces electricity. In the case of a power bank, there is no way to store the electrical charge from the solar panels to be used later. It is not like a solar battery that has excess electricity sent back to it when there is too much charge for the user’s phone or device.
The only time that excess electricity can be stored in these solar chargers is in an external battery such as a power bank. The power bank will continue to take and store an electrical charge from the sun until it fills up and then will automatically stop taking any more energy from the sun even if it needs more electricity.
The panel is a translucent polyester fabric that has been woven into a very durable and weather resistant material. The polyester material has a very high solar reflectivity, so the light that passes through each panel is then transmitted to the battery underneath. The polyester fabric will absorb the sun’s energy and then, because of the strength of quantum theory, convert it into electrical energy in the form of DC current.
Electricity cannot be stored unless it is at an extremely low voltage (about 1/100th of an amp). To charge this battery, it needs to be converted to AC current and then sent through an inverter or microcontroller to produce DC current at around 6 volts.
Summary
My top picks:
- Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Power Bank with 4 Solar Panels
- BigBlue 28W Solar Charger
- Riapow Solar Power Bank, 26800mAh
- A ADDTOP Solar Charger Power Bank – 25000mAh
- Solar Charger Power Bank, 10,000mAh
- Anker 21W 2-Port USB Portable Solar Charger with Foldable Panel
In this product review we reviewed my top picks for solar chargers and answered what you should look for in a solar charger and how solar panels work on a solar charger. I hope that you enjoyed this product review and found useful information on what you should look for in the best solar charger for backpacking. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have questions and happy adventures!
