Electronic devices have become a necessity of daily life. Without electronic gadgets, we cannot even imagine our everyday life. If you’re going to be away from home for several days or even just one day, you’ll need a compact charger or backup battery. A solar charger is one of the best tools you can get for wilderness hiking and camping. After reading this article, you will be able to choose the best solar charger for backpacking.
Solar chargers have become increasingly ubiquitous among tourists, hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts from the past few years. These portable devices allow you to access electricity almost everywhere. All you need is sunlight to recharge your phone, watch, tablet, GPS, and other electronic devices.
We’ve compiled a list of the best solar charger for camping and a buying guide based on our comprehensive research. Our list includes everything you need, whether you’re seeking the best portable solar charger or the best solar charger power bank for travelling.
Our Top 8 Picks for the best solar charger for backpacking and hiking
Best Overall Solar Charger
1. Big Blue 28W Solar Charger
Big blue solar charger is the best charger on our list because of its extraordinary features. The Big blue 28W solar cells charger is collapsible and lightweight, making it a convenient item to carry. It has three USB-A connections, allowing you to charge many devices at once. Fast charging is possible because all ports are rated at 5V and 2.4A separately and 5V and 4.8A collectively.
Moreover, this solar charger has four durable hooks and four Bungie cords for camping. It also has a phone-sized zippered compartment to keep your phone safe. Overall, this is the best backpacking charger.
Pros:
- Highly Efficient and Durable.
- User friendly
- Portable
- Also Good for Bad Weather conditions.
Cons:
- It cannot charge laptops.
Best Solar Charger Power Bank
2. BLAVOR Solar Power Bank
Power your electronic devices no matter where you are with the Solar Power Bank! The lightweight, solar-powered battery pack has a 10,000mAh capacity to charge your devices wirelessly or with cables. It will reliably provide power for up to four iPhone 7’s or three Galaxy Note 8’s.
Additionally, you can also charge it through the integrated solar panel that captures energy from the sun. The ultra-portable design and included accessories make it the perfect charger for camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. Furthermore, due to its windproof, splashproof, and weatherproof properties, it poses almost no risk to you and the environment. Lastly, if you need a best solar power bank for camping, you should go with this one without any further delay.
Pros:
- Compact and Lightweight
- Durable
- Wireless
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Not recommended for so long trips.
Best Durable Solar Charger
3. Ryno-Tuff Portable Solar Charger for Camping
The Ryno-Tuff Portable Solar Charger is the latest addition. It has a 21W foldable solar panel that can be used in most outdoor settings, including camping, hiking, fishing, or on the beach. It’s waterproof and durable enough to withstand the elements while giving you the power to charge two devices simultaneously, including your iPhone, iPad, Galaxy, Samsung, LG, Nexus, or any other USB device.
The Sun power X-series is used in this solar charger, which is the best material on the market. Lastly, it is the best portable solar panel for camping because of its highly efficient solar cells.
Pros:
- 600D Nylon Cover
- Lightweight
- Compact and Durable
Cons:
- It does not perform well in cloudy conditions.
Best Solar Charger for Windy Condition
4. SunJack 25 Watt Foldable Weatherproof
Your phone is your right-hand man, and it needs to be ready to go at all times. SunJack is here to make that happen. The SunJack Charger is a foldable, weatherproof solar charger that’s powerful enough to charge your phone for an entire day.
Moreover, you can quickly charge two 5V gadgets together with a maximum output of 4A using 15W, mainly if they include a fast-charging capability. When the weather is inclement, you may relax and let the Smart IC feature manage the charging process. Lastly, it is the best hiking solar charger for windy conditions.
Pros:
- Smart IC Feature
- Best for Windy Conditions
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Not Durable
Best Performance Solar Charger
5. Goal Zero Nomad 10
Meet Goal Zero’s newest solar panel, the Nomad 10. At just 3 pounds, it’s the best solar panel for backpacking to bring with you on all your adventures. Whether you’re backpacking through the backcountry for a week or need some extra power for your phone, the Nomad 10 has got you covered. With 6-7V output, this solar panel can charge most USB-powered devices in just a few hours.
Lastly, you’ll never need to be without power again with Nomad 10’s powerful solar technology. There is also no need to worry about rain with Nomad 10 because of its IPX4 water resistance.
Pros:
- Excellent Performance
- Quick Charging Speed
- Foldable Design
Cons:
- A bit expensive
Best Solar Power Bank Wireless Portable Charger
6. LICORNE Solar Charger
LICORNE Solar Charger is a 30000mAh power bank designed for your convenience. It has two high-speed USB charging ports that charge your devices up to 3 times faster than traditional USB ports, and it also has a Type-C input port so you can charge the solar charger with any USB cord.
Moreover, the charger boasts a robust design constructed of superior ABS and PC silicone to resist the environment. It’s waterproof, weatherproof, and shockproof to IP66 standards. Lastly, it is the fastest and one of the best portable solar panels for backpacking on our list.
Pros:
- Fastest Charger
- Waterproof and Dustproof
- Built-in Flash Light
Cons:
- It’s a bit heavy to carry
Best Solar Charger for Smart Phones
7. Nekteck 28W Solar Charger
Let the sun power your gadgets with Nekteck 28W solar charger. When the sun is shining brightly, it can provide 28W of output electricity, making it significantly more economical than other devices on the market. It has two USB ports, one of which is rated at 5V and 4A when both USB ports are used simultaneously, and the other is rated at 5V and 2.2A when only one USB port is utilized.
Lastly, it has IPX4 waterproof technology, making it waterproof and suitable for outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping, touring, and hunting.
Pros:
- Comes with good quality USB cable.
- Best Solar charger, specifically for smartphones
- Best for Long trips
Cons:
- Do not charge all electronic devices.
Best Lightweight Backpacking Solar Charger
8. Foxelli Triple USB Solar Charger 21W
Foxelli Triple USB Solar Charger is the lightweight and easily portable solar charger in the market. It is perfect for camping, hiking, or festivals. It can charge three devices simultaneously and is compatible with most USB devices.
Moreover, the solar charger’s shell is designed to withstand the elements. Strong PET polymer is woven into the waterproof-coated fabric to safeguard the solar cells. As a result, the device is both hydrophobic and weatherproof. Lastly, if you need a lightweight charger, you should go with this one.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Dust Proof and weatherproof
Cons:
- It has not that many features compared to other chargers in our list.
Related: Best Hiking Camera
How To Choose Best Solar Charger For Backpacking
Solar chargers are essential when you are out in the wilderness. They will help you charge your devices in emergencies when there is no electricity. If you want to buy a solar charger, you should consider the following factors. This will keep you away from enticing marketing while ensuring that you get the best product for your money.
User Friendly
This is the most crucial factor to consider while selecting a model. Portable solar chargers are generally equipped with grips, bungee cords, and other features intended for travelers and enthusiasts. The concept is to fold your charger in minutes and suspend it from your bag. Some of the larger ones have a structure that lets them be hung from treetops, awnings, or whatever else you can think of.
Portable solar chargers may come with a casing that makes them easy to store and transport once folded. They need to be simple to clean. Keeping them in good shape will help them last longer.
Power Output
The charger’s power output is an essential factor to consider while buying a solar charger. This will depend on how much power your device needs to charge. Most devices currently can be charged with 1A, but the recommended output is 1.5A at the very least. Choose solar chargers that offer fast charging or high output if you need to charge your gadgets quickly. It all comes down to the state of the sky, though. A solar charger can only do so much when the sky is cloudy. But don’t be concerned! Companies are now incorporating a continuous charging system into their solar goods, allowing for an ongoing charge without checking the battery every time the weather changes.
Material
Material is the essential thing that you need to consider. So to choose the material, you should know the difference between crystalline, polycrystalline, and monocrystalline silicon.
- Crystalline silicon
Crystalline silicon is made of single-crystal wafers that are cut into small pieces. These wafers are then used to make solar cells. The only downside of this type of cell is that it can be expensive to produce.
- Polycrystalline silicon
Polycrystalline silicon is made by cutting up a large silicon block into smaller blocks that are then melted down and cast into ingots or slabs. It has a lower cost than crystalline, but it’s not as efficient in converting light to energy.
- Monocrystalline silicon
Monocrystalline silicon is made by cutting up a large silicon block into small blocks, which are then melted down and cast into ingots or slabs.
Now, it’s up to you which material you would choose.
Portability
Portability is an important factor when it comes to choosing the best solar charger for your needs. Solar chargers are lightweight, compact, and durable. So that you can take it with you on your adventures, when choosing a solar charger, ensure that you are not purchasing an additional accessory that will make packing a backpack more difficult. Instead, go with an alternative that you can quickly transport and use while on the go. The solar chargers on our list today are incredibly portable and have simple mounting options.
Smart Charging System
It’s critical to check for devices that include a smart charging method. This mechanism effectively and reliably adjusts the charge to the gadget’s power. In the event of an interruption, it will also automatically restart. There will be interruptions when passing through a forest or when the sky is hazy. Devices without this functionality may freeze, necessitating a manual reboot in order to continue charging. Consider how many connectors you’ll require. You’ll need a gadget with two or three USB outputs if you want to charge many devices at once.
Integrated power source
You can choose a device with an inbuilt battery instead of adding an extra power bank to your solar charger. This increases the versatility of your charger by storing electricity that you may use when there is no sunshine around.
Durability
Durability is the most crucial factor to consider while buying a solar charger. If you are looking for a long-term investment, durability should be your top priority. The best durable solar chargers are built with high-quality materials to withstand extreme conditions.
FAQ’s
Do solar chargers work backpacking?
Solar chargers are a great way to charge your gadgets while backpacking. They are lightweight, can be charged by the sun, and don’t require additional cords or plugs. They also come in various sizes and styles to work for anyone’s needs.
Are Solar Chargers good?
Solar chargers are a great way to charge your phone while you’re out and about. They can charge your phone when you’re in the sun or at night, and they can charge other devices like laptops. They can also help save money on electricity bills because you won’t have to rely on power outlets all the time.
Conclusion
We hope that we can assist you in searching for the best solar power bank for backpacking. Keep in mind that, as we already stated, each product on our list has its unique set of advantages and disadvantages. After extensive testing, every product’s description was prepared, so you don’t have to buy each one. It is also essential for you to do your research before making any decision.
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