A solar power charger is invaluable as a charging source when you go backpacking, camping, or hiking. The best backpacking solar charger will help in recharging all battery-powered electronic equipment (camera, smartphone, flashlight, laptop, and much more).
The portable solar charger, partners with the Best Portable Solar Panels for Camping enables you to have fun on the go.
Top Picks Backpacking Solar Charger
The Upgrade Option
RAVPower Solar Charger with USB Ports
No products found.
The solar phone charger is small in size but delivers big in power. The smart power charging technology delivers large amounts of energy in a quick and safe manner.
The Value Option
Solar Phone Charger Power Bank
The backpacking solar charger is the ultimate emergency survival device for all your outdoor adventures. The iBose phone charger is compact and practical.
Things To Consider When Buying Best Backpacking Solar Charger
When buying the best backpacking solar charger there are several things that you need to consider.
Power/Wattage
If you want to charge your electronic devices in an efficient manner, you should be aware of the wattage, amperage, and voltage information of the solar charger.
Wattage is the measure of the power of the solar panels’ output capacity. Five watts is enough to charge a mobile phone and ten watts is ideal to charge a tablet. Amperage measures electrical current. Amp-hour is the amount of time a rechargeable battery will be able to supply that current.
Voltage is the charge stored in a battery. The voltage required to charge a smartphone and laptop will vary. Examine the voltage and wattage information of the batteries before making the choice. A mismatch of wattage and voltage will affect the performance of the batteries.
Output Connections
If you want to charge multiple devices, you will need a solar charger with more than one USB port. Most backpacking solar chargers have two or three USB ports. The multiple USB ports use smart technology to evenly distribute the power between different devices.
Size And Weight
Size and weight are important factors that you need to consider when choosing the best backpacking solar charger. Large solar panels are more efficient in charging. Most solar chargers can be folded and take up little space.
The weight of the solar charger should be less so that you are able to carry it easily on long hikes. Check the weight of the charger before you make the choice.
Integrated and External Batteries
There are some solar panels that include internal and external batteries. The external batteries charge from solar panels during the day. This will let you harness the power of these batteries to charge the devices anywhere.
It is best to choose solar chargers with integrated batteries. This will give you more charging options.
Rugged and Waterproof
The solar charger should be durable so that it is able to withstand tough outdoor conditions. Waterproofing is also necessary as you might leave the charger outside in the rain. Lighter panels are costly but less durable.
Controlling System
Two types of charge control systems are available in solar chargers. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) are the two charge control systems. MPPT is efficient and will enable you to gain 30% more power.
AC/DC Outlets
Some batteries and devices are designed to run on AC (alternative current) outlets whereas others run on DC (direct current) outlets. It is important that you are aware of the device requirement so that you make an informed choice.
There are some solar chargers that offer both and you can use them to charge multiple devices.
Types of Portable Solar Panels
CIGS
The CIGS solar panels are flexible and lighter in weight. The lightweight panels offer great performance. This makes them a good option for backpackers and hikers. The CIGS panels are not as durable as monocrystalline panels. If you are looking for an ultralight panel then this is a good choice.
Monocrystalline
Monocrystalline are traditional solar panels and have been on the market for many years. These panels are strong, heavy, durable, and efficient.
The monocrystalline panels provide the best performance in cloudy weather. The combination of durability, efficiency, and quality makes them a popular choice.
Polycrystalline
Polycrystalline panels are not as efficient as monocrystalline panels. New advances in technology ensure better quality panels. These panels are heavy and offer good durability. Polycrystalline is a good option if you are looking for solar panels on a budget.
Best Backpacking Solar Charger Reviews
Best Overall Option
Anker PowerPort Solar
Canvas lined and foldable, it can be attached to sides of tents and backpacks. You can also pin it to the windows of RVs or campers so that it captures lots of light.
Best Upgrade Option
RAVPower Solar Charger with USB Ports
No products found.
The portable charger can be folded into four segments. This makes it easy to carry anywhere.
Best Value Option
Solar Phone Charger Power Bank
The premium 10.000mAh solar panel power bank is designed to offer fast charging. The foldable and space-saving design enables you to carry the solar charger wherever you want.
Best Alternative Option
BigBlue Solar Charger
The BigBlue solar charger is the ideal companion for any kind of outdoor adventure. The charger is lightweight and easy to carry.
Anker Power Port Solar
The lightweight solar charger offers an excellent solution for backpackers, campers, and hikers looking to charge their electronic equipment. Canvas lined and foldable, it can be attached to sides of tents and backpacks. You can also pin it to the windows of RVs or campers so that it captures lots of light.
RAVPower Solar Charger With USB Ports
No products found.
The solar phone charger is small in size but delivers big in power. The smart power charging technology delivers large amounts of energy in a quick and safe manner. The portable charger can be folded into four segments. This makes it easy to carry anywhere.
Pros
- The innovative signature solar cells increase the efficiency of charging up to 21.5% – 23.5%.
- The three USB ports are equipped with iSmart technology. The technology helps in automatically detecting and delivering the optimal charge for all connected devices.
- The smart IC frequency technology is another feature that adds value to this product. The technology detects and distributes (evenly) output current to all three USB ports. This ensures that every device connected to the solar charger is evenly charged.
Cons
- The solar panel is susceptible to heat. The output wattage and conversion rate are reduced when the solar panel overheats.
- No integrated battery.
- The materials are rugged but not durable.
Solar Phone Charger Power Bank
The backpacking solar charger is the ultimate emergency survival device for all your outdoor adventures. The iBose phone charger is compact and practical.
The premium 10.000mAh solar panel power bank is designed to offer fast charging. The foldable and space-saving design enables you to carry the solar charger wherever you want.
Pros
- Easy to cut design. The warranty is also unaffected when you cut the solar cover to perfectly fit your pool.
- Diamond-shaped air pockets give you more heating per square inch than other types of solar covers
Cons
- No UV protection to keep it from getting damaged by the sun.
Pros
- The SmartIC technology is an inbuilt intelligence chip. The solar charger detects the device to deliver a fast charge speed. This ensures charging stability. The solar panel efficiency is up to 21.5% – 23.5%.
- The PET polymer fabric (industrial strength) protects the solar panel and electronic devices from wet fog or rain.
Cons
- The solar panel is not suitable for small current charging products.
- No integrated battery.
- The solar charger is relatively heavy.
Conclusion
The backpacking solar charger is helpful for people who love the outdoors and travel a lot. The solar charger will enable them to charge their electronic devices anywhere they want.
With advanced technology, you will be able to charge multiple devices at the same time. This will help save energy and money.
Anker PowerPort Solar is our top recommendation when it comes to a solar charger for camping. RAVPower Solar Charger with USB Ports is a good upgrade option. Solar Phone Charger Power Bank is a good value option.
BigBlue Solar Charger is one of the best backpacking solar chargers on a budget.
