With a portable solar charger you can venture out into remote areas with nothing but you backpack. Add a few friends or family members if you want, or go by yourself – the added safety net of a solar charger keeps your phone, GPS, lights, and other necessities alive so you can always find your way out of any situation you might end up in.
While it isn’t generally recommended for beginners to go camping or backpacking in any wild territories, one should always consider bringing as many safety measures as possible. A solar charger ranks high on such list.
Being an intermediate backpacker myself, and knowing how hard it is to navigate when you’re off the beaten path, I always bring navigation equipment with me. I do also like to bring a flashlight, so I’m able to see where I’m stepping after dark. Luckily, most portable solar chargers are able to hang from the backpack and provide solar power on-the-go, which is really clever.
You’ve probably already figured out that a portable solar charger is an essential item for your next backpacking trip. So let’s look into the different options, and find out which ones are your best choice right now.
1. AddTop Solar Charger 25000mAh
Waterproof, shockproof, dust-proof – this AddTop Solar Charger is a suitable companion for backpacking, camping, hiking, or any other outdoor activity. It has four foldable high-efficiency solar panels with up to 1A input current under the sunlight. As a result, it charges significantly faster than other solar chargers, letting you charge a 2000mAh phone in just under 1.5 hours.
With two USB ports, you can charge two devices simultaneously. There is also the option to auto-detect your devices’ current to pair with the optimal output. Its rugged construction is built for outdoors. Its built-in 9-LED flashlight supports three modes, normal, strobe, and SOS is perfect for simply walking around or even outdoor emergencies.
The AddTop Solar Charger is compatible with almost all devices (iPhone, iPad, Samsung, Sony, Huawei, Nexus, camera, Bluetooth, GPS, and more). When you need to charge any device, you can simply leave the solar charger, hanging down your backpack as you continue down the trail. It’s a perfect companion for your backpacking adventure!
Features:
- Capacity: 25000mAH
- Number of USB ports: 2
- Flashlight: Yes
- Weight: 1.2 lbs
2. BLAVOR PN-W05 – solar powered wireless charger
The BLAVOR PN-W05 is not just an ordinary solar powered charger with a USB port. If your phone is Qi-enabled, you can activate the wireless charging by turning on the Qi charging feature in your phone and placing your phone on top of this solar charger for a quick, cable-free and tangle-free charging. It’s perfect if you accidentally left your cords behind or if you want to charge two phones at the same time. You can now do so while plugging one in and placing the other on top of the charger for wireless charging.
The BLAVOR portable solar charger allows for a quick charge of up to 2.2 times for iPhone 7+, 2.3 times for iPhone X, and 3.5 times for iPhone 8. It’s a great resource of emergency power so you have nothing to worry about when you’re up the trail and don’t have access to electricity.
This charger has a sturdy plastic casing, as well as a lightweight lithium polymer battery. It’s highly durable despite its lightweight and compact size, as well as splash-proof, dust-proof-and shock-proof. It is also equipped with a compass kit to help direct you, and a dual bright flashlight to show you where you’re going or provide you with just enough reading light at night.
One important thing to note is that it is always best to fully charge this charger via cable before going on your trip, and then top it off with the solar panels. Solar chargers are most efficient when placed under direct sunlight and angled directly towards it, but since this isn’t always possible, the output generated might not be as strong as you’ve thought. Most backpackers would just leave it hanging from their backpack or mount it at the top of it, so it keeps recharging as they go.
Features:
- Capacity: 10,000mAh
- Number of USB ports: 1
- Flashlight: Yes
- Weight: 0.6 lbs
3. X-DRAGON 20W SunPower
If you take this waterproof camping battery charger with you on your backpacking adventure, you won’t have anything to worry about in terms of charging your devices. The X-Dragon Portable Solar Charger comes with dual USB ports and SolarIQ Technology that will optimize the charging time. You can charge your iPhone, Samsung Phone, and even your iPad Mini with no difficulty at all.
As a result of the SolarIQ Technology, the power conversion rate increases up to 22-25% while most panels are only up to 15%. According to the manufacturer, this means faster charging for your devices, as this panel can capture more sunlight than conventional solar panels. Under direct sunlight, the charging is even faster and with dual USB ports you can charge two devices at a time.
The X-Dragon SunPower Solar Panel is made of Class A high-temperature anti-corrosive fabric, that makes it waterproof and dustproof. The materials make it the perfect companion for any outdoor activity. When you need to charge the panels, or even as you’re charging your phone and want the maximum effect, you can also just strap it to your backpack and leave it open so the sunlight shines directly on it as you’re walking.
Instead of lying out in the open, exposed to all kinds of weather, the USB ports of this solar panel charger are enclosed for better protection. When you’re done with it, you can simply fold it up and stash it away with no difficulty at all.
Features:
- Number of USB ports: 2
- Flashlight: None
- Weight: 1.4 lbs
Final words
If you love going out for an overnight backpacking adventure or even simple treks, you know how important it is to have your gadgets charged all the time. Either you use it for practical purposes, such as a compass or map or emergency situations, or for contacting family and friends. There may have also been instances when you’ve used your phone or tablet to store music or books to relax when you’ve reached your destination. It can be quite a hassle to find out that you’ve run out of battery.
Having portable solar panel chargers are very handy to have with you when you go out to a place where electricity might be scarce. Without a doubt, they will help you during an unexpected crisis and can also provide that extra degree of comfort. Plus, you no longer have to worry about what might happen if you run out of battery.