When it comes to backpacking, having a reliable source of power to charge your electronic devices can be a game-changer. A solar charger can be a convenient and eco-friendly option for backpackers who want to stay connected while on the go. However, with so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to choose the best one for your needs.
Throughout this guide, we’ll delve into the top solar chargers available in 2023, considering factors such as charging speed, weight, portability, durability, and compatibility with various devices. We’ll also give some tips on how to choose the best solar charger for backpacking.
So whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a newbie looking to explore the wilderness, our guide aims to help you choose the best solar charger to keep you connected and powered up throughout your adventures.
Best Solar Chargers for Backpacking
Comparison table of the top seven best solar chargers for backpacking in 2023.
| Name | Power | Rating | Weight | Price |
| Goal Zero Nomad 10 | 10 Watt | 5.0 | 1.43 lbs | Check |
| Nekteck 28W Solar Panel | 28 Watt | 5.0 | 1.44 lbs | Check |
| Powertraveller Falcon 21 | 21 Watt | 4.0 | 2.33 lbs | Check |
| Anker 21W 2-Port USB | 21 Watt | 5.0 | 14.7 oz | Check |
| BigBlue [Upgraded] 3 USB-A | 28 Watt | 4.0 | 1.48 lbs | Check |
| BioLite SolarPanel 5+ 2.0 | 5 Watt | 4.0 | 13.8 oz | Check |
| SunJack ETFE Monocrystalline | 60 Watt | 4.0 | 3.52 oz | Check |
Best Overall – Goal Zero Nomad 10
Best Ultralight Solar Charger for Backpacking – Anker 21W 2-Port USB
Best Value for the Money – Nekteck 28W Solar Panel
1. Goal Zero Nomad 10 Monocrystalline Solar Panel
The Goal Zero Nomad 10 is a foldable, portable, and lightweight solar panel that is designed for backpacking, hiking, and travel. It features a monocrystalline solar panel that can generate up to 10 watts of power. It has a highly efficient built-in USB port for charging your devices very efficiently. However, the USB port isn’t water resistant.
The adjustable kickstand allows you to position the solar panel at the perfect angle to maximize the amount of sunlight it receives. The solar panel is weather-resistant and durable, making it ideal for all types of outdoor use. However, the device has no input, only a single output.
It is also very light. You can carry it in your bag daily carry. To ensure quality, the manufacturer also offers 1 year warranty. Overall, the Goal Zero Nomad 10 is designed for those who need a portable and reliable solar panel for charging their devices while on the go.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight: Goal Zero Nomad 10 solar charger is compact and lightweight, making it an ideal choice for backpacking, and all other outdoor activities.
- High efficiency: The monocrystalline solar panel technology used in this model provides high efficiency and faster charging times, even in low light conditions.
- USB port: It has a USB port, which allows you to charge your devices directly from the solar panel. You’ll be satisfied with how quickly it charged the device.
- Adjustable kickstand: The adjustable kickstand allows you to position the solar panel at the optimal angle to maximize sun exposure.
- Weather-resistant: It is built to last and is weather-resistant, so you can use it in harsh environments.
Cons:
- Limited power output: The Goal Zero Nomad 10 has a maximum output of 10 watts, which is not sufficient for charging larger devices like laptops or power banks.
- Expensive: This device is also more expensive than some other portable solar panels on the market.
- A bit fragile: It is made of delicate materials, and it can be damaged easily if not handled carefully.
2. Nekteck 28W Portable Solar Panel with 2 USB Port
The Nekteck 28W is a portable solar panel that can generate up to 28 watts of power without losing charging efficiency. It features two USB ports, which allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time. It is IPX4 waterproof, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.
Nekteck 28W solar charger is compatible with a variety of devices, including the iPhone 12/11/11pro/Xs, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, and cameras. It is also designed with a smart IC chip, which automatically detects the optimal charging speed for your device.
You can use this device to charge a rechargeable battery charger. But it will take a while to fully charge your rechargeable battery. This portable solar panel comes with an attached zip pouch that you can put your phone in while your device is charging.
Pros:
- High power output: Nekteck 28W solar charger has a maximum output of 28 watts, which is significantly higher than many other portable solar panels on the market.
- Dual USB ports: It has two USB ports, which allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time.
- IPX4 waterproof rating: It has an IPX4 waterproof rating, which makes it suitable for use in wet conditions.
- Compatibility: This model is compatible with a wide range of devices, including iPhones, iPads, Samsung Galaxy phones, and cameras.
- Lightweight: It is lightweight and easy to carry. It is also surprisingly thin and folds up nicely.
Cons:
- Fragile: Nekteck 28W solar charger is made of delicate materials, and it can be damaged easily if not handled carefully.
- No built-in battery: It does not have a built-in battery, which means that you’ll need to connect it to a separate battery pack or device to store the energy generated.
- Slow charging: It takes longer to charge your devices than a traditional wall charger, especially if there is limited sunlight available.
3. Powertraveller Falcon 21: Folding Solar Charger
The Powertraveller Falcon 21 is a portable folding solar panel that can charge up to 3 devices simultaneously (2 via USB and 1 via DC). It features both a 5V USB output and a 20V DC output, making it compatible with a wide range of devices including laptops, tablets, smartphones, SAT phones, GPS devices, and action cameras.
The Falcon 21 solar panel is rugged, lightweight, and splashproof, making it ideal for backpacking. It can charge laptops with a power consumption of up to 40 watts, which makes it a great option for people who need to work or use their laptops while in outdoors.
This device is incorporated high-efficiency monocrystalline cells from SunPower, which produce up to 30% more power compared to conventional cells. The order includes a variety of connectors and cables so that you can charge your devices easily, no matter where you are.
Pros:
- Dual output: It has both USB and DC outputs, which allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time.
- Rugged and durable: This model is built to withstand harsh environments and is splashproof.
- Compatibility: It is compatible with a wide range of devices, including laptops (under 40 watts), tablets, smartphones, SAT phones, GPS devices, and more.
Cons:
- Limited angle adjustment: The Powertraveller Falcon 21 has a limited range of angle adjustments. This makes it difficult to position the solar panels optimally for maximum sun exposure.
- Expensive: This model is more expensive than some other portable solar panels on the market.
- Limited compatibility with some laptops: This device isn’t compatible with laptops that require more than 40 watts of power. It is also a bit heavy for everyday backpacking.
4. Anker 21W 2-Port Solar Charger with Foldable Panel
If you’re looking for a portable powerful solar charger, the Anker 21W is the best option for you. With a compact and slim design, it can generate up to 21 watts of power. It features two USB ports, which allow you to charge two devices at the same time.
It is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around in your backpack or luggage. It’s also weather-resistant, which makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as camping and hiking.
The solar panel is compatible with a wide range of devices and the Anker’s “PowerIQ” system allows it to communicate with essentially all USB devices. The PowerIQ technology automatically detects the optimal charging speed for your device. This ensures that your devices charge as quickly and efficiently as possible.
It has four foldable sections: three sections have solar panels and the fourth section has a small velcro-closed pocket that contains the two USB ports.
Pros:
- Powerful: The Anker 21W solar charger has a maximum output of 21 watts, which is sufficient to charge smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices that are designed for outdoor activities.
- Dual USB ports: It has two USB ports, which allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time.
- Fast charging technology: This device uses Anker’s PowerIQ technology to deliver fast charging speeds, which can be up to 2.4 amps per port.
- Foldable design: It features a foldable design, which makes it easy to pack and transport. It is also lightweight and handy for camping and other backpacking trips.
Cons:
- Fragile: This device is made of delicate materials, and it can be damaged easily if not handled carefully.
- Limited compatibility: It isn’t compatible with devices that require more than 2.4 amps of power or devices with proprietary charging cables.
5. BigBlue [Upgraded] 3 USB-A 28W Solar Charger
BigBlue has been committed to developing energy storage products with higher safety factors. The BigBlue 28W Solar Charger is very powerful with 28 watts of power supply. It features three USB-A ports, which allow you to charge up to three devices at the same time.
Like most of the solar panels in our ranking, this model is compatible with a variety of devices, including the iPhone 11/XS/XS Max/XR/X/8/7, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, and LG devices.
It is IPX4 waterproof, which means it’s protected from splashes of water from any direction, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. It’s also designed with high-efficiency SunPower solar panels, which convert more solar energy into usable power than traditional solar panels.
BigBlue 28W Solar Charger has built-in safety features, including a surge protection circuit and short circuit prevention. These safety features help to protect your devices from damage while they’re charging. It can automatically change the charging according to the sunlight’s brightness.
Pros:
- Triple USB ports: It has three USB ports, which allow you to charge up to three devices at the same time.
- Efficient solar panels: It features SunPower solar panels that are highly efficient in converting sunlight into electricity.
- Waterproof design: The BigBlue 28W solar charger is IPX4 waterproof, so it can withstand rain and splashes.
Cons:
- No included cable: It does not come with a charging cable, so you’ll need to use your own cable or purchase one separately.
- Not compatible with all devices: This model isn’t compatible with devices that require more than 5V/4.8A of power or devices with proprietary charging cables.
6. BioLite SolarPanel 5+ 2.0 With Onboard Battery
The BioLite SolarPanel 5+ 2.0 is an ultralight solar panel that can generate up to 5 watts of power to charge up your gear when you need it most. It features an onboard battery, which allows you to store energy for later use. It is suitable for charging smartphones, cameras, and other small electronic devices.
The solar charger is designed with a slim profile and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around in your backpack or luggage. It also has a kickstand that can be adjusted to different angles, which allows you to position the solar panel for maximum sun exposure.
BioLite SolarPanel 5+ 2.0 also features an LED meter that displays the solar panel’s power output, as well as the battery level. This makes it easy to monitor the performance of the solar panel and make adjustments as needed.
The solar charger is also designed with a rugged and durable exterior, which makes it resistant to water and dust. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as camping and hiking.
Pros:
- Built-in battery: It has a built-in battery, which allows you to store the energy generated by the solar panel for later use.
- Lightweight and easy to carry: It is compact and lightweight, so you can carry it in your backpack or luggage when traveling or camping.
- Durable design: This solar panel has a solid and unique design to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. So it is suitable for use in camping and backpacking trips. It also has an IPX4 rating, which means this device can withstand splashing water from any angle.
- Multiple charging options: You can charge it via the built-in solar panel or using a USB cable connected to a power source. This will provide you with multiple charging options.
Cons:
- Limited power output: The BioLite SolarPanel 5+ 2.0 has a maximum output of 5 watts, which isn’t sufficient for charging larger devices.
- Limited battery capacity: It has a capacity of 2200mAh, which isn’t enough to fully charge some devices.
7. SunJack 60 Watt ETFE Monocrystalline Solar Panel
The SunJack 60 Watt Foldable Portable Solar Panel provides a high-powered and efficient source of renewable energy for outdoor enthusiasts, backpackers, hikers, and campers. With its compact, lightweight and foldable design, it is easy to carry and transport. It can be deployed quickly and easily to provide power to a variety of electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, and power stations.
It is constructed using high-quality ETFE monocrystalline solar cells, which are known for their high efficiency and durability. It also features multiple charging ports, including DC, USB QC3.0, and Type-C, which allow you to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Additionally, the solar panel is IP67 waterproof, which makes it resistant to water and dust, making it suitable for outdoor use in all weather conditions.
One of the unique features of this model is its ETFE coating, which provides exceptional resistance to weathering, UV degradation, and chemical corrosion. This can significantly extend the life of the solar panel. It also comes with a durable carrying case, so you can easily transport and store it when not in use.
Pros:
- Waterproof: SunJack 60 Watt portable solar panel is IP67 waterproof and the build quality is incredible. For example, it can withstand heavy rain and splashes.
- ETFE monocrystalline solar panels: It features high-efficiency ETFE monocrystalline solar panels that are durable, lightweight, and capable of producing more power in low light conditions.
- Multiple charging ports: It has multiple charging ports so that you can charge multiple devices at the same time.
- Easily foldable design: This model is easily foldable, making it easy to transport and store in a hiking backpack or luggage.
Cons:
- Heavyweight: This model is relatively heavy compared to other portable solar panels, which makes it less suitable for backpacking and hiking.
- Expensive: SunJack 60 Watt portable solar panel is also relatively expensive compared to other portable solar panels on the market.
- Large size when unfolded: It is relatively large when unfolded, making it less suitable for use in small or crowded camping spaces.
Best Solar Chargers for Backpacking Buying Guide
Choosing the best solar charger for backpacking requires consideration of several factors. Here are some steps to follow before making the final decision:
Determine your power needs
Assess your power needs and determine how many devices you will be charging. Consider the types of devices and their power requirements to determine the wattage required for the solar charger.
Consider the solar panel efficiency
A solar panel’s efficiency determines how quickly it can convert solar energy into electrical energy. Look for a solar charger with high panel efficiency, so you can charge your devices faster.
Evaluate the weight and size
The solar charger should be lightweight and compact so that it is easy to carry while backpacking. Check the dimensions and weight of the charger before buying to ensure that it meets your requirements.
Check the battery capacity
The battery capacity of the solar charger is the amount of energy it can store. Consider how many devices you will be charging and how often to determine the battery capacity required.
Durability
Look for a solar charger that is durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. It should be made of sturdy materials, and have some level of water resistance.
Price
Solar chargers come in a wide range of prices. Consider your budget and look for a solar charger that provides the best value for the money.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Here is a list of questions and answers people are commonly interested in.
How long does it take for a solar charger to charge a device?
The charging time depends on the capacity of the solar charger and the device being charged. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day to charge a device fully.
Can a solar charger charge multiple devices simultaneously?
Some solar chargers can charge multiple devices at once, while others may only charge one device at a time. It is essential to check the specifications of the solar charger before purchasing.
Do solar chargers work in cloudy weather?
Solar chargers can still work in cloudy weather, but their efficiency will be reduced. It is essential to have a solar charger with a high panel efficiency to ensure that it can charge even in less than optimal weather conditions.
Can a solar charger overcharge my device?
Most solar chargers have built-in safety features to prevent overcharging of devices. However, it is always essential to monitor the charging process and disconnect the device once it’s fully charged.
Can solar chargers store energy for later use?
Yes, some solar chargers come with a built-in battery that can store energy for later use. It is essential to check the battery capacity of the solar charger before purchasing.
How do I clean my solar charger?
To clean a solar charger, use a soft cloth or a brush to remove any dirt or debris on the solar panels. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the solar panels.
Conclusion
A solar charger is an essential piece of gear for backpackers who want to stay connected while off the grid. When choosing the best solar charger for backpacking, consider factors such as power output, portability, charging capacity, durability, and price.
The Anker, Goal Zero, and RAVPower are some of the best brands available. However, it’s important to choose a solar charger that meets your power needs. It must be durable and fits within your budget. With the right solar charger, you can enjoy a reliable source of power during your outdoor adventures.