If you’re planning a lengthy hike, you might want to think about getting the best solar charger for backpacking. You may use these portable solar panels to charge your smartphone, hiking GPS, hiking watch, emergency PLB, and hiking camera, among other electronic gadgets.
A portable solar panel has gained popularity as travelers have grown more dependent on certain technological equipment. The charger will be able to store power and quickly charge your other gadgets as long as there is sunshine available. Your devices might be able to last indefinitely if you also bring a portable power source when you backpack.
I’ve included the top 5 portable solar chargers for trekking and backpacking available in 2023 in this post.
Best solar charger for backpacking
- BigBlue 3 USB-A 28W Solar Charger
- Anker 21W 2-Port Solar Panel
- Lixada Solar Panel
- Goal Zero Nomad 10 Portable Solar Panel
- Biolite Solar Panel
BigBlue 3 USB-A 28W Solar Charger
The Best solar charger for backpacking BigBlue 3 surpasses all expectations. This panel keeps its position at the top of the pack for another year due to its outstanding charging capabilities and consistent performance across the board. Nothing matches this model when it comes to overall performance, even though there may be other alternatives out there that charge more quickly or have cooler looks. This panel will consistently charge your gadgets in a variety of weather circumstances, from direct sunlight to light cloud cover. We adore the built in ammeter as a feature. We also value this panel’s affordability and simplicity. With three USB ports and a traditional fold-out design, the BigBlue is a great all-purpose charger that can quickly and effectively power most compact devices.
The weight of this panel is a drawback. It’s a little heavy, coming in at 21.8 ounces. As a result, it is more appropriate for usage in front country terrain, while it will perform well everywhere else. Except for its weight, this panel gets excellent reviews all over.
Pros
- Efficient and quick to charge
- Excels under challenging circumstances
- Inexpensive
Cons
- It isn’t portable
- Bulky
Anker 21W 2-Port Solar Panel
One of the quickest portable chargers in this evaluation and the best solar charger for backpacking is the Anker Powerport 21W Solar Charger. Under direct sunlight, it can charge at a rate of up to 2.4 amps per port. It is a very effective charger since it can charge two devices at once at the fastest possible rate.
The Anker Powerport 21W Solar Charger can be folded down for easy storage and transportation, similar to the Big Blue 3, however, the Anker is lighter, smaller, and has just two charging ports. This will be great for you if that is all you require.
This enables you to secure the solar panel while traveling to your tent, nearby trees, or even your rucksack. Its ultra-thin and low-weight construction makes it the perfect choice for anybody thinking about doing long-distance camping adventures.
Overall, the best folding solar charger for trekking and traveling is the Anker Powerport 21W. This pair of portable solar panels with high-speed charging connections would be ideal for couples hiking, trekking, or bike traveling.
Pros
- USB ports capable of lightning-fast 2.5A charging
- For convenient storage and travel, it may be folded down
- The surface of solar panels is made of PET polymer
- Minimalistic
Cons
- If you want the solar panel to charge rapidly, place it in direct sunshine
- In the shade, it will charge, but it will take longer
Lixada Solar Panel
Despite not having the same name recognition as companies like Anker or Goal Zero, Lixada is beginning to amass a sizable following among travelers. The absurdly inexpensive and remarkably lightweight Lixada solar panels are a contributing factor.
Starting with weight: Of all the camping solar chargers we’ve examined here, the 10W Lixada solar charger offers you the greatest power per weight at 3.56oz.
It should come as no surprise that Lixada is deficient in many aspects. Most importantly, it lacks an auto-reset mechanism, which means that if a cloud passes over it, it will cease charging. The only way to restart charging the gadget is to disconnect it and then plug it back in.
However, as one user noted, the Lixada is fantastic if you are prepared to put in the time to learn about solar. Get a multi-meter and test the solar panel under various conditions, including light, wires, weather, and gadget. You will be able to use such a cheap and lightweight solar panel for hiking excursions once you have this knowledge.
Pros
- Cheap
- Lightweight
Cons
- Shoddy shipping
Goal Zero Nomad 10 Portable Solar Panel
The built-in kickstand on the Goal Zero Nomad 10 solar panel clicks into place at various angles and enables you to set the solar panel precisely facing the sun. It is the best solar charger for backpacking and may be fastened to your backpack, tent, or other equipment and is composed of tough and long-lasting materials. Goal Zero power banks seamlessly operate with the solar panel’s 10-watt output.
The 7800 mAh Goal Zero Venture 30 power bank is frequently used in conjunction with the Goal Zero Nomad 10 solar panel. This power bank may be recharged by the solar panel in 4.5 to 9 hours. However, the solar panel can also immediately charge several gadgets including cameras, cell phones, and other electronic equipment. Powerful solar panels like the Goal Zero Nomad 10 are ideal for extended outdoor activities like trekking.
Pros
- Affixing points
- Durability
- Kickstand
- Power
Cons
- Nothing
Biolite Solar Panel
All tiny electronics, including cell phones, GPS units, and tablets, may be powered by the Biolite Solar panel 5+ 2.0. This happens either when the sun is shining or a lithium-ion battery pack with 3,200 mAh for the charger.
We appreciate the sundial-equipped built-in kickstand. As a consequence, you can precisely position your device with the sun to maximize the benefits of solar charging.
The Biolite Solar panel generates 5 watts of power and can recharge and its built-in battery pack in 2 hours.
I appreciate the Biolite Solar panel 5+ 2.0 in general, a compact solar pack and also charger set that will be plenty for most people of hikers and backpackers. Among the top solar chargers for backpacking in 2023 is this one.
Pros
- Comes with a kickstand that enables you to place the item exactly facing the sun
- You can precisely orient your charger toward the sun thanks to an integrated sundial
- Has an integrated battery pack that can be recharged in just two hours
- Its size is comparable to that of a laptop or an iPad
Cons
- This one is costly
FAQ
Which portable solar charger is best?
BigBlue 3 USB-A 28W Solar Charger is the best solar charger for backpacking.
What distinguishes a solar power bank from a solar charger?
Batteries are not a part of the design of solar chargers; hence they cannot store energy.