Running out of battery is the biggest problem during outdoor activities. Many people rely on electronics for navigation or immortalizing their trips, and, with no socket nearby, it is crucial to have some juice on you. That’s where best portable solar chargers come into play.
Once a costly gadget, a portable solar charger is now widely available in many shapes and sizes.
After testing many products, we’ve come up with a comprehensive selection of 11 portable solar chargers. If you’re braving the wilderness for more than a day, then you’ll need one of these: portable solar chargers with built-in batteries, Stand-alone solar panels, and portable even solar generators. Let’s get started!
Table of contents
Best Portable Solar Chargers with Built-in Batteries
Best Backpacking Solar Charger: LICORNE 30000 mAh Solar Charger
Features:
- Weight (Ounces): 20
- Dimensions (inches): 6.9 x 3.3 x1.2
- Capacity (mA): 30000
- x6 ports
- Wireless charging
- IP66 rating
- Built-in cables
Talking about multiple ports, we have this beauty/ The LICORNE has three built-in cables: Lighting, Type-C, and micro-USB. But it also has as many ports. All of them support up to 5V and 3A.
And if that is not enough, the LICORNE portable solar charger also supports wireless charging! This means that you can theoretically charge up to six devices simultaneously, more than any of the other chargers.
It comes with a built-in dual LED flashlight with three operating conditions: strong, light, SO, and strobe. The rubberized frame guarantees the charger won’t slip out of your hand. But if it ever does, the thick body will handle the strain without breaking a sweat.
As it couldn’t be otherwise, the LICORNE enjoys an IP66 waterproof and dustproof rating. This means that it can cope with splashes and waterfalls. But beware, you can’t submerge it.
The panel is the Achilles heel. Like most of the solar panels out there, it’s simply too small to charge the giant 30000 mAh battery. Make sure to charge it before your trip.
Likes:
- Multiple connection options
- Wireless charging
- Battery indicator
Dislikes:
- Wireless charging doesn’t always work
- Cables are prone to break
Blavor Solar Power Bank
Features:
- Capacity (mAh): 20,000
- Weight (Ounces):22.4
- Dimensions (inches): 6.9 x 3.5 x 1.1
- Ports: Micro USB, Type-C, and full-size USB
- IPX5 rating
- Built-in dual LED flashlight
- Qi Wireless charging
Only a handful of portable solar chargers offer this kind of value for your money. It has some flaws, of course. But it is arguably one of the best solar chargers for under 50 bucks.
It has a 20000mAh capacity. It sits on the lower site. However, it is plenty of juice to power your phone several times.
Sadly, the solar panels are relatively small and inefficient. Thus, it will take several hours of sunlight to get fully charged. So, charge it completely before going out. According to Blavor, this portable charger offers up to 10W of wireless charging. It is nothing breathtaking. But at least you have that wireless charge.
Naturally, wired charging is faster, offering up to 18W of power output. On the other hand, this lightest compact portable solar charger has a simplistic port layout. It has a single USB Type-C port, two full-size USB ports, and a micro-USB port for charging the solar power bank.
Likes:
- Rugged design
- Affordable
- It comes with a compass
- Dual LED flashlight
- IPX5 rating
Dislikes:
- Small solar panel
- Extensive charging times
FEELLE Solar Power Bank
Features:
- Weight (Lbs): 1.18
- Dimensions (inches): 6.1x 3.35x 1.37 in folded or 13.9x 6.1 in unfolded
- Ports: 2 full-size USBs, micro-USB
- Built-in LED light with 3 modes
- Over-current, overcharge, and over-voltage protection
If you want the best bang for your buck, then try the FEELLE portable solar charger. It retails for around 30 dollars, which we think is a terrific deal for what you are getting.
First, you get a rugged ABS exterior with PC Silicone corners. Sadly, the solar panel isn’t that big. The 4 foldable portable solar panels’ max charging energy is 6W, which is equivalent to a 5W wall charger. In fact, according to FEELLE, it will take over 80 hours of sun to fully charge. But look at the bright side; this comes with a superb battery capacity.
There are USB type 2.0 & micro-USB ports. Allegedly, all of them offer fast charging. Naturally, the more electronics you connect, the slower they will charge. You also get a 36 LED flashlight on the other side from the solar panel.
The FEELLE portable solar charger panels are waterproof, and can handle the occasional splash. But make sure to keep it at camp while you swim, as it won’t stand being submerged.
Likes:
- Impressive capacity
- Great value for your money
- Battery level LEDs
- Sturdy built
Dislikes:
- DC adapter not included
- It takes a lifetime to solar charge
- Bulky
PSOOO Solar Power Phone Charger 50000mAh
Features:
- Weight (Ounces): 32
- Dimensions (inches): 7.4 x 4.6 x 2.3
- Capacity (mAh): 50000
- x4 USB ports
- IP65 rating
- Built-in flashlight
This thing looks more like a brick than a portable solar charger. However, there is a reason for it. The PSOOO solar powered portable charger bank packs a massive 50000 mAh battery capable of charging any smartphone more than 8 times. More than enough for the average user.
You get not two but four full-sized USB ports. And like we said before, the PSOOO has enough juice to power several electronics simultaneously. Just one thing. Don’t think for a moment about relying on solar power alone. It will take ages to get a full charge through direct sunlight. In other words, use the Type-C input port to fuel your portable solar power bank, and the solar panel as a secondary energy source.
With 2.14 pounds, it is the heaviest portable solar charger. It is also larger than most other backpacking solar chargers with a built-in battery. But you also get an insane capacity.
The IP65 rating means that neither dust nor water will damage your device. Moreover, an ABS plastic body with rubber corners will absorb shock and keep the solar panel from shattering.
Likes:
- Superb battery capacity
- Four USB ports
- Best price-to-capacity ratio
Dislikes:
- Less portable than similar solar chargers
- Slow charging times
OIMYE Portable Solar Power Bank
Features:
- Weight (Ounces): 1.15 pounds
- Dimensions (inches): 6.97 x 3.39 x 1.02 inches
- Capacity (mAh): 30000
- Ports: 2 USB ports, 1 type c input/output port and 1 micro input port
- Built-in flashlight
- 36LED Camping Lights
- Wireless charging compatible
- IP67 rating
- Over-current, overcharge, and over-voltage protection
Although it is not a widely known brand, this portable solar charger extremely surprised us by Tekpluze. And you will be too.
With a 30000 mAh capacity, it has the biggest battery thus far. It has enough power to juice a Pixel 5 several times. And it does so reasonably quickly thanks to its dual USB ports that deliver up to 5V/2.1A. But you also get a micro-USB port and up to 5W of wireless charging. According to Tekpluze, the portable solar power is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
In the construction department, you get the same old ABS plastic body. It looks strong enough to handle falls. Tekpluze embeds the panel deep into the frame. To explain, the solar panel is less likely to get hit, and you won’t be left hanging with a dead battery.
Additionally, you can enjoy its IP65 water and dustproof rating. In other words, it can handle water splashes and rain.
Likes:
- 4 charging ports
- Wireless charging
- Embedded panel
- Battery level indicator
- IP67 rating
Dislikes:
- Takes 6-8 hours of direct sunlight to charge 10% of the battery
- Heavy
Hiluckey Portable Solar Charger
Features:
- Weight (Ounces): 21.2
- Folded dimensions (inches): 6.1 x 3.35 x 1.37
- Deployed dimensions (inches): 6.1 x 13.9 x 0.46
- Ports: Two USBs with adaptive charging up to 2.1A
- Water, dust, and shockproof
Wouldn’t it be great to have a portable solar charger with huge panels and a battery? Thankfully, Hiluckey created just the thing.
You get four 6.1 by 3.35 solar panels and a decent 25000 mAh battery. Additionally, the portable solar charger comes with two USB ports that offer a 2.1A adaptive output.
All panels and circuits are splash, dust, and shockproof. Thus, you can be confident this portable solar charger will handle any kind of outdoor activity.
Like most portable solar chargers, this one comes with a flashlight. It is in an awkward position, though. And it is not as bright as other models on this list. Nevertheless, it gets the job done.
So far, so good, right? Well, it is time to express our prime concern. To clarify, the thing is that charging the portable solar power bank on the go is somewhat tricky. You must unfold it , then fasten it to your hiking backpack, which will cover it entirely.
So, if you need to grab something, you must first take the solar charger off, get everything you need, and fasten the solar charger put it back on.
Likes:
- Larger panel area
- Fast charging profs
- Water, shock, and dustproof
Dislikes:
- Heavy
- Inefficient solar panels
Best Stand-alone Solar Panels
Best Overall Stand-Alone Solar Charger: BigBlue 3 Portable Solar Charger
![[New Version] BigBlue 20W Solar Panel Charger with...](https://thehikingadventure.com/wp-content/plugins/aawp/public/image.php?url=YUhSMGNITTZMeTl0TG0xbFpHbGhMV0Z0WVhwdmJpNWpiMjB2YVcxaFoyVnpMMGt2TlRGRmNTMDBWMDVOTWt3dWFuQm58MTcyODY0MTMxNA=)
Specifications
- Waterproof Rating: IPX4 (splash-proof, but not fully waterproof)
- Dimensions: 11.2 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches (folded)
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Ports:
- 2 USB-A ports
- 1 USB-C port
If you’re on the hunt for a reliable solar charger, the BigBlue 20W ETFE Solar Charger with Kickstand might just catch your eye. Let’s dive into what this little gadget brings to the table.
When it comes to performance, the BigBlue 20W Solar Charger does a commendable job. With its high-efficiency solar cells, it can charge your devices reasonably quickly given the right sunlight conditions.
The 20W output is decent for small gadgets like smartphones, tablets, and small cameras. It’s worth noting that while it’s great for topping off your phone or tablet, it might struggle a bit with larger devices or when there’s a lack of direct sunlight.
The BigBlue 20W Solar Charger is designed with the user in mind. It features smart charging technology that recognizes the connected devices and adjusts the output to provide the best charging speed while protecting against overcharging and short circuits. The inclusion of multiple USB ports means you can charge more than one device at a time, which is always a welcome feature.
![[New Version] BigBlue 20W Solar Panel Charger with...](https://thehikingadventure.com/wp-content/plugins/aawp/public/image.php?url=YUhSMGNITTZMeTl0TG0xbFpHbGhMV0Z0WVhwdmJpNWpiMjB2YVcxaFoyVnpMMGt2TlRGblZHRnBRM1pXZFV3dWFuQm58MTcyODY0MTMxNA=)
However, no product is without its flaws. The BigBlue 20W Solar Charger relies heavily on good sunlight, which can be a bit of a limitation in cloudy or shaded areas. Also, while it’s great for smaller devices, it’s not the best solution for charging larger electronics. Some users have also mentioned that the kickstand, while useful, could be a bit more stable on uneven surfaces.
Likes:
- Durable ETFE Material: Built to withstand harsh weather.
- Kickstand: Allows for optimal angle adjustment.
- High-Efficiency Solar Cells: Charges devices quickly with good sunlight.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry and store.
- Smart Charging Technology: Adjusts output to protect devices.
- Multiple USB Ports: Charge more than one device simultaneously.
Dislikes:
- Dependent on Good Sunlight: Less effective in cloudy or shaded areas.
- Limited Power: Not ideal for charging larger electronics.
- Kickstand Stability: Can be a bit wobbly on uneven surfaces.
All in all, the BigBlue 20W ETFE Solar Charger with Kickstand is a solid choice for those needing a portable and efficient way to keep their small devices powered up while on the move. Its durability, user-friendly features, and compact design make it a worthy companion for outdoor adventures. Just keep in mind its limitations with larger devices and the dependency on good sunlight.
Best Portable Solar Panel: Anker Solar Charger 21W
Features:
- Weight (Ounces): 14.7
- Folded dimensions (inches): 11.1 x 6.3 x 1.1
- Deployed dimensions (inches): 26.4 x 11.1 x 0.2
- Power Output (W): 21
- Ports: Two USBs
- Fast charge
- Over-current, overcharge, and over-voltage protection
- Foldable solar panel
Year after year, Anker continues to deliver exceptional backpacking solar chargers. Let’s look at the Anker 21W.
As you might have guessed, it has a 21W output. You can harness this power by using two USB ports. Thankfully, both of them support up to 2.4 amps of fast charge with direct sunlight, so it won’t take the entire day to power up your dead smartphone.
Yes, the BigBlue 3 has three USB ports. But neither of them offers this kind of speed.
Yes, it is a little large. But it comes with two tying points at both ends. Use them to secure the Anker 21W to your backpack and charge your phone on the go.
There is not much to talk about in terms of construction. The tri-fold polyester canvas holds three PET plastic-faced solar panels. In addition, the fail-safe protection gives some peace of mind, with hits and falls. However, try your best to avoid them. Stand-alone solar panels are inherently more fragile than their brothers with built-in batteries.
Likes:
- Highly efficient solar panels
- Both ports support fast charge
- It comes with a 3ft micro-USB cable
- Anker offers an 18-month warranty
- Remarkably light for its size
Dislikes:
- It is not waterproof
- Doesn’t look very durable
Biolite SolarPanel 10+ 2.0 With Onboard Battery
Features:
- Output Power: 10 watts
- Dimension: 10.12 x 8.19 x 0.94 inches
- Charge time: USB: 2.5 / solar: 2 hours
- Weight: 1 lb. 3.4 oz.
- Portability: Foldable
- Charging Time: 2.5 to 4 hours for a smartphone in full sunlight – patience, grasshopper.
- Kickstand: Built-in
- Sundial: Integrated
- USB Port:
- Durability: IPX4
Alright, let’s chat about the SolarPanel 10+ 2.0, your potential new sidekick in the quest for sustainable energy. Imagine this: a sunny day, birds chirping, and you basking in the satisfaction that you’re saving the planet while also trimming your electricity bill. Intrigued? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this sun-powered wonder!
First impressions matter, right? Well, the SolarPanel 10+ 2.0 certainly knows how to make a good one. It’s got a sleek, modern design that doesn’t scream “Hey, look at me, I’m a solar panel!” Instead, it whispers it with understated elegance.
It’s lightweight yet sturdy, perfect for those of us who like our tech durable but not back-breaking. Also, the foldable design makes it as portable as a beach towel. Whether you’re camping in the wild or just lounging in the backyard, this baby is easy to set
Now, onto the juicy details. The SolarPanel 10+ 2.0 boasts a 10-watt output, which means it’s no slouch when it comes to charging your gadgets.
It’s got you covered. In full sunlight, it can charge your phone in about 2.5 to 4 hours. However, If you charge it with the micro usb, there is no overheating problems and unit charged without no problems.
Fantastic product, and it performs wonderfully! Just a heads-up, though—when you’re recharging your cell phone or any small device, you’ll need to plug it into the solar panel’s USB port and then wake up the panel by pressing the battery button. If you skip that step, your device won’t start charging.
Likes:
- Slim
- Large panels
- Sun strength indicator
- Removable kickstand
Dislikes:
- Charging Speed: Not the fastest charger on the block.
- Price: A bit on the pricier side for a solar panel.
- Finicky- overheats in the sun
Best Portable Solar Generators
Best Solar Generator for Camping: Jackery Portable Solar Generator
Features:
- Weight (Pounds): 13
- Dimensions (inches): 11.8 x 7.6 x 9.5
- Ports: Three USB Type-A, Two DC outputs, and one AC output
The Jackery Portable Solar Station is an ideal candidate for those campers looking for more power. It has a 518 Wh capacity and more than enough juice to charge any electronics that you might have on you.
Regardless, this solar generator is neither portable as a solar power bank nor stand-alone foldable solar panel. This is what you leave at base camp while you hike.
Although it has a large battery, a full charge takes around 9 hours of direct sunlight. Sadly, the solar panels aren’t included. But here you have the link if you really want this portable solar generator.
The Jackery portable solar station has three USB Type-A ports, two DC outputs, and one AC output. According to Jackery, you can even power a 60W mini-fridge and electric stoves. A handy feature that most campers will appreciate.
Check our best camping stoves selection while you are at it.
Likes:
- Enough juice for anything you throw at it
- Small form factor
- Plenty of ports
Dislikes:
- Expensive
- It doesn’t come with solar panels
ZeroKor Portable Solar Generator, 300W Portable Power Station
Features:
- Dimensions: 9 x 5 x 7.5 inches (generator)
- Weight: 7.1 lbs (generator)
- Solar Panel Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.1 x 1.6 inches (folded)
- Outputs:
- 2 x AC Outlet (110V/300W)
- 1 x USB-C Port (60W)
- 2 x USB-A Ports (5V/3.1A each)
- 1 x DC Car Port (12V/10A)
- 2 x DC Ports (12V/5A each)
- Volts: 110V (AC output)Watts: 300W (generator), 60W (solar panel)
Ah, the joys of modern technology! A portable solar generator sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi novel. You get a 300W power station paired with a nifty 60W foldable solar panel. It’s like having your personal slice of the sun, ready to juice up your gadgets wherever you go.
First off, let’s talk about the design. This power station is compact and lightweight, perfect for those who don’t want to lug around a hefty generator. It’s sleek enough to make you feel like a tech-savvy adventurer but rugged enough to withstand the great outdoors. The foldable solar panel is a nice touch, making it easy to pack up and carry around. It’s like origami but for adults with a sense of responsibility.
Now, onto the meat and potatoes—how does it perform? With 300W of power, this little guy is surprisingly robust. It can charge your smartphone, tablet, laptop, and even a small fridge if you’re planning an extravagant picnic. However, don’t expect it to power your entire house. It’s more of a “weekend getaway” kind of generator rather than a “zombie apocalypse” solution.
The 60W solar panel does a decent job of capturing those golden rays. On a bright sunny day, it charges the power station at a reasonable pace. Cloudy days? Well, let’s just say you might need to be a bit more patient. It’s great for topping up the battery but don’t rely solely on solar if you’re planning to binge-watch your favorite series in the middle of nowhere.
Likes:
- Plenty of ports to choose, USB & AC
- Portability: Lightweight and easy to carry, perfect for camping or road trips.
- Eco-Friendly
Dislikes:
- Charging Speed: Solar charging can be slow, especially on cloudy days.
- Power Limitations: Not suitable for high-wattage appliances.
- Price: A bit on the pricey side
All in all, the Portable Solar Generator, 300W Portable Power Station with Foldable 60W Solar Panel is a solid piece of tech. It’s perfect for short trips and outdoor adventures, offering a reliable backup power source. While it’s not going to revolutionize your life, it’s a handy gadget to have around. So, if you’ve got a bit of sunshine and a sense of adventure, this power station might just be your new best friend.
Best Solar Powered Multi Function Chargers
Best Multifunction Battery Phone Charger: Renogy E.Lumen 500 Solar Powered Flashlight Charger
Features:
- Weight: 0.63 oz
- Dimensions (inches): 9.6 x 3.7 x 2.1
- 3 types of headlights
- Built in- Safety Hammer, Seat Belt Cutter
Renology E.Lumen Solar Powered Flashlight Charger is well built and better than we expected.
It has 500 lumens, bright enough for emergency needs or to light your campsite pathway. The seatbelt cutter and glass-breaking tool are a nice added feature for emergency situations. Especially great for college kids if they get in a jam.
The Renology only gets about 3 hours of flashlight use before charging, which isn’t ideal. Still, it’s meant for emergency use and not a substitute for your traditional solar power banks.
Likes:
- Flashlight, seatbelt cutter and glass breaker
- Lightweight
- Quality construction
Dislikes:
- Takes about 65 hours to charge by sunlight
- Only charges by USB or sunlight
Goal Zero Torch 250 Solar Panel Hand Crank USB Recharger
Features:
- Built-in solar panel
- Hand-crank for light anywhere
Goal Zero Torch 250 Solar Panel allows you to recharge the flashlight power bank almost anywhere, and by that I mean sunny places like California or Texas. Namely, it is because the solar panel is a small and not a reliable way to charge your flashlight power bank. Instead, GoalZero offers two additional options to charge.
The two hooks in the back are useful to hang from loops and used as a floodlight to light up 4 -person tent. Additionally, Goal Zero Torch 250 is a versatile flashlight, with a 250 lumen output for pathways and an emergency red light.
This is a pricey, backup option should all your other flashlights fail and you forget to charge your portable solar power banks.
Likes:
- 3 ways to charge: Hand-crank option, solar, USB
- Has more than one light on the device to light your way
- Multiple ways to position charger
- Plug the USB into a device and charge it at least twice from empty to full
- Run time 7-48 hours
Dislikes:
- Short built-in recharging cord
- Needs direct sunlight to charge by solar
- The crank will take a lot of work to get any amount of charge out of it
What to Look For in Solar Chargers
Solar chargers come in many shapes, sizes, prices, power output, and colors. It might be a good thing because you are more likely to find the solar charger that best suits your needs. But it will take you some time if you don’t know what to look for.
Thankfully for you, we’ve taken the time to summarize all the features we looked into when testing portable solar chargers for this review.
We will discuss everything from size, and price, to power output and option features. In the end, you will also find some answers to frequently asked questions about portable solar power banks. Let’s start.
Portability
Portability is, arguably, the second most important feature after price. Why? Well, as we said before, solar chargers come in all shapes and sizes. So, you must first decide; how portable you want your portable solar bank to be.
Do you want to buckle it onto your backpack or belt? Or would you rather deploy it when you arrive at the camping site?
Portability influences other features like battery capacity, how many devices you can connect, and charging time, to name a few. For instance, pocket-size portable solar chargers can handle up to three connections.
 Flexible Solar Panel |  Goal Zero Foldable Solar Panel |
 Anker Solar Power Bank |  Anker Foldable Solar Charger |
The built-in solar panel is also smaller. Thus, they will take the most time to charge and typically have a lesser output.
Portable Solar Charger Type
It might catch you by surprise. However there are several types of solar chargers. All work using solar energy, yes. However, they charge devices differently. There are three common solar charger types:
- Panel-only solar chargers
- Panel and integrated battery solar chargers
- Panel and removable battery solar chargers
Panel-Only Solar Chargers
As the name suggests, panel-only solar chargers are stand-alone solar panels with no storage means. With this in mind, you need to connect them to a phone, battery, or any other device to reap energy. They are useless otherwise.
So, why should you purchase a panel-only solar charger at all? Well, these are ideal for people looking to stay in one place for several hours. You can also benefit from panel-only solar chargers if you already have a power bank. Specifically, just leave the two connected and take the juice with you after.
Panel Solar Chargers with Integrated Batteries
This is the most common type of portable solar charger you can find. It looks like any other portable solar power bank around, but it has a small panel on one side.
Likewise, you can charge the charger itself and the phone at the same time while you hike. Plus, having a battery means that all the energy gathered by the solar panel will be stored for later use.
Naturally, you need to keep your solar charger out at all times. It won’t charge the battery otherwise. Therefore, you must be careful not to hit the panel, or you will render the solar charger useless.
The panel size is another drawback. Don’t expect the built-in battery to be charged in the blink of an eye.
Panel and Removable Battery Chargers
For those looking for the best of both worlds, we have solar chargers with removable panels. They are highly versatile, as you might imagine. You can leave the solar charger charging a backup battery at base camp and bring the primary power bank with you.
For instance, you will be reduce the weight of your pack and avoid damaging the panel on a hike.
Solar Generator
Solar generators are typically more expensive and feature a larger battery capacity than any of the other solar chargers. But also wieldy and heavier. Thus, this type of solar charger is more suitable for people looking to camp for a long time.
Undeniably, you can power almost any electronic device with them, ranging from phones and lanterns to electric stoves and fridges.
Solar Charger Effective Surface
You don’t need to be an engineer to know that the larger the panel, the more energy it can harvest from the sun. As a result, the faster it will charge its battery, provided it has one, and your device. Ideally, you want your solar charger to have the most gigantic panel possible. For instance, if you have a pocket-sized power bank, you want the solar panel to take a whole side.
However, having a large solar charger is not the best decision from a portability point of view. Thankfully, you can get one with foldable solar panels. It packs small, and it has a large effective area once deployed.
Solar Charger Power Output
Wattage and amperage are the most relevant technical features of any charger. First, let’s talk about the first feature.
Wattage refers to the amount of power passing through the charger. A higher wattage rating means more power. Thus, the faster it will charge your phone. Also, keep in mind that a solar charger with a low power output might not even charge your phone. For example, if your device charger is at 10 W, having a 7 W solar charger won’t cut it.
Aim to a solar charger with at least 10 or 15 W output. Check your phone specs to see the recommended wattage. Keep in mind if you are looking to charge multiple devices simultaneously, you need an even greater power output.
Solar Panel mAh Rating
Amperage rating only applies to solar chargers with batteries. It refers to the amount of current it has stored. The higher the number, the more charge you can draw from it. For example, my Pixel 5 has a 4080 mAh battery. So, a 32000 mAh portable solar charger should give me enough juice for charging my phone three times at least.
Keep in mind that 32000 mAh is a theoretical value. To clarifym the actual solar charger capacity depends, among several things, on its efficiency, which declines over time. For example, that the efficiency is 65%. This means that my realistic capacity is 20800 mAh, not 32000 mAh. Thus, I’ll be getting roughly five complete chargers with it.
Always go for the highest mAh rating that your budget allows. You’ll never regret it.
Solar Charger Port Layout
As technology advances, ports also change in size and shape. It is crucial, then, to choose one that has ports compatible with your devices. Take my Pixel 5, for example. I can charge it wirelessly or use a type-C cable. Likewise, I also have a portable lantern that I can charge using a micro USB. So, it will be ideal if it has a micro USB as well.
The number of ports is also significant. You can charge multiple devices at the same time if you have more than one port. Of course, remember what we talked about earlier. If you want to charge several electronics, you will need something with high power output.
Things are somewhat different for laptops. First, check if the solar charger has DC ports. If yes, then you can charge the PC with no power brick. But, if you don’t, look for an alternative.
Qi Wireless Compatibility
Although it is a somewhat new feature, some portable solar chargers are already supporting Qi wireless charging. It could be an excellent investment for you to charge your phone wirelessly.
However, you should know that wireless charging is less efficient than a wired connection. In addition, the power output is commonly lower. Thus, a phone will take longer to charge.
Shock and Waterproof Capabilities:
While these are not strictly necessary, having them is much appreciated. This way, you don’t have to worry about taking care of your solar charger since it can take on its own. Therefore, it is wise to get a dustproof and waterproof solar charger, as long as the budget allows it, of course.
You will know if a portable solar charger is water-resistant or dust-resistant because of its IP rating. Such a rating has two numbers. The first one refers to how capable it is of keeping debris like sand outside. While the second shows moisture protection. In the following chart, you can see what each number means.
| Number | First number (Intrusion Protection) | Second number (Water Protection) |
| 0 | No protection | No protection |
| 1 | Protected against solid objects over 2 inches | Protected against vertical drops of water |
| 2 | Protected against solids over 0.5 inches | Protected against both vertical and up to 15 degrees from the vertical water splashes |
| 3 | Protected against solids over 0.1 inches | Protected against vertical and up to 60 degrees from the vertical water splashes |
| 4 | Protected against solids over 0. 04 inches | Protected from all water sprays |
| 5 | Protected against dust | Protected against low-pressure water splashes |
| 6 | Total protection against dust | Protected against high-pressure water splashes |
| 7 | Not applicable | Total immersion protection up to 30 minutes |
Portable Solar Chargers: Power for Your Off-Grid Adventures
Now that you’ve come this far, it is time to decide which solar charger best suits your needs. Here, we think that the LICORNE 30000 mAh is the best backpacking solar charger. Furthermore, it has enough battery to power your phone, GPS, or portable camera several times.
It also offers multiple connections compatible with most modern electronics. To clarify, it has the highest IP rating of all portable solar chargers on this list. Click here to get yours.
Also, if solar generators are your thing, then the Jackery Portable Solar Generator will not let you down. It has a remarkable capacity and power output to juice anything ranging from phones to fridges and stoves. True, it isn’t the most affordable option. But it will pay itself in time, especially if you camp a lot.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a portable solar charger is your ticket to staying powered up on your hiking adventures. It’s practical, eco-friendly, and, honestly, just cool to have. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a long-distance thru-hiker, this gadget is a game-changer for staying connected and safe on the trail.
Remember, always choose a charger that fits your needs and be mindful of the environment. Happy hiking and stay powered up!
FAQS
When searching for the best portable solar charger for hiking, look for one that balances efficiency, weight, and durability. Chargers with a power output of around 10-20 watts are ideal for charging smartphones and GPS devices. Opt for models that are water-resistant and rugged enough to withstand outdoor conditions.
Portable solar chargers convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic panels. Simply expose the solar panels to sunlight, and the charger will begin generating power to charge your devices. It’s a straightforward, eco-friendly way to keep your gadgets charged while exploring the outdoors.
Yes, some portable solar chargers are capable of charging laptops, but you’ll need a charger with a higher wattage output, typically around 40 watts or more. Ensure the charger has the appropriate connectors for your laptop and can provide the correct voltage and current.
Need More Advice on Gear and Footwear?
Here are some links to our most popular articles:
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API