15 Best Solar Chargers for Backpacking, Camping & Go Bags

If someone told you a couple of decades ago that we’d be able to charge phones using sunlight, you would’ve probably laughed at them. It’s still hardly logical, but the speed at which technology is evolving hasn’t left us a chance to ponder over anything.

I believe we desperately needed solar power banks. It now seems like you can’t go on a camping trip without your little friendly gadget that catches the sunlight. Here, I’ll review the 15 best solar chargers for backpacking, camping, and putting in your Go Bag. There’s a variety of prices and features; I guarantee you’ll find an option that fits your needs.

15. BESWILL Solar Portable Charger 18W with Flashlight

Everything in the BESWILL Solar Portable Charger screams convenience. For starters, it comes bearing a carabiner that allows you to hang it on your bag or leave it to charge without worrying it may get damaged. On top of that, you can use it while it’s raining, thanks to the waterproof coating. The exterior is also made of silicone to absorb falling shocks.

You can charge up to 6 devices simultaneously using the BESWILL. Impressive, isn’t it?

It has five output ports, as well as a wireless charging station. You don’t have to worry about the compatible devices too, the charger will work with all Qi-enabled devices. And to add to user satisfaction, you get both Micro and Type-c ports for charging, in case you can’t use the sunlight at the moment.

The 30000 mAh battery on this charger can charge an iPad Pro for three times and some phones for more than ten times. Not to mention that its current goes up to 9V/2A, which translates to faster charging. It’ll have you covered on emergencies and power outages. Plus, it’ll adjust the charging output on its own to prevent short circuits and overcharging.

Pros

• Flashlight included for emergencies
• All ports are protected by rubber parts
• Wireless charging included
• The size is fit for backpacks

Cons

• Some users reported that its charge doesn’t go beyond 75%

14. Goal Zero Nomad 10 Solar Charger

The Nomad 10 charger features a user-friendly foldable design that’s more useful than you think. It gives you more flexibility in adjusting the panel’s angle, and in turn, lets you get optimal sunlight. Not only that, but there’s also a built-in lock that keeps the unit steady when folded, as well as a flip dock that you can perch it on.

The solar charger has a relatively lightweight. You won’t feel its weight on your back if you decide to hang it on your bag. Additionally, you can easily store it anywhere, thanks to its compact size when folded. The four attachment holes at the corners will also keep it secure inside your bag.

The Nomad 10 is a versatile charger. You can use it to charge phones, headlamps, small USB devices, and even fitness trackers. That being said, it won’t be of much help if you want to charge an iPad or a tablet. It works at its optimum with small devices because it requires a lot of solar-charging time.

Pros

• It can generate up to 50W
• Quick charging
• Convenient foldable design
• Built-in flip dock included

Cons

• Not waterproof

13. PowerGreen 21W Folding Solar Panel Charger

The PowerGreen solar charger features a mono-crystalline silicon panel that expands the energy conversion by 24%, which is more than most solar chargers can offer. It also comes fully-equipped with dual USB outputs, so you can charge two devices concurrently. This feature comes in handy during sudden power outages.

Furthermore, the PowerGreen provides high portability, thanks to its foldable design. It’s separated into three panels that fold on each other. That way, you can use it in any position you prefer to get enough sunlight. It’s also relatively lightweight, which makes it convenient for backpacking and hiking trips.

You don’t have to fear rainy days with this charger; it has a waterproof frame to avoid unfortunate incidents. The USB port isn’t waterproof, but it’s shielded inside the cover, so it’s unlikely you’ll get water inside unless you try really hard.

Pros

• Weather-resistant polyester cover
• Dual USB ports
• Eye-holes included for easier attachment to bags
• Convenient Triple fold design

Cons

• It’ll discharge your device if the sun goes while it’s still connected

12. RAVPower Solar Power Bank with Flashlight

The RAVPower charger is resistant to water, dust, and shocks. It’d swim through a waterfall nicely, not that you should do that. It takes up to 6-8 hours to fully charge, so these safety features will ensure no damage comes to it while it’s out in the open. On top of that, it comes with a built-in LED light that you can use in emergencies.

The RAVPower has a 20000 mAh capacity that allows it to charge devices many times. It can charge some phones for up to seven times, such as iPhone 8. Plus, it comes with dual USB ports that allow for charging two devices simultaneously. You don’t have to worry about overcharging and short circuits too; the charger adjusts the current accordingly.

The charger’s exterior is made of ABS plastic that’s weather-resistant. It’s also sturdy and highly durable. There’s an orange lining that goes around the frame, so you can charge in style.

Pros

• Durable build
• Great value for money
• High charging capacity
• Resistant to tough weather conditions

Cons

• Heavyweight

11. ALLPOWERS 100W Portable Solar Charger

The ALLPOWERS charger offers the largest solar panels out of the options on our list. Despite this, it’s highly portable and can easily hook to your backpacks. It can also fold down to a compact size if you don’t have much space. Besides, it’s very lightweight, considering that it has 15 panels.

The ALLPOWERS 100W Portable Solar Charger is one of the few solar chargers that are compatible with laptops and car batteries. It comes with an 18V/5A DC output for that. In addition, it features two USB ports for smaller devices. So, in other words, it can charge three devices at the same time.

Upon purchasing, you get 10 laptop connectors, carabiners, and USB cables. Along with a plug for cigarette lighters. You’ll also get your hands on a jump-starter cable.

Pros

• Power station included for batteries
• A lot of accessories included in the purchase
• Waterproof cover available
• Compatible with laptops and car batteries

Cons

• The USB ports cover isn’t secure

10. F.Dorla 20000mAh Portable Outdoor Waterproof Solar Power Bank

The F.Dorla outdoor power bank is one of the most portable chargers on our list. It’s almost the size of a mobile phone. Regardless of that, it can charge two devices at the same time, courtesy of the two USB ports on it. Not only that, but it also has an automatic detection for the current to avoid overcharging.

The charger’s body is made of Pc+ABS plastic, which is known for its impeccable resistance to shocks. It’s also dustproof and water-resistant. In addition to that, the body is topped off by two LED flashlights that are ideal for night trips and emergencies. There’s also a light indicator that lights green during solar charging, and blue when USB charging.

The F.Dorla is compatible with all smartphones and tablets. Its primary charging method is by a USB cable, and the solar panels are there for emergencies. However, the power bank takes a long time to charge because the panel is small. This inconvenience is somehow justified, considering that the charger comes at a very low price.

Pros

• Compact size and lightweight
• A user manual is included in the purchase
• Relatively low price
• High durability

Cons

• Slow charging

9. ADDTOP Solar Power Bank

The ADDTOP power bank has a higher charging capacity than most chargers in this price range. It can charge your iPhone 6 for up to 10 times without the need for recharging. The reason for this is the four solar panels that provide a considerable space area for catching the sunlight. That doesn’t mean it’s bulky, though. The charger folds upon itself to a compact size.

So, you get a high conversion rate and a travel-friendly size that’ll fit perfectly in your backpack. Not to mention the add-ons that you receive upon your purchase, including the USB cable, the user manual, and the LED flashlight. At the price this power bank comes with, I’d say it’s quite the bargain.

The ADDTOP Solar Power Bank features two USB output ports, as well as an auto-stop technology that cuts the current off when your device is fully charged. It can also charge simultaneously while being charged, which will save you a lot of time.

Pros

• Fast charging
• Waterproof leather cover
• Compact size when folded
• High charging capacity

Cons

• A lot of users claimed that it stops working after a while

8. FEELLE Waterproof Solar Power Bank

The FEELLE power bank features three large solar panels, despite its compact size. It has the exact same dimensions as an iPhone 8, which means you can easily carry it around in your pocket or backpack. The large panel space accounts for its fast charging and high capacity. It can easily charge an iPhone 7 for nine times, and an iPad Air for three times.

The FEELLE Waterproof Power Bank comes with two USB ports that provide 2.1A current, they’re waterproof too. The whole frame is also dust-proof and shock-resistant, which makes it an ideal choice for rough-terrain hiking trips. The cherry on the top is the LED light on the charger’s back, which comes bearing three different modes.

The FEELLE has a compact, foldable design that’s protected by a high-quality leather cover. It’s available in orange, blue, and black colors, so you can match it with your hiking backpack.

Pros

• Fast charging
• Resistant to tough weather conditions
• Tri-fold design
• Easy to use

Cons

• A lot of users reported that the solar charging stops working eventually

7.   Portable Foxelli Dual USB Solar Charger 10W

The Foxelli solar charger comes with three polycrystalline solar panels, each of them measures 9”x 6.1”. It’s larger than most portable chargers, but it only weighs 1.1 pounds, which enables you to carry it in a backpack effortlessly. It features 11 loops for hooking, and it comes bearing two carabiners for securing.

The Foxelli Solar Charger has dual USB ports, making it easier to charge two devices concurrently. Plus, there’s a built-in smart technology that distributes the 1.85A current according to each device’s intake. That way, you can rest assured none of them will overcharge. This feature also reduces the time needed for charging.

This unit should be able to charge any USB-powered device, as long as it has a 5V DC input. This includes Kindle devices and headlamps. Furthermore, the charger has a pocket where you can keep the device while it’s charging. It’s waterproof as well.

Pros

• Lightweight and thin
• PET polymer cover that’s weather-resistant
• Highly durable
• 120-day return window

Cons

• A lot of users reported that it doesn’t charge iPhones

6. BigBlue 28W Solar Charger

The BigBlue solar charger has four solar panels that generate a total of 28W. It offers a large space area for sunlight, although it folds to the size of a magazine. It’s also ultra-thin, which enables you to stuff it easily in a backpack. Not to mention that its foldable design allows you to catch optimal sunlight by adjusting the angles.

There are three USB ports on the BigBlue Solar Charger, providing a total current of 5V/4.8A. They’re all covered by a waterproof rubber cover. The charger is compatible with most smart devices, except iPad Pro. Moreover, it has a built-in current detection system that protects against overcharging, short circuits, and overvoltage.

Despite all that, the BigBlue isn’t a power bank, which means you can only charge your devices while it’s out in the sun. This can be a major inconvenience for a lot of users. That being said, it provides a high conversion efficiency of 23.5%, which means it charges faster than most solar charges.

Pros

• Weather-resistant PET polymer cover
• Foldable design
• Triple USB output ports
• Highly portable and lightweight

Cons

• It doesn’t store electricity

5. Nekteck 21W Portable Solar Panel Charger, Waterproof Camping Gear

The Nekteck solar charger provides a great value for money. Most brands will charge you double for the features on this thing. For starters, it has a peak conversion rate of 24%, thanks to the SunPower Maxeon technology in the solar panels. Secondly, it features a smart chip technology that keeps the devices safe while charging simultaneously.

It doesn’t stop here, the Nekteck Solar Panel has a tri-fold design that gives you plenty of flexibility for adjusting. Besides, it folds into a compact size of 6.3”x11.1″, and barely weighs a pound. It’ll fit in your backpack effortlessly, and you can stash it in an emergency kit. It’s also protected by an IPX4 waterproof canvas that’ll endure tough weather and shocks.

Upon purchasing, you receive a Micro USB cable, an instructions-guide, and two carabiners that hook on backpacks. You also get a pocket where you can keep your device during charging.

Pros

• Affordable price
• Breathable mesh pocket to protect your device’s battery from overheating
• Great value for money
• Highly-efficient waterproofing

Cons

• The charging is a bit slow

4. RAVPower Solar Charger 16W

The RAVPower Solar Charger is one of the most durable solar chargers in the market. It has a high-quality waterproof coating that’s also resistant to dust. In addition, it features three solar panels in a tri-fold design. This gives you considerable adjustability to catch the sunlight. Not only that, but it’s also compact when folded. Therefore, you can rest assured about storage space.

The charger has two USB ports that produce a total of 3.2A. There’s also an iSmart technology that makes sure your devices get the optimal current in the shortest time possible. On top of that, it has a pocket that you can use to keep your device protected while charging.

You can charge most USB-powered devices using the RAVPower, including cameras and tablets. That being said, bear in mind that it’s not compatible with iPhones older than iPhone X. Upon purchasing, you get four loops for hooking and two iSmart cables for USB devices.

Pros

• Affordable price
• Storage convenience
• iSmart technology for fast charging
• Resistant to rough weather conditions

Cons

• Not compatible with a lot of devices

3. Anker 21W Portable Solar Charger with Foldable Panel

If you’re always in a hurry, the Anker solar charger would be a nice option to consider. It runs on fast-charging PowerIQ technology that’s exclusive to Anker’s products. This technology accounts for the 2.4-amp charging speed. The 23.5% conversion efficiency is also a huge contributor to success, considering it speeds up the process.

You can charge up to two devices simultaneously using the Anker Portable Solar Charger. There’s also a protective polyester pocket to store them while charging. Not to mention that it’s waterproof, along with the whole charger’s body.

The Anker features three solar panels that fold down into a compact size for backpacks. There are also attachments at the corners for security. Moreover, the foldable design allows you to adjust the panels according to the sunlight’s direction. Or, you can hook it to your backpack and leave it laid out. The options are endless.

Pros

• Large panels for more energy conversion
• Ultra-thin body for storage
• Stainless steel attachments included

Cons

• Low Watt output

2. BLAVOR Solar Power Bank, Qi Portable Charger

The BLAVOR power bank is one of a few to offer wireless charging for smart devices. It compensates for the single USB port that comes with it. Besides, it saves you the hassle of cords tangling. That being said, the wireless station is only compatible with Qi-enabled devices.

The BLAVOR Solar Power Bank has a Micro USB port along with a Type-C port on the body, so you can charge the power bank if sunlight isn’t available. As for its charging capacity, it can charge an iPhone 7 for 2.2 times, and an iPhone 8 for 3.5 times. It’s not the highest capacity out there, but it’s enough for hiking trips. To add to the convenience, the charger has two flashlights for emergencies.

The BLAVOR is ideal for rough weather conditions. It features an ABS frame that’s resistant to water, shocks, and dust. If you ever want to throw a power bank down a mountain, give this one a go.

Pros

• Rugged cover for protection
• A compass kit is included in the purchase
• Wireless charging available

Cons

• Moderate charging capacity

1. GoerTek Solar Power Bank Portable Panel Charger with 36 LEDs

The GoerTek power bank doesn’t only derive its power from sunlight, it also features a USB port for charging. That way, you can keep the solar charging only for emergencies. Because let’s face it, no one wants to spend a good chunk of a trip sitting by the sun to charge a mobile phone.

Along with the USB charging port, the GoerTek Solar Power Bank has three output ports for your devices. This enables you to charge them concurrently, rather than wait for each one to finish. The convenient features don’t stop here, the charger also comes with indicator lights that signal when the device is done charging.

The charger’s body is made of ABS plastic, which is known for its shock-resistance and waterproofing. There’s also an LED light that takes up the whole back of the power bank. It comes with three modes available for energy saving.

Pros

• High charging capacity
• Two charging methods available
• Bright LED light included
• Compact size for backpacks

Cons

• Some customers find it high-priced for its features

The Verdict

Our top pick for solar chargers is the ALLPOWERS Portable Solar Charger. The ALLPOWERS is highly efficient with a large space area for panels, but it also has a foldable design for storage convenience. Add to that its compatibility with laptops and car batteries, which distinguishes it from all similar brands. The ALLPOWERS comes with a hefty price tag. If you want a runner-up that won’t cost much, I recommend that you go for the BLAVOR Solar Power Bank. You’ll get a high conversion rate, safe charging, and a compact design for convenience.