We all benefit from a little bit of time outdoors and mostly off the grid, but there are plenty of reasons to take your devices with you, specifically portable solar chargers.
Being able to stay in touch during your backpacking trip and give everyone a snapshot of what’s going on is a good reason to look into the best solar chargers that are available. GPS devices are ideal for keeping you on the right path, and you don’t want to pass up the opportunity to take advantage of your smartphone’s features or those of your smartwatch.
The selection of portable chargers available will give you plenty of options to work with while you’re out and about, enjoying the outdoors. Being able to harness the sun’s renewable power to keep your devices running is always a plus. The best solar chargers for camping will make life much easier for you.
In this article, we provide the best solar charging options to meet your needs and help you enjoy a much nicer hiking, camping or other outdoor trips.
Best Solar Chargers for Backpacking and Camping
Solio Bolt
- Lightweight design makes for easier packing
- Fairly fast charging for GPS devices/phones
- Economical cost for all your outdoor needs
This device is one of the best portable solar battery chargers because it’s easy to pack and lightweight, with a great high-tech design. The Bolt does its best with a lot of access to direct sunlight because of polycrystalline cell construction. Fast charging is available for GPS and similar devices.
Goal Zero Venture 30
- Suitable for all kinds of outdoor adventures
- Easy charging for two devices at once
- Flexible recharging options to keep your charger as functional as possible
This device uses the power of portable solar panels for a great all-around choice on all kinds of exciting outdoor activities, especially with its waterproof design. With the ability to recharge two devices at once, you’ll have your devices ready to go in no time. Recharge using a USB source in about five hours or using direct sunlight in 16, so it’s always in great shape for any task.
BigBlue 28W
- Auto-restart feature and ammeter
- Good performance in cloudy weather
- Faster charging
With 28 watts of power, this charger will easily offer some of the most efficient charging available to you. The ammeter makes it easier for you to keep track of the output while you’re charging, and the auto restart feature is a significant help when the weather’s cloudy. If you’re looking for a charger that’s easily adaptable, this is your ideal option.
Jetsun Solar Charger 16750mAh Portable Solar Power Bank
- Compact solar panel size
- Plastic case construction is wear-resistant
- Charges most devices in about two hours
If solar powered backpacks are most likely to meet your needs, this compact option allows for easier dual charging to meet your needs. The built-in LED light makes it easier to see how much battery power you still have, and also comes in handy as a nightlight. Because it’s dust-proof, shock-proof and water-proof, you can easily use solar powered battery packs such as these in virtually any conditions.
ToughTested 16,000mAh Solar Power Bank With Flashlight
- Ultra-compact size for best portability
- One of the best solar chargers to use outside a backpack
- Advanced power recognition feature
You’ll enjoy the fact that this unit uses 16,000 mAh, which will easily charge a smartphone six times. This handy charger resists water, shocks, and dust for more excellent durability. A proprietary technology feature makes it easier for you to figure out how much more power your devices will need for a full charge.
Instapark Mercury 10W
- Excellent value overall
- Light and simple design
- Storage pocket of a decent size
This option is one of the best portable solar chargers with its durable design. It also charges single devices quite efficiently, perfect for people with modest needs while out camping, hiking or doing similar activities. The storage pocket also comes in handy with its large size. All in all, this is a great option for a solar battery charger.
YOLK YKSP 5W Solar Paper (World’s Thinnest!)
- One of the most lightweight options by far
- Fits into coat pockets easily
- Different wattages available for diverse charging needs
As one of the best solar chargers for camping, this compact option measures 3.5” x 7.5” x 0.4” folded, with a weight of 0.3 pounds. Newer smartphones charge in two and a half hours on average, and the auto reset lets you finish charging the device once you go back to a sunny area. There are four different wattage options that you can choose from among when purchasing, depending on your unique charging needs.
Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus
- Indicator letting you know about sun conditions
- Integrated USB cord for easier charging
- Small size when folded for one of the best portable solar panels options
One of the standout features of this charging system is a set of four LED indicator lights that show how much solar power you’re working with when using your devices. The cord is designed to charge virtually every type of mobile device you might have on your trip. When you’re in a very sunny area, you can feel confident that your devices will charge quite quickly.
Anker PowerPort 21W
- Panels-only design
- Device-charging protocol protection for faster speed
- Super-lightweight
Because this charger consists of panels only, you’ll be able to pack it up and go whenever you need to use it on your adventures. Unique PowerIQ features allow the battery pack to discover your device’s charging protocol for better results. This is one of the best options for solar powered backpacks and solar powered battery packs by a nice margin.