BEST SOLAR CHARGER FOR BACKPACKING
Which is the best solar charger for backpacking? If you are a backpacker who enjoys different weather conditions or traveling a lot you surely have experienced running out of batteries and are unable to charge them.
There is no doubt that if your trip is to a city and stay at a hotel you will find different sources to charge your electronic devices.
Read more: best solar panels for hiking
Now picture yourself in nature, miles away from any place with electricity and running out of battery.
For sure you will wish you had any source of power.
Fortunately, now it is possible to charge your devices without any hassle.
By using a solar charger, you will get all the power you need to charge your electronic devices, including your tablet or computer.
If you keep reading this review, you will be prepared to look for the best solar charger in the market and the one that fits your needs when backpacking.
Some of the options placed in this article stand out for their capabilities; others for their compact designs and others for the additional features they come with.
Worry no more if you are an experienced backpacker or if you are just getting started.
After reviewing several solar chargers, we have narrowed it down to the top 5 chargers that offer the best features, abilities, and design.
Even if you are not a backpacker, a solar charger can always come in handy for any type of emergency so keep reading to get an insight in case you do purchase one.
Let´s go ahead and go over a few points before choosing the right one.
Why do backpackers need a solar charger?
These chargers get their power from the sunlight which is especially useful for any backpacker or traveler.
Not having a source of power for your electronic devices could make a difference when traveling.
And because it is expected that you will carry these chargers, most of the models are compact and lightweight to make it easier to have them hooked to your backpack.
They will come in different sizes and shapes.
Not all solar chargers are expensive, and this gives you many options to choose from.
When you use these chargers, you will find that they can give enough support to turn on a light or charge your phone.
If you buy one of these, you will also find that you can charge different or multiple devices if needed including flashlights, battery operated heaters for camping or tablets.
Solar chargers are perfect for backpackers or any traveler.
Where do you get the power from?
Solar charges get direct sunlight and transform it into power usually stored in a battery. Read here our guide on how to charge to solar power bank.
The solar panel will be automatically activated when exposed to the sun and once this is done, you can easily get your devices connected to the ports to be charged.
Depending on the model, you may need to purchase additional cables to connect to your Apple devices.
Some of these models are intended to be attached to your backpack so that you get direct sunlight even while walking.
There is no better way to feel safe than knowing that you will have power when your devices run out of battery during outdoor activities.
Why should I buy one if I´m not a backpacker?
Solar chargers are a great option for anyone just because it helps you even when you are not at home or at the office to charge your devices.
Even if there is a power outage, these solar chargers will be up and running to replace the power source.
The energy you get can be easily stored until you need it.
Something great about these solar chargers is that some of these models can also be charged at home using the USB port so you get more options.
If you are like us and like to be prepared for unexpected events, then a solar charger should be on your next shopping list either for you or your family and friends.
What to consider when shopping for a solar charger?
When shopping for a solar charger, you will find that there are usually two groups to choose from.
The first one is the rigid solar chargers which can be difficult to travel with because of not being flexible or small enough.
For foldable solar chargers, it is noticeable that their greatest feature is that they are lightweight and come with flexible materials that will let you fold and carry them within your backpack or luggage when you need them.
Something to consider is the ability to charge multiple devices including phones, tablets, flashlights, or speakers.
Think about it if you travel solo or with family and friends since, for this, bigger and more powerful chargers will be of great use.
In this article, we are comparing the top 5 solar chargers for backpackers.
You will find that we will share all the things that we think you will like.
Since we like being honest, you will also be informed about the things you may not like.
We conducted research between information online and feedback from people who have already purchased these options.
Finding insight from these customers will be of great use since some of them share their experiences when first using them.
Others share the things that they noticed when using these solar chargers for months.
Regardless of the insight, you´ll get the ones that stand out.
Additionally, you will get the ratings from Amazon, panel size, charging ports, average price, and where you can go buy them.
5 Best solar power bank for backpacking
1. BIG BLUE 3
What you will like
The BigBlue 3, will be of great use and very easy to use.
It comes with 3 USB ports which are higher than the average 2 ports that come with other models.
You should not worry about water since this charger comes with a weatherproof port protector which is ideal for backpackers.
Something great about this charger is its design which makes it super easy to carry out no matter what.
What you may hate
Although this charger is great for any USB port, you will find that for Apple phones, you will need an additional lightning cable.
Also, note that you can´t charge laptops and iPad Pro.
Some of the reviews indicate that power may differ from what’s advertised.
Amazon Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Panel Size: 28
Number of USB Outlets: 3
Average Price: $69.99 at Amazon
2. GOERTEK 25,000mAh
What you will like
If you are interested in backpacking or simply travel a lot, then this charger is for you.
It allows you to charge by solar energy or DC5V/2A.
This charger offers 3 USB ports that allow multiple connections which will make it perfect for you and your family or friends.
This charger is waterproof and resistant to any weather condition.
Something to highlight about GOERTEK is that it is compatible with multiple devices such as phones or tablets, regardless of the brand.
It also serves multiple purposes since it comes with 36 LEDs that will get you through when in the dark.
Additionally, compared to other models, GOERTEK is cheaper priced at $25.75 at Amazon.
What you may hate
Some users report that it takes too long for solar charging.
Although it is waterproof, it seems that it is not very resistant so it shouldn’t be exposed to water for long periods of time.
As a solar charger, it is recommended that you rely mostly on USB charging rather than the solar source which makes it difficult for backpackers.
Amazon Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Panel Size: 5W
Number of USB Outlets: 3
Average Price: $25.75 at Amazon
3. LICORNE 5W
What you will like
Including all available ports, you get to charge up to 6 devices at the same time.
Made for any weather and condition, you will find that this charger is waterproof, shockproof and dustproof.
There are additional features in this solar charger that you will like, for instance, there is no need for charging cables since they all come built-in.
Whenever you need a flashlight, you will find one in this model that comes with 3 SOS lighting modes: Strong Light/Strobe and SOS.
A great feature about this solar charger is that you can use the wireless charging option for all 6 devices at the same time.
What you may hate
Solar charging is recommended as an additional feature; therefore, it is encouraged that you use it as a backup solution.
Some of the Amazon reviews reveal that the battery capacity differs from what’s advertised as well as the solar charging feature.
Amazon Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Panel Size: 5W
Number of USB Outlets: 6
Average Price: $39.99 at Amazon
4. Goal Zero Nomad 5 Solar Charger with Flip 12 Power Bank
What you will like
You will love the compact, lightweight and small design, ideal for backpackers.
The Nomad 5 charger was made to be hooked to your backpack easily.
There is a built-in kickstand click into place that is also very useful if you´re looking for the best spot.
What you may hate
A few people who bought this model claim that It takes a lot of time to charge even under direct sunlight for a long time (more than 5 hours).
When trying to charge pro phone models, the charge would run slow.
Compared to other models, Nomad 5 would only charge 1 device at a time.
Amazon Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Panel Size: 5W
Number of USB Outlets: 1
Average Price: $74.95
5. SUNJACK 25W
What you will like
With a higher capacity, the sunjack solar charger is perfect for those traveling long distances.
You will find that panels are waterproof and that comes with a great big panel to meet your charging needs.
Some of the people have reported that even with low sunlight exposure, the sunjack charger was very efficient for all devices being charged.
Additional to its efficiency, it comes with great materials that make it a durable panel for long-term use.
What you may hate
Some users online report that this solar charger is a bit heavier than expected which may not be as convenient for backpackers.
This solar charger runs a little slow under cloudy weather conditions.
Compared to other models, this solar charger comes as expensive.
Amazon Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Panel Size: 25W
Number of USB Outlets: 2
Average Price: $79.95 at Amazon
Some final thoughts
While there are many options to choose from, finding the right one could be a difficult task.
What some backpackers have considered before purchasing a solar charger is a series of aspects that we list below.
Frequency of use
How long you will be on a trip?
Number of electronic devices you travel with
Are you going with friends and family?
Fast charging needs
Do you travel light?
Are you able to get direct or indirect sunlight?
When it comes to capabilities, you can still choose your solar charger based on watt options.
The more watts, the fastest is to charge it and get multiple devices connected to the source of power.
As you may have noticed, there are different price ranges.
Some of the options mentioned above come with additional features you may also need, for example, take the solar charges that come with lighting.
Or the ones that come with multiple ports for charging.
We find that higher prices don’t necessarily mean that they are the best options.
As you may anticipate when you choose a charger that is 5W or less takes more time to charge and may not be as powerful compared to other models.
While validating customers’ feedback, some users have expressed how happy or dissatisfied they were with certain models.
Perhaps you noticed that those reviews were also included in the things you may not like about these solar chargers.
So whether you look for price, ability, or convenience, we are sure you will choose the best option with the information shared.
