Let us help you find the best solar power banks for backpacking. Our exploration of the finest power banks will empower your devices and enhance your outdoor experience. A device that is fully charged for several days allows you to capture memorable moments, stay connected, and navigate the unknown with confidence.
Backpacking demands a seamless blend of technology and mobility. In a world where our devices are important partners, ensuring they don’t run out of power throughout the outing is paramount. This is where solar power banks do their thing, acting as indispensable tools for modern exploration.
To help you find the ideal portable power source, we have amassed some of the best units to help you decide on the one that suits you. Let’s have a look:
1)BoxWave Power Bank Solar Pack
BoxWave power bank solar pack has a small form factor of 5.4 x 3.0 inches, so you can carry it anywhere. It uses high-absorption polycrystalline solar cells to harness the powerful energy of the sun.
You just have to place it in direct sunlight to store power in its 1000mAh capacity internal battery. This is adequate to charge your device two to three times.
It features a north-pointing compass to help you get back on track in case you get lost in the wilderness. You don’t have to worry about darkness as you can switch on the LED flashlight to light your way.
The unit is well-suited for indoor and outdoor settings and is designed with tough rubberized bumpers that maximize shock absorption. It is waterproof and dustproof, with well-sealed connection parts to withstand the tumble that comes with backpacking.
A convenient carabiner lets you clip it on your tent, bag, or keychain. A powerful strobe is included and is handy in emergencies when you need to ask for help.
Features
- Built-in compass and LED lights
- Shockproof and waterproof to handle rugged scenarios
- The battery has a capacity of 1000mAh
- Dual charging through the micro USB or built-in solar panel
- A carabiner for easy clipping
- The battery capacity takes care of 2 to 3 smartphone charges
Pros
- Superior durability
- Easy to carry
Cons
- The battery is not sufficient for longer trips
2)Solgaard Solar Power Bank
Solgaard Solar Power Bank has a 15,000mAh battery capacity, perfect for long trips. It handles up to five charges, and you can have peace of mind knowing you will not end up with dead devices, regardless of where you are.
Its solar pa
nels enable you to charge it up by harnessing the power of the sun or using a USB chord when you are near the grid and utilizing regular electricity. This feature is a strong point for making it one of the best solar power banks for backpacking.
The manufacturer estimates that 4 hours of direct sunlight on the solar panels results in a 25% charge, making this power bank golden.
The 4 LED indicators alert when the battery needs a revamp so it doesn’t die when you least expect it.
Its super ease of use is a cherry on top of its lightweight and small profile. It will fit in your backpack without adding significant weight, which can cause fatigue.
Features
- Automatically charges when exposed to sunlight
- 4 LED indicators
- The battery can charge up to 5 phones
- 15,000mAh battery capacity
- Conveniently charges up with a USB-chord
- Charges even during overcast days
Pros
- Lightweight
- LED indicators for battery life
- Handles up to five full charges
Cons
- Pricey
3)Beswill Solar Charger
Beswill solar charger is the best option if you are looking for a lightweight option for your backpacking needs. Even if your outing lasts multiple days, the Beswill solar charger will have your back and will not add extra weight to your backpacking gear.
It features 3 USB ports to restore the power of different devices at the same time. You and your family or friends will have a good time knowing you will not be met with dead devices in off-the-grid areas.
The charger protects against bumps and drops. The solar panel is massive enough to keep you going, but you need to ensure you fully power up the portable charger before you hit the road.
The 21 super-bright LED lights save the day when you need a powerful light source when out in the woods or when the sun sets.
The battery capacity is 8,000mAh and will come through for you, making your outdoor experience fantastic.
Features
- Charge using the solar panel or micro USB
- 000mAh battery capacity
- A hook hander for easy portability
- 21 LED lights
- Protects from drops
- Large enough solar panel
Pros
- Adds little weight to your gear
- Easy on your wallet
- Brilliant light
Cons
- Lacks waterproofing
4)Riapow Solar Power Bank
Life is full of power and exploration, and with the Riapow solar power bank, you will have a reliable power source that takes care of daylight and lack of power outlets problems.
This power bank has enough power to charge multiple devices simultaneously. The Fast Charge 3.0A technology supports instant charging for your devices to restore their batteries.
The solar charger is waterproof and dustproof, augmenting its status as one of the best solar power banks for backpacking. You will love the protection added around the sides without adding unnecessary bulk. It hangs on a backpack easily, allowing recharging on the go.
The powerful LED flashlight with three modes is a good thing to have as it provides adequate light that empowers you to deal with various emergencies calmly. It also comes through when lighting from the sun depletes.
The 26,800mAh battery capacity is one of the highest, which makes the Riapow solar power bank super impressive. The immense capacity, weather protection, and protection around the sides make this power bank worth checking out.
Features
- Wireless charging
- Dustproof and shockproof
- Three built-in cables to accommodate various devices
- Powerful LED flashlight
- Fast charge
- Massive battery capacity
- The design is highly robust and durable
Pros
- Ultra-high battery capacity
- Wireless charging capability
- Suffices in extreme weather conditions
Cons
- Larger and heavy
5)Hiluckey Solar Charger 25000mAh
Next up is the Hiluckey solar charger, which has an impressive 25,000mAh capacity. Its high-capacity charges 6 to 8 times for a cell phone and 2.5 times for a tablet, which is good storage for a week-long expedition.
It is equipped with 4 high-performance solar panels that can reach 6W in smelting sunlight to keep your phone going even in areas with no electricity outlets.
The upgraded 15W output supports fast charging. One USB C port and dual USB A ports help you charge three gadgets at the same time. The USB C port accepts both input and output. A full recharge requires about 8 hours with a PD charger that needs to be bought separately.
The Hiluckey includes a built-in bright flashlight to light up your world and is easy to hand on your backpack to restore the juice.
As one of the best solar power banks for backpacking, the Hiluckey features an internal security system that shields the device from damage. This solar bank is a reliable companion for your backpacking adventures.
Features
- 4 solar panels
- Built-in flashlight
- 3A fast charging technology
- 25000mAh capacity
- Foldable design
- Three USB outputs for compatibility with various devices
- Two charging methods
Pros
- Quick and effective charging
- Efficient and high-capacity battery
- Inexpensive
Cons
- LED indicator lights don’t function well
Also Read,
How To Choose the Best Solar Power Banks for Backpacking
Have the following factors in mind when choosing a backpacking solar power bank:
Weight
First off, consider the weight of the solar power bank. It is paramount to find a balance between weight and charging capacity. If you have multiple gadgets or electronics with large batteries to charge, a slightly heavier power bank with more milliamp hours is the way to go. If you have fewer devices, you can save some ounces by having a smaller power bank. For most backpackers, a power bank with 10 to 20,000mAh is enough.
Capacity
Capacity is another aspect when selecting the best solar power banks for backpacking. The capacity is measured in milliamp hours. A higher capacity implies the battery can store more energy and, in turn, charge your electronics multiple times before needing to be topped off itself.
A power bank with at least 10,000mAh is recommended for shorter backpacking trips. This provides ample power to charge most smartphones 2 to 3 times or a tablet once.
If your trip will last longer or you plan to use your power bank to restore massive devices like laptops, you need higher capacity. In this case, it is advised to have a capacity of at least 25,000mAh.
Armor and Waterproofing
Your power bank should take some abuse as drops, jostles in the backpack, or exposure to elements is inevitable. Most units are built with a casing that can withstand the rough and tumble, but if you are particularly hard on your devices or plan to traverse through extreme conditions, you should get a power bank with a highly sturdy construction.
Some higher-end models even include an IP rating that signifies waterproof and dustproof capabilities. Just keep in mind that these inclusions mean a higher price tag.
Price
The best solar power banks for backpacking come at various prices based on their features, including multi-device charging, charging capacity, and lightweight construction. Choose one that suits your budget without compromising on features.
Charging Ports and Outlet Ports
The number of ports on a power bank can be a good and bad thing. You can take turns restoring juice to your devices with a one-port power bank, but sometimes, charging multiple electronics at once is easiest.
It comes down to the number of devices you have with you. Two ports or more are needed for multiple devices, whereas one port is enough if you only need to charge your phone.
Charging Speed
A power bank with a fast charging speed is valuable for impatient backpackers, being aware that various ports may have different charging speeds.
Remember that it doesn’t matter how fast your power bank charges gadgets if you don’t match the input and output charging speeds. For instance, a smartphone with an input of 5 volts and 2 amps requires a power bank with the same output. Otherwise, you will not achieve full speed charging of your device.
Life Expectancy
Finally, consider the power bank’s life expectancy when figuring out the best solar banks for backpacking. This is the number of times the power bank can be recharged before it eventually loses its power to store sufficient power.
A power bank with a life expectancy of 500+ charges will be more than enough for most people. One with a higher life expectancy is better if you plan to use your power storage gear extensively or need it to last for months or years.
The average life expectancy of power banks is 300 to 500 cycles.
frequently asked questions
What Devices Can a Solar Power Bank Charge?
A solar power bank usually charges smaller electronic gadgets no bigger than a tablet. They typically have one or two USBs for their outputs and can charge portable radios, smartphones, tablets, GPS systems, small laptops, tablets, and GoPro cameras.
How Do I Charge My Solar Power Bank?
You can charge your solar bank either through a wall charger or with direct sunlight on the gadget’s built-in solar panel. However, solar charging can be slow, so most people use a wall outlet to charge their power bank and top it off with solar energy.
Differences Between Solar Power Banks and Solar Chargers
A solar power bank is a portable battery pack with an integrated solar panel. There can be one or multiple solar panels which fold out. The constant factor is that they will always be attached to the power bank.
A solar power bank is configured to store charge so you can charge your electronic like a smartphone or tablet when it is ideal for you.
However, solar charging is not its only source of power since relying on the sun alone requires plenty of time for the power bank to charge fully. Therefore, most users charge them up at home using a wall outlet and use solar energy as a top-off throughout the day.
A solar power bank is recommended for shorter excursions.
On the other hand, a solar charger is a solar panel that hooks up directly to your phone, tablet, or any other small gadget, instantly charging it through the sun rays’ energy reaching the solar panel.
The solar panel doesn’t store the charge in a battery; it must be transmitted to your device immediately.
The solar panel with a portable solar charger is usually enormous and efficient, typically between 5 to 25W. It is best suited for longer outings or an off-the-grid cabin.
Conclusion
Finding trustworthy backpacking power banks can be daunting. That is why we have done the hard work and listed the best solar power banks for backpacking that will give good value for money. The beauty of these devices is their ability to harness the sun’s energy and their resilience to the challenges of the great outdoors. They will give you the autonomy to stay connected as you explore the beauty and serenity that the world has to offer. We hope this post has been enlightening and has made decision-making easier for you.