No electricity? No problem! A solar power bank comes in very handy when backpacking. Stay connected with all your devices being charged during an outdoor camping. Charging using solar energy works as a great cost-free backup solution where no other power source is available.
Scroll down to know about the best solar power banks which are ideal for backpacking. However, the BLAVOR Qi Solar Power Bank grabs the top position for the best solar chargers on our list due to its portability, power, and durability. In addition to Qi wireless charge feature and 10,000mAh battery pack, the IPX4-rated solar bank is shock, dust, and splash-proof.
Best Solar Power Banks for Backpacking
1. BLAVOR Qi Solar Power Bank – Best overall
Rating: 4.5/5
- Qi wireless 5W
- Dual flashlight
- Compass kit
- IPX4 waterproof
BLAVOR 10,000mAh solar power bank can be an excellent choice for cycling, traveling, hiking, climbing, camping, fishing, and long journeys. This 5.9 x 3.1 x 0.8’’ solar power bank weighs only 9.3oz and features 5V=2.1A Type C as well as micro USB input and USB output. Not only compact, but it’s also very durable with ABS sturdy components and a premium lithium polymer battery. Plus, IPX4 waterproof rating makes it ideal for all outdoor activities.
Thanks to the maximum 180MA solar charging current, it charges your phones 2x times more than standard power banks. Though it comes with a 1.0ft USB cable to charge up your devices, BLAVOR solar bank also offers wireless charging. It’s not a wireless solar power bank; it’s a wireless charger as well with 5W output. With the Qi wireless charging technology, charge all your Qi-enabled devices wirelessly. No need to carry extra wires for backpacking, as you are able to charge this 10 000 mah portable power bank with the sun.
What’s more, is the paired compact compass kit. This BLAVOR portable charger is the ultimate solar-powered survival gear for the outdoors. Integrated dual bright flashlights act as a convenient emergency torch at dark.
2. No products found. – Most Durable
Rating 4.5/5
- Military-grade durability
- 25,000mAh capacity
- Wireless charging
- IP67 waterproof
OUTXE solar bank is an ultra-efficient source of power that’s useful on backpacking adventures. Built tough for the outdoors, this adventure-ready power bank is most durable. Designed with sealed ports with a sturdy military-grade rubberized shell, it’s ready to take all the outdoor abuse. IP67 waterproof, drop-proof, shock-proof, crushproof, and even dirt/dust resistant makes it extremely durable. Equipped with a premium-quality 400mA 2W solar panel, OUTXE solar charger is reliable back-up power.
The huge-capacity 25,000mAh lithium-polymer battery can charge 3 devices at the same time. Plus, it charges a wide variety of USB devices including cell phone, tablets, digital cameras, lamps, and more. 6.7 × 3.4 × 1.28” size and 20.6oz weight make it quite convenient to take along backpacking. 2 carabiners included allows for easy attachment.
Tangle and cable-free charging solution for Qi-compatible devices, it offers wireless charging with 5W maximum output. This power bank also provides 50% faster charging and recharging with micro USB and Type C input (4A dual-input) and 18W quick-charge.
3. BESWILL Solar charger – Best for triple-device charging
Rating: 4/5
- 3 USB output ports
- 8000mAh power bank
- 21 LED lights
- Fully charge multiple devices
BESWILL is a great company for backpacking, climbing, hiking, and even a business or holiday trip to charge your tablets and smartphones. This solar and battery-powered bank can charge 3 devices simultaneously via 3 USB ports; DC 5V/1A, DC 5V/2A, and DC 5V/1A. It’s equipped with Li-polymer high-capacity battery that charges an iPhone 4 times faster. This is one of the best models to charge your devices like cell phones, tablets, and other multiple devices.
You can conveniently charge solar panel via sunlight when on a trip. On the other hand, the power bank can also be charged via the micro USB cable included. You can charge two devices with this portable solar power bank.
21 super-bright LEDs on the backside of the power bank work as an emergency flashlight with bright illumination light; perfect for outdoor night activities. To conveniently hang this solar power bank to your backpack, it’s comes equipped with a hanging hook. 5.6 x 3 x 0.8’’ size makes it compact and portable while ABS housing adds to durability and ruggedness. Moreover, BESWILL solar charger has great water and drop resistance that makes it an excellent option for backpacking.
4. BEARTWO 10000mAh Solar Power Bank – Best for compact design
Rating 4/5
- Ultra-compact design
- IP67 water and dust-proof
- 10,000 mAh capacity
BEARTWO power bank features the most lightweight, smallest, and compact design with 5.51 x 2.95 x 0.7’’ size and 7.4oz weight. This slim power bank is easy to take backpacking with an included hanger clip so you can charge on the go.
It utilizes a high-energy conversion solar panel to make use of most sunlight for emergency power supply with a high-capacity 10,000 mAh Li-polymer battery. 2 charging ports mean you can charge 2 devices at once; it’s compatible with all USB-charge devices. Thanks to the intelligent built-in protection system, the smart ICs detect devices automatically to deliver optimal current. Not only this offers faster reliable charging but also prevents overload, over-voltage, short-circuit, and current fluctuations.
Then it’s famous for its high durability and safety for long-term use; the military-grade PC and ABS shell has reinforced corners and a rugged design. Thanks to the multiple fall-safe circuitries with shockproof premium silicone rubber layers, BEARTWO power bank offers protection against crash, drop, dust, dirt, and water. This makes it perfect for outdoor use. Furthermore, there’s a built-in bright LED flashlight with 3 modes; Normal, strobe, and SOS.
5. No products found. – Best for high-illumination LEDs
Rating: 4/5
- Huge capacity 25000mAh battery
- 3 USB ports
- 36 LED lights
- ABS housing
The GoerTek solar power bank is powerful, thanks to the super huge-capacity Lithium-polymer 25,000mAh rechargeable battery. This is more than enough to charge an iPhone 7 times, Samsung phones for about 6 times, and iPad for 2 times on your extended backpacking trip. 3 independent output ports allow you to charge 3 devices together. Perfect for you and your backpacking mates, thanks to its universal compatibility. Though the power bank charges via 300mAh 5V solar panel, it can also be fully charged with DC5V/2A.
7 x 3.8 x 1.1’’ ABS shell is IPX6 waterproof and able to withstand all outdoor rigors. A carabiner included makes it convenient to hang on your backpack. The integrated 36 LED lights with 3 different modes (low, middle, high) can be used both for lighting and emergency SOS. These high-illumination lights act as your portable flashlight or lamp at nighttime.
6. FEELLE Solar Power Bank – Best folding design
Rating: 4/5
- 4 solar panels
- Dual USB ports
- LED light
The FEELE solar power bank features 4 5 W solar panels with 13.9x 6.1’’ unfolded total size and folds compact to just 6.1x 3.35x 1.37’’ weighing only 1.18Ibs. This foldout design lets the solar charger being charged in sunlight and used to charge your device simultaneously with an 88% conversion rate. By attaching to the backpack while hiking, jogging, climbing, the charger will keep recharging its 25000mAh polymer battery. This is called the dual charging effect! Besides, the two 2.1A USB lets you charge 2 gadgets simultaneously.
Luckily, this practical solar charger is durable and waterproof so you don’t have to worry about snow, rain, or frosting. Furthermore, built-in LEDs have 3 lightning modes; steady, SOS, and strobe. Use it as an emergency flashlight when dark at night.
7. QiSa 35800mAh Solar Power Bank – Best for large-capacity battery
Rating: 4/5
- 35800mAh battery
- 4 solar panels with total 15W output
- Integrated fast-charging smart chip
- Folding design
The QiSa solar power bank is designed for outdoor activities such as backpacking, camping, hiking, climbing, and emergency use. Features that make it stand out include the super huge-capacity 35,800mAh battery and 4 solar panels with maximum 15W output. Using 4 solar panels offers 3-4 times faster solar charging efficiency than a single solar panel in most power banks.
This efficient solar bank supports charging 3 devices simultaneously via 2 fast-charge USB outputs and a 10W wireless Qi charging. It becomes more convenient for fellow hikers to charge a phone at the same time.
Not only the solar panels are waterproof, but the power bank is also water, dust, and shock-proof. Casing made of TPU and ABS material is drop resistant and durable for even wet weather conditions. Unlike other solar banks, the QiSa is equipped with multi-functional 2.6W LED light with 4 modes ranging from dim to strong SOS mode for meeting various lighting needs. Use it outdoors as well as indoors! In addition to solar panel input, there’s a micro USB DC 5V input to offer the ability to charge the power bank.
8. Hiluckey Solar Charger – Best for high compatibility
Rating: 4/5
- 26800mAh Li-polymer battery
- 4 Outputs
- Fast charging speed
- Solar + USB port charging
- LED flashlight
Hiluckey solar bank is compatible with every smartphone brand and offers to recharge your devices multiple times on a single charge. Thanks to the 26800mAh high-capacity Li-polymer battery that can simultaneously charge 4 devices. These 4 outputs include two USB-A ports, a USB-C port, and a Qi-wireless charging area. This power bank utilizes a 1.9W solar panel to charge the battery. You can also fully recharge it via USB 5V/3A input.
In addition to recharging ways, there are 2 ways to charge devices. Charge your Qi-enabled phone wirelessly with the Qi-technology or charge it simply via cable at 3A high speed. 6.9 x 3.3 x 1.1” dimensions and 1lbs weight; it’s a portable and compact power bank that won’t take up any space. Since it’s shock, dust, and waterproof, you can attach it to your backpack during climbing, hiking, etc. For easy night-walking during camping, it features built-in 2 LED lights with 3 modes.
9. Nekteck Solar Charger – Best Budget Option
Rating: 4/5
- 10000mAh lithium battery
- SunPower Solar Panel
- Skid resistance
- LED emergency light
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly or low-cost solar power bank, this Nekteck charger is an excellent option that comes with a large 10,000mAh internal battery. It’s equipped with SunPower 5V/220mA solar panel for recharging the battery in sunlight with a 24% conversation rate. Since SunPower solar panel is highly-efficient, it charges quicker than other standard solar panels. However, there’s a 5V/2A micro USB input to charge it via electrical power for more flexibility.
Thanks to the over-charge protection feature the reliable Nekteck charger 1000+ rechargeable cycles over the battery life. Dual USB charging ports; USB 1A and USB 2.1A port with include USB cable lets you charge 2 electronic gadgets at one time.
Stylish, compact, and portable design, this lightweight 6.69 x 3.42 x 0.67’’ charger is easy to carry for camping and hiking. It features a football grain design that makes it more skid-resistance and anti-slip protection. Plus, this environment-friendly solar bank is shock, rain, and dirt-proof. Portable with a hook included; just hang it on your backpack during any outdoor activity. Other features like LED flashlight and rain-resistant casing make it one of the important gadgets to have during an emergency.
Things to Know Before Buying a Solar Charger
Getting a dreaded low battery warning during camping is the worst thing any outdoor enthusiast can imagine. This is where solar-powered battery banks can save the day!
The solar power bank features portable small battery packs charged by the connected small solar panel. This efficient power bank design is all wrapped in a durable rugged yet lightweight outer shell. Although almost all solar power banks share this same basic makeup, their specifics or technology can considerably vary. So, keep the following things in mind before you purchase solar chargers for backpacking.
Battery Capacity
After reading reviews and checking the manufacturer’s reputation, the next obvious thing to consider is the battery capacity. First off, solar power banks are expressed in mAh or milliamp hours. You’ll see a range of battery capacities starting from 2,000 mAh all to 20,000mAh or even higher. This is the amount of electrical energy a power bank can hold.
Most smartphone batteries, digital cameras, and other small electronic devices are between 1000-2000mAh. Larger phones, tablets, and laptops have much larger batteries so always check the battery capacity to know which power bank size to get. A solar power bank with a high mAh rating can hold enough energy to power up your devices multiple times. An average 10,000-12,000 mAh battery capacity can charge an average smartphone 8 times or more; ideal for your weekend getaway to the hilly mountains. For longer trips where you have to be away from a power source for a while, those power banks with more than 20,000mAh capacity are great.
Charging rate
Typically, solar power banks have either 1A or 2A USB outputs running at standard 5V. Power banks that advertise fast-charge or 2x quick charge refer to charging via the 2A port instead of 1A charging that most phones come with. If you have an electronic device that accepts 2A current, then the 2A output on the power bank charges it faster. Plus, it also keeps it running if you need to use it while it’s charging. Some power banks have built-in technology that speeds up charging or prevents overcharging.
Some power banks support rapid charging technology such as Qualcomm quick charge and Samsung fast charge that can power up your devices even more quickly.
Output rating
Based on what you plan to charge, take the output rating of the power bank into consideration. It will take about 3 hours to charge an iPhone 6 at 1 amp output. However, it takes only 2 hours to charge fully at 2.1 amp output. If you plan to recharge the tablet, you’ll want a power bank with a higher output rating of at least 2A.
Charging ports
It is especially important if you plan to charge more than 1 device at once from a solar power bank. Look for a power bank with dual or triple device charging capability. If you own a Qi-compatible device, a solar power bank with Qi-technology allows wireless charging. You don’t even have to carry any connecting or charging cables.
Solar panel
Though almost all solar power banks have an optional USB charging option, Solar charging is still vital when camping outdoors with no power outlet. That is why having a high-quality and highly-efficient solar panel is important. A solar panel with a high energy conversion rate will charge with an internal lithium-polymer battery quicker.
Protection system
It’s important to buy a solar power bank with smart protection circuitry to prevent damage to your electronic devices. Built-in temperature protection allows the battery to cool off while over-charge protection prevents excessive charging. Over-discharge safety is also essential since it greatly affects the battery’s service life. Overpower and voltage enhances battery stability by avoiding excessive voltage discharge/charge. Smart built-in chips automatically detect the connected devices and then provide the optimal current. Having short circuit safety means devices and power bank will have automatic protection before any short circuit occurs. This multiple protection structure offers safe and reliable charging on the go.
QiSa, BEARTWO, BLAVOR, and BLAVORsolar power banks are the best options from a protection perspective with built-in intelligent chips.
Lightweight and portable design
When it comes to backpacking, portability and compact design are what we all look for. Solar power banks that are slim, compact, and lightweight with simple design are perfect to throw in your backpack or purse to keep around in case of emergency. You can even hang it conveniently on your backpack without feeling any extra weight.
Durability
A portable compact design doesn’t mean you have to compromise over durability. Durability is extremely important in terms of outdoor use. The power bank must be strong enough to withstand all outdoor environments. Solar power banks with rugged and water-proof casings are the most durable.
After all this, it comes to your personal preference and style.
Why is energy-transfer not 100% efficient?
Always keep in mind that energy-transfer is not always 100%. There is some charge loss in terms of heat or other factors with the transfer of power.
Same mAh battery capacities don’t show the same performance?
Solar power banks with a similar mAh rating can vary in terms of performance. This is because not all batteries discharge at the same rate and time. It’s true for charging devices that draw a lot of currents and this, in turn, lowers effective capacity.
Conclusion
The worst part of regular power banks is that one can’t rely on them when out exploring as they are not designed to resist outdoor elements. That’s where the solar power bank steps in! It charges from solar energy to offer the necessary power for effortlessly charging your smart devices.
A solar power bank is a must-have for all outdoor aficionados!
BLAVOR Qi Solar Power Bank is undoubtedly the clear winner here because of its many interesting features and reasonable price tag. It has passed UL2056, CE, and PSE tests and gained total quality-assured certificates. A 5-in-1 power bank; Qi wireless compatibility, solar charger, 10,000mAh power bank, dual flashlights, and compass kit! This power bank is durable and sturdy with 4 rugged corners yet so compact and portable.