6 Best Solar Chargers For Backpacking (2024)

If the most efficient solar charger for the best price is what you’re after, look no further than the BigBlue 28W. Five solar panels offer 28 watts of power to ensure maximum solar absorption and one of the fastest-charging kits on the market.

The digital ammeter is a neat feature as well; it’s nice to keep tabs on how well the panels are working when the sun becomes spotty. (On that note, I was quite impressed with how well the BigBlue worked even with some cloud cover!) It also outperforms other models when a device is plugged in directly.

Now, is it the most compact and ultralight of solar chargers? Not exactly, but it’s lightweight enough. And if you’re heading out for a multi-day or long-distance backpacking trip, the extra ounces will be worth the extra power and top-notch performance. If you’re looking to get the best bang for your buck, the BigBlue 28 is unmatched.

With the lowest price point of all sun-powered products on our list, the Hiluckey Solar Charger easily takes the crown for the best value.

It’s a compact solar charger/power bank combo that offers a whopping 25,000 mAh battery capacity. Fully charged, it can provide up to seven phone recharges. That’s plenty to sustain the average hiker for several days in the outdoors. Being able to charge up to three devices at once and the built-in flashlight are also nice perks.

The real icing on the cake, though? The four attached 5W solar panels.  Although they’re fairly low wattage and slow to recharge the full battery (mainly because it’s so big!), they’ll still provide enough juice for emergency situations.

Simply put: the Hiluckey solar power bank is a reliable power supply for any backpacking activity that doesn't need constant battery refills. And best of all, it’s available at a great price.

Weighing in at 17 ounces, the Ryno Tuff 21W clocks in as the best lightweight solar charger we’ve found. If that’s not alluring enough, get this: it’s also one of the fastest-charging and most reasonably priced!

With 21 watts spread across three panels, its charging speed rivals that of many larger panels, while still packing down to a pretty compact size. Two USB ports provide direct power output as well, and the ability to charge two gadgets as once. Talk about efficiency!

Despite its fast charging, be forewarned: without strong, direct sunlight, it may take longer than you expect to load up a dead battery. Linking it with a backup power source, like a detachable battery pack, is an easy remedy though.

If lightweight backpacking is your credence but quality still holds the reins, the Ryno Tuff will leave its mark on your adventures.

Thru-hikes in sweaty summer heat? Glacial objectives with below zero temps? The Goal Zero Nomad 10 has my back in whatever extremes and outdoor activities I lug it through. It was a clear-cut winner when weighing up the most durable backpacking solar chargers on the market.

Whether you’re strapping the panels to your backpack on long approaches or to your tent on thru-hike down days, it’s made to travel and adapt. I also love that the 180-degree kickstand allows you to adjust angles for optimal solar connection. A USB port allows you to plug a device directly into the 10W panel, too; you can expect to charge up a phone within roughly 2-4 hours in lots of sunlight.

As with other panels-only options, I suggest coupling the Nomad 10 with a power bank to take full advantage of its potential and power output. But either way, it’s super lightweight, super rugged, and an option I’d trust for your wildest backpacking and backcountry adventures.

You can’t have a conversation about power banks for backpacking without mentioning the hiker-approved heavyweight, Anker. The company’s portable battery packs are some of the most durable, lightweight, and high-performing products out there. It’s no surprise that their solar power bank, the 18W PowerCore 20000, also knocks it out of the park.

Firstly,  the Anker Powercore is a beast for power juice, with a 20,000 mAh battery capacity. That’s enough to charge a smartphone battery four or five times! It’s also made with durable materials that handle whatever weather or conditions you encounter on the trail. The three-mode flashlight is a nice touch, too.

Keep in mind that the solar cells of one small panel can only garner so much sunlight. Hence, it'll take a while (days, even!) for a total power refill. If you’re sticking to shorter backpacking trips and don’t need a full solar reload, though, I wouldn’t think twice about having the Anker PowerCore 20000 as your power sidekick.

In the world of solar chargers, you typically have to choose between a great panel or a great battery bank. The BioLite 10+ excels because it strikes a perfect compromise between both. It’s our top choice for those looking for an all-in-one solar charger kit for backpacking.

The combination of two 10-watt solar panels and a 3200 mAh built-in battery lets you use the sun’s energy immediately or store it for later. I’m a big fan of the charge strength indicator, too, so you can gauge efficiency in real-time. I also love  the fully adjustable kickstand that allows you to position the panels at different angles and on different terrain. An analog sundial only further helps maximize absorption.

The comprehensive package comes at a cost though; it’s the most expensive product on our list. And you’ll probably still need a backup battery if you need multiple gadgets or larger devices recharged. Even so, it’s a solid choice for those looking for a no-frills solar kit that has everything built into a rugged, lightweight package.