6 Best Portable Solar Chargers For Backpacking That Won’t Weigh You Down
Find the best lightweight solar charger for your next trek. We review 6 top models that balance power output, durability, and packability for the trail.
You’re three days into a five-day trek, standing on a ridge with a view that demands to be photographed. You pull out your phone, frame the perfect shot, and the screen goes black. A dead battery can mean more than a missed photo; it can mean losing your primary navigation tool or your connection to emergency help. Having a reliable power source lets you focus on the trail ahead, not your battery percentage.
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How to Choose Your Backpacking Solar Charger
Choosing a solar charger isn’t about finding the one with the most watts. It’s a classic trail tradeoff: power versus weight. Before you look at any specific model, ask yourself what you really need to charge. Is it just your phone for navigation, or are you also powering a headlamp, a camera, and a satellite messenger?
A weekend warrior hitting a well-marked trail might only need a small, 5-10 watt panel to top off a phone. A thru-hiker relying on GPS for a multi-month journey will want something more powerful and durable, likely in the 20-28 watt range, to ensure a full charge even on partly cloudy days. Consider that a panel’s listed wattage is its peak output in perfect, direct sunlight. In the real world of shifting clouds and dappled forest light, you’ll get a fraction of that.
The key is to pair your panel with a small power bank. Use the sun’s peak hours to charge the battery pack while it’s strapped to your backpack. Then, use the stored energy in the power bank to charge your devices overnight in your tent. This is far more efficient than plugging a device directly into the panel, as intermittent sun can cause your phone to constantly start and stop charging, which is inefficient and hard on its battery.
Anker 21W PowerPort Solar for Reliable Charging
Charge your devices on the go with the Anker Solix PS30 30W foldable solar panel. Featuring USB-A and USB-C ports and IP65 weather resistance, it's perfect for outdoor adventures.
Think of the Anker 21W as the dependable workhorse of portable solar. It’s a common sight on trails from the Appalachians to the Sierra for a good reason. It hits the sweet spot between charging power, weight, and a reasonable price point, making it a fantastic all-around choice for most multi-day backpacking trips.
This panel has enough juice to reliably charge a power bank or two devices at once, assuming you’ve got good sun. Its fold-out design is simple and effective, with reinforced eyelets that make it easy to lash onto the top or back of your pack. It’s not the lightest option out there, but its performance provides peace of mind. If you’re heading out for a 3-5 day trip and need to keep a phone and another small device powered up, this is a no-fuss solution that gets the job done.
Goal Zero Nomad 10 for Versatile Power on the Go
Charge small devices on the go with the Goal Zero Nomad 10. This lightweight, 10W foldable solar panel features a USB port and an adjustable kickstand for versatile charging while hiking or traveling.
When your trip involves setting up a basecamp or you simply appreciate well-thought-out design, the Goal Zero Nomad 10 is a standout. While its 10-watt rating is lower, its features are built for trail life. It includes a detachable kickstand, which is incredibly useful for angling the panel perfectly toward the sun during a lunch break or at camp. No more propping it up with a rock.
The Nomad 10 is built tough and integrates seamlessly with Goal Zero’s own power banks, but it works great with any USB battery pack. An LED indicator shows you the strength of the solar conditions, helping you find the best spot for charging. This panel is ideal for the backpacker who is powering smaller devices like a GPS watch, headlamp, or satellite messenger and values smart, durable features over raw, high-wattage output.
Lixada 10W Solar Panel: The Ultralight Option
For the minimalist or thru-hiker counting every single gram, the Lixada 10W is a compelling choice. This panel is all about shaving weight. It’s incredibly thin, flexible, and often weighs less than half of what its more powerful counterparts do. This is the panel you choose when your primary goal is to have a backup power source without a noticeable weight penalty.
The tradeoff is clear: with lower wattage comes slower charging. You won’t be quickly charging multiple devices. This panel is best for a slow, steady trickle charge into a small power bank over the course of a long hiking day. It’s a perfect emergency backup for an InReach or for keeping a phone alive for map checks, but you must be realistic about its capabilities in anything less than full, direct sun.
BioLite SolarPanel 5+ for Rugged Durability
Imagine you’re hiking in a place with intermittent sun—think Pacific Northwest forests or afternoon thunderstorms in the Rockies. The BioLite SolarPanel 5+ is designed for these exact conditions. Its key feature is a built-in 3,200 mAh battery, which stores power as the sun hits it. This means it can deliver a smooth, consistent charge to your device even when clouds roll in, preventing the inefficient start-stop charging cycle.
This panel also features a simple sundial to help you align it perfectly with the sun’s rays, maximizing its efficiency. The built-in battery and rugged construction add weight, making it one of the heavier options for its wattage. However, for shorter trips in variable conditions or for anyone who values the convenience of an all-in-one charger and battery, that extra weight can be a worthwhile trade for reliability.
BigBlue 28W Solar Charger for Multiple Devices
If you’re the designated tech hub for your group or a photographer carrying multiple camera batteries, a phone, and a drone, you need more power. The BigBlue 28W charger delivers just that. With a high-wattage output and often three or more USB ports, it’s designed to charge multiple devices simultaneously. This is the panel that can keep a small group’s essential electronics running on an extended trip.
Of course, all that power comes with a penalty in weight and size. This isn’t an ultralight option. It’s best suited for trips where you can afford a little extra pack weight in exchange for serious charging capability. Think canoe trips, base-camping scenarios, or shorter backpacking trips where you’re not trying to crush 20-mile days.
Nekteck 21W Solar Charger: High-Efficiency Pick
The Nekteck 21W is a strong contender that often provides similar performance to more well-known brands but at a more accessible price. Its strength lies in its high-efficiency solar cells, which are designed to convert more sunlight into energy. In the real world, this can mean slightly better performance in hazy or partially overcast conditions compared to panels with less efficient cells.
Like other 21W models, it’s a foldable panel that’s easy to attach to a pack and offers a great balance of power-to-weight. It’s a solid choice for the budget-conscious backpacker who doesn’t want to compromise on performance. For weekend trips or section hikes where you need reliable power for a phone and a power bank, the Nekteck delivers excellent value.
Key Factors: Wattage, Weight, and Weatherproofing
Ultimately, the right panel is the one that fits your trip. Don’t get bogged down by specs; focus on your needs.
- Wattage: For trickle-charging a single device on a long hike, 5-10 watts might be enough. For reliably charging a power bank to then power multiple devices, aim for 20 watts or more. Remember, you’ll rarely get the full rated wattage.
- Weight: For thru-hikers and ultralight backpackers, every ounce matters. A sub-10-ounce panel is ideal. For weekend trips, a panel weighing around a pound is a perfectly reasonable tradeoff for reliable power.
- Weatherproofing: Your gear will get wet. Look for panels with a durable, water-resistant fabric casing (like PET polymer) and covered USB ports. While you shouldn’t leave it out in a downpour, it needs to be able to handle an unexpected shower.
Your decision boils down to this: are you an ultralighter who needs just enough power for emergencies, or are you a camper who values the comfort of fully charged devices? Be honest about your style. The best gear is the gear you’ll actually carry and use.
Don’t let the search for the "perfect" solar charger keep you inside. Any of these options will do the job. The real goal is to get out on the trail, see that incredible view, and have just enough battery to snap a photo or confirm you’re on the right path. Now, pack your bag and go.
