The 10 Best Portable Solar Chargers for Backpacking & Travel in 2022
With life becoming so chaotic and hectic, the need for using technology is becoming a must – especially when it comes to having the very best portable solar charger. With so much to do in so little time, many people are finding themselves overwhelmed by the lack of space in their schedule to charge up their devices. And if they do happen to find enough time to power back up, there often aren’t enough chargers or open plugins available for them to do so. However, thanks to the advances in solar technology, this no longer has to be an issue.
Portable chargers are a growing trend – one that we only expect to gain more momentum as time progresses. They can be used to charge your laptops, cell phones, tablets, and more. Click here for the guide on Solar Panels for your house! These portable devices provide a unique opportunity and freedom that few other electronic tools have been able to, which makes them an invaluable resource in our opinion.
However, learning about which chargers will best suit you and your needs can sometimes be quite time consuming. The good news is that you won’t have to make time in your busy schedule to figure out which portable solar charger best fits your needs – we’ve already done this for you. Continue reading to see which solar chargers you should have your eye on in this review of the 10 best rated portable solar chargers of 2022.
View the Best Portable Solar Charger on the Market, Below.
- RAVPower RP-PC008
- Anker A2422011
- ECEEN ECE-647
- X-DRAGON 3296851
- X-DRAGON XD-SC-001-BORA
- Instapark Mercury 10
- Nekteck 14W
- Renogy E.Flex 5W Portable
- RAVPower US-RP-PB-003-1
- SUAOKI SG9EPVME-F1
1. RAVPower RP-PC008
Read Customer Reviews →If you want the best quality portable device, the Solar RAVPower 24W Panel is the way to go. This device leads the industry in innovation and convenient technology that can help to make your adventures a hassle free experience. This device will serve anyone who needs a portable device that they can rely on. However, because of its unique design and impressive features, it is especially beneficial for those who participate in outdoor activities and adventures. If you often find yourself backpacking, hiking, or camping, this is the best portable solar energy device for you. The Solar RAVPower 24W Panel works to take all the needs of an outdoor adventurer into consideration and works to provide an experience that is unparalleled by similar devices.
The device is capable of converting up to 23.5% of solar power into free energy - numbers that you don’t often get for a device of this size. Additionally, it has Three USB plug ins that allow you to charge multiple devices at once so you can stay completely connected to the online world while venturing through nature. These plug ins also come with iSmart technology that is able to detect what kind of device you have plugged into the Solar RAVPower 24W Panel. It uses this information to adjust its charging currents so you’ll be able to get the best charge time that will get your device powered up quickly and save energy that has been collected in the battery cell.
However, these features aren’t the only things that make this portable device special. The Solar RAVPower 24W Panel is also water resistant - another feature that makes it ideal for outdoor adventurists. You can be as careful as you possibly can when you’re outdoors, but sometimes a quick rainstorm is impossible to avoid. The water resistant features are perfect for counteracting this. They enable you to quickly secure and remove the portable device from any open space you may have it in without having to worry about it being damaged. It’s light weight also makes it easy to secure. The entire device only weighs about two pounds, making it the ideal travel tool.
When you’re done, you can simply fold it up and tuck it into your bag, making it the best portable tool to use if you’re constantly on the go and need to save space. Last but not least, the four hooks on the Solar RAVPower 24W Panel make it incredibly easy to transport from place to place. You’ll be able to easily secure it to your backpack, tent, tree, or any other fixture in a sunny area that you can find. It’s got one of the best designs on the market and is sure to give you the ultimate outdoor experience - we highly recommend it.
The Solar RAVPower 16W Panel is an excellent device that is especially beneficial for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurists. The device has a high solar energy conversion rate at 21.5 to 23.5 percent, which is usually only seen in solar panels that are substantially bigger in size. The device is also extremely easy to transport from place to place thanks to the 4 hooks that make it easily attachable to any surface whether it be your bag, tent, or a random fixture. Additionally, you’ll be able to fold the device up when you’re done with it and store it in a secure place for future use. Last but not least, the device only weighs 2 pounds, making it one of the best investments you could ever hope to buy.
Check Price on Amazon ➞2. Anker A2422011
Read Customer Reviews →Another great device that is currently on the market is the Anker 15 W Dual USB device. This device is able to maximize on its charging potential and deliver exceptional results that will give you one of the best experiences you could hope for. The Anker 15 W Dual USB device has a very versatile and flexible design that makes it ideal for many users. However, the Anker team has gone out of their way to make sure that the device is especially useful when it comes to outdoor activity and adventure.
Their design takes all the needs of an outdoor adventurer into consideration and delivers a device that can easily be used to make any camping, hiking, or exploration session more enjoyable. One of the most noticeable features of the Anker 15 W Dual USB tool is its ability to convert a significant amount of solar energy into useable power. It is able to convert up to 21.5 to 23.5 percent efficiency, which means that you can charge up to two different devices from its USB plug ins.
In addition to this, it is also very light in weight. At only 12.5 ounces, it will barely make a difference when it comes to travel weight and won’t take up much more space than a sheet of paper when it isn’t in use. However, while these benefits are impressive, they are not the only ones that the Anker 15 W Dual USB tool has to offer.
Those who spend a considerable amount of time outdoors will be happy to know that the team at Anker made sure that their design was able to withstand the elements and won’t leave you in a panic should you be caught in an unexpected rainstorm. You’ll be able to take solace in the fact that the device is weather proofed and water resistant.
The Anker 15 W Dual USB device is an excellent tool to use for your outdoor expeditions. It has one of the best designs for long treks and weekend adventures thanks to its incredibly light weight and versatile design. You’ll be able to easily fold up the device and pack it away when you’re not using it and attach it to your pack, tent, or other fixture when you need to let it charge. Additionally, the device is made to be weather resistant so you won’t have to worry about having to give it extra protection if you’re out on a cloudy and humid day.
Check Price on Amazon ➞3. ECEEN ECE-647
Read Customer Reviews →There are a lot of great devices on the market that people can use to take advantage of sun energy - and the ECEEN Folding Solar Panel is one of them. The device is perfect for people who need a reliable charger to use for their phones and tablets. The device is smaller than a sheet of paper and weighs less than one pound. This makes it incredibly easy to use the device to charge your phone whenever it reaches a full charge in the sunlight.
It has a 10W solar panel that enables it to soak up more than enough energy to keep you on track and your devices powered. One of the best features this device has to offer is the regulated voltage that was incorporated into the design. This regulated voltage sets it apart from the rest of the products on the market because it allows the device to regulate the current it puts out while it charges.
This means that unlike many other devices, you have the option of plugging in your phone or tablet into the panel while it charges. You won’t have to worry about energy spikes or drops ruining your phone because the voltage regulator will protect it.
The ECEEN Folding Solar Panel is an excellent device that enables people to charge their phone and tablets without having to wait for the device to reach a full charge. The device is smaller than a piece of paper and weighs less than one pound making it ideal for people who have to travel often and need something that won’t take up much space to help them power up their devices.
Check Price on Amazon ➞4. X-DRAGON 3296851
Read Customer Reviews →If you’re looking for a portable device that can deliver impressive power output without being too expensive or difficult to transport, the Solar, X-DRAGON 20W SunPower Solar Panel is the best option for you. The device is full of impressive features, but perhaps the best - and most important feature - is the fact that it boasts up to 22 to 25 percent efficiency! This sort of return is almost unheard of for devices this size and makes the Solar, X-DRAGON 20W SunPower Solar Panel an impressive and respectable portable device to invest in.
This portable solar device is best for those who live an on the go lifestyle - whether it be through business or outdoor adventure. The device is easy to fold and pack up without taking up too much space and is fairly light in weight. Additionally, if you happen to be interested in outdoor exploration, you’ll be happy to know that the X-Dragon is also weather proofed to ensure that you won’t have to panic if you get caught outdoors in a rainstorm.
Another great feature of the device is that it has 20W solar panels that enable it to charge more quickly and efficiently than many competing models on the market. You’ll be able to get the most out of this investment - especially if you live in a bright and sunny area that has lots of clear skies. Additionally the Portable Solar X-Dragon comes with surge protection. This means that unlike many other options on the market, you won’t have to worry about energy spikes or drops interfering with your phones and tablets.
They’ll be protected from these random spikes and drops, which means you’ll be able to charge them with the Solar, X-DRAGON 20W SunPower Solar Panel even if the device hasn’t reached a full charge yet. Last but not least, you’ll be able to use this solar X-Dragon to charge a phone and a tablet at the same time without any issues. It’s one of the best investments you could choose to make from one of the most reputable vendors on the market.
The Solar, X-DRAGON 20W SunPower Solar Panel is an impressive portable device that is capable of helping you convert the most solar energy at one time into useable energy that almost any other device on the market. The tool is great for people who live busy lifestyles and need a powerful portable device that is able to give them the freedom and flexibility they need. You’ll be able to charge up to two devices at a time without issue - even if the device itself hasn’t reached a full charge thanks to the surge protectors. Additionally, if you prefer to spend time outdoors, you’ll be glad to know that the portable device is also equipped with weather resistant protection.
Check Price on Amazon ➞5. X-DRAGON XD-SC-001-BORA
Read Customer Reviews →If you’re an outdoor enthusiast that is looking to make the leap to solar technology, you don’t need to look any further than the Solar, X-DRAGON 10000mAh Solar Bank. This solar device is full of tons of incredible features that make it invaluable to anyone, but those who enjoy outdoor exploration will be able to use the tool to its full potential. One of the most notable features of the device is its ability to utilize several different charging methods to store energy. Though its main form of obtaining energy is through sunlight, it can also charge itself through wall outlets and car plug ins.
You’ll always be able to have a full charge in your storage bank no matter where you go, meaning that you’ll never have to worry about being able to call and check in with your family while you’re on the road. In addition to being able to charge itself through multiple methods, the Solar, X-DRAGON 10000mAh Solar Bank is able to make sure that you’re able to charge your device as quickly and efficiently as possible.
It comes with special technology that allows it to sense what type of device is plugged into it and can then adjust the energy current it gives it to make sure it gets the best possible charge. The Solar, X-DRAGON 10000mAh Solar Bank also comes with a built in LED light that can be set to one of three different functions. If you like to trek late into the night, you’ll especially be able to appreciate this feature.
You can choose from the traditional steady light, the SOS light, and the strobe light. Between all of these features, you should have more than enough to work with. You’ll also be able to appreciate the water resistant design that was incorporated into the solar charging tool. You’ll be able to keep the device functioning well even if it starts to rain - something that will be especially helpful to those who spend a large majority of their time outside.
Solar, X-DRAGON 10000mAh Solar Bank is an impressive battery cell device that is perfectly tailored for those who enjoy exploring the outdoors. The tool is best for people who like to take long hikes or go on camping trips thanks to its versatile and flexible design. Additionally, the device comes with a built in LED light that may prove to be useful if you enjoy trekking long into the night. Last but not least, it also comes with water resistant technology to help ensure that you’ll be able to keep using the device even if it gets a little wet on a rainy day.
Check Price on Amazon ➞6. Instapark Mercury 10
Read Customer Reviews →If you need a back up solar charging device to help ensure that you’re ready for all situations - especially emergency power outages - the Instapark 10 Watt Solar Panel is a great option for you. You’ll be able to take advantage of the devices many great features to make sure that you and your family are ready for any type of situation that may arise. The solar charging device runs on a 10 Watt panel that is more than capable of charging up to two devices.
You can easily plug in any device that has a USB cable and make sure that you’re able to stay fully charged and prepared. Additionally, the Instapark portable solar product is smaller than a piece of computer paper and only weighs 1 pound. It’s a great choice for anyone who needs a simple and easily transportable device to keep in case of emergencies.
The Instapark 10 Watt Solar Panel is a great device to keep around if you need something simple to keep in case of a power emergency. It’s easy to store thanks to its foldable design and is simple to transport from place to place. It is smaller than a piece of notebook paper in size and weighs less than one pound. The portable device uses a 10 Watt panel to provide energy and can charge up to two devices at a time.
Check Price on Amazon ➞7. Nekteck 14W
Read Customer Reviews →The Nekteck 14 Watt Solar device is a great portable tool to use for those who need an energy efficient tool to keep their electronic devices charged while they’re outdoors or on the road. The tool has 14 watts and is powered by solar energy making it one of the best ways to keep your electronics charged without using fossil fuels or other limited fuel sources that pollute the earth. The device is able to charge quickly and effectively.
In fact, it boasts a 21 to 24 percent efficiency, which is one of the best efficiency levels a device of this size could have. The tool is also very light in weight. It only weighs 14 ounces total and is very compact. It is easy to carry and travel with thanks to its foldable design and simple shape. Additionally, it can withstand the rain and other rugged conditions. If you tend to spend a lot of time outdoors, this is a great solar charger for you to invest in.
Last but not least, the Nekteck 14 Watt Solar device is able to sense the devices that are plugged into its USB ports and can adjust the charge speed for each device so that it is able to be repowered at the best charge time. This means that you’ll be able to charge your devices up faster than many other models are capable of charging.
The Nekteck 14 Watt Solar device is one of the best devices for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors and wants to be able to keep their devices charged and ready to go while they reconnect with nature. The pack uses a 14 Watt panel with 21 to 24 percent efficiency and is able to charge quickly and effectively. Additionally, the device is small, compact, and waterproof, making it perfect for people who want to be able to spend long periods of time outdoors while hiking, backpacking, or camping.
Check Price on Amazon ➞8. Renogy E.Flex 5W Portable
Read Customer Reviews →If all you need is a simple energy tool to keep on hand in case your battery dies early in the day or there is an unexpected power emergency, the Renogy E. Flex 5 Watt Portable Solar Panel is the best tool for you. The solar charger is small and light in weight. It is also water resistant, making it best for use in an outdoor environment.
You’ll be able to plug any device into this charger that has a USB charge cord. The Renogy solar charger also has 4 holes on each corner of the panel to help attach it to your backpack, tent, or other fixture that you find. Additionally, it comes with overcharge protection so you won’t have to worry about leaving the device out in the sun for too long.
The Renogy E. Flex 5 Watt Portable Solar Panel is one of the best devices that helps to charge up your devices if you ever find yourself unable to find a plug in or an emergency power situation arises. You’ll be able to charge the 5 Watt panel quickly and effectively and can use the device to charge any device that is compatible with a USB charge cord. It’s light, small, compact, and simple to use making it one of the best back up devices you can invest in.
Check Price on Amazon ➞9. RAVPower US-RP-PB-003-1
Read Customer Reviews →If you’re looking for a solar charging product that can keep your electronics charged up quickly and effectively, the Solar Charger RAVPower 15000mAh is one of the best devices you could choose to invest in. It comes with two ways it can be charged: solar power and electric outlet power. Of these two methods, it is recommended that you rely on the DC input charging over the sunlight because it takes 1 week to charge the device with sunlight while it only takes 8 to 9 hours to charge the device with a DC input plug in. This may sound like a long time to charge - but it’s worth it.
The solar charger has the ability to charge up to two devices at once and can hold enough power to charge up to 4 iPhones. You’ll have more than enough power to work with if you choose to invest in the Solar Charger RAVPower 15000mAh. In addition to having some of the best features, the solar RAVPower also comes with a built in LED light to help ensure that you’re able to see clearly should you be caught in a situation where the power isn’t working. The Solar Charger RAVPower 15000mAh has you handled no matter what challenge comes your way.
The Solar Charger RAVPower 15000mAh is one of the best devices you could choose to invest in if you wanted to have a back up device with enough power to get you through any emergency power situation. The device has enough power to charge 4 iPhones and can charge two devices at once. It is compatible with any device that uses a USB cord to charge and is able to detect what kind of device you have plugged in and tailor its power output to give the device the best charge possible. It also comes with a handy LED light built into the design.
Check Price on Amazon ➞10. SUAOKI SG9EPVME-F1
Read Customer Reviews →If you need a reliable solar charging tool to use for your smaller electronic devices, the Solar Charger, Suaoki 25W 2 Port USB Waterproof is the best tool for you. You’ll be able to use the solar device to take care of all your charging needs thanks to its impressive power supply and lightweight design. The design is one of the best and easiest to use that we’ve seen. The 25 watt panels are able to reach an energy efficiency of 21.5 to 23.5 percent! This gives it enough energy and power to charge up to two devices at once.
In addition to being extremely energy efficient, you’ll be able to easily travel outdoors with the solar SUAOKI. It comes with several holes that can easily be attached to your backpack, tent, or other fixture. Additionally, it has been waterproofed so you’ll be able to take it outside without any concern. It’s an excellent charger that we’d recommend to anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors and needs a device that will enable them to keep their electronics charged.
The Solar Charger, Suaoki 25W 2 Port USB Waterproof is an excellent device for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors but needs a tool that can keep their electronics charged. You can easily use it for camping, hiking, or biking thanks to the easily transportable design and weatherproofed features. It’s one of the best investments an outdoor enthusiast could make - we highly recommend it.
Check Price on Amazon ➞Buyers Guide Questions
How does the Solar Charger Work?
Solar chargers are devices that are composed of many different cells called photovoltaic cells. These cells are able to absorb energy from the sun and turn it into solar power. Though the design of these solar chargers may be sophisticated, the thought behind them is actually quite simple and straightforward. Photovoltaic cells are made by taking two pieces of semiconductive material and laying them on top of one another to create an electrical field.
However, since electrical fields require opposite charges to function, these pieces of semiconductive material must first be given proper charges. The semiconductive material (which is usually silicone) is assigned a charge by soaking it with another element. To give the top piece of silicone a negative charge, the cell is treated with phosphorous. This adds electrons to the material and makes it negative. Then, the bottom piece of silicone is given a positive charge by treating it with boron.
Boron takes electrons away from the silicone which makes it positive. Then, these two oppositely charged pieces are placed on top of one another. Once this is done, an electric field has been created. Once an electric field has been created, you can charge the photovoltaic cell by letting it sit in the sunlight. The sun’s rays will knock electrons lose from their atoms which can then be collected to use as electricity.
These electrons need to be collected by using metal plates on either end of the cell. The collected electrons can then be transported through wires to your device, where they will promptly recharge your phone, tablet, or laptop until you reach a full charge.
Can You Charge Your Phone Battery in the Sun?
With the growing expansion of solar technology, more and more things are becoming possible that were once a mere dream to the majority of people. One of these things is the ability to charge electronic devices – like your phone by using solar energy. Though many people are familiar with this technology, very few of them understand how it actually works. This leaves many people to wonder, do portable solar chargers actually work?
Or are their capabilities overestimated by the majority of people? The good news is that these solar chargers are actually capable of producing a charge for your phones. However, the time it will take to do this is still a work in progress. Solar chargers are able to absorb light from the sun into their photovoltaic cells and create electricity. However, it can take quite some time to fully charge a battery cell.
Some of the faster models can complete the process in as little as 4.5 hours. However, other models that are made with cheaper materials take much longer – some up to 11 hours just to charge the device’s battery. If you invest in a portable solar charger, you’re going to want to make sure that you don’t choose a cheap device to charge your phone.
While it is possible to charge your phone with cheaper devices, it will take quite some time to do so and you’ll likely lose much of the energy that has been obtained when you try to transfer the charge. Instead, it is better to invest in a portable solar charger that you know will work and last for quite some time. This will be more worthwhile in the long run and will help you achieve more clean energy for your phone and other devices.
Do Solar Phone Chargers Really Work?
Though many are surprised by this small piece of information, solar phone chargers do indeed work. Though how well these solar chargers work is dependent on the types of materials that are used to build them and if you’re using a portable solar phone charger or a solar phone charger phone case. Portable chargers are much more efficient with their charging and tend to be able to store more power than the phone cases themselves.
However, this doesn’t mean that the phone case chargers are ineffective. Some of them do a rather good job of providing a strong and consistent charge for your phone. However, you’ll have to be especially careful if it is your goal to invest in one of these portable solar chargers because the materials used to build your phone case will be crucial to having a device that can perform well.
How Do You Know if Your Portable Charger is Fully Charged?
Though there are many different types of portable solar chargers on the market, the majority of these chargers have one thing in common: a charge status marker. This feature will look different on every solar charger, but the main thing to keep in mind is that you won’t have to worry about determining when your solar charger has reached a full charge because the charge status will let you know.
Though there may be a few models that don’t have this feature, you should be able to determine how full their battery cells are by following the instructions manual that comes with the device.
What is a Solar Bank?
Many people are familiar with solar panels, but solar banks are an unfamiliar term. However, you shouldn’t worry about being unfamiliar with this term. It isn’t something new and confusing – in fact, if you use the solar energy it’s probably something you’ve already come into contact with. Solar banks are no different than battery banks – they are storage cells that hold power until a device is plugged in to charge. The only difference between the two is that solar banks rely on sunlight to charge and battery cells rely on electrical outlets to fill their space.
Are Portable Solar Chargers Any Good?
While people are beginning to accept the many benefits and uses of solar energy and integrate it into their lifestyles, many people are still uncertain as to what benefits – if any – portable chargers have. It’s an important question, especially when you take the time to consider all of the different charging options out there. Solar chargers are actually very effective charging devices despite what many people have heard.
The key to using a solar charger effectively is to understand what time schedule will work best for you to complete the charging phase so you can take advantage of the clean energy it generates. You’ll likely want to set your charger out early in the day so it can soak up enough energy to charge your devices by the time your work day is over. As long as you make effective use of your device’s charge time, a portable solar charger will serve you well. Also, you will need to look into how many devices you want to charge at the same time and all of these 10 Solar Chargers we have reviewed have a different number of USB ports to choose from.
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Top Pick
The Solar Charger RAVPower 16W Solar Panel is an impressive portable solar charger that takes all the needs of an outdoor adventurer into consideration. For this reason – and many others, we have selected it as our top pick for the best of the portables solar chargers. This device is made for those who have an on the go lifestyle. This makes it ideal for people who need a charger that can keep up with their busy lifestyle. There are many reasons that the Solar Charger RAVPower 16W Solar Panel is the best and desirable portable solar charger on the market.
However, one of the most noticeable reasons is that it has a high energy conversion (21.5 to 23.5 percent of solar energy – click here for the study) that is usually only attained by solar chargers that are substantially bigger and only weighs two pounds! This alone makes it useful and convenient. But the benefits don’t stop there. The Solar Charger RAVPower 16W Solar Panel is also water resistant. This is an extremely useful function that helps to increase its versatility. You won’t have to worry about getting caught out in an unexpected rain storm – the RAVPower team has made sure that the device will be able to handle the water exposure until you’re able to place it in a more secure environment.
Last but certainly not least, the solar charger is able to charge up two different USB plug in devices at once. This means that you’ll be able to get all of your devices up and running again with no issue. Additionally, the iSmart technology that is built into the device enables it to sense what kind of device you’ve plugged in. This will help you get the best charge possible and back to work faster than most chargers would be able to work. With so many great features it’s not hard to see why the Solar Charger RAVPower 16W Solar Panel is the best and most popularb portable solar charger on the market.
Premium Choice
The Anker 15 W Dual USB Solar Charger is an excellent tool with one of the best outdoor charger designs that we’ve seen. The solar charger is especially made for hikers, bikers, and campers who want to be able to take off into the outdoors without having to worry about not being able to connect with their friends and family if the need arises.
The Anker team worked hard to make sure that you won’t be weighed down while you’re outdoors. The solar charger only weighs 12.5 ounces and has a high energy conversion. You’ll be able to charge up to two devices while you use this tool and then pack it up into your bag without any difficulty.
Great Value
The ECEEN Folding Solar Panel Phone Charger is one of the best tools for people who need a bit of extra juice to work with to keep their devices fully charged. If you live an on the go lifestyle and need something to keep your devices powered without exceeding your budget, this is the tool for you.
The solar charger is able to use its 10W panels to charge quickly and efficiently. Additionally, the solar charger is rather small in size and takes up less space than a piece of computer paper would. You’ll be able to easily pack the tool up and store it when it isn’t in use. One of the best features of this device is that it is extremely light in weight.
The entire tool weighs less than 1 pound. It’s perfect for people who lead business lifestyles that require them to carry their work with them – easy to carry, but hardly noticeable in weight. It’s the best value buy you could hope to find and will serve any traveler or businessperson well.