Hiking Solar Panel Chargers: The Best Portable Options for Your Backpacking Trip
Planning for a hike and considering bringing solar energy with you ? Smart move!
Getting out on the trail offers a fantastic escape, whether it’s for a quick day hike, a weekend trip, or a challenging thru-hike, the connection with the nature its priceless.
However, heading off-grid also means leaving your connection to the world behind, and I find that having charged devices these days often feels essential, not just optional.
That’s exactly why we’re diving into how solar panel chargers can make a big difference to your hiking experience.
How to Use a Hiking Solar Panel Charger on the Trail
Like a lot of hikers are trying to use as little power as they can, relying on things like airplane mode on their mobile phone or staying disconnected while on the trail.
But you can’t avoid hiking challenges, for example, let’s take one of the most common experiences like getting lost. Even for an long-time hiker like me, it’s definitely something to be prepared for.
Using your GPS is a crucial thing if you want to get back on track.
Even the exciting part of the journey has challenges; if you want to make some memories, your camera or phone needs to be ready to take pictures, and maybe even send a quick message to loved ones.
Using solar power while hiking is essential. It’s easy to use; while having a break, you can always just unfold your solar panel, position it in the sun, and begin charging.
Or you can simply charge on the go; just attach your solar panel to the backpack, and you will receive power consistently.
Just remember, when using solar power while hiking, you won’t achieve your solar panel’s full potential because of the angle or shady places, but it will definitely top up your power bank slowly.
Now, you could technically charge some devices directly from the panel right away, but my strong advice is to first charge a power bank and then power your device from that bank.
Why? Because this method ensures the voltage stays nice and stable, protecting your sensitive electronics from any sudden power surges the panel might produce.
Why Portable Solar Energy Matters More Than Ever
So from my gathered information i can tell that portable solar solutions are experiencing significant growth.
In fact, the global portable solar panel market was valued at approximately $1.25 billion in 2023 and is projected to surpass $7.37 billion by 2034, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.5% from 2024 to 2034 (Source: Precedence Research).
While I couldn’t find much data related to multi-day hikes, there is a small amount, broader market trends indicate an increased interest in portable solar chargers among outdoor enthusiasts. (Based on reports like The Dyrt’s 2023 Camping Report).
The fact that people are getting interested in essential solar charging gear for hiking because they really need power they can count on when they’re in tough outdoor spots.
Benefits of Portable Solar for Hiking
- Lightweight & Packable: Modern models are specially designed for hiking — some panels weigh under a pound and fit flat in your bag.
- Easy to Use: Most don’t need setup — all you need is sunlight and a USB cable.
- Environmentally Sustainable: By utilizing the rays of the sun in your setup: You stay self-sufficient and less dependent upon non-renewable batteries that need to be produced and/or transported.
Estimate Your Hiking Power Needs
Calculating your energy use on a hike its important step before choosing your solar energy gear.
Let’s make a quick example: list all devices you are planning to bring, note their power draw (measured in Watts – W), and evaluate how many hours you’ll use each one per day (h).
Then we multiply Watts by hours (W x h) to get Watt-hours (Wh) – this is the key unit measuring energy consumption over time.
Example hiker calculation:
- Smartphone (GPS checks, photos, offline maps, primarily in airplane mode): 5W x 2.5h = 12.5 Wh (Note: Heavy, continuous phone GPS use will significantly increase this!)
- GPS Watch (continuous tracking): 1W x 8h = 8 Wh
- Headlamp (rechargeable LED, evening/morning use): 2W x 1.5h = 3 Wh
- Satellite Messenger (daily check-in & standby function): Approx. 0.2W x 8h (equivalent active use/standby over day) = 1.6 Wh (Note: Usage is minimal but essential for long trips)
- Dedicated Camera Battery Charge (one full charge): Approx. 6W x 1h = 6 Wh (Note: Only if you carry and regularly recharge a separate camera)
Total Estimated Daily Need (Example Hiker): ~25 – 31 Wh (depending on dedicated camera use and specific device efficiencies) Check out our guide on how many watts you need for solar power outdoor activities.
Pro Tip: Always overestimate your needs slightly. Add a 20-30% buffer to your total Wh calculation.
Best Hiking Solar Panel Setups and portable batteries (quick guide).
Choosing the best portable solar charger for hiking is a very important step while planning your gear list, as this means keeping essential devices powered even far from the grid.
The ideal wattage and features depend significantly on how long you plan to hike and the number of devices you rely on.
For backpackers prioritizing minimal weight, lightweight solar chargers for backpacking are essential.
Consequently, your power setup will vary based on these needs.
So i made some examples tailored for different hiking styles:
(Disclaimer: Models below are examples based on info available in early 2025. Specifications and availability are subject to change. Always check current manufacturer details.)
Example Hiking Solar Panels:
| Model | Wattage | Weight | Ports | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BioLite SolarPanel 5+ | 5W | 13.8 oz | USB-A, battery | Built-in 3,200mAh battery, kickstand | Day hikes, light use |
| Anker 515 Solar Panel (24W Flexible)* | 24W | 1.1 lbs | USB-A, USB-C PD | Fast charging, foldable, rugged | Multi-day trips |
| BigBlue 28W USB Solar Charger | 28W | 1.3 lbs | 3 USB-A | High efficiency, wide compatibility | Extended backpacking |
| Goal Zero Nomad 10 | 10W | 1.2 lbs | USB-A | Durable design, modular | Base camps, essential gear |
| Nekteck 21W Solar Panel | 21W | 1.1 lbs | 2 USB-A | Affordable, highly rated | Budget-conscious hikers |
Choosing the Right Portable Solar Battery (Power Bank) for Your Hike
So the second crucial step is a portable battery (or power bank) for storing that energy and providing reliable power when the sun isn’t shining or when you need a stable charge for sensitive electronics.
Power banks act as a buffer, ensuring your devices get consistent power, and allow you to charge gear overnight in your tent.
However, the key is balancing capacity (how much power it holds, measured in mAh) with weight—a critical factor for any hiker. Here are some examples suited for different hiking needs:
(Disclaimer: Models below are examples based on info available in early 2025. Specifications and availability are subject to change. Always check current manufacturer details.)
Example Hiking Power Banks:
| Model | Capacity (mAh) | Approx. Weight | Output Ports | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2 | 10,000 | 5.3 oz / 150 g | 1x USB-A (QC), 1x USB-C (PD In/Out) | Ultralight weight (carbon fiber), high efficiency | Ultralight Backpacking, Fast & Light Trips, Weekend Hikes |
| Anker 313 Power Bank (PowerCore Slim 10K) | 10,000 | ~7.5 oz / 213 g | 1x USB-A (PowerIQ) | Reliable, good value, widely available (Non-PD Output) | Budget-Conscious Hikers, General Day Use, Reliable Backup |
| INIU 10000mAh PD (Built-in Cable) | 10,000 | ~7.0 oz / 198 g | 1x USB-A, 1x USB-C Port (Out), 1x Built-in USB-C (PD In/Out) | Compact, fast charging (PD 20W), built-in cable | Convenience Seekers, Fast Device Charging, Day to Weekend Trips |
| Goal Zero Venture 35 | 9,600 | 10.1 oz / 287 g | 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C (PD In/Out) | Rugged, waterproof (IP67), built-in flashlight | Rugged Adventures, Wet/Harsh Conditions, Users Needing Durability |
A Closer Look at Key Considerations
While a brief overview is useful, true confidence in your choices comes from a comprehensive and structured understanding. This closer examination of the details will provide a deeper understanding. Let’s start!
How to Choose Your Hiking Power Gear: Panels & Power Banks
In the previous section, we discussed examples of how to quickly choose hiking gear – and those are certainly reliable starting points if you need to gear up fast.
However, if you are a more picky person like me, I have prepared a more detailed section for you. Here’s what to consider:
⚡ Capacity/Wattage vs. Weight: Finding the Balance
This is the most critical trade-off for hikers.
- Solar Panels: Choose wattage based on charging needs and typical sun exposure.
- 5–10W: Best for maintaining charge on small devices (phones, watches) during sunny day hikes or short trips. Very lightweight.
- 15–25W: Ideal for recharging power banks and devices effectively on multi-day hikes with decent sun exposure. Balances weight and performance.
- 25W+: Better for longer expeditions, groups, or less sunny conditions, but heavier. Consider if the extra weight is justified.
- Lightweight Options: Look for panels under 1.5 lbs (approx 680g) for optimal portability on the trail. The BigBlue 28W Solar Charger is often cited as a good balance.
- Ultra-Lightweight Choices: For minimalist backpackers, some 5-10W panels weigh barely over half a pound (approx 230g). How Many Watts Do You Need for Solar Power Outdoor Activities?)
- Power Banks: Choose capacity (mAh) based on how many recharges you need between opportunities to charge the bank. Check expert reviews comparing weight and capacity for backpackers.
- 5,000-10,000mAh: Good for day hikes (emergency top-up) or shorter weekend trips (1-2 phone charges). Prioritizes low weight (~5-8 oz / 150-230 g).
- 10,000-20,000mAh: Suitable for multi-day hikes up to a week, balancing capacity (2-5 phone charges) and weight (~7-15 oz / 200-430 g).
- 20,000mAh+: Better for long thru-hikes or heavy electronics users, but ensure the weight penalty is acceptable.
☀️ Efficiency & Battery Tech
This is where you should consider what your priorities are: money, or efficiency and safety.
- Solar Panels: Monocrystalline panels are preferred for hiking. They offer higher efficiency (~20%+ conversion rate), perform better in lower light or partial shade compared to polycrystalline, and are generally lighter for the power output.
- Power Banks: Look for LiFePO4 battery chemistry in newer power stations for superior safety and longevity (often 3000+ cycles). High-quality Li-ion/Li-Po (like in the Nitecore NB10000) are still excellent for minimum weight, but may have fewer charge cycles (typically 300-500 before significant degradation).
🌧️ Durability: What IP Rating Do You Need?
Your electronics needs solid protection against the elements.
- Solar Panels: Look for panels with IP65 or higher ratings (IEC IP Rating Explanation) for water/dust resistance, reinforced grommets for secure backpack attachment, and durable coatings like ETFE for better longevity and light transmission.
- Power Banks: Most standard power banks need protection (dry bag). For rugged needs, look for models with specific IP ratings (like IP67), such as the Goal Zero Venture series, which can handle harsher conditions.
🔌 Essential Ports
Alright, connections! It might seem like a small detail, but having the right ports on your solar panel and power bank can make a huge difference.
- Solar Panels: A USB-C PD (Power Delivery) output port is useful for directly charging compatible devices faster. Multiple standard USB-A ports add flexibility.
- Power Banks: USB-C PD (In/Out) (USB Power Delivery explained) is almost essential for fast recharging of the bank and devices. Multiple output ports (USB-A, USB-C) are key. Ensure output wattage meets device needs.
Practical Tips for Using Portable Panels on the Trail
- Panel → Power Bank → Device: Always charge your bank first. It stabilizes current and avoids overheating sensitive gear.
- Angle is Everything: Flat panel on your backpack? Not ideal. For real results, take breaks and angle your panel toward the sun.
- Clean Your Panel: Dust, sand, or even sunscreen can reduce output. Wipe gently with a microfiber cloth. “A common mistake is strapping panels flat; angling them significantly improves charging speed—even if only for 15-minute breaks.”
FAQ: Portable Solar for Hiking
- Can I charge devices while hiking? Yes, but only in full sun and with the panel facing the sun. Performance drops if shaded or at a bad angle. Charging power banks while hiking is more effective.
- How long does it take to charge a phone? With a 10–20W panel in full sun, expect 2–3 hours to fully charge a smartphone through a power bank. Direct-to-phone charging takes longer and is less stable.
- Are portable panels waterproof? Most are water-resistant (check IP rating, IP65+ recommended), not fully waterproof for submersion. Protect the USB ports from heavy rain. Power banks are rarely waterproof unless specified (like IP67 models).
Final Thoughts:
For me, it’s important that you try new technologies on your hikes and use the best portable solar charger to help you stay safe, oriented, and connected while enjoying the peace of the wilderness.
Portable solar power provides independence, and believe me, the right equipment truly makes all the difference.
