Picture the scene; you’re hitting the hiking trails.. It’s wonderful to sleep in a tent, to see the stars. You’re getting away from it all and immersing in nature.
You grab your phone to message your partner and let them know you’re okay. Damn! The batteries dead. You’ve been using it for geo-location and you have no idea when you’ll find another outlet.
We all know how short-lived phone and tablet battery life is these days. How many times do we get stuck without battery life when we need it the most?
That’s where solar chargers come in. Not only are they eco-friendly but many of them are really portable and easy to carry. They don’t add much weight to your backpack and you can stop and check your phone whenever necessary. It’s the perfect solution.
There are many solar chargers out on the market; it’s the curse of our generation – too many choices! Fear not, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you so you can find the portable charge that suits you the best. Let’s venture through the different options out there as if we were rambling through the wilderness so you can find the perfect solar charger for your needs.
Type: Charging solar panel
Battery: 2200 mAh integrated rechargeable battery
Ports: 1 USB
Dimensions: 11.3 x 1.5 x 9 inches
Weight: 3.52 ounces
Special features: integrated sundial, 360 degree kickstand, slim design, weather resistant
Price: $86 (amazon.com)
“Too many solar chargers are bulky or ugly!” I hear you cry. If you want to look good while you travel try this BioLite solar panel.
Sleek, lightweight and sexy, it’s the perfect choice for the fashion conscious among us. It has hooks to attach to your backpack. And when you want to sit and take a break, it has a super useful kickstand so it can be placed on the ground.
It’s perfect for placing on any kind of terrain. Ah, but what if you find yourself messing around trying to find the perfect spot to place your solar charger? The neat, inbuilt sundial allows you to easily get maximum sunlight.
As well as looking good, the kickstand and sundial make this charger pretty unique in the world of solar chargers.
Type: Foldable charging solar panels
Battery: None
Ports: 3 USB
Dimensions: 11.8 x 6.5 x 0.2 inches
Weight: 1.65 pounds
Special features: 24 watts power, triple USB, half the weight of similar chargers
Price: $79.99 (amazon.com)
You are travelling with friends. You’re cruising down the River Seine in Paris. The scenery is beautiful. Maybe you’ll stop and eat lunch under the Eiffel Tower. As usual, you are the organized one and nobody else has brought a phone charger.
Well never fear, this solar charger from RAVPower has THREE USB ports, so you can easily charge multiple devices at the same time. It’s 24W so has a lot of juice for you and all of your friends!
Surely a solar charger with that much power is bulky and difficult to carry? Well, this model is foldable and half the weight of similar chargers, so can easily slip into your bag. Durable and weather resistant, it’s suitable for all occasions.
Multiple USB ports make this the perfect option for those travelling with family or in large groups. Grab this one and your spouse and kids will constantly be thanking you.
Type: Foldable charging solar panels
Battery: Built in grade A Li-Polymer battery
Ports: 2 USB
Dimensions: 6 x 3.4 x 1.4 inches
Weight: 1.19 pounds
Special features: LED lights, water resistant, detachable solar panels
Price: $43.99 (amazon.com)
You have to travel on a long haul flight to meet your relatives for Christmas. Obviously you’re going to use your devices along the way. Well, aren’t you just sick of solar chargers that are too big to carry onboard with you?
This pocket-sized charger is the perfect solution! It has a power bank which can be charged at home and also has detachable solar panels. With such wonderful versatility, you can take off the solar panels while you fly to keep the charger small and light.
As soon as you land, you can attach the 3 solar panels and start getting some juice from the sun. If it starts getting dark and you’re still finding your way home, you can utilize the inbuilt LED flashlight.
Having the option of using just the power bank or also attaching the solar panels makes this charger super versatile.
“But solar chargers are really expensive!” I hear you say. “I can’t shell out that much cash just to keep my battery life topped up!” Well don’t worry, next we’ll move on to a few options that won’t break your wallet.
Type: Solar power bank
Battery: Li-polymer battery
Ports: 2 USB
Dimensions: 5.5 x 3 x 0.67 in
Weight: 0.55 Ib
Special features: LED lights, carabiner, very cheap
Price: $21.99 (amazon.com)
You’ve been hiking all day, it’s starting to get dark but you haven’t found a suitable place to pitch your tent yet. Luckily this low budget, super affordable solar charger also doubles up as an LED light.
You scout around for a nice spot with some flat ground, quickly assemble your tent, and then you can charge your phone before settling down for the night. You don’t even have to use your nature sounds app while you sleep because you are surrounded by the beautiful music of mother nature.
This incredibly affordable device has a clip which makes it very easy to attach it your backpack. On top of the LED light, it also comes with an inbuilt compass so you need never again lose your way.
This solar power bank from YOESOID is one of Amazon’s top listings and is priced at only $22.99. One of the cheapest options out there and it can still do you wonders. If you’re on a tight budget, then this could be your new best friend.
Type: Foldable charging solar panels
Battery: Li-polymer battery
Ports: 2 USB
Dimensions: 6.1 x 3.4 x 1.4 inches
Weight: 1.17 pounds
Special features: size of an iPhone, LED lights, waterproof, dustproof, shock proof
Price: $37.99 (amazon.com)
“But I only get one or two full charges from my charger, it’s just not enough for a long trip!!” Fear not. This model from Tranmix has a 25000mAh capacity, which means that using battery power it can charge most phones TEN TIMES.
Yes, you read that right, TEN (10). It also has four solar panels which fold out for getting sun power so you can use the eco friendly option and you can continue to charge your devices indefinitely.
You could go hiking for ten days and have no worries about your battery running out. Think of all the sights you could see, all the time lapses and videos you could create, or all the business emails you can read but not respond to. You’ll definitely be able to show your National Geographic standard photos to everyone back home.
This solar charger is the same size as an iPhone and is built for the rugged outdoors, being waterproof with dust and shock prevention. At only $37.99 this model is an absolute steal.
Type: Solar power bank
Battery: Li-Polymer Battery
Ports: 2 USB
Dimensions: 5.5 x 3 x 0.7 inches
Weight: 7.4 ounces
Special features: compact and portable, LED flashlight, made of eco-friendly material
Price: $19.98 (amazon.com)
“It’s great that I can charge my phone, but I just can’t carry these solar chargers around with me, they take up too much space. It’s not convenient. I don’t want to have to bring a backpack just so I can carry my charger.”
We hear you, and you’re not alone with this complaint. Not only do we understand where you’re coming from, we’ve got a solution. This solar charger from BEARTWO is still in the low price bracket and is super small and light. It’s so convenient you can carry it anywhere.
Take it to the beach during the daytime to keep your phone battery topped up.. Then, in the evening you can invite everyone back to yours for a BBQ and use the inbuilt flashlight so you don’t burn your food. It’ll fit in your small beach bag without you noticing that it’s even there.
If you’re looking for a charger that is affordable and also lightweight and easy to carry, this may be the model for you. While it’s a beautiful steal, this next option may appeal to you as well…
Type: Solar power bank
Battery: External Battery Pack
Ports: 1 USB, 1 USB-C
Dimensions: 5.9 x 3.1 x 0.8 inches
Weight: 9.3 ounces
Special features: wireless charging, sturdy and durable, compact size
Price: $26.99 (amazon.com)
You’re in the middle of writing out an important email. Your batteries getting low but you really don’t want to interrupt your flow. Your charger cable is buried somewhere in your backpack, but it’s tangled and you really don’t want to break your current focus. This next charger can save the day.
This solar charger from BLAVOR has an option for wireless charging. This means no more digging around for cables. And the other people camping with you can use it at the same time without plugging in.
It’s rugged and built for the outdoors with a flashlight, compass and ability to withstand water splashes. It’s small enough to chuck in your backpack.
One of the cheaper solar chargers on the market. A great low budget option for those who want the option of wireless charging. With this epic charger, you can kiss your tangled cables goodbye and enjoy whatever aventure life throws at you next.
Type: Foldable charging solar panels
Battery: None
Ports: 2 USB, 1 USB-C, DC output
Dimensions: 12.2 x 7.3 x 3.3 inches
Weight: 4.08 pounds
Special features: 9 solar panels, powerful enough to charge laptop, folds into briefcase
Price: $136.69 (amazon.com)
Okay, these options are wonderful. But what if you’re in the middle of some serious work and being able to charge one phone isn’t enough? You need to do conference calls, you need to see high quality graphics and fine detail, you need to use some specialist software, quite frankly you need bigger and better.
Well this BigBlue solar charger has NINE solar panels, giving you enough power to charge your laptop. You can hang them up or spread them on the ground.
Not only that but it folds up into a handy briefcase which can be easily carried anywhere. It’s a bit more pricey than the smaller chargers, currently selling for just under $145.
If you’re a serious professional who needs to keep up with all your business needs, then this is a great option. If you can’t go anywhere without your laptop; this solar charger may be the perfect solution.
Type: Foldable charging solar panels
Battery: None
Ports: 2 USB
Dimensions: 6.3 x 1.1 x 11.1 inches
Weight: 1.13 pounds
Special features: high charging speed, portable and foldable, waterproof
Price: $49.99 (amazon.com)
You’re going on a trip, camping and kayaking with friends. Everyone’s brought their own solar charger. Everyone places their phones down at low battery to see whose will recharge the fastest. It’s clear that your Nekteck charger is way ahead of the pack.
After a while, everyone is fighting to use your charger when you are finished. Want to be the solar king on your next trip? Then this is the product for you.
Customers love this charger for its power and speed of charge. It’s foldable and portable and comes with attachment hooks to hang from the nearest tree. It’s built for rough and tumble and outdoor use.
If you’re someone who leads a busy lifestyle and can’t wait 6 hours for your phone to charge then this could be the ideal product.
Type: Foldable charging solar panels
Battery: None
Ports: 1 USB, 1 12V port
Dimensions: 6.5 x 9.5 x 1 inches
Weight: 1 pounds
Special features: rugged design, weather resistant, charge 2 devices at once
Price: $74.75 (amazon.com)
Don’t you hate it when you buy something from the store and six months later it has to be thrown in the trash? It’s not well made and rugged enough for your use. It starts to look beaten up and then doesn’t even work.
Are you the type of person who would rather invest in products that will last, like, for a REALLY long time?
You want to go on a big trip. Maybe you’re going to cycle through the hills, across all kinds of terrain. Well this solar charger from GoalZero is built for you. It has a nice foldable design and is made from weather resistant material. Attach it to your bike, to your backpack or to your tent.
Cycle in all weathers. Feel the wind on your face. Pump those thighs and know that you can charge your phone whenever you need. It also has a handy little storage bag on the back to put your USB cables in.
If you want a solar charger you will still be able to use in 5 years, this one’s for you.
Type: Charging solar panel
Battery: None
Ports: 2 USB
Dimensions: 1.5 x 30 x 30 inches
Weight: 13.6 ounces
Special features: dual USB port, water and heat resistant, light and thin
Price: $29.99 (amazon.com)
It’s a lazy summer day. You want to sit on your balcony or relax in the garden. You have your phone but there’s no electrical socket nearby.You don’t want the hassle of setting up a long chord. Try this solar charger from SUNKINGDOM.
It has a flat design with 4 solar panels and can’t be folded up so may not be suitable for hiking and camping. But for laying in your garden and catching some rays, for your kids baseball game, or for going out on a boating trip, it is the perfect option.
When you place it in the sun, a blue light comes on so you know when it has energy. It’s water and heat resistant and has good strength and flexibility, so it should last through all your summer days.
Perfect for home use, for those who want to spend time relaxing in the garden, this solar charger will keep your battery topped up with no stress.
Type: Foldable charging solar panels
Battery: None
Ports: 2 USB
Dimensions: 11.1 x 1.1 x 6.3 inches
Weight: 14.7 ounces
Special features: durable, fast charging, weather resistant, portable
Price: $119.99 (amazon.com)
“I like the idea of solar chargers and I want to help the environment, but they’re ineffective. I can’t wait all day for my phone to charge. I have places to go and people to see.”
If you splash out a little more and go higher budget you can get one of these Anker chargers that utilize fast charging technology. It has dual USB ports so it can charge two devices at once and has a classic foldable design making it portable.
It’s made of polyester canvas which is rugged and built for durability and outdoor use. The fabric loops mean you can dangle it from your bag, from your bike or from your tent.
The design is super sleek and sexy and it has enough power that you don’t need to wait around forever for your phone to charge. Perfect for dynamic go-getters. A great steal for the benefits it provides.
Whether you’re looking for a gift for a friend or want to splash out for yourself a solar charger is a wonderful investment.
Get away from the stresses of everyday life. Immerse in the wilderness. Travel with friends. See the beauty of nature. And still stay connected to your loved ones and keep up with business.
Thanks to the wonders of technology, we can have the best of all worlds. And we can do all of this with a clear conscience knowing we are utilizing an energy source that won’t run out for at least a few million years; the sun! Thanks for reading, now once you scroll up and grab the model that’s best for you, go have some fun!
