11 Best Solar Chargers For Camping And Buying Guide 2022
Keep your phone charged even when you go camping and hiking.
wedetso chirhah 
In This Article
If you plan to head out into the woods to set up camp for a couple of nights, you would want to make sure that you’re as prepared as possible. In addition to the rest of the gear, you’ll need to carry the best solar charger for camping to revive all your electronic devices in almost no time.
Solar chargers are durable, highly portable, and eco-friendly, so they won’t lose their charm for as long as there’s the sun. Here’s a list of the top solar chargers for your next outdoor adventure. Keep scrolling and choose one.
Top Picks
11 Best Solar Chargers For Camping In 2021
1. Best Lightweight:Blavor Solar Power Bank
The Blavor Solar Charger for camping has a 10,000mAh battery capacity. The portable solar charger is made of IPX4 waterproof ABS material and comes with a compass kit, dual flashlight, and a wireless charging port. Compatible with Qi-enabled devices, it can be used to charge iPhones and Android devices. It is ideal for camping, trekking, and can be hung to your backpacks for efficient solar energy capture. Click this video to learn more about the product.
Pros
- Type C port for multiple device compatibility
- Rugged build suitable for outdoor purposes
- Can also be charged with an adapter
- Lightweight and compact design
- Can charge two devices simultaneously via two USB ports
- Requires six hours to charge while using a 5V/2A adapter
- Premium ABS material makes it durable
Cons
- Some users report ineffective solar charging function
2. Best Power Efficient:Goer Tek Solar Charger
Goer Tek Solar Power Charger makes an uninterrupted power source to charge your electronic devices. With its built-in battery capacity of 25,000mAh and highly efficient solar panels, you can simultaneously charge three devices via its three USB ports. The powerful 36 LED lights offer three lighting modes, making it useful as an emergency flashlight. It has a lithium polymer battery and comes with a carabiner and a USB cable.
Pros
- Can be charged with an adapter and solar panel
- ABS eco-friendly material makes it durable
- IPX6 waterproof finish protects the charger
- Compatible with both iPhones and Android phones
Cons
- Requires more than 13 hours to charge the battery fully
3. Best Smart Charging Technology:BigBlue 28W Solar Charger
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 5,076 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
With three USB charging ports and smart charging technology, this portable solar charger powers your electronic devices at the optimal charging speed. This built-in charge distribution mechanism prevents overcharging, overheating, and short circuits. The compact, lightweight, and foldable charger has four solar panels to absorb direct sunlight from all sides for a high solar conversion rate. It has a special PET polymer surface and comes with a 24-month worry-free warranty. Learn more about the product in this video.
Pros
- Can charge multiple devices at once
- Has three USB ports
- Has a rain protection surface
- Charging ports covered with a cloth flap and rubber to protect the device from dust and water
- Compatible with Android and DSLR devices
- Buckles to attach it to the backpack or tent
Cons
- Does not include a built-in battery
4. Best Dust-Resistant:Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Power Bank
Enjoy an average of eight to ten charges per phone and nine days of usage per charge with this Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Power Bank. Its high-capacity built-in battery of 25,000mAh is an efficient power source to charge all your electronic devices during an outdoor camp. The auto-detection mechanism splits the charging power equally amongst all your devices. The portable solar charger also works as an LED flashlight during an emergency. This video gives you more information about the product.
Pros
- Highly efficient, light-absorbing foldable solar panels
- Dual USB ports to charge two devices at once
- Water-, shock- and dust-proof construction
- Three lighting modes for night usage and emergencies
Cons
- Takes time to charge
5. Best Smartphone Compatible:Nekteck 21W Portable Solar Panel Charger
This highly efficient solar power charger by Nekteck uses SunPower Maxeon technology. It has three mono-crystalline solar panel cells to reach around 21-24% energy conversion rate. The built-in smart chip detects electronic devices automatically and can supply power to two phones simultaneously without overheating. It is compatible with iPhones, Android phones, cameras, and USB devices.
Pros
- Compact, foldable, and lightweight design
- Attachment hook to hang it to your backpack
- PET polymer cover guarantees IPX4 waterproof protection
- Canvas surface and precision stitching can withstand rugged handling
Cons
- Does not include a built-in battery
6. Best Wireless:Fkant Solar Charger
The emergency advanced wireless portable charger by Fkant supports all Qi-enabled cell phones. With its 25,000mAh built-in battery capacity, it can charge three devices simultaneously. The power bank can last up to 18 hours in high light and 36 hours in soft light mode. This compact portable solar charger for camping fits easily into your backpack and can also serve as an emergency torch with its two 3W flashlights.
Pros
- Four LED indicator on the side shows the power status
- Sturdy and durable design
- Can be fully charged using USB Type-C or micro USB ports
- ABS PC material finish protects from water, dust, or crashes
- Aluminum alloy design solves heat dissipation problem
Cons
- Wireless charging mechanism may not be effective sometimes
7. Best Foldable: Topsolar SolarFairy Solar Panel
This easy-to-carry, portable solar panel by Topsolar folds to the size of a magazine, making it easy to accommodate it in your bag. It is equipped with USB smart charging technology, which means it is compatible with iPhones, iPads, Android phones, and cameras. While it is a great travel companion to take care of your charging needs when outdoor, it can also be used at home in case of unexpected power outages.
Pros
- Built-in smart IC chip
- Protected from overloading and overcharging
- FCC/ ROHS/ CE-certified
- Can be hooked to the backpack
Cons
- May not be suitable for charging laptops
8. Best Built-In Intelligent Security Protection:Dorla Portable Waterproof Solar Power Bank
Made from ABS, PC, and silicone blend, F. Dorla’s portable solar power bank is rain-, dirt-, and shockproof. It is compatible with Android phones, iPhones, tablets, and other USB devices. The built-in intelligent security protection prevents over-load, over-current, and short circuits. With two modes of charging and a 20,000mAh battery capacity, this portable charger is safe and reliable for outdoor purposes.
Pros
- Compass and two bright LED flashlights for emergencies
- Dual USB charges two devices at the same time
- Five pilot indicators show the status of the battery
- Flashlight provides 55 to 65 hours of working time
Cons
- Solar charging may take more time
- Charge may not last long
9. Best For Wet Conditions:Grde Wireless Portable Solar Power Bank
The Grde Qi portable charger has an automatic adjustment mechanism to control the output of the current supplied to the electronic devices. Its built-in 28,000mAh battery can charge four devices simultaneously with three USB ports and a wireless charging option. With its ABS material and IPX4 waterproof finish, this portable solar charger can be used during rains and wet conditions.
Pros
- 28 built-in LED lights with a power indicator for emergencies
- Stylish and convenient
- Can be charged by the sun or a USB cable
- Three modes for lighting
Cons
- Charge may not last long
10. Best Corrosion-Resistant:Ryno-Tuff Portable Solar Charger For Camping
With a 25% conversion rate, this Ryno Tuff Portable Solar Charger is compatible with iPhone, Android, and other USB electronic devices. The small, foldable, and lightweight design saves space and fits nicely into your backpacks. Its unique charging algorithm distributes the power efficiently to two devices at the same time.
Pros
- Provides up to 21 Watts of power with three solar panels
- Waterproof PVC and canvas material make it durable
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Corrosion-resistant finish
- Comes with a pouch to protect the device while charging
Cons
- Does not include a built-in battery
11. Best For Emergencies:Verano Portable Solar Charger
The Verano 24,000mAh portable solar charger ideally charges most of the smartphones and tablets. Its detachable and foldable solar panels are highly efficient at charging the built-in rechargeable battery, which can also be charged using a USB cable. This solar power bank lets you charge two devices simultaneously with a USB cable.
Pros
- Compass carabiner for hanging to backpacks
- Dust-proof, shockproof, and water-resistant
- Built-in LED flashlight with SOS mode for emergencies
- Limited 30 days return or refund policy
- Comes with three years warranty
Cons
- Solar panels may not be durable
- Not suitable for iPad Pro
Tips For Using A Solar Charger
You can follow these tips while using a solar charger.
- Charge the device fully before leaving home
- Do not use up the battery of a device at once
- Place it away from extreme temperatures
- Remember that you may not receive optimal sunlight every time to charge your device
How To Choose The Best Solar Charger For Camping?
Here are some features to keep in mind for buying the best solar charger.
- Solar panel: There are three solar panel options available: chargers with panels only, panels with an integrated battery, and panels with a detachable battery. Those without batteries are lightweight and ideal for areas receiving high sunlight. There are also foldable panels suitable for trekking and hiking.
- Output capacity: The power output is measured in Watts. The higher the output, the more sunlight they convert into electricity, and the faster is the charging speed.
- Surface area: Larger panels collect more sunlight but are heavy. On the other hand, smaller panels are lightweight, compact, and have a low conversion rate.
- Size and weight: Consider lightweight and compact chargers. They are easy to carry and store when not in use.
- Storage type: Most compact solar charges do not have built-in batteries and cannot be used for emergency purposes. If the usage of electronic devices is more, opt for charges with built-n power banks.
- Durability: Waterproof and shockproof features increase the charger’s durability, as they can withstand the harsh external environment during camping.
- Other features: Few manufacturers provide LED lights, compass, carabiners, which could be useful during camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When do I use solar chargers?
Solar chargers are needed when there is no power supply source, and you need to recharge your electronic devices. Small devices are suitable for emergencies as they cannot hold power for a longer duration. Larger devices are ideal for camping, as they have built-in power banks and can help you in remote locations.
2. How long do the smaller chargers take to charge up fully?
A smaller charger takes around two hours to charge half the battery. After reaching 50%, most batteries slow down and take longer to charge, for about six hours.
3. Do solar chargers need direct sunlight?
Solar panels can work in the shade, but the time taken to recharge them may take time, and the power production is also substantially less in the shade.
4. Do solar chargers work on cloudy days?
As long as they can receive the energy from the sun, solar chargers will work. They may only provide around 15% to 20% of the power.
5. What type of battery does a solar charger use?
A portable solar charger uses lithium polymer batteries to store the trapped solar power. The capacity of the battery may range from 4,000mAh to 25,000mAh. The higher the capacity, the higher is the charge efficiency.
With the increased use of electronic devices, power banks have become a necessity. A portable solar charger could be a savior, especially in remote areas where you cannot access electricity. We hope our list of the best solar chargers for camping will help you find the right device to suit your camping needs.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Apart from creating content for books, households, electronics, and kids, Wedesto Chirhah’s expertise is supported by his experience as an editor for multiple B2B websites. In this article, Wedesto has made the technicalities of choosing the best solar chargers for camping simple and easy to understand for the readers. The buying guide and the products listed here are carefully researched and presented, keeping in mind the needs and wants of campers.
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