Best Solar Chargers for Backpacking 2017

A lot of thought is given to the essentials that must be a part of our backpacks and carrying a portable charger is of prime importance. But, for a lot of adventure junkies out there who spend most of their times on remote mountains, volcanoes and deserts, a plug point is not something you stumble upon regularly to keep important navigation devices and phones going. The only constant form of energy that can be put to use in such situations is solar energy.
Backpackers are almost always on the go.

It becomes tedious to make sure that the portable charger is charged fully for the day, every day. Solar chargers make life easier by directly converting the sun’s energy into electrical energy and charging your devices. You don’t have to delay your schedules anymore just because you have to wait for your chargers to get fully charged. Just pick up the charger, expose it to the sun and your job is being done on the go.
Now a device like this sounds like it would make a hole in your pocket, but the truth is, solar chargers for backpacking are very economical.

Here are a few solar chargers which are the best you can get for your next big adventure.

SunJack 14W Solar Charger

This product is equipped with a built-in IC chip which recognizes the device to be charged and protects the device from overcharging while maximizing the charging speed. Your cell phone can be charged 75% faster than when you use a standard charger because of the 8000mAh power bank.
What makes this charger a smart choice is the fact that it includes solar panels which are foldable and at the same time weather resistant. The panels can be folded down to the size of an iPad and is thus very easy to carry around. Along with being shock proof, this charger is conveniently dust and drop proof and has been tested by the US Military. This product also comes with a 1 year warranty.
Pros – 

• Smart chip which prevents overcharging
• Weather resistant solar panels that have been tested by the military

Cons –

• Area of solar panels isn’t a lot

 

Anker 21W Dual USB Solar Charger

Being a trusted brand which will offer a product warranty of 18 months, this charger will be a smart choice for your next backpacking trip. The solar panels are sewn into a rugged canvas made of polyester which renders the device highly weather resistant and durable. Stainless steel eyeholes on the corners make it possible to attach the device on your backpack.
The charger is equipped with technology to avoid short circuits. It is compatible with most apple and android devices along with other devices which use USB for charging.

Pros –

• Smart chip which efficiently charges the device plugged in
• Extremely Lightweight

Cons –

• Not compatible with a lot of Apple products and HP, ASUS laptops.

 

Suaoki 40W Portable Sunpower Charger

The most attractive feature of this device is the dual port output which makes it possible to charge two devices at the same time. The product is extremely versatile as it can be used to charge car batteries as clamps can be used to charge the storage battery. So now, you do not need to worry about car battery run outs on road trips either if you have this smart product in your backpack.
This charger is paper sized and bag shaped when all the panels are folded and so, it is convenient for any adventure be it boating, hiking or trekking. The product comes with all the major cables for the different charging needs.

Pros –

• Comes with multiple attachments to suit your needs for every device

Cons –

• Quite expensive
• Low area provided for charging

 

BigBlue 5V 28W Foldable Outdoor Solar Powered Charger

This solar charger will come out to be a goof value for money. Priced at a mere $59.89 for a solar charger, it has a wide compatibility as it can be used to charge almost all android devices, apple devices and some DSLRs. The charger and the panels are protected from wet fog or light rain because of the exclusive PET Polymer surface.
The charger comes with a striking 24-month warranty and so is reliable along with being convenient in carrying around because of the light weight. A three port USB connector makes it possible to charge three devices at once.
Pros –

• Can charge almost any electrical device including cameras
• 3 ports provided for charging multiple devices

Cons –

• Might lead to overcharging sometimes

 

SUNKINGDOM 65W 2-Port DC USB Solar Charger

This charger also comes with a versatile dual port which makes it possible to not only charge the device using the solar chargers but also the DC port serves as a charger. The water resistance offered by the device makes it possible for it to be used on a beach or the side of the pool without any concerns about the charger getting wet.
Eyeholes make it easier to charge the panels while attaching them to your backpack, tent or even a tree. The charger is compatible with both DC port and USB port device. It is important to make sure that the panels are not overly exposed to the sun so as to avoid damage due to overcharging.
The product comes with a 12-month warranty along with being affordable.
Pros –

• A large area is provided for the solar panels
• Highly water resistant

Cons – 

• Quite heavy compared to other solar chargers
• Extremely expensive

 

In this advanced technological age, it is imperative that we do not lose our touch with nature.You can do this by going on treks, backpacking tours, cycling or other adventurous activities. However, this does not mean that they you lose your complete contact with technology. Technology has made life easier and thus, we should take full advantage of that while going on these nature runs.
However, sometimes these gadgets run out of juice. What better blend of nature and technology than solar panels to help charge up our devices at such times? Transitioning to Solar, is a sign of development. It means we can develop without destroying nature and still maintain a similar kind of lifestyle.
On your next adventure, remember to pack a Solar backpacking charger to help you stay connected and secluded at the same time to the world. All you have to do, is click on your favorite product from the above list, and you can have it within a matter of days in your hands.