If you don’t have access to a wall outlet when you're on the go, you can get energy directly from the sun. Portable solar chargers are eco-friendly and can charge smartphones, tablets, GPS devices, or power banks for when the sun goes down. You can even put together an all-in-one charging solution with solar panels and a power station for larger devices and appliances.

Whether you are a backpacker, adventure sports enthusiast, or RV lover, there is a solar solution for all your powering needs.

Here are some of the best portable solar charger options for travelers today.

The Jackery Explorer 1000 is the ultimate portable power station. While it may be a bit pricey, its power and performance are unmatched. With a whopping 1002Wh battery capacity, you can power multiple devices for extended periods. It’s the perfect gadget for any RV enthusiast and will ensure you will always have power no matter how off the beaten track you go.

It does need separately bought solar panels for going off-grid, and bundles are available with 2x 100W Jackery panels. Alternatively, you can buy a bundle with a single 200W panel to accompany the power station. With three AC outlets, there’s no need to go without morning coffee or toast, while the USB outlets will keep your smartphones and laptops powered. Additionally, with the station’s pure sine wave inverter, your devices get safe, fluctuation-free voltage preventing damage and overheating.

On top of being perfect for RV travel, it’s also excellent for home use. In emergencies, you can use it to power TVs, lights, laptops, phones, a mini cooler, or even a refrigerator for extended periods. If that power fails at a critical time, you can rest assured that you’ll still have a way to access important appliances.

Key Features
  • Cylindrical batteries that meet UL safety standards
  • Pure sine wave inverter
  • Smart MPPT controller
  • Ergonomically designed handle
Specifications
  • Brand: Jackery
  • Input: AC wall outlet, solar panel, car adaptor
  • Output Power: 1000W
  • Color: Black and orange
  • Type: Lithium-ion
  • Battery Capacity: 1002Wh
  • Cable included: Yes
  • Charging Ports: 3x AC outlets, 1x USB-A , 1x USB-A quick charge 3.0, 2x USB-C PD, 1x car outlet
Pros
  • High battery capacity
  • Multiple charging options
  • Compact and portable
  • Quiet operation
Cons
  • Heavy
  • A pricey investment
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Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station

Whether you are hiking, cycling, or climbing in the backcountry, a portable solar charger is one device that can help you stay powered up and connected. The Nektek 28W is one of the better portable solar panel chargers suitable for such off-grid activities. It’s lightweight and compact at around 23oz, and you can fold it down to the size of a notebook for easy storage. It also has convenient eyelets and hooks, so you can easily attach it to your backpack and charge while you explore.

While it isn’t waterproof, with its IPX4 water-resistance rating, you’ll have plenty of time to get your charger to safety in the event of a downpour. It also offers heat resistance, so you can use it almost anywhere, no matter how hot the weather. And, if you are exploring more frigid areas, it is cold-resistant to -4 degrees Fahrenheit.

It provides power for two USB devices and includes a micro-USB cable. You’ll be able to charge any smartphone, tablet, or other small and portable devices, though iPhones with a lightning connector will need to use their proprietary cable.

Key Features
  • IPX4 water resistance
  • SunPower Maxeon solar cell
  • Eyelets and hooks for attaching to bags
  • Smart IC Chip
Specifications
  • Brand: Nekteck
  • Output Power: 28W
  • Color: Black
  • Type: Solar
  • Battery Capacity: N/A
  • Cable included: Yes
  • Charging Ports: 2x USB-A
Pros
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Durable canvas cover and stitching
  • Heat and cold-resistant
Cons
  • Unsuitable for larger devices like laptops or big cameras
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Nekteck 28W Portable Solar Panel Charger

For an even smaller portable solar charger, consider the Blavor 10W. At just 13oz, this charger is even more lightweight and compact than the Nekteck 28W. It has two USB outputs (Type A and C), allowing you to charge two small devices, such as a smartphone and tablet, simultaneously. If you need something more powerful, there is a 30W model that will meet your needs.

The Blavor 10W Portable Solar Charger is an affordable option for hikers, campers, and backpackers. You’ll be able to keep your campsite speaker charged or your smartphone and tablet powered up. If you are traveling away from civilization, you will also feel safe knowing that your satellite communicator or GPS device has access to juice.

With its IP65 rating, this charger can handle dusty conditions, making it a great choice for those traveling on dusty backcountry roads or even going on a desert safari in some far-off land. Additionally, if the heavens open, you have ample time to get the charger to a dry place before the rain becomes an issue.

Key Features
  • Wear-resistant Oxford cloth
  • Mono-crystalline solar cells
  • Attachment hooks included
  • ETFE high light transmission film
Specifications
  • Brand: Blavor
  • Output Power: 10W
  • Color: Black
  • Type: Solar
  • Battery Capacity: N/A
  • Cable included: Yes
  • Charging Ports: 1x USB-A, 1x USB-C
Pros
  • Dustproof and water-resistant
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Not suitable for devices that require high power output
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BLAVOR 10W Portable Solar Charger

If you need more ports, the BigBlue 28W Portable Solar Charger has three USB-A ports allowing you to charge a smartphone, a set of headphones, a portable speaker, or any other small devices at the same time. It’s efficient and inexpensive, with four durable panels delivering a combined 28W of juice directly from the sun.

One unique feature is its auto-restart function, which comes into play during intermittent sunshine and is useful when enjoying hikes on cloudy days. Additionally, its IPX4 rating ensures you have ample time to get it somewhere dry if any of those clouds drop a downpour.

While the panels are a little on the large side, you can still fold them down into compact dimensions. Its weight of 23oz and carabiners for hanging from your backpack, tent, or RV mean it isn’t cumbersome and will prove to be a practical addition to your range of travel gadgets.

Key Features
  • Carabiners included
  • Auto-restart function
  • USB-A to USB-C cable
Specifications
  • Brand: BigBlue
  • Output Power: 28W
  • Color: Black
  • Type: Solar
  • Battery Capacity: N/A
  • Cable included: Yes
  • Charging Ports: 3x USB-A
Pros
  • IPX4 water-resistant
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Can charge three devices simultaneously
Cons
  • Panels on the large side
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BigBlue 28W Portable Solar Charger

For speedy charging, the Ryno Tuff 21W is an excellent choice. It’s both rugged, thanks to its 600D canvas, and lightweight, at just 17oz. It performs exceptionally well when powering two devices simultaneously with quick and efficient charging. While its IP rating is not specified, it does promote itself as water, dust, and corrosion-resistant. The 600D PVC canvas will go some way to protecting the charger, but it would be advisable to get it somewhere dry in the event of a downpour.

The charger has an auto-restart process when the sun disappears behind the clouds. Once the sun beams brightly again, it returns to charging at its efficient best. This restarting process is expected in most portable solar chargers because the panels cannot harness consistent sunlight for energy conversion. Despite this, the Ryno Tuff 21W remains an excellent choice for anyone seeking a durable, lightweight, compact, and speedy charger. On top of all that, it’s also pretty affordable.

Key Features
  • High-efficiency monocrystalline silicon panels
  • 600D PVC canvas
  • iSolar Technology stops charging when overheating or fully-charged
  • Carabiners included
Specifications
  • Brand: Ryno Tuff
  • Output Power: 21W
  • Color: Black
  • Type: Solar
  • Battery Capacity: N/A
  • Cable included: Yes
  • Charging Ports: 2x USB-A
Pros
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Durable
  • Conversion percentage of 22–25%
  • Affordable
Cons
  • A bit heavy
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Ryno Tuff 21W Portable Solar Charger

Solar backpack chargers are finally performing better and also coming down in price. The Voltaic Systems OffGrid V50 is one of the best available. It’s perfect for enjoying nature on wilderness day trips and is also an excellent option for RV enthusiasts or campers who like to take hiking day trips when exploring the backcountry.

This backpack has a high-quality 22% efficient ETFE solar panel that can charge your devices directly or store energy in its built-in 12,800mAh battery. You might want to use power from the sun in the daytime while you explore, knowing that you have already charged the battery for use later.

It takes around three and a half hours to charge and gives up to two full tablet or four smartphone charges. It does give peace of mind knowing your GPS devices, satellite communicators, and other safety gadgets have access to juice. However, like regular portable solar chargers, the efficiency diminishes when the sunlight does. Walking through forests or clouds obscuring the sun will result in slower charging.

The bag itself is 25L and features convenient tech pouches and sleeves. Laptops up to 15 inches have padded protection, while there are mesh sleeves of varying sizes for other devices.

Key Features
  • Dedicated smart pockets for charging devices
  • Padded laptop/tablet sleeve
  • 22% Efficient monocrystalline cells
  • Waterproof, lightweight and UV resistant fabric
  • Pass-through charging
Specifications
  • Brand: Voltaic
  • Output Power: 10W
  • Color: Black
  • Type: Lithium-ion
  • Battery Capacity: 12,800mAh
  • Cable included: Yes
  • Charging Ports: 2x USB-A
Pros
  • 25L of storage
  • Safe for air travel (Carry-on Luggage Only)
  • Comfortable and lightweight
  • Durable and weather-resistant
Cons
  • Heavy packers may not find the 25L capacity enough for long trips
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Voltaic Systems OffGrid V50 Solar Backpack Charger

For those needing the most lightweight portable solar charger they can get, the Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus is a good option. Although it can only charge one small device at a time, it is just ten inches long and weighs a paltry 12.8oz. It’s especially ideal for anyone going on long trekking trips who needs to keep backpack weight to a minimum. Additionally, it’s rugged, and while it doesn’t disclose any IP rating, it features weatherproof layering for added protection.

You can charge your smartphone, tablet, headlamp, compact camera, or any other small device you take with you on your adventures. It captures energy directly from the sun and has an auto-restart feature that reconnects your device after disconnecting due to a lack of sunlight.

With its modular design, you can pair the charger with other Goal Zero accessories and devices. It also has a detachable kickstand that allows you to find the best charging angle and gives shade relief for your device while charging.

Key Features
  • Zippered pouch included
  • Kickstand included
  • Auto-restart feature
Specifications
  • Brand: Goal Zero
  • Output Power: 7W
  • Color: Black and lime green
  • Type: Solar
  • Battery Capacity: N/A
  • Cable included: No
  • Charging Ports: 1x USB-A
Pros
  • Featherweight and compact
  • Rugged and weatherproof
  • Modular design
Cons
  • Only charges one device
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Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus Portable Solar Charger

FAQ

Q: Can I Fly With a Solar Charger?

The simple answer is yes, you can. However, if it also contains a battery, you must take it in your carry-on luggage. Additionally, your charger should not exceed 100Wh in power. This rule means power stations are a no-go, but most portable solar chargers are fine.

When in doubt, it's always wise to check the airline's rules and regulations on what passengers can travel with.

Q: What Is the Difference Between a Solar Charger and a Solar Power Bank?

While both harness energy directly from the sun, solar chargers directly power connected devices, while a power bank stores the energy in a battery for later use.