Best Ultralight Solar Charger for Backpacking Adventures

Best Ultralight Solar Changer for Backpacking

Getting a solar charger has been on your to-do list for months…

Look, you never thought you’d find the time but here you are and now you can see for yourself which is the best ultralight solar charger for backpacking…

Maybe you’ve put it off, but thoughts of your last trip bring back memories of everyone haggling over 2 USB ports because you all had to share the same solar charger for phones and tablets?

Not having a solar charger still bothers you…

The trip was great – but still, it was a drag because after about the second day the hi-capacity battery (100000mAh) on a charger that looked like it had solar panels for a house was so drained that it never fully charged for the rest of the backpacking adventure.

Best Ultralight Solar Changer for BackpackingThe charge pretty much stayed in the yellow zone all the time, and that’s even when the solar panels were in direct sunlight for 10-12 straight hours each day.

Except for the first couple of days, everyone barely used their phones to preserve battery life for emergencies or evening calls and updates.

Nowadays with all the electronics people carry this is a pretty common backpacking story.

Ya, cellphone and tablet battery life just doesn’t last as long as manufacturers say…

And unless you plan for extra power or your trip includes an RV with a solar generator, on the trail, you’ll only have a few hours during breaks for music, gaming, texting, taking pictures, and surfing the Internet.

Man, does that suck, especially when personal solar chargers for backpacks are cheap…

Best Ultralight Solar Charger for Backpacking (Click the one you like best!)

#1 Best Seller
[Upgraded] BigBlue Ultra-Light Portable 25W Solar Panel Charger with USB-A and USB-C Ports, 0.84 lbs Pocket-Size IP68 Waterproof, Folded Solar Panel Compatible with Cellphone,Power Bank,Camping Light
  • COMPACT AND LEIGHTWEIGHT: Designed for easy portability, BigBlue 25W solar phone charger folds down to the size of an iPad, measuring just 4.65x6.42x1.38 inches and weighing just 0.84 lbs; It can be effortlessly carried or securely hung from a backpack or tent using included carabiners, perfect companion for camping, hiking, backpacking, and other outdoor adventures
  • EFFICIENT AND SMART CHARGING: Featuring USB-A(5V/2.4A) and USB-C(5V/3A) ports, this solar charger can power two devices simultaneously, saving time and ensuring your gadgets stay ready as long as placing the small solar panel under direct sunlight and free from obstructions. Built-in smart charging technology optimizes power delivery and provides 100% safe charging for your devices
  • PREMIUM-GRADE SOLAR CELL: Without metal lines on the front, the N-type solar cells BigBlue used capture more sunlight, increasing electricity generation while providing a sleek, modern design. Fewer front-side components also help these cells stay cooler, enabling this compact solar panels to maintain a power conversion efficiency of up to 25.4%
  • DURABLE WITH EXTENDED LIFESPAN: BigBlue 25W foldable solar panel combines ETFE coating, UV-resistant EVA, and high-efficiency solar cells, along with a solid baseplate to resist hidden cracks. This design ensures consistent outdoor performance and a significantly longer lifespan, it’s also a must-have in your home emergency kit for sudden power outages triggered by hurricanes or wildfires.
  • IP68 WATER AND DUST RESISTANCE: Rated IP68, this portable solar panel is designed to endure splashes, spills, and light rain, ensuring reliable performance during outdoor adventures in unpredictable weather. What's Included: 1x 25W solar panel charger, 1x USB-C to USB-C cable, 2x carabiners, and 1x elastic strap. Our dedicated customer support team ensures prompt resolution for any solar charger issues—reach out anytime
#2 Best Seller
Hiluckey Solar Charger 25000mAh, Outdoor USB C Portable Power Bank with 4 Solar Panels, 3A Fast Charge External Battery Pack with 3 USB Outputs Compatible with Smartphones, Tablets, etc.
  • 2025 Upgraded Solar Panels: Experience a breakthrough in solar charging technology with our 2025 high-performance solar charger. It features four state-of-the-art solar panels that are up to 10 times more efficient than standard single-panel chargers. This power bank ensures your devices stay powered wherever you are.
  • Super-Fast Charging: With upgraded QC 3.0 technology, this solar power bank delivers fast charging at 5V/3A—reaching 65% battery in just 30 minutes. It features one USB-C port and two USB-A ports, enabling simultaneous charging for three devices.
  • High Capacity: Built with a high-quality lithium polymer battery, the 25000mAh solar phone charger delivers ample power—charging a smartphone 6-8 times and a tablet 2.5 times—ensuring your devices stay powered throughout your week-long adventures.
  • 2.5X Fast Recharging: The USB-C port supports both input and output. With a PD fast charger (not included), the solar portable charger fully recharges in just 6 hours. An integrated safety system protects your devices against overcharging, short circuits, and other potential issues.
  • Outdoor Essential: Equipped with a bright flashlight boasting a beam range of up to 135 feet and offering up to 110 hours of continuous use on a single charge. The rugged, upgraded solar panel is shock-resistant and built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions—perfect for travelers, climbers, and hikers, etc.
#4 Best Seller
[Upgraded] BigBlue 3 USB Ports 28W Solar Charger(5V/4.8A Max), Portable Foldable Solar Panel for Camping, IP44 Waterproof, Compatible with iPhone 11/XS/XS Max/XR/X/8/7, iPad, Samsung Galaxy LG etc.
  • Upgraded Triple USB Port: Each maximum output is 5V/3A and the total maximum current is at 5V/4.8A. BigBlue 28w solar charger allows you to charge multiple devices at once (Note: if one device requires a large current, the other two devices may not be charged). The built-in smart charging technology can provide optimal and 100% safe charging in direct sunlight
  • Used High-quality Solar Cell: The solar cells BigBlue adopted improve the solar charger’s durability by reducing heat buildup, making them more robust and less prone to damage, which extends their lifespan. Without metal lines on the front, these cells capture more sunlight, enhancing electricity generation and providing a sleek, modern design.
  • Higher Solar Conversion: Upgraded solar panels convert up to 25.4% of solar power into free energy in enough sunlight, which is the most durable panels at present, standing up to elements and wear and tear better than conventional panels. BigBlue uses a special polymer surface to protect solar panels from occasional rain or wet fog ( The junction box is not waterproof)
  • Portable Camping Solar Charger: With a folded size of 11× 6×1.4in and a lightweight (1.5 lbs) design, it is compact and light enough to fit into any camping backpack or hiking daypack. It is also a must-have for stashing in an emergency kit. BigBlue solar phone charger is a great option if you’re taking an extended camping trip or traveling somewhere with an unreliable power grid
  • Wide Compatibility: BigBlue USB solar charger offers a tiny power plant that can generate power for your phone (Android and Apple), power bank, speakers, and other small electronics to keep them charged when the sun is out (Note: we don't provide the lightning cable for Apple devices). Our portable solar charger can't store electricity and can't charge laptops and power station
#5 Best Seller
BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank 10,000mAh, Portable Wireless Charger, 20W Fast Charging External Battery Pack with USB C for Cell Phones, Solar Panel Charger with Dual Flashlight for Camping
  • Brand-Oriented and Outdoor Charger Pro: With over 10 years of experience in solar power banks, BLAVOR has already gained the favor and trust of millions of global users. BLAVOR only uses the highest-grade materials, to provide the most reliable and safe products.
  • Leading USB C Input Output Tech and Qi Wireless: The latest upgrade includes a USB-C output with 20W fast charging capability, which can charge your iPhone 15 to 65% in just 30 minutes, and zero damage to your devices. Support charging 3 devices simultaneously, multiple output/input methods, freeing your worries of a power outage. Compatible with almost all smart devices, such as iPhone, ipad, Samsung, etc.
  • Premium Battery and Smallest Solar Charger: BLAVOR uses the safer Lithium-cobalt battery, which is 50% more cycling times than a normal Li-polymer battery. The smallest and lightest portable charger on the market, real-rated 10,000mAh. When fully charged, it can charge the iPhone8 3.6 times, iPhone14pro 2.2 times, and the iPad Air once.
  • Safe Material and Comfortable Design: The outer case is made of flame-retardant ABS and PC materials. The waterproof silicone better protects the internal structure of the charger. Rubber skin-feel oil coating process to form a protective film on the surface, comfortable touch, and exquisite appearance.
  • Multi-Purpose Outdoor Power Bank: BLAVOR portable solar charger is made to be IPX5 waterproof, dustproof and shockproof. The built-in dual super bright flashlights and the included compass carabiner can further ensure your safety when traveling outdoors, making it an ideal companion for outdoor enthusiasts.
#6 Best Seller
LuminAID Max Quick Inflate 2-in-1 Solar Camping Lantern and Phone Charger - Rechargeable LED Lamp for Camping, Hiking & Travel - Waterproof Emergency Light for Power Outages, Hurricane, Survival Kits
  • EXTRA BRIGHT SOLAR LANTERN - With 200 lumens of LED light and multiple brightness settings, including Turbo mode, this is the perfect indoor or outdoor light solution. Great for camping, hiking, emergency preparedness, garden/patio parties, picnics, fun in the pool, and more. Makes a perfect gift!
  • ULTRA-PORTABLE & COMPACT ALL-IN-ONE - This device is a solar powered phone charger, expandable camping lantern, and backup battery all in one. At less than 10 oz, this must-have camping essential is powerful but doesn't weigh down your pack. Inflates to a 6" cube and packs down to 1" thick.
  • SOLAR OR USB RECHARGEABLE FOR CONTINUOUS LIGHTING - Fully recharges in 16-20 hours of direct outdoor sunlight (approximately 2-3 days depending on location and time of year) or in 1-2 hours by USB (cord included).
  • PHONE CHARGING - 5V, 2.1 Amp output port provides 75-100% battery charge for most smart phones (recharge times vary depending on phone type).
  • WATERPROOF, SHATTERPROOF & DURABLE - Made from heavy duty, rugged TPU to endure tough environments, our solar camping lights are 100% waterproof and dustproof (IP67 rated), and float on water when inflated.
#7 Best Seller
[Upgraded] FlexSolar 15W Small Solar Panel Charger 5V USB Output ETFE Lightweight Foldable Portable Powerfilm Energy IP67 Waterproof Emergency Camping Hiking Backpacking for Cell Phones Fans
  • Solar Chargers for Electronic Devices: Built in USB-A (5v/3a max) Output Port to directly connect in the sunlight and charge Phones (Android and Apple),small power banks(recommend less 10000mA),tablets,usb fans, flashlights, smartwatchs,protable WIFI and other small electronic devices. Note: the solar chargers cann’t store the power and the charging time depends on the capacity of the device.
  • 【SMART IC CHIP TECHNOLOGY & SAFETY FEATURE】Integrated IC automatically detects the connected devices and provides the optimized charging, and an included LED light shows the charging status.FlexSolar ensure 100% safe charging with overcurrent, overheating and short-circuit protection.
  • Rugged Solar Panels Chargers:Utilize ETFE film lamination and encapsulation technologies which provide good light transmittance and weather resistance ability;and made of the monocrystalline A+,make solar panels chargers efficiently convert solar energy into electric energy and conversion rate up to 24% and IP67 protecction class which can work under unexpected weather. Perfect for outdoor power emergency. Note: the junction box isnot waterproof.
  • Portable Solar Chargers:The unfold size is 23.5 x 8.8 x 0.1 inch and 3 fold design with a small size of 7.8 x 8.8 x 0.7 inch (when folded) which is similar size with iPad9 2021 version of 12.9 inches ,only0.99bls (450g) and comes with 2 Carabiners that can be easily squeezed into your backpack, also hung in backpacks and tents. FlexSolar 15W solar charger offers portability and simplicity for your travel,hiking, camping and backpacking.
  • Caution:Do't charge the device with solar panels through the glass. Because The total power is only 15W, The quality of light degrades through the glass and affects the efficiency of the panels' conversion to electricity, which then slows down the charging rate.
#8 Best Seller
BioLite MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights + Phone Charger: White 18' Rechargeable via Solar or USB-A, 100 Lumens LEDs, Lasts Up to 20 Hours, Waterproof, Camping, Backyard, and Travel
  • BUILT-IN RECHARGEABLE 2000 mAh LITHIUM-ION BATTERY. With 100 lumens across an 18 ft cord, mobile charging, and lasting up to 20 hours on a single charge, Luci String Lights are the perfect way to light up your space.
  • BRIGHT AND LONG LASTING. Emitting 100 lumens of power via 20 warm white LEDs across an 18 ft cord, this light provides up to 20 hours of light on a single charge, so you can keep your day going long into the night.
  • POWER UP WITH LUCI STRING. With mobile charging capabilities, when you choose to go back “on-the-grid” you’ll always have juice to let people know you’re ok, answer some emails, or just make the Insta world jealous.
  • COMPLETELY SOLAR, NEVER NEEDS BATTERIES. Luci's built-in high efficiency solar panel means that no batteries are needed - ever. Recharge fully via solar or quick charge via USB (16 hours for solar charging in direct sunlight / 6-8 hours with USB quick charge).
  • POWERFUL, PORTABLE, AND ADVENTURE READY. With its compact size, this little light can travel with you on any adventure. Plus, with hanging clips and a secondary nylon-braided cord on the base unit, Luci String can be easily hung from above.
#9 Best Seller
BigBlue 60W Portable Compact Solar Panel with PD 45W USB-C, 20W USB-A, DC Ports for Power Stations, Cellphones, Power Banks, Tablets, IP68 Waterproof, Foldable Camping Solar Charger with Kickstand
  • HIGH SAFETY AND COMPATIBILITY: This portable solar panel incorporates a DC 5525 port and includes a DC5525 to XT60/DC5521 cable, along with diverse adapters( DC5521 to DC7909, DC8020, DC35135), ensuring compatibility with most small portable power stations. Built with advanced safety features such as overcharge, short-circuit, and temperature protection, it guarantees safe, stable, and efficient performance
  • RAPID DUAL-PORT CHARGING: Designed with 45W PD USB-C and 20W USB-A outputs, this foldable solar panel offers a versatile, fast-charging option for smartphones, tablets, drones, power banks, etc. It’s the perfect power solution for outdoor adventures, camping, hiking or off-grid power outages, particularly during hurricanes or other disasters. This product can't store the electricity; it must be used in direct sunlight while connected to your devices.
  • N-TYPE EFFICIENCY DOMINANCE: BigBlue X60 solar charger adopts advanced N-type solar cells, achieving an impressive 24.7% solar conversion efficiency. It offers improved efficiency, reduced deterioration, a low-temperature coefficient, and superior performance in low-light conditions compared to conventional solar panel charger. Integrated kickstands enable precise sun-angle optimization for peak power generation.
  • PORTABLE COMPACT SOLUTION: Ergonomically enhanced with an integrated carrying handle, our upgraded 60W solar panels revolutionize portability. Its foldable design collapses to a space-efficient 10.16 x 8.43 x 2.36 inches—smaller than most backpacks—while delivering robust charging power. Experience effortless transport and instant deployment, making it your journey’s most trusted companion wherever adventure calls.
  • RUGGED AND RELIABLE: BigBlue solar phone charger features an IP68 waterproof rating, ensuring exceptional protection against dust ingress and prolonged water immersion (Note: The junction box is not waterproof.). If you encounter any issues with your product, don’t hesitate to contact us anytime. We’re here to help!
#10 Best Seller
LuminAID Solar String Light with Phone Charger - Rechargeable Tent Lights for Camping - 32 ft String Lights Perfect for Camping, Backyard, Patio, RVs, Outdoor, Power Outages (1 Pack)
  • RECHARGEABLE STRING LIGHT + AREA LIGHT - Light up the backyard, home, or campsite with the string lights and area lights.
  • CHARGE DEVICES - USB-A output port provides backup power for phones, cameras, headlamps, and other USB devices. 2000 mAh battery.
  • CHARGE VIA SOLAR OR USB-C - Charge your String Light with the sun or plug into a power source for continuous use on the go.
  • COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT - Pack the 11.2oz design into a bag, car, or emergency kit for easy transport.
  • 32-FOOT STRING LIGHT - 40 lumen warm white string light has 4 modes: steady high, steady low, flashing fast, and flashing slow.

Anker 21W Dual USB Solar Charger Review

Backpacking is your favorite pastime…

But backpacking is your favorite pastime, and you need your own solar charger before the next trip.

Hmm, which one will it be because there seem to be about a million portable solar chargers to choose from?

And if there’s anything you’ve learned about backpacking, it’s to travel as lite as possible so you want an ultralight charger.

That said, you’d love one of those big-bad solar chargers with a large capacity battery and 4 panels that are chained together for fast charging. You know, like the ones you saw on Amazon the last time you checked.

But the high-capacity ones probably feel like they weigh as much as a Tesla power cell battery after 8 hours of lugging it strapped to your back. No way, your shoulders are sore just thinking about it.

Not to mention how your back will ache like you’ve been chopping wood with a dull ax.

Look, imagine having your own ultralight charger carefully attached and positioned directly to the center of your backpack, right below the flap.

And all day long it’s facing upward at the sunlight sucking in the rays and charging your stuff.

That’s right, all the power you need and no more keeping your cellphone turned off to preserve the battery life.

Take all the photos you want, listen to all your playlists or play your favorite games without worrying…

Best Ultralight Solar Charger For BackpackingLightweight solar charger…

Plus because your solar charger is ultralight, there’s no backache ache and shoulder blisters from an over-weighted backpack.

Hey, every extra ounce of food, water, clothes, and safety gear adds up, especially when hiking over miles of rugged terrain; a charger with a big-ass battery is a definite no-no.

Plus, powering the campsite is not the plan, all you want is enough power to keep your cellphone and tablet charged for the next day…

You’re not trying to be a selfish butt-head, but shouldn’t everyone take care of their own gear?

Nah, you’re a team player – maybe you’ll order more than one so everyone’s electric devices aren’t plugged into your charger.

Anyways, it seems there’s always someone who forgets something on every trip. which is why having extra toilet paper always comes in handy…

Ya, maybe you’ll order more than one and keep your power all to yourself…

People also ask

Do solar phone chargers really work?
The average solar-powered charger takes between 6 and 10 hours to charge an electronic device, such as a cell phone. Unfortunately, most of these chargers only work in direct sunlight, which makes them ineffective on overcast days. Read more…

How do you charge your phone while backpacking?
You probably know most of these steps already, so let’s speed through.

  1. Put Your Device on Airplane Mode. …
  2. Turn Your Screen Brightness Down. …
  3. Take Fewer Photos & Videos. …
  4. Turn Your Device on Low Power Mode. …
  5. Keep Your Device Near Room Temperature. …
  6. Lightweight Battery Pack. …
  7. Short Charging Cables for Your Battery Pack & Devices. Read more…
How many solar panels charge 200ah battery?
A typical panel can put out 120 watts, so it would take about 20 hours of sunlight to charge the battery. Well, add about 50% for things like charging losses and clouds. It depends on your location. But assuming you live in an area with up to 4 insolation hours daily then 600w is sufficient. Read more…

Hey, thanks for reading, here’s another list of best sellers you might also want to see about personal high capacity solar chargers for backpacking

Please let us know which best ultralight solar charger for backpacking you decided to take on your next adventure?

*Best Sellers last updated on 2025-06-12 at 06:36 AZT

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