The device is made of solar panels that are resistant to deformation and have IPx5 protection from dust and moisture. The back of the body is fitted with durable polyester with high-quality stitching.
The USB ports don't have covers.
The charger with the power of 28 watts will suit active people that need to charge a few devices on their hikes. It has 3 USB ports for charging with a total output of 5.6 A. There are 2 micro-USB cables included in a set.
4
28 W, Transformation efficiency: 21.5 - 23.5%
Directly from the panel, No rechargeable battery is available
3 x USB charging ports for devices
4 x carabiners, 2 x USB-cables (60-cm and 20-cm)
Foldable design, Attachment holes for backpacks
Folded Size: 16.5 x 30 x 3 cm
Unfolded Size: 86 x 30 x 0.5 cm
Weight: ~900 g
1.5 years
The metal hanging rings on the sides and 4 carabiners that comes with the set allow attaching the gadget to any bag or backpack. Moreover, it will be fixated very firmly and won't change its place under just about any conditions.
The built-in stand is unstable, making it virtually useless as a base.
This model consists of four big panels, thanks to which it absorbs a lot of solar energy, and the high transformation efficiency rate converts this energy into voltage. Hence, you will be able to charge an accumulator even with a very high capacity.
4
28 W, Transformation efficiency: 21.5 - 23.5%
Directly from the panel, No rechargeable battery is available
3 x USB charging ports for devices
1 x User guide, 4 x carabiners
Foldable design in a polyester cover with a velcro lock, Special storage pocket for devices, Attachment holes for backpacks, Built-in stand
Folded Size: 29 x 18 x 2.4 cm
Unfolded Size: 90 x 29 x 0.4 cm
Weight: 956 g
18 months
The device has 1 x micro-USB port and 1 x lightning port. It will be great for those who use an iPhone, so they won't have to carry a lot of cables.
The solar panel has a relatively low transformation efficiency rate.
This power bank with a built-in battery will recharge any phone with average battery capacity 8-10 times. With only this solar battery, you will always be able to stay in touch in case of emergencies.
1
~2.5 W, Transformation efficiency: ~8-10%
25000 mAh battery
3 x USB charging ports for devices, 1 x micro-USB port and 1 x Lightning port for charging battery
1 x USB-cable
LED lights, LED charge indicator, Hook
Size: 19 x 15 x 3.3 cm
Weight: 391 g
2 years
The charger incorporates multiple safety mechanisms, including overcurrent, short circuit, overload, over-voltage, over-charge, and over-heat protection. It will never damage the batteries of the devices you need to charge.
When the light is on, it wastes a lot of battery's energy.
This model is fitted with 4 solar panels and has a built-in battery with a capacity of 25000 mAh. You will be able to fully charge several devices. The exterior has a nice PU cover that is not only durable but also looks nice.
4
~10 W, Transformation efficiency: ~18 - 20%
25000 mAh battery
2 x USB charging ports for devices, 1 x micro-USB port for charging battery
1 x USB-cable
LED lights, LED charge indicator, Hook
Folded Size: 8.5 x 15.5 x 3.5 cm
Unfolded Size: 35.3 x 15.5 x 2.5 cm
Weight: 538 g
1 year
The smart construction of this charger has a pocket with a buckle for your smartphone. It will be completely safe there even as you walk or ride a bike with a solar panel on your backpack.
Only 1 USB charging port for devices.
The CHOETECH Solar Charger is a light and compact model that allows charging your mobile devices in the wilderness. When it is not in use and folded, its dimensions are only 15.3 x 14.8 x 5 cm.
4
14 W, Transformation efficiency: 21.5 - 23.5%
Directly from the panel, No rechargeable battery is available
1 x USB charging port for devices
2 x carabiners
Foldable design, Attachment holes for backpacks, Special storage pocket for devices with plastic buckle
Folded Size: 15.3 x 14.8 x 5 cm
Unfolded Size: 66 x 14.8 x 3 cm
Weight: 360 g
1.5 years
Best for Multiple Devices
If you fancy long hikes and carry a few different devices that need to stay charged, with the RAVPower RP-PC122 Solar Charger, you will be able to keep 3 different batteries full.
The model will suit all active travellers with its high-quality build and weather-resistant housing. The device is made of solar panels that are resistant to deformation and have IPx5 protection from dust and moisture. The back of the body is fitted with durable polyester with quality stitching. The only problem is that the USB ports don't have covers. You may have to figure out how to protect them from moisture by yourself.
This charger is fitted with 4 panels, that’s why its size is pretty big (86 x 30 x 0.5 cm when unfolded). If you want to secure it in your backpack, the manufacturer equipped it with 4 carabiners and the body has special attachment holes. The peak power of this USB solar power bank is 28 watts, with a transformation efficiency of 21.5 - 23.5%. The charging goes directly from the panel. You will get 2 USB cables (60-cm and 20-cm) included in the set.
All in all, the RAVPower RP-PC122 Solar Charger will keep all of your devices charged. It is powerful, convenient to carry, and is made of quality materials, which makes it one of the best solar chargers on the market.
Suitable for Sizable Batteries
If you don’t want to have your battery dead in the middle of a camping trip, consider purchasing a solar battery charger. The Floureon Solar Charger will make sure you'll be able to stay in touch no matter where you go or where you end up.
This collapsible charger is completed with 4 large solar panels. The panels provide the transformation of the solar energy with a 23.5 % efficiency rate under direct sunlight. The wattage of the unit adds up to 23 watts. With it, you can charge batteries even with big capacity. It has 3 USB ports and charges your gadgets directly from the panels.
This solar charger has a metal hang ring and free hooks that allow attaching the gadget to any bag or backpack. It will be fixated very firmly and won't change its place even as you walk, hike, or bike.
The device has a waterproof design, so it can handle any weather conditions. In addition to this, the unit has special pockets for convenient storing of your gadgets. The device is also completed with a built-in stand. That said, it isn't particularly stable so you're likely to find it not practical.
Other than that, if you need a portable environmentally-friendly charger to keep all of your devices running, consider buying the Floureon T015388CI. It will be able to charge even the most capacious batteries and keep you in touch through your outdoor activities.
| Last updated price | £85.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B0788PFXT2 |
Small and Easy to Carry
The CXL Q100 is a compact yet powerful battery pack that will keep your smartphone and other devices working during long hikes.
The first advantage of this model is that it is compact and easy to carry around. The size of the battery is 19 x 15 x 3.3 cm, so it won’t take much space in your backpack. It is also pretty light, less than 400 grammes. This USB solar power bank is fitted with 1 solar panel and comes with a hook for attaching.
Next, the device has 1 micro-USB port and 1 lightning port. However, you can use only one of them at once. It will be great for those who use an iPhone or an iPad, so they won't have to carry a lot of cords. There is also one USB cable included in the set.
This small appliance can recharge any phone with average battery capacity 8-10 times. The transformation efficiency of this device is not very high, about 10%, but it is still enough not to let your phone or GPS navigator die in the middle of nowhere.
Lastly, we would like to mention that this is the best solar charger you can find for such a low price. Plus, it comes with a 2-year warranty.
To sum up, with the CXL Q100 Solar Charger, you will always be able to stay in touch in case of emergencies. Purchase this model to make your camping experience safer and more convenient.
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B07PDRSQQD |
Reliable and Safe to Use
Those who seek a reliable solar charger that can tackle any outdoor conditions should take a closer look at the ADDTOP CONS007 Portable Solar Charger. This solar-supported power bank has a smart construction that makes it not only convenient but also safe to use.
The exterior has a nice PU cover that is not only durable but also looks nice. This charger has a LED flashlight that supports various modes to make your backpacking clearer/more convenient in the dark. The appliance is also completely waterproof, so it is not afraid of rainy or snowy weather. You can attach it to your bag with a hook that comes included in the set.
This model is fitted with 4 solar panels. The size is 8.5 x 15.5 x 3.5 cm and 35.3 x 15.5 x 2.5 cm when unfolded. It has a built-in battery with a capacity of 25000 mAh. You will be able to fully charge several devices. The charger is super safe, incorporating overcurrent, short-circuit, overload, over-voltage, over-charge, and over-heat protection. As a result, you can be sure that it won't damage the batteries of the devices you need to charge.
So, if you seek a device that offers great functionality and durability, we recommend the ADDTOP CONS007 Portable Solar Charger. With it, you can go hiking in any weather.
Smart and Ergonomic Design
The CHOETECH J-SC004-1-EU is a waterproof solar charger that will become your reliable companion during hikes. It is inexpensive yet boasts pretty good quality.
This USB solar power bank is fitted with 4 solar panels. Your mobile devices will charge right there, so there is no built-in rechargeable battery. The peak power of this charger is 14 watts, with the transformation efficiency of about 23%, which is pretty good for a solar panel.
We also like that this model is lightweight and portable. When it is not in use and folded, its dimensions are only 15.3 x 14.8 x 5 cm. Its weight is only 360 g.
The smart construction of this solar-supported power bank has a pocket with a buckle for your smartphone. You will be able to charge your phone safely even when you are walking or riding a bike with a solar panel on your backpack. Apart from that, the design of this model has attachment holes for 2 carabiners that come included in the set.
The only con of this model is that it has only 1 USB charging port, so you won’t be able to charge a few devices simultaneously.
To conclude, the CHOETECH J-SC004-1-EU is ergonomic, light, functional, yet inexpensive. It is a worthy buy for any active person that enjoys spending time outdoors.
What Is a Solar Charger?
Modern technologies are developing all the time. And scientists keep on creating new ways of how they can keep up with times without causing harm to nature. Today we all have dozens of gadgets that we use every day. All of them need to be charged regularly. Considering this, the manufacturers have come up with an improved version of charger - a solar charger, which can accumulate power from the sun and then transfer it to your USB-driven mobile devices. A solar charger can be used to power up not only smartphones, players or tablets, many of them can juice even laptops, so it's handy to keep one at hand all the time. Besides, solar chargers are usually very portable. They come in small size and can be folded for neat storage in a purse or glove compartment. For anyone who's often on the go and uses a range of gadgets, a solar charger is the right thing to have.
And if you love travelling, you may want to take a look at our review of five best action cameras.
What Features to Compare
Functionality
The main features of any solar charger are, probably, its operation mode and functions included. Before making a choice, you should take into account some important criteria that will help you choose a model that will satisfy your needs and will be compatible with your mobile devices. Yes, that's right, chargers aren't universal, so it is important to find out what gadgets they are designed to work with, as well as how many USB ports they have. Another thing you should check out is the power source. Some chargers can be powered either directly from solar panels or via a built-in rechargeable battery that needs solar power as well. Consider such parameters as peak power that determines how fast your devices will be recharged and transformation efficiency that will tell you how much solar energy will actually be converted into electricity. To put it simply, the higher this number will be, the better and faster the charging process will go.
Design
Design is another aspect worth considering. As strange as this might sound, but, according to surveys, many people find the appearance of their gadgets to be rather important. It's hard to disagree here, though. If you like what you see, and if the specs are good enough, chances are high you'll buy this product. Same is true for a solar charger. They come in many different designs so you can choose the one that suits your taste most. If you love hiking or biking and often spend time on the go we'd recommend you to turn your eyes to foldable models that can be neatly stored in your backpack or even pocket.
Accessories
An independent power source will always be useful during hiking or travelling. However, it might be not that convenient to stop, unfold solar panels, and wait for the charger’s power bank or a device to get full. With that in mind, manufacturers supply their products with such extra accessories as carabiners, clamps, or other means allowing you to attach solar panels to backpacks, tents, trees or other surfaces for on-the-go charging. Also included with some solar chargers is a USB cable, a useful addition, especially if you have many gadgets that you carry with you.
Sources:
1. John Higgins Solar Chargers and Portable Power, REI. July 27, 2016.
2. Lyra Pierotti How to Choose the Best Solar Charger, OutdoorGearLab. January 30, 2016.
3. How to Select a Solar Charger, wikiHow.
4. Josh Clark How Solar Battery Chargers Work, HowStuffWorks.