Forget Solar Panels: These 3 New Power Sources Eliminate the Need for Sun
When you can’t count on the sunshine, these products come in handy.
Power Sources
Portable chargers and other power sources get better every year. Â The experts at Backpacker test the latest backcountry power sources in real trail conditions to bring you comprehensive portable charger and solar panel reviews.
Sponsored Content
First Look: Knog PWR Solar Panel 10W
This portable solar panel offers an endless supply of renewable energy so you can unplug without powering down on your next adventure
Latest in Power Sources
The 4 Best Adventure-Ready Power Banks Will Keep Your Electronics Juiced for Days
Keep your phone, camera, and more humming along with these smart, trail-ready power sources.
Goal Zero Nomad 20 Solar Panel
The best sleek solar panel of 2021.
Nitecore NB10000
The best ultralight powerbank of 2021.
AMPware Crank Case
Power-generating phone case
Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus
Slim solar charger
myCharge All Terrain Charger
This is the most durable (and waterproof) portable battery we’ve seen.
Anker 2nd Gen Astro 6400
For the size and weight of an energy bar (and the cost of a box of them), you get 6,400 mAh (enough for four iPhone 4 charges).
iBattz Mojo BattStation Optimus 20400
This 20,400 mAh brick is ideal for people going out for more than a weekend but who don’t want to fuss with solar.
Goal Zero Venture 30 Solar Kit
This rugged, waterproof 7,800mAH portable power pack survived all the abuse we could throw at it in the backcountry.
Goal Zero Torch 250
It charges your electronics and keeps the campsite bright.
Bushnell SolarWrap 250 Battery
This solar-powered lithium battery recharges efficiently.
Power Practical Lithium 4400 Battery Bank Review
This battery pack has enough power to charge multiple devices.
Boom Movement Swimmer Speaker Review
High quality sounding bluetooth speaker is multi-sport ready.
The Best Portable Power Sources for Backpacking
Find the Charge That's Right For You
Backcountry Power
Juice your tablet anywhere with these three devices.
Backcountry Power: Bushnell POWERSYNC SolarBook 850
A five-solar-panel power pack for the long-haul hiker.
Backcountry Power: Solio Xcellerator + Hub
A highly packable solar panel
Backcountry Power: Mophie Powerstation Pro
For its pocket-friendly size, this rugged, impact- and splash-resistant battery packs a punch
Gear Review: Highgear WeatherPort Weather Station
Stay safe with this handheld weather station from Highgear.
Gear Review: Solio Classic2 Solar Charger
Stay plugged in off the grid with the Solio Classic2 solar charger.
Gear Review: Brunton Resync
A wallet-size battery pack
Mother's Day Gift Guide: Goal Zero Guide 10 Adventure Kit Battery Charger
Rechargeable, portable power for all your mobile devices
Gear Review: Eton Soulra iPod Dock
An iPod dock for the backcountry.
Gear Review: Brunton Restore Solar Charger
This bomber solar charger was the most durable of all the models we tested.
Gear Review: Energizer's Xpal SP2000 Power Pack
A hybrid battery and solar array.
Gear Review: Goal Zero's Nomad 7M Charger
Through the use of monocrystalline solar cells, Goal Zero created a super effective charger.
Greening Gear: Q & A with Eco-Friendly Outdoor Gear Leaders
Imagine eco-friendly equipment that offers superior performance to today's gear. The future is bright, but how do we get there? A BACKPACKER roundtable discussion.