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.
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.
When you can’t count on the sunshine, these products come in handy.
Keep your phone, camera, and more humming along with these smart, trail-ready power sources.
The best sleek solar panel of 2021.
The best ultralight powerbank of 2021.
Power-generating phone case
Slim solar charger
This is the most durable (and waterproof) portable battery we’ve seen.
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).
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.
This rugged, waterproof 7,800mAH portable power pack survived all the abuse we could throw at it in the backcountry.
It charges your electronics and keeps the campsite bright.
This solar-powered lithium battery recharges efficiently.
This battery pack has enough power to charge multiple devices.
High quality sounding bluetooth speaker is multi-sport ready.
Find the Charge That's Right For You
Juice your tablet anywhere with these three devices.
A five-solar-panel power pack for the long-haul hiker.
A highly packable solar panel
For its pocket-friendly size, this rugged, impact- and splash-resistant battery packs a punch
Stay safe with this handheld weather station from Highgear.
Stay plugged in off the grid with the Solio Classic2 solar charger.
A wallet-size battery pack
Rechargeable, portable power for all your mobile devices
An iPod dock for the backcountry.
This bomber solar charger was the most durable of all the models we tested.
A hybrid battery and solar array.
Through the use of monocrystalline solar cells, Goal Zero created a super effective charger.
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.