Have you ever been hiking and realized just when you needed your smartphone the most that it was dead? You might require a solar backpack. The solar backpacks feature a low-watt solar panel, detachable solar panels, power banks, and USB cords for charging devices while you’re out and about. So, in this detailed review, we are going to look at the 6 best solar backpacks for your travels. Please keep reading and pick the one you prefer.
What Is A Solar Backpack?
An integrated solar panel on the back of a backpack makes it a “solar backpack,” allowing you to use it outside while it charges and absorbs solar energy from the sun.
Some of these backpacks have solar panels that are sewn into them, while others have detachable panels that you can place somewhere else to charge while you’re doing other things.
How Do Solar Backpacks Work?
The solar-powered backpacks come with a monocrystalline flexible solar panel. Along with the battery, charge controller, leads, and cables, they may also include a power bank to store the energy for later use.
The majority of respectable solar backpacks can produce 120 watts of energy each day, which is sufficient to power most of your smaller digital devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.).) Photovoltaic (PV) cells, a type of technology used in the panels, are what make the function of bag.
The semiconductor produces electrical energy when sunlight strikes the panel. Depending on how your solar backpack operates, this is then sent to the charge controller or the lithium-ion battery for later use.
Best Solar Panel Backpacks
Best Overall: Voltaic Systems Array Rapid Solar Backpack Charger
Various devices can be charged by the Array using a single solar charge. It can be used in a variety of climates because of its strength. The clamshell design in black and red is stylish and doesn’t resemble a typical hiking backpack. This is a sizable solar backpack with lots of compartments that is ideal for quick trips or tech-heavy travel.
Pros
- The power bank is better than most
- The backpack and solar panel are constructed well
- The look of the solar backpack is nicer than most solar backpacks
Cons
- Most expensive option compared to other solar-powered backpacks
Best For Daily Use: SUNNYBAG Explorer+ Backpack With Solar Panel
Lightweight and functional, the SUNNYBAG Explorer+ is a solar backpack. It has a 6W solar panel that can fully charge a smartphone in two hours. The backpack has a premium design that sets it apart from similar bags.
A 22% efficiency rating is assigned to the 6W solar panel. Before shipping solar panels, the company certifies each one to ensure quality. When the backpack is fully charged and prepared for use, LED indicator lights to let you know.
Pros
- The design is great for hiking or everyday use
- Large removable solar panel on the back
- Backpack quality is high
Cons
- No power bank
- Lower wattage than others
Best Budget: ECEEN Hiking Backpack
The hiking solar-powered backpack from ECEEN offers a lot for a reasonable cost. For outdoor adventurers who want to charge their small electronic devices while on the go, this bag is fantastic. This backpack has a sizable capacity, can charge any USB device, is waterproof, and has breathable mesh. It is appropriate for trips lasting a week because of how much it can carry.
Pros
- The price is lower than most other solar backpacks
- There is a lot of storage for the money
Cons
- The look of the bag is not for everyday use
- No power bank included
Best For Athletes: SolarGoPack Solar Powered Hydration Backpack
Despite being compact and portable, the SolarGoPack has room for the necessities. The bag weighs only 3 pounds, making it easy for cyclists or runners to take on a trip. The pack includes a 1.8L hydration bladder that is ideal for any mobile athlete.
The pack’s sport-quality PVC Fabric allows it to withstand a range of challenging environments. Your costly electronic devices can be protected from the elements by this waterproof material. For those who enjoy going off the beaten path or enjoying music while running, this is fantastic.
Pros
- The included power bank
- Includes a 1.8L hydration bladder pack
- Good size for day hikes, running long distances, or biking
Cons
- Not as much capacity as most backpacks
Best Recycle: XD Design Bobby Tech Anti-Theft Solar Backpack
This particular backpack is Eco-friendly; it is made from recycled plastic bottles, which is pretty amazing. You won’t have to worry about the contents of the bag if you get caught in the rain because the exterior of the pack is coated to repel water.
Actually, with cut-proof fabric, RFID-safe compartments, lockable, hidden zippers, and secret pockets, you won’t have to worry about the contents of the bag at all.
Pros
- Anti-theft backpack
- Water repellant
- Adjustable interior for easy organization
Cons
- Pricey
- No color variety
Best Adjustable Harness: Energizer PowerKeep PRO Solar Executive
The removable solar panel on this backpack is a really great feature. The panel has a dedicated pocket for the PowerKeep power bank on the other side, so you can always keep it charging.
Your phone can be charged using a power bank or by connecting it directly to a solar panel. However, because the panel’s output is only 1.2A, it will take a long time for your phone to fully charge. Samsung’s fast chargers have a 2A output for comparison. But, the output of the power bank is also 2A, so that one is going to juice up your tech pretty fast.
Pros
- Fits 17” laptops
- Lots of pockets
- Roomy main compartment
Cons
- No color variety
- Backpanel is not too comfortable
- No information on materials
What To Consider Before Buying A Solar Backpack?
Solar Panel Quality
Make sure the solar backpack has a decent solar panel if you want to be able to charge your smartphone and other electronics. Assuming broadly that most smartphones charge at around 5V, you should ideally look for 5-watt solar panels (or higher) that produce 5V of power.
Although higher wattages don’t always equate to faster charging, they can be useful on cloudy days when sunlight is scarce.
Bag Size & Capacity
What purpose do you intend to serve with the bag? Because they are made for specific purposes and user types, various packs have varying capacities. A 15-liter bag, for instance, is ideal for carrying smartphones and small laptops, whereas a 45-liter bag offers much more space for campers, hikers, or professional photographers.
The best solar backpacks come equipped with the capacity and storage you require as well as the solar panels required to power your specific devices.
Durability & Weatherproofing
Some backpacks marketed as the “best solar backpacks” in fact have serious longevity and durability issues.
For instance, after using a backpack for a while, you might discover that the battery dies or that the USB port connections become unreliable. Cheaper solar backpacks in particular frequently experience these electronic problems.
You should also think about weatherproofing because not all backpacks are waterproof and you don’t want your electronic devices to get damp or wet.
Charging Time
How long will it take your solar-powered backpack to charge your electronics? If solar energy is your only source of power, you should carefully consider how long it will take you to receive the power you require.
Wall Outlet Charging
A solar-powered backpack is an excellent piece of equipment, but it must be left outside in bright sunlight for a number of hours every day. It’s simply not practical to do that unless you’re a hiker.
As a result, it’s wise to purchase a solar pack that also includes a power bank with AC outlet charging capabilities, allowing you to charge it from either solar panels or a standard wall AC outlet. Many people, like myself, use their solar backpack as a sort of “top-up” to keep the power bank charged while out and about.
Removable Solar Panels
Instead of having built-in solar panels, some solar backpacks have removable ones. This makes it simpler for you to leave the solar panel in direct sunlight (possibly on a rock or window sill) while you use the rest of the backpack for other tasks.
Particularly if you spend the majority of your time indoors and away from sunlight, detachable solar panels make it simpler to supply your devices with solar power.
However, if you’re a hiker, camper, or adventurer who plans to spend the majority of your time outdoors wearing the backpack, this feature won’t matter as much to you.