Top Ultralight Solar Chargers Reviewed (From 3.6oz)

Need an ultralight solar charger for backpacking or a thru-hiking trip? Here’s a thorough review of the best options based on overall weight, power-to-weight ratio, and features.

Most of the backpacking solar panels here are under 1lb.  Honestly, it’s hard to find a solar panel charger that weighs less than 1lb, but will still reliably charge your devices (if it doesn’t work, it’s just dead weight!). I’ve also included some solar chargers which are heavier but more powerful.  These could still be considered ultralight if you are backpacking in group and will share the weight between members.

Quick Picks:

• Best Ultralight Solution: Lixada 10W 
• Runner Up: Anker PowerPort 15W
• Budget Pick: ECEEN 13W

Comparison

*You want more watts per ounce with backpacking solar chargers.

Best Ultralight Solar Chargers for Backpacking

1. Lixada 10W Solar Charger

Best For: Insanely cheap and lightweight solution for backpackers who understand solar

Specs:

• Watts: 10W
• Amps: 1.2
• Weight: 3.56oz
• Size: 10.2 x 5.5 inches
• Auto Reset: No
• Ports: 1 USB-A
• Amps: 1A
• Cost:  $ – Buy Here

Review: 

Lixada is a Chinese brand that makes a lot of cheap but insanely lightweight backpacking gear. Where most Chinese brands are unreliable, Lixada actually makes good products. They have gotten a bit of a cult following in the UL community.

At 3.56oz, the 10W Lixada solar charger gives you the most power per weight of any of the backpacking solar chargers reviewed here. You can even reduce the weight even more by shaving off some of the plastic, but then you will lose the tie-on points for attaching it to your pack (see a picture of the reduced Lixada here).

The Lixada solar panel is very cheap. Considering the price, it isn’t surprising that the Lixada lacks some high-tech features. Most noteably:

• No auto-reset feature: It will stop charging if a cloud passes over it.  You’ll have to unplug the device and replug to get it to start charging again.
• No reserve-charge blocking diode: It can actually draw power from your device in low-light situations.  Because of this, I wouldn’t ‘use the Lixada to directly charge devices when the sunlight is low.  It’s more reliable for charging a power bank and then using that to power your devices.
• Not flexible: The Lixada solar panel isn’t very flexible, so you need to be careful about not cracking it if carrying on top of your pack.
• No pouch: There is no pouch for holding your device, so you have to get creative with how to attach the device without the cable falling.

Optimizing the Lixada Setup:

The USB outlet port is on the edge of the Lixada solar charger. This isn’t an issue if you will just use it at base camp, then it works fine. However, if you want to attach it to your pack, the USB outlet position can be problematic.

Each time you take your pack off, you will jostle the cable and Lixada USB socket. Over time, it can cause the sensitive USB socket to break.

The solution?

• Get a 90-degree USB-adapter (something like this). This will position the cable behind the solar panel so it doesn’t jut out. In this setup, the hiker also used cables to keep the power bank in place.
• Put a little piece electrical tape between the USB outlet housing and adapter. This prevents it from jiggling and gives more security.

You can see a picture of the setup here. The blue is a piece of insulation, which helps prevent the power bank from overheating from contact with the solar panel.

Buy the Lixada Charger Here

Note: The solar panel is sometimes sold under different brand names (like “Docooler”). This is common with Chinese gear.

2. Lixada 5W* Black Solar Charger

Best For: An even lighter solar charger, but with less power

Specs:

• Watts: 10W* (actually 5W)
• Weight: 2.8oz
• Size 8.1×5.6 x0.3in
• Auto reset: No
• Ports: 1 x USB
• Amps: 2.1A
• Cost: $ – Buy here 

Review:

Lixada also makes this UL solar charger that weighs just 2.8oz. It claims to be a 10W solar charger, but realistically only is 5W.  Even in direct sunlight, you probably won’t get more than 3.5W out of it.  If you keep that in mind–and primarily use it in sunny climates–then it is a great solar panel for backpacking.  Like the other 10W Lixada, it also doesn’t have auto-reset or blocking diodes, but is very cheap.

Just like with the model above, you’ll want to modify it with a U-shaped USB connector. Otherwise, the USB socket might break unless you baby it.

Buy Here 

3. Anker PowerPort Solar Lite

Best For: Fantastic power-to-weight ratio plus great features

Specs:

• Watts: 15W
• Weight: 12.5oz
• Size:11 × 6.3 in. folded / 18.1 × 11 in open
• Auto reset: Yes
• Ports: 2 x USB
• Amps: 2.1 each (2.1A max)
• Cost: $$ – Buy 15W here 

Review:

In pretty much every list of the top portable solar chargers, the Anker PowerPort  takes the #1 spot.  There is good reason for this.  The solar charger is very reliable, durable, and is lightweight for its wattage.  It’s easy to use on the trail because there are elastic loops for attaching the solar charger to your pack and a pocket for holding your devices.

There are two versions of the charger which are good for backpacking: 15W and 21W.  Of the two, the 21W is definitely superior.  It only weighs a tiny bit more but will actually charge two devices at the same time.   At 2.4A per port, it’s fairly fast – though note you’ll only get a max of 3A when charging two devices at once.  Unfortunately, it is often unavailable.

If you have perfect sunlight and angle it well, then you maybe could charge two devices at once with the 15W.  But it’s a lot faster with the 21W charger.

Unfortunately, Anker solar chargers are often out of stock, which is why the Lixada gets the #1 spot.

The charging ports are locating inside a canvas pouch, which means the solar charger is (mostly) water resistant.

One slight annoying thing is that the Anker PowerPort charger closes with Velcro (which gets debris stuck in it).  I’d rather have a magnetic closure instead.

Buy 15W Here and Buy 21W Here

4. Goal Zero Nomad Solar Chargers

Best For: Use with Flip 24 power bank, or backpackers who don’t mind a higher weight-per-ounce in exchange for more reliability.

Specs:

• Watts: 5w/10W/20W
• Weight: 12.7oz/17.6oz/33.6oz
• Size: 9.5 x 7. X 1.1 inches (5w)
• Auto Reset: Yes
• Ports: 1x1A/1×1.5A/1×2.1A + 8mm 1.3A solar port
• Cost:  $$ – See price here at Amazon and here at REI.

Review:

The Goal Zero Nomad used to be considered the best backpacking solar chargers.  Now there are many other better options when it comes to weight. When you look at the amount of watts per ounce, the Goal Zero chargers are actually really heavy.  The 5W charger is very slow. If you are set on getting a Goal Zero Nomad charger, than I’d get the 10W or 20W.  They aren’t lightweight enough for most backpackers but deliver more power and are chainable.

There is some good though.  Goal Zero Nomad chargers are very reliable.  The tech does a good job of matching charge output to device.  You won’t have to worry about the auto-reset not working or the charger draining your device if you let it sit too long.  Goal Zero solar chargers are also waterproof to IPX6.

The best thing about the Goal Zero Nomad chargers is that the outlet port is one the back of the panel, as oppossed to along the side. That means you are less likely to bang the cable and damage the port. It is also designed for the Goal Zero Flip 24 power bank to fit perfectly behind it.

Get it Amazon or REI

5. ECEEN 13w Solar Charger

Best For: Hikers who want a very cheap solar charger that works well enough in good weather

Specs:

• Watts: 13
• Amps: 2
• Weight: 16oz
• Size: 7×12.75×1″ folded, 14×12.75” open
• Auto Reset: Yes
• Ports: 2x USB-A
• Amps: 2A max
• Cost: $ – Buy Here

Review:

The ECEEN is one of the cheapest solar chargers you can get which is still lightweight enough for backpacking.

Considering how cheap this backpacking solar charger is, it surprisingly has a (mostly) reliable auto-reset feature.  It’s also waterproof, durable, and easily straps to your pack.

Now for the bad.  The ECEEN does charge in full sun but won’t charge at all – not even a trickle – in low light. It’s also unrealistic to expect to charge two devices at once.  The 2amps is only for ideal conditions and even then it won’t charge at a full 1amp per connection. Don’t bother with this solar panel for backpacking trips in fall, spring, or which will take you through shady forests.

Buy Here

6.  Voltaic Arc 10W Solar Charger

Best For: Another budget solar charge for charging in sunny weather

Specs:

• Watts: 10W
• Weight: 10.9oz
• Size: Folded 10×6.4”, Open 10×13”
• Auto Reset: Yes
• Ports: 1 x USB-A
• Amps: 1.8
• Cost:  $ – Buy Here

The Voltaic Arc 10W solar charger seems fantastic at first glance. The watts-per-ounce is good and it’s a nice compact size. In clear skies and bright sun, the charging is actually very good.   But, as soon as the weather gets a bit cloudy, the performance on the Arc 10W charger gets VERY slow.

I also don’t like that the charging port is completely exposed.  You’ll need to be careful that it doesn’t get wet or dirty. There’s also no pocket for holding your device while charging.

Get It Here

7. BigBlue 28W Solar Charger

Best For: Backpackers with high energy demands or traveling in a group

Specs:

• Watts: 28W
• Weight: 23.8oz
• Size: Folded 11.1×6.3×1.3in; Unfolded size: 33.1×11.1×0.2in
• Auto Reset: Yes
• Ports: 2xUSB-A
• Amps: 2.4A each, 4A max
• Cost:  S$ – Buy Here

Review:

At 28W, the Big Blue solar charger is probably too large for most backpackers. But, if you have high power needs or there are multiple people in your group to share the weight, this is one of the best solar chargers you can get.

It has a lot of nice tech features like overcharge protection and the auto-reset features works.  The solar panels are actually efficient.  And, while you will never get 100% of the advertised charging amount, it performs better than most other solar chargers.

Do note that there doesn’t seem to be a blocking diode on the charger.  If you leave a device attached to the charger in low-light conditions, it will drain your battery instead of charging it.  You’ll need to unplug it in overcast weather, especially if multiple devices are attached.

Note: This charger is not compatible with the iPod Pro.

Get It Here

8. SunJack 15W Solar Charger

Best For: Overall great solution for charging two devices at once

Specs:

• Watts: 15W
• Weight: 15.2oz
• Size: Folded 10.5x 6.5 x 1.2, open 20×10.5
• Auto Reset: Yes
• Ports: 2 x USB-A
• Amps: 4A (2 per port)
• Cost:  $$ – Buy Here

Review:

While they don’t get as much attention as Anker or Goal Zero, SunJack is a very reputable brand of solar chargers.  The weight is pretty good, especially considering how durable the solar charger is.  It is (mostly) waterproof.

There’s a mesh pocket for protecting your devices and the charging port.  The elastic band for holding your device in place is a nice touch.  I also like that they use a magnetic closure instead of annoying Velcro.

The technology behind the solar charger also seems to deliver as promised. It will actually charge two devices at 2A each in good sunlight.  There is smart overcharge protection too.  I would have listed this higher in my picks but it is often out of stock.

Get It Here

Do You Even Need a Solar Charger for Backpacking?

Backpacking solar chargers are cool devices but, for most short trips, you really don’t need one.  For most backpackers, a lightweight power bank is the better solution.

Compared to solar chargers, power banks are:

• Reliable: They work regardless of the conditions
• Cheaper: You can get a lightweight power bank for $20-$40
• More durable: Solar chargers need to be babied so you don’t scratch or crack them
• Usually lighter weight: Most solar charger setups still require you to have a power bank. So, it usually ends up being lighter to just bring a higher capacity power bank than a solar setup.

Solar chargers make sense when:

• There is a lot of sunlight: And you’ll attach the solar charger to your pack or leave it at base camp to make use of the sunlight.
• You’re thru-hiking and don’t want to waste time recharging in town. It’s much better to have a solar charger than waste hours in town looking for an available outlet and waiting for your power bank to recharge!
• The weight of the solar charger is less than a larger power bank: You’ll have to do the math, but solar chargers often make sense when you’d need a power bank over 20,000mAh– such as if you have photo gear.
• You like playing with tech: If you will have fun doing things like checking a multi-meter to get the ideal charging conditions, then solar makes sense.

See these top ultralight power banks for backpacking.

Tips for Using Lightweight Solar Chargers when Backpacking

Inadequate Wattage = Dead Weight

Want a backpacking solar charger which weighs under 12oz? You’ll be hard pressed to find a setup which offers more than 5 watts of power.

As a general rule, you will need at least 10 watts in order to reliably charge phones and other small devices while backpacking.  Anything less than 10 watts means it will take forever to charge a device – even in ideal conditions!

Also note that some devices won’t charge at low power.  Nokia phones, for example, require 120mAh to start charging.  If the low-watt solar panel can’t produce this amount, then the phone won’t charge at all.

In a nutshell?

An ultralight solar panel might not meet your power needs. It’s better to carry a few more ounces for gear which actually works than lug around dead weight.

Look At Watts Per Ounce

Don’t make the mistake of just looking at the overall weight of a solar charger. Instead, you need to look at the watts per ounce. The more watts per ounce, the lighter the solar charger really is.

For example, the Anker PowerPort is 13.7oz but has 21 watts.  The Goal Zero Nomad 5 is lighter at 12.7oz, but only is 5 watts.  As talked about above, it’s usually better to carry a few extra ounces and have a charger capable of doing the job.

Optimize Your Solar Setup

• Use a multi-meter: A multi-meter will let you know how how much power the solar charger is creating and how much is going to your device. There are small, lightweight multi-meters (like this USB multi-meter) you can take with you.  At least, practice with one before your trip so you get a grasp on how to best angle your charger.
• Create a sun dial: Use a little piece of plastic to make a sun dial so you know how to angle the charger. Here is an example.
• Use good cables: Seriously, quality cables can make a huge difference when it comes to charge speed!
• Bring lots of cables, clips and electrical tape: These will come in handy for attaching your solar charger to your pack (or a tree, tent, etc), and securing cables in place.

Are Your Devices Trickle-Charge Compatible?

Solar chargers deliver variable power, and often very low amounts of power. Devices which aren’t trick-charge compatible won’t charge well in these conditions.

An iPhone, for example, is notoriously bad for solar charging. If you plug an iPhone into a solar panel to charge in cloudy weather, the screen will start flashing “charging”.  This flashing can drain the battery faster than you can recharge it with the solar panel.

You’d need a very large solar panel to directly charge finicky devices in cloudy weather.  By contrast, power banks are usually pretty good when it comes to trickle charging with solar. You can get by with a smaller solar panel to charge the power bank, and then use the power bank to charge devices. Yes, you lose some power in the conversion but it still often ends up being more reliable.

Be Realistic About What Ultralight Solar Chargers Can Do

Don’t get me wrong: backpacking solar chargers are awesome and have come a long way.  They’ve gotten smaller, more durable, and much more reliable.

But they still aren’t perfect.

You aren’t going to be able to strap a small charger to your backpacking, hike through a shady forest, and expect your devices to get fully charged.

Don’t Forget the Weight of Extras

It’s worth noting that most manufacturers only list the weight for their solar panels.  This weight does NOT include accessories like cables, 12volt-to-USB adapters, or charge controllers.  These can add a few ounces to the setup.

Likewise, you’ll probably also want a powerbank to use with your solar charger – which means anywhere from 2.5oz to 10+oz more weight.  This will allow you to store power for later and many solar chargers simply perform better when used to charge power banks.

Reduce Your Power Needs

The best way to reduce your solar charger weight is to reduce your power needs.

The less you use your devices, the smaller of a solar panel you can get away with.  Normally you shouldn’t get less than a 10 watt solar panel, and that’s in ideal conditions.  To get away with a low watt solar panel, you’ll need to:

• Keep your phone turned off or in flight mode (if you are using it for photos)
• Turn down screen brightness or use an app like f.LUX to control the screen brightness
• Use Greenify app to turn off background apps without having to uninstall 
• Keep phone GPS off until you need it
• If you listen to music on your phone, use earbuds instead of the speakers
• Keep devices at “room temperature” Sleep with them on cold nights if you must.
• Be stingy about taking photos and videos.
• Set up camp on time so you don’t have to rely on headlamps at night.

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Resources for this article:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/10e7kot/solar_panels_for_hiking_trip/,
https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/13y3fn7/longterm_solar_review_its_finally_better_than/,
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/blocking-diode,
https://www.linkedin.com/advice/3/what-some-common-mistakes-challenges-when-using-blocking,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10733962/,
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=18871,
Image credit: “2019-01-30_05-18-22” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by steevithak