Tired of stumbling over power cords at the campsite? Or maybe you’re dreaming of a fully off-grid experience? It’s time to discover the magic of solar powered camping gear.
No longer does venturing into the wild mean leaving behind modern comforts. Thanks to advancements in solar technology, you can still enjoy a hot shower, a lantern-lit tent, and even your favorite tunes from a solar-powered speaker – all without needing an electrical outlet! So join the National Park Shops team to explore the best solar powered camping gear options on Amazon today, which have been thoroughly tested by us through the following article!
Contents
- 1 Goal Zero Yeti 150 Power Station ($299.95 on Amazon)
- 2 BioLite SolarPanel 5+ ($91.30 on Amazon)
- 3 BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE ($169.99 on Amazon)
- 4 Jackery SolarSaga 100 ($209 on Amazon)
- 5 GoSun Chill Solar Cooler ($645 on Amazon)
- 6 Monster SOLARA Solar Powered
- 7 EcoFlow 110 Portable Solar Panel
- 8 BigBlue SolarPowa 28 ($67.49 on Amazon)
- 9 How we tested solar powered camping gear
- 10 Conclusion
Goal Zero Yeti 150 Power Station ($299.95 on Amazon)
- Wattage: 300 Watt-hours
- Power Source: AC
- Item Weight: 13.7 Pounds
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Output Wattage: 3.5E+2 Watts
Designed for modern nomads with multiple gadgets, Goal Zero’s portable solar powered camping gear offers a variety of charging options to keep you powered up. This compact 12lb unit includes two USB ports, a 12-volt output, and a universal AC outlet. If you’re planning a week or longer off-grid adventure, the Yeti 150 Power Station paired with the Nomad 14 Plus solar panel is a smart addition to your car or camper setup.
The kit comes with a weather-resistant 14-watt folding solar panel and a detachable kickstand, allowing you to adjust the panel for maximum sunlight exposure. You can charge your devices directly from the panel or connect them through the power station. The power station itself can also be recharged via a wall outlet in about six hours or through your vehicle’s AC outlet in four to six hours.
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BioLite SolarPanel 5+ ($91.30 on Amazon)
- Material: Plastic
- Product Dimensions: 10.12″L x 8.19″W x 0.9″H
- Item Weight: 0.6 Pounds
- Efficiency: High Efficiency
If you’re planning lightweight adventures, nothing beats the convenience of a portable solar powered camping gear to keep your devices charged no matter where the journey takes you. Weighing just 391 g (13.8 oz), the BioLite SolarPanel 5+ is perfect for backpackers, campers, and bike tourers.
This compact panel (26 x 21 x 2 cm / 10.2 x 8.2 x 1 in) fully charges in just three hours of sunlight and can be easily attached to a backpack or bike pannier for charging on the move. Alternatively, use the built-in sundial and folding stand to position the panel for optimal sun exposure when stationary.
The 3200 mAh integrated battery conveniently stores power, which can then be used to charge devices like phones, lanterns, watches, and external battery packs through a USB-A output. You can also charge the battery using mains power via a Micro-USB port for added versatility.
BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE ($169.99 on Amazon)
- Material: Etfe, Eva
- Product Dimensions: 24.9″L x 21.3″W x 0.7″H
- Item Weight: 4 Kilograms
- Efficiency: USB
The BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE is an excellent value option for a solar powered camping gear setup. Priced lower than most panels we tested, it still delivered an above-average performance in nearly every test. This lightweight panel features a carry handle and folds once into a compact, easy-to-transport package. Loading it into your car and setting it up at your campsite solar station is quick and hassle-free. Its fold-out legs allow you to angle it directly toward the sun, making the most of low-angle sunlight. Plus, it comes with a variety of adaptors, so you can connect this solar powered camping gear to almost any power station without purchasing additional cables or connectors, saving you even more money.
Additionally, its performance on cloudy days was average, which may be limiting if you’re expecting overcast conditions. Overall, if you’re seeking a budget-friendly solar panel for camping that doesn’t skimp on functionality, the BigBlue SolarPowa 100 is worth considering, just plan for sunny skies!
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Jackery SolarSaga 100 ($209 on Amazon)
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Connector Type: DC8020, DC7909, USB-A, USB-C
- Compatible Devices: Jackery Explorer Power Stations, Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, USB-powered devices
- Included Components: Solar Panel
- Total USB Ports: 2
- Wattage: 1E+2
The Jackery SolarSaga 100 remains our top choice for solar powered camping gear. Our testing revealed that this 100-watt panel is lightweight, user-friendly, and highly effective in both full and partial sunlight. Priced more competitively than many similar models, it outperformed most of them in charging speed, whether under clear skies or cloud cover. When not in use, the SolarSaga folds neatly in half and weighs just over 10 pounds.
Thanks to its compact design and low weight, it’s easy to toss into your car for a camping trip. Once at the campsite, the built-in handle and fold-out legs made it simple to carry and position for optimal sun exposure, especially during morning and evening hours. It features USB-A, USB-C, and DC outputs, allowing you to connect directly to your solar camping power station. The hardwired DC charging cable and USB ports can be conveniently stored in the integrated zippered pouch on the back of the panel.
GoSun Chill Solar Cooler ($645 on Amazon)
- Material: Durable
- Capacity: 40 Liters
- Product Dimensions: 16″D x 25″W x 21″H
- Item Weight: 35 Pounds
Ditch the soggy sandwiches and waterlogged salads by skipping the ice on your next camping adventure. The latest solar-powered cooler from GoSun harnesses solar energy to charge its detachable power bank, offering the same cooling power as a full day’s worth of ice. You can also charge it directly from a wall outlet or your car. Either way, it means more space for food and drinks, no messy ice melt to manage, and precise temperature control to keep everything perfectly chilled. Simply brilliant!
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Monster SOLARA Solar Powered
- Fez-play technology connects up to 7 other compatible speakers & syncs Audio playback
- 360° sound
- 20W output
- Aux & USB inputs
Keep the music going all day with Solara’s wireless solar-powered Bluetooth speaker. Its built-in solar panel keeps the battery charged when you’re outdoors, while the USB port offers a reliable backup on cloudy days. Though not the lightest speaker on the market, the Solara delivers 360º omnidirectional sound and can wirelessly connect with up to seven compatible speakers within a 30-meter range. Thanks to LED panels on all four sides, you won’t misplace it either. Best of all, this solar powered camping gear is weather-resistant and can easily handle light rain and splashes.
EcoFlow 110 Portable Solar Panel
- Material: Monocrystalline Silicon
- Product Dimensions: 16.5″L x 0.8″W x 20.2″H
- Item Weight: 8.8 Pounds
- Efficiency: High Efficiency
Testers agree that the EcoFlow 110 stands out for its reliable performance in all weather conditions rain or shine. This solar powered camping gear features universal standard solar connectors designed to keep water out, similar to those used in permanently mounted solar panels. Thanks to this setup, the EcoFlow panel remains functional even in wet weather. It also excelled in cloudy conditions, outperforming most other panels, making it a great option for maintaining power at a remote workspace under a canopy tent. In full sun, its high power output charges power stations quickly. The included zippered carrying case doubles as a stand to angle the panel toward the sun while keeping everything organized for easy transport.
However, the carrying case is more effective for storage than as a kickstand. While this solar powered camping gear provides some support for angling the panel, it’s not as sturdy as panels with dedicated fold-out legs. That said, because the case serves a dual purpose, this panel is one of the lightest models tested, though slightly less stable. Overall, the EcoFlow 110 is highly efficient at converting solar energy in all conditions and offers excellent waterproof protection.
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BigBlue SolarPowa 28 ($67.49 on Amazon)
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Connector Type: USB Type A
- Compatible Devices: HTC/Google/Honor/Apple iPhone/Huawei/LG/Motorola/Nokia/Samsung/Sony cellphones, Battery Bank
- Compatible Phone Models: HTC Google Apple iPhone Huawei LG Motorola Samsung Xiaomi cellphones etc.
- Included Components: 28W Solar Panel Charger*1, User Manual*1
- Input Voltage: 5 Volts
When it comes to portable solar panels, the BigBlue SolarPowa 28 tops our list of the best portable solar chargers in the 5-50 watt range. With outstanding charging efficiency, this solar powered camping gear excelled in every test, delivering reliable performance in varying weather conditions, even under shifting clouds. This compact panel stands out for its fast, consistent charging capabilities. Featuring three USB ports, it allows you to keep multiple devices powered up simultaneously. Once you’re ready to move on, simply roll it up and stash it in your backpack for easy transport.
While we love how portable the SolarPowa 28 is, it lacks built-in legs for angling toward the sun, which helps cut down on weight. However, it’s still one of the heavier panels we tested. Despite that, its excellent charging capacity and efficiency make it well worth the extra ounces.
How we tested solar powered camping gear
For this review, we analyzed dozens of solar powered camping gear. After carefully handpicking and purchasing the most promising models, we conducted detailed side-by-side tests both in the field and in a controlled environment. Our goal was to directly compare these solar powered camping gear under identical conditions.
We divided our evaluation into four key rating metrics, weighted according to their importance for real-world camping use:
- Direct Charging Speed (35%)
- Indirect Charging Speed (35%)
- Portability (15%)
- Functionality (15%)
Conclusion
Solar powered camping gear is a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts, offering convenience, sustainability, and efficiency all in one. Investing in solar-powered gear ensures you’re prepared for any adventure, with the added bonus of harnessing clean energy. So, pack your solar essentials and embrace the freedom of off-grid exploration!
