With so many brands gunning for your attention, choosing the right backpack can be a quagmire if not an entirely daunting affair. Here, we have discussed a few of the best solar backpacks you’ll find on the market and what you need to be on the lookout for when shopping for one.
You can charge your phone, laptop and iPod while on the go. Solar backpacks have come a long way since their inception. Now there are dozens or hundreds of remarkable backpacks all with a promise of efficiency.
Life is hard enough without the inconvenience of not being able to use your phone when out hiking. No more music. No communications. No GPS for when you need to find your bearing and certainly no photos. Luckily, with the advancements in technology, you no longer have to wonder about how you’re going to keep your gadgets powered up while hiking, camping or fishing.
5 Best Solar Backpack Reviews
When deciding on which best solar backpack to go for, there’s a lot of research that goes into the overall process. Whether you’ll scour for information from the internet or from individuals who have used the item before, there’s no getting around research.
And while there are tons of useful information, one of the best ways to find out just how effective something is is by reading customer reviews. Granted, most of them might be bias and for the most part less than helpful but you’re also going to get information that might be helpful.
Below is our list of 12 best solar backpacks that will give you value, durable, functional and just plain fun to have…
1. Best Overall – Eceen Solar Backpack
Featuring a rather stylish and ultra-light design, the Eceen Solar Backpack makes it top on our list as the best overall solar backpack on the market. Now Eceen is certainly no stranger in the market. And being a top brand with a range of great and apt solar backpacks, it has rapidly gained in popularity over the years.
The backpack features adjustable breathable straps that facilitate optimum comfort and has a capacity of 42L which is more than sufficient to fit all your accessories. What’s more, it captures a little more sunlight than most conventional solar panels. This means that it in effect generates more electrical power which is a plus.
As an extra perk, the backpack also features a high-quality weather proof PVC fabric that facilitates exceptional performance regardless of the weather situation.
- It has a powerful enough battery power of 10,000 mAh.
- It can charge any device with a 5-Volt USB port.
- It is super light.
- It has powerful 7-Watt solar panels.
- It is expensive which can be limiting especially if you’re on a budget.
2. Voltiac Solar Backpack
With the Voltiac Solar Backpack, you never have to leave home unprepared again. Designed for the weekend warrior and the outdoor enthusiast, this high efficiency backpack is the perfect ally when you’re out on adventure but still need to stay connected to the rest of the world.
This 20L capacity backpack includes a 4,000 mAh battery that captures more solar energy than most standard power banks you’ll come across. In addition, the backpack is also weather proof to ensure that your off the grid power needs are met regardless of the weather conditions.
- You can charge it on the go.
- It features a UV and water resistant ETFE solar panel that’s both sturdy and durable.
- It is capable of charging your smartphone, camera, GPS device and laptop as well as other small electronics.
- Compared to other models, the Voltiac’s storage space is a little on the lower side.
3. Best Value – Haweel Solar Backpack
Stylish, affordable, featherlight and durable. I must say it most certainly doesn’t get any better than this. Well, with the Haweel Best Value Solar Backpack, you can have it all. Just what you need when hanging out in the great outdoors.
Featuring a classic shape and plenty of room, this backpack is roomy enough to accommodate all your well needed accessories. And we haven’t even talked about how remarkably comfortable and breathable it is. In addition, it features a 7-Watt solar panel with 22% transfer efficiency and 6,000 mAh battery power which is enough to charge your electronics while on the go.
- It has a high-density fabric that’s tear resistant and weather resistant.
- It is super light.
- It is roomy and can accommodate all your accessories seamlessly.
- If size is a deal breaker for you, Haweel is a bit smaller than most conventional solar backpacks.
4. Enerplex Solar Backpack for School
Enerplex is a sleek looking revolutionary solar backpack that will keep you charged up while on the move.
It is flexible and has an incredibly rugged integrated 3-Watt solar panel that’ll keep your smartphones and USB enabled devices all charged up in under 5 hours.
- It includes all your favorite amenities including expandable compartments, padded laptop sleeves, pen and business card pockets where you can stash your nitty gritties.
- It is water and weather resistant.
- It can charge a variety of electronics including cameras, laptops and smartphones.
- While seemingly great, the quality could be better.
5. Eceen Lightweight Hiking Solar Backpack
Deemed as one of the best lightweight solar hiking backpack on the market, the Eceen Lightweight Hiking Solar Backpack captures more sunlight than most conventional backpacks for the price.
Featuring a 7-Watt solar panel and a 22% transfer efficiency rate, this remarkable backpack gets your GPS device, phone and iPod charged up within no time at all.
- It is crafted to withstand harsh conditions and bad weather.
- It weighs less than 3 pounds making it easier to maneuver with especially when hiking or trekking.
- The tiny flaps that hold the solar panel together are poorly made.
Factors to Consider When Choosing A Suitable Solar Backpack
For all its advantages, it’s easy to get carried away and pick the first solar-powered backpack that comes your way. But take note, there are a few things you need to put into consideration before you settle on one.
Factors like weight, durability and capacity are some of the features that should be decided on.
Feel at ease with warranties, replacement guarantee’s and good customer service. Double check the backpack you are leaning towards has some sort of warranty.
The Weight of the Backpack
Whether it’s an upcoming hike you’re planning or a long-awaited camp that you’re preparing to go off for, having a lightweight solar panel backpack is king. Think about it! You’ll probably need to walk for miles before you finally get to your destination and a weighty backpack though helpful will cause you grief.
However, there are several factors that will determine just how weighty your best solar backpack will be. For instance, how large the solar panel is and how big of a storage battery the pack has are definitely deal breakers and something you want to think about when getting yourself a backpack. This plus what you anticipate to carry with you will help to figure out which backpack will work best for you.
Backpacks with Fixed Solar Cell or Removable Solar Panel
With an inbuilt solar panel, there are lower chances of the panels or charging capability of the backpack getting damaged. And it also makes packing up much simpler and easier too.
Personal preferences play a big hand in the kind of product that you’re ultimately going to go for. Are you more comfortable with a backpack that has a removal solar panel or are you more of a fixed solar cell kind of person?
The truth is, the design of the panel tends to vary from one backpack to the next depending on its intended use and the manufacturer’s preference. Therefore, when shopping around, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each design and then make a decision that you think you can live with.
Refunds and Warranties
There’s something about refunds and warranties that make a product and by extension, the manufacturer trustworthy. Think about it! How many times have you asked for a warranty when buying something? It doesn’t matter how small the item is, you still want that reassurance that should an in eventuality happen, you’re covered.
It, therefore, goes without saying that you should consider whether the backpack has a warranty or refund way before you even make a purchase decision because then it not only means that you’re covered in case anything happens to your backpack but it also means that the manufacturers are confident about their masterpiece.
Bag Materials
The material of the solar power backpack is certainly not something that would typically make top of your list of concerns when choosing a suitable solar panel backpack. And you wouldn’t be entirely wrong to overlook it especially seeing as you’re more interested in the technicality of the backpack – you know whether it really works as advertised and whether it’s any good.
However, it’s not nearly as irrelevant as you would think. After all, it does determine the overall quality of the backpack which is a pretty big deal if you think about it. Plus, if you have a flair for design, then you might want to pay keen attention to the material.
The Backpack’s Capacity
When it comes to planning for a trip or an adventure, your backpack’s capacity is king. It does, after all, determine just what you can take with you and what you can’t. And while we are all for less is more, depending on how many days you’re going to be gone for and the nature of your trip, you might either need to carry a full to the brim backpack or just a few necessities. Whichever it is, capacity is certainly something that you want to pay a little more attention to before you settle on a particular solar backpack.
Battery Size
Very closely related to the overall weight of the backpack, the battery size is something that you definitely don’t want to overlook. And of course, there should be a balance between its ability to charge your gadgets and being light enough for purposes of portability.
Important Tip
Battery size of 10,000 mAh would be more than sufficient.
It is hefty enough to charge even your most energy consuming gadgets but still light enough for you to take with you without much of a hassle.
Check our article on rechargeable solar batteries…
Solar Backpack Charger
While most backpacks with solar panels are charged up by the natural sunlight, there are some that include a charger as an extra perk. You know. Just in case where you are heading off to is a much cooler place that doesn’t get enough sunlight. In this case, you’ll need to make a decision between one that comes with a charger and one that comes without. However, if it’s any help, you’ll do good to have one that can operate either way because then you’ll be set for a rainy day.
Solar Hiking Backpack
If you go hiking a lot, you’ll need a solar backpack that’s custom made just for that. It has to be light and have incredibly comfortable straps for those extra long hikes. Lots of hiking equals lots of wear on your gear, make sure you get a backpack that is durable enough to last your adventures.
Waterproof Solar Backpack
Ask any buyer around and they’ll probably not even remember to mention the waterproof aspect when making a bucket list of what features their new backpack should possess. The truth is, you cannot discount the fact that you don’t have control over the weather when you’re out on your adventurous escapades. It may be scorching hot one moment and annoyingly damp the next. If you buy a solar charging backpack that doesn’t factor in in its build the possibility of bad weather or the chances of you falling into a river, then you’re going to need to replace it sooner than you might think.
Backpack Solar Panels
The backpack’s solar panels are to the solar charging backpacks what an engine is to the car. It’s practically impossible for the backpack to work without the solar panels.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that you have nothing but the best. From build to the material and the overall design, everything about the solar panels has to be just right.
Portable Power Banks
The truth is a plug and play kind of solar backpack will only be of use when the sun is up. Anything after and it could be a dark night ahead for you and the rest of the campers. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that the backpack you go for has an inbuilt or otherwise power bank that’s flexible enough to carry with you when you’re out on your usual escapades. Fortunately, some solar powered backpack models have integrated power banks. This means that you can collect energy and keep it for later when you’ll really need it.
Related Article: Best Solar Power Bank
Convert an Existing Backpack into a Solar Backpack
Have a nice backpack just lying around? You really don’t have to buy a new solar backpack. Why not turn your backpack into a solar-powered masterpiece?
I know I know. Sounds rather absurd. I mean where do you even begin? Well, it quite easy really. All you need to do is get external panels and attach them to your backpack. Of course, to do this, the panels have to have clamps which can easily attach to the backpack.
Solar Backpack: Panel Orientation
A solar backpack is a really straightforward item. For instance, on a regular day when the sun is up and there are absolutely no clouds, then you’ll have enough solar energy to charge up your battery for the day. Such that once you’re done with the day’s work or adventures, you can get to charge all your gadgets without a hitch. And if you’re up for it then you can rest and busk outdoors while your backpack absorbs enough energy to power up your devices.
Also read: Best Solar Deck Lights
Important Tips
- Tilt the panels about 45 degrees towards the sun rays for maximum absorption
- Keep a microfiber cloth nearby so that you can dust the backpack when it gets dusty
- Ensure the backpack is waterproof
Verdict
While there are plenty of solar backpacks on the market, only a handful live up to the expectations and the advertised hype. For you to get one that actually works, you have to have done research on the various types there are and the different features that different solar backpacks bring to the table.
