Ten packable solar panels for backpacking and paddling, ranked by pack weight, measured output, cloud performance and ports. Research only, not field tested.
This guide is for backpackers and paddlers who want a light solar panel to recharge a power bank on long trips. It covers packable USB panels only. Larger camp panels and power stations are in our Solar Panels and Chargers and Portable Power Stations lists.
How we chose: We ranked panels by pack weight, measured output for weight, cloud performance, ports and current maker availability. Measured watts come from Outdoor Life (W at the USB port in sun and under clouds) and OutdoorGearLab (mAh collected in one hour). We did not copy anyone's ranking. Several original candidates, including the Lion Energy 10W, BigBlue SolarPowa 28 and 30, FlexSolar E10 Mini and Anker SOLIX PS30, were sold out or unavailable from their makers when we checked, so we replaced them with available models.
Caveats: Wild10 has not field tested these panels; this is a research-only ranking. Rated watts are lab figures. A short measured reading is not daily yield: daily energy depends on hours of usable sun, angle, heat and shade. A panel without a battery stores nothing, so plan on carrying a power bank. Total kit weight is panel plus bank plus cables. For banks, see our Backpacking Power Banks list.
Ten packable solar panels for backpacking and paddling, ranked by pack weight, measured output, cloud performance and ports. Research only, not field tested.
Key takeaways
#1 15W ETFE Foldable Solar Charger — SunJack
#2 E10 10W USB Solar Charger — FlexSolar
#3 SolarPowa 20 TOPCon — BigBlue
#4 25W ETFE Foldable Solar Charger — SunJack
#5 E20PRO 20W — FlexSolar
#6 SolarPowa 14 BC Series — BigBlue
Intended uses
Gear
Verification notes
Editorial ranked list, 10 entries. Evidence mix — 10 research only. Buy links open the maker or a retailer search.
The gear reviews
Ten packable solar panels for backpacking and paddling, ranked by pack weight, measured output, cloud performance and ports. Research only, not field tested.
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Outdoor Life measured 10.1 W from USB-C in sun and 4.8 W under clouds. Those are short readings, not daily yield. A 15 W rated panel delivering about 10 W in sun is a good result, and the panel weighs 1.4 lb per SunJack.
Specs that matter on trail
Rated panel power: 15 W; Ports: 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A (5V/3A each), 15 W max combined; Built-in battery: None; Weight: 1.4 lb (0.64 kg) panel only, per maker; Folded: 7.8 x 8.82 x 1 in; Measured output: 10.1 W USB-C sun, 4.8 W USB-C cloud (Outdoor Life). All figures are maker-stated unless a review outlet is named.
Limits and caveats
Measured watts are short readings under the reviewer's conditions. Daily energy depends on hours of usable sun, angle and heat. It has no battery, so pair it with a power bank. Outdoor Life lists 1 lb 5 oz, slightly lighter than the maker figure.
At about 200 g for the panel, it is the lowest weight here. That makes it the pick when every gram counts and you only need a slow top-up during sunny breaks.
Specs that matter on trail
Rated panel power: 10 W; Ports: 1 x USB-A, 5V/2A; Built-in battery: None; Weight: 200 g panel per maker (the same page also lists 300 g net); Folded: 193 x 224 x 17 mm; Water rating: IP67 controller box per maker. All figures are maker-stated unless a review outlet is named.
Limits and caveats
FlexSolar's page lists both 200 g and 300 g, so plan for the higher number. USB-A only. We found no independent measured output for this exact model; OutdoorGearLab tested the related E10 Mini, which is a different model.
It replaces the SolarPowa 28, which BigBlue lists as sold out. It has more rated power than the SunJack 15W with two ports and a lighter maker-stated weight.
Specs that matter on trail
Rated panel power: 20 W; Ports: 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A (5V/3A each), 5V/4.2A total; Built-in battery: None; Weight: 0.6 kg (1.32 lb) per maker; Water rating: IP68 excluding junction box per maker. All figures are maker-stated unless a review outlet is named.
Limits and caveats
We found no independent measured output for this model, so it ranks below the SunJack. 5V only, so it will not fast-charge.
Outdoor Life measured 6.6 W from USB-C under clouds, the best cloud figure in its table for these panels. OutdoorGearLab recorded 675 mAh in one hour of indirect light, also the best of the panels it tested here.
Specs that matter on trail
Rated panel power: 25 W; Ports: 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A (5V/3A each); Built-in battery: None; Weight: 1.7 lb (0.77 kg) panel only, per maker; Measured output: 10.7 W USB-C sun, 6.6 W USB-C cloud (Outdoor Life); Measured 1 hour: 1,918 mAh direct, 675 mAh indirect (OutdoorGearLab). All figures are maker-stated unless a review outlet is named.
Limits and caveats
Sunny output was only slightly higher than the 15W version. It is heavier, so pick it for cloudy climates. OutdoorGearLab measured 833 g (29.4 oz).
At 396 g per maker, it is lighter than the SunJack 15W while offering 20 W rated and two ports.
Specs that matter on trail
Rated panel power: 20 W; Ports: 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A (5V); Built-in battery: None; Weight: 396 g per maker; Folded: 220 x 217 mm. All figures are maker-stated unless a review outlet is named.
Limits and caveats
We found no independent measured output for this exact model. 5V only.
340 g per maker for 14 W rated places it between the FlexSolar E10 and the 20 W panels.
Specs that matter on trail
Rated panel power: 14 W; Ports: 1 x USB-A, 5V/2.4A; Built-in battery: None; Weight: 0.34 kg (0.75 lb) per maker. All figures are maker-stated unless a review outlet is named.
Limits and caveats
USB-A only, and we found no independent measurements for this model.
Outdoor Life measured 6.5 W in sun and 2.8 W under clouds from USB-A. The kickstand helps you aim it at camp.
Specs that matter on trail
Rated panel power: 10 W; Ports: 1 x USB-A, 5V up to 1.5A (7.5 W max); Built-in battery: None; Weight: 1.12 lb (0.51 kg) per maker; Measured output: 6.5 W USB-A sun, 2.8 W USB-A cloud (Outdoor Life). All figures are maker-stated unless a review outlet is named.
Limits and caveats
Heavier than lighter 10 W panels and capped at 7.5 W by its USB-A port. No USB-C.
Its built-in battery and sundial make it easy to use at camp. Outdoor Life measured 4.9 W in sun, close to its 5 W rating.
Specs that matter on trail
Rated panel power: 5 W; Ports: 1 x USB-A out, Micro-USB in; Built-in battery: 3,200 mAh; Weight: 13.76 oz (390 g) per maker; Water rating: IPX4 per maker; Measured output: 4.9 W USB-A sun (Outdoor Life). All figures are maker-stated unless a review outlet is named.
Limits and caveats
Only 5 W. Micro-USB input is dated. The built-in battery is small, so it does not replace a power bank.
The buffer battery keeps devices charging steadily. Outdoor Life measured 5 W in sun, about half of its rating.
Specs that matter on trail
Rated panel power: 10 W; Ports: 1 x USB-A out, Micro-USB in; Built-in battery: 3,200 mAh; Weight: 1.21 lb (550 g) per maker; Water rating: IPX4 per maker; Measured output: 5 W USB-A sun (Outdoor Life). All figures are maker-stated unless a review outlet is named.
Limits and caveats
Heavy for the output measured. Micro-USB input, IPX4 only.
Its 8mm port can send up to 20 W to compatible banks, which is more than its 10.5 W USB port.
Specs that matter on trail
Rated panel power: 20 W; Ports: USB 5V up to 2.1A (10.5 W max); 8mm solar port up to 20 W; Built-in battery: None; Weight: 2.28 lb (1.03 kg) per maker. All figures are maker-stated unless a review outlet is named.
Limits and caveats
2.28 lb is heavy for backpacking. No USB-C. No independent measured output found.
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How we picked
Ranked by Wild10 Editorial Team, Research desk
We started with a long list of backcountry solar chargers that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
Real-world output
Usable charging in clouds or cold, not just the rated wattage or capacity.
Ports and packability
Port types, charging speed and weight for the power delivered.
Real-world durability
How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
Performance in bad conditions
Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
Weight and packability
Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
Ease of use
Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
How often we recheck this: Reviewed on a rolling basis and rechecked at least once a year, or sooner if a pick is discontinued, revised, or beaten by something new.
Best backcountry solar chargers for a specific job
Skip the ranking — jump to the pick that matches how you actually use it.
Best for thru-hiking
#1 15W ETFE Foldable Solar Charger — SunJackThe SunJack 15W gave the best measured output for its weight in the independent data we found, and it has both USB-C and USB-A.
**Highlights**
- Strong measured USB-C output
- USB-C and USB-A
- IP67 USB ports per maker
- In stock at SunJack when checked
**Watch-outs**
- No built-in battery
- 1.4 lb panel only per maker
Research only: Wild10 has not field tested this model. Specifications come from the maker page; any measured figure is credited to the outlet that measured it.Read the full profile
Best for ultralight hikers
#2 E10 10W USB Solar Charger — FlexSolarThe FlexSolar E10 is the lightest panel in this list, aimed at keeping a power bank topped up rather than charging fast.
**Highlights**
- Lightest panel here
- Low cost
- IP67 controller box per maker
**Watch-outs**
- USB-A only
- Conflicting weight figures
- No independent measured output for this model
Research only: Wild10 has not field tested this model. Specifications come from the maker page; any measured figure is credited to the outlet that measured it.Read the full profile
Best for two-person trips
#3 SolarPowa 20 TOPCon — BigBlueThe SolarPowa 20 TOPCon gives you two ports and 20 W rated for a group, at under 1.4 lb.
**Highlights**
- Two ports
- Lighter than the SunJack 15W per maker
- IP68 excluding junction box
**Watch-outs**
- No independent measurements
- 5V output only
Research only: Wild10 has not field tested this model. Specifications come from the maker page; any measured figure is credited to the outlet that measured it.Read the full profile
Best for pacific northwest
#4 25W ETFE Foldable Solar Charger — SunJackThe SunJack 25W kept the most output under clouds in Outdoor Life's testing and the most indirect-light charge in OutdoorGearLab's.
**Highlights**
- Best cloud result in independent tests
- USB-C and USB-A
- In stock at SunJack when checked
**Watch-outs**
- Heavier than the 15W
- Small sunny gain over the 15W
Research only: Wild10 has not field tested this model. Specifications come from the maker page; any measured figure is credited to the outlet that measured it.Read the full profile
Best for ultralight trips
#5 E20PRO 20W — FlexSolarThe E20PRO is a light dual-port 20 W panel for hikers who want USB-C without the SunJack's weight.
**Highlights**
- 396 g per maker
- USB-C and USB-A
- Orderable when checked
**Watch-outs**
- No independent measurements
- 5V only
Research only: Wild10 has not field tested this model. Specifications come from the maker page; any measured figure is credited to the outlet that measured it.Read the full profile
Best for solo hikers
#6 SolarPowa 14 BC Series — BigBlueThe SolarPowa 14 BC is a light panel with a phone pocket, a step up from 10 W panels without much more weight.
**Highlights**
- 340 g per maker
- Phone pocket
- Orderable when checked
**Watch-outs**
- USB-A only
- No independent measurements
Research only: Wild10 has not field tested this model. Specifications come from the maker page; any measured figure is credited to the outlet that measured it.Read the full profile
Best for camp charging
#7 Nomad 10 — Goal ZeroThe Nomad 10 is a simple, sturdy panel with a kickstand that pairs neatly with Goal Zero banks.
**Highlights**
- Kickstand
- Measured 6.5 W in sun (Outdoor Life)
- Available from Goal Zero when checked
**Watch-outs**
- USB-A only
- Heavy for 10 W
Research only: Wild10 has not field tested this model. Specifications come from the maker page; any measured figure is credited to the outlet that measured it.Read the full profile
Best for basecamps
#8 SolarPanel 5+ — BioLiteThe SolarPanel 5+ stores power in a 3,200 mAh battery, so you can charge at night from what you collected during the day.
**Highlights**
- Built-in 3,200 mAh battery
- Measured 4.9 W in sun
- Available when checked
**Watch-outs**
- 5 W only
- Micro-USB input
- IPX4 only
Research only: Wild10 has not field tested this model. Specifications come from the maker page; any measured figure is credited to the outlet that measured it.Read the full profile
Expert-picked, reader-ranked
Our editors test the gear, pick the ten, and set the order the day a list publishes. After that, the ranking is live: every member star rating feeds the community order, so picks climb or slide as real owners report back. Editorial judgment decides what earns a spot — you help decide where it sits.
Editors set the field
Verified specs, feature and use-case comparison, and outside sources choose the ten and the published order; field-tested picks are labeled.
Readers re-rank it
Your 1–5 star ratings drive the community order on every list.
Rankings keep moving
Picks rise or fall over time — nothing is frozen at launch day.
Award picks
The ranking above is price-blind and judged on merit. These awards call out the pick we'd hand a specific person with a specific need.
The SunJack 15W is the best balance for most backpackers. Choose the SunJack 25W for cloudy regions, the FlexSolar E10 to save weight, and a BioLite panel if you want a built-in reserve.
How to choose backcountry solar chargers
Every pick on this page was judged against the same criteria. If you want the short answer, 15W ETFE Foldable Solar Charger by SunJack is the one we point most people at. If you want to decide for yourself, here is what actually separates a good backcountry solar charger from an expensive one.
Real-world output
Usable charging in clouds or cold, not just the rated wattage or capacity.
Ports and packability
Port types, charging speed and weight for the power delivered.
Real-world durability
How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
Performance in bad conditions
Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
Weight and packability
Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
Ease of use
Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
Match the pick to your use
The right backcountry solar chargers depends on what you are actually doing with it: Thru-hiking; Week-long trips; Sunny western routes; Ultralight hikers; Bank top-ups; Sunny trips. Start from the use case, then work down the ranking until you hit the first pick that covers it.
Common mistakes
Buying the lightest backcountry solar chargers you can find and discovering it cannot take a season of hard use.
Paying for a specialist feature you will use once a year instead of the versatile option.
Comparing headline specs across tiers instead of within the same class.
Skipping fit, sizing, or adjustment checks that decide whether you actually carry it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best backcountry solar chargers?
15W ETFE Foldable Solar Charger by SunJack takes the top spot. The SunJack 15W gave the best measured output for its weight in the independent data we found, and it has both USB-C and USB-A.
How did The Wild10 choose and rank these backcountry solar chargers?
We judged every pick against the same criteria — real-world output, ports and packability, real-world durability, performance in bad conditions — and ranked them on merit regardless of price. Ten packable solar panels for backpacking and paddling, ranked by pack weight, measured output, cloud performance and ports. Research only, not field tested.
What is the best budget backcountry solar chargers?
SolarPowa 20 TOPCon by BigBlue — The SolarPowa 20 TOPCon gives you two ports and 20 W rated for a group, at under 1.
15W ETFE Foldable Solar Charger vs E10 10W USB Solar Charger — which should I pick?
15W ETFE Foldable Solar Charger ranks first: The SunJack 15W gave the best measured output for its weight in the independent data we found, and it has both USB-C and USB-A. E10 10W USB Solar Charger is the close second: The FlexSolar E10 is the lightest panel in this list, aimed at keeping a power bank topped up rather than charging fast. Our full head-to-head compares them side by side.
How often is this list updated?
We review this ranking on a rolling basis and update it whenever a pick is discontinued, meaningfully revised, or beaten by something new. Rankings are editorial — brands do not see them before publication and affiliate links never change the order.
