Are you looking for the best solar backpack for the outdoors, traveling or everyday use?
Then you’ve come to the right place.
There are several ways to have power on the go from compact power banks for smartphones to larger portable generators that can power big appliances.
A solar backpack is one of the most convenient device. It provides endless solar power on the go, allowing you to keep your phone, iPad and other devices charged.
A solar backpack consists of a normal backpack with a solar panel attached to the rear. This allows the solar panel to keep generating power even when you are on the move.
Many backpacks also include a battery pack (power bank) that stores power generated by the solar panel. You can charge directly from the solar panel during the day and then use the power bank at night and in cloudy days.
Solar backpacks are great for those who spend a lot of time on the road whether for work, hiking, camping, backpacking or cycling.
We have written this 10-minute guide to help you choose the best solar backpack for your needs. We are going to review the eight best solar backpacks that we think offer the best combination of portability, durability, ease of use and performance.
What's in This Buying Guide
Contents
Best Solar Backpack
- 1Best Solar Backpack: Voltaic Systems Off-Grid 10 Watt
- 2Best Wireless Charging Solar Backpack: Sunnybag ICONIC
- 3Best Executive Solar Briefcase: Energizer PowerKeep PRO
- 4Best Solar Backpack for Hiking: XTPower Hiking
- 5Best Value: CHOETECH 24W
- 6Most Stylish: HAWEEL Solar Backpack
Voltaic Systems backpack charger
- Best solar backpack
Power Output:
10WBattery Pack:
12,000mAhVolume:
25LWeight:
4.1lbsPrice:
$$$
Sunnybag ICONIC solar backpack
- Best wireless charging solar backpack
Power Output:
7WBattery Pack:
NoneVolume:
20LWeight:
2.4lbsPrice:
$$
Energizer PowerKeep PRO
- Best executive solar briefcase
Power Output:
3WBattery Pack:
10,000mAhVolume:
20LWeight:
3.4lbsPrice:
$
XTPower Hiking Solar Backpack
- Best solar backpack for hiking
Power Output:
7WBattery Pack:
NoneVolume:
46LWeight:
1.8lbsPrice:
$
CHOETECH 24W Solar Charger Backpack Kit
- Best value
Power Output:
24WBattery Pack:
NoneVolume:
NoneWeight:
0.4lbsPrice:
$
HAWEEL Solar Backpack
- Most stylish solar backpack
Power Output:
14WBattery Pack:
NoneVolume:
UnspecifiedWeight:
2.4lbsPrice:
$
1. Best Solar Backpack: Voltaic Systems Off-Grid 10 Watt Rapid Solar Backpack Charger
This 10W backpack from Voltaic Systems is the best choice for most people. The bag offers plenty of volumes to carry your stuff, and the integrated solar panel produces enough power to keep all your devices charged.
It comes with a power bank, so you don’t have to worry about charging your phone or tablet when it gets cloudy, or you go indoors.
Features
The 10W SunPower solar panel built into the rear of the backpack is about 22% efficient. In direct sunlight, it charges your devices quickly.
The solar panel has pass-through charging. It can charge your phone directly from the solar power it collects while storing excess power in the battery pack.
The battery pack has a 12,000mAh capacity, enough to charge your smartphone 3-4 times, and your tablet 1-2 times.
One of the things that impressed us most about this backpack is the 2-year warranty on the solar panel. It’s difficult to find a portable solar charger with a warranty that lasts long.
The longer warranty is because the backpack uses an ETFE solar panel. It lasts longer than conventional solar panels.
Note: The external battery pack has a separate 1-year warranty.
Great Storage Organization
The backpack itself boasts lots of volumes to pack your things. The 25L interior can fit a laptop, tablet, camera, and other assorted gear.
The storage organization is good. There is a laptop sleeve that can fit a 15” laptop or a 10” tablet and a large main compartment for other things like a camera or books.
Multiple pockets and nooks, including a charging cradle for your phone, provide convenient storage of smaller devices, cables, and adapters.
There’s a tripod pocket that can also hold a water bottle and a padded pocket for sunglasses.
Limitations
The main downside is the price. This is one of the most expensive solar backpacks you’ll find.
But the price tag is worth it considering the bag’s volume, convenient storage organization, fast charging solar panel, and durability.
Oh, and it also comes with a battery bank, which is not included with many solar backpacks.
The Voltaic Systems backpack is not waterproof or water-resistant, making it less than ideal for hiking and other outdoor adventures.
Summary
The Voltaic Systems solar backpack is the best choice for anyone looking for a long-lasting and fast-charging solar backpack that’s large enough to fit all their gear.
2. Best Wireless Charging Solar Backpack: Sunnybag ICONIC Solar Backpack
If you are looking for a solar backpack with wireless charging, we recommend the Sunny bag ICONIC.
It has enough space to store your devices and essential gear.
But it doesn’t come with a battery pack. If you are planning extended travel, consider buying a power bank that you can charge with the solar backpack.
Features
At 7W, the Sunnybag Iconic has less power output than our top pick above. But it still charges pretty fast thanks to the 22.4% efficiency solar panel.
In direct sunlight, it will charge a smartphone in about two hours.
There are two ways to recharge your devices: using a power bank or directly from the solar panel.
The Iconic backpack is designed specifically for use with wireless power banks. Just place the power bank in the allotted pocket inside the backpack and your smartphone in the external pocket. It’ll start charging automatically.
If you have a traditional backpack, you can run a cable from the power bank to the external phone pocket through an integrated cable channel.
You can also run a charging cable directly from the solar panel’s USB port.
Rugged and Spacious
The backpack is made from a textile called CORDURA. It is water-resistant, making the backpack a good choice for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
It even comes with a rain cover for added protection.
The backpack’s volume is 20L, which is shared among multiple pockets.
Two padded compartments can hold most laptops as well as tablets.
There are also smaller pockets for smaller devices, cables, sunglasses, and other items. On the outside is a smartphone charging pocket on one side and a water bottle holder on the other.
Limitations
The Sunny ICONIC backpack doesn’t come with a battery pack, either integrated or external. It offers only direct solar charging.
Another limitation is that you can only charge one device at a time since there’s only one USB port.
Summary
The Sunny ICONIC is a great choice for anyone looking for a solar backpack that supports wireless charging.
It’s also ideal for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a weatherproof solar backpack.
3. Best Executive Solar Briefcase: Energizer PowerKeep PRO Solar Executive Backpack Briefcase
If you are looking for something more formal you can carry to the office and business trips, we recommend the Energizer PowerKeep PRO.
The solar panel is not very powerful (just 3 watts), but the backpack makes up for it with a 10,000mAh power bank.
Features
The solar panel only outputs 3 watts. You’ll find it more convenient to charge the included power bank from a wall outlet or USB port.
Still, the solar panel is handy for emergencies where there’s no other way to charge the power bank or your smartphone.
You can charge two devices at once using the dual ports on the power bank. You can also connect your phone directly to the solar panel, but it’ll charge much slower compared to the power bank.
With a 10,000mAh capacity, the power bank is good for 3-4 phone recharges. For a tablet, it provides 1-2 recharges depending on your tablet’s battery capacity.
The solar panel is detachable, so you remove it on days when you don’t need solar charging.
Stylish and Practical
The Energizer PowerKeep PRO manages to look stylish while being practical.
It has a formal look that’s great for executives, business people, and office workers. The boxy design doesn’t just look good, it’s also more practical for storage.
You can carry it as a normal backpack or turn it over and hold the side handle to carry it as a briefcase.
The bag’s 20L internal volume can fit a 17” laptop in a padded sleeve as well as other devices and gear in the other pockets.
There’s a dedicated power bank pocket, smaller compartments for accessories, side pockets for a smartphone and water bottle, and a clothes compartment complete with straps.
The backpack’s versatility and practicality make it especially ideal for frequent business travelers. You can carry your devices (laptop, tablet, and phone), additional accessories and gear, personal items, and clothes all in one backpack.
Limitations
Don’t expect much from the solar panel. It outputs just 3W of power. It takes forever to charge the battery pack or your phone.
It’s really just ideal for emergencies. Otherwise, we recommend recharging the power bank at home and using it to charge your devices when on the go.
Summary
The Energizer PowerKeep PRO is a great choice for business people and office workers looking for a large and practical solar backpack. It’s especially ideal for frequent travelers.
4. Best Solar Backpack for Hiking: XTPower Hiking Solar Backpack
A hiking backpack should be lightweight, spacious, and weather resistant. The XTPower backpack is all that and then some.
Thanks to the attached solar panel, it also allows you to keep your phone charged when you are out on a hike.
All you need now is a power bank to ensure you’ll be able to charge your phone no matter the time of day or weather conditions.
Features
The 7-watt solar panel doesn’t make a lot of power. Don’t expect your phone to charge super-fast. But when you are out hiking, you won’t really notice the longer charging time.
In full sunlight, it takes about 2 hours to charge a standard smartphone. If your hiking route takes you along some shaded areas, expect it to take longer.
The solar panel is not just for recharging your phone. If you’ve also carried a camera, external power bank, tablet, MP3 player, or GPS system, you can also plug them in.
Hiking-Friendly Design
Even without the solar panel, the XTPower backpack is still a great choice for hikers.
With 46 liters of internal volume, you can carry all the stuff and gear you need. A dedicated laptop compartment fits up to a 17” laptop. It can also hold most tablets.
Additional pockets provide convenient storage for other items like maps, an emergency kit, and a camera.
Side pockets provide fast access to drinking water.
The backpack is made from a rugged PVC fabric that is water and rips resistant. It’s light and comes with an adjustable torso and shoulder straps for maximum comfort.
Limitations
The XTPower backpack only provides direct solar charging. It doesn’t store any of the power it collects.
If this were a school or work backpack, you probably wouldn’t need an external power bank. But for hiking, it is essential.
It ensures you can charge your phone even on cloudy days and at night.
Luckily, the backpack is not too expensive. So buying a power pack shouldn’t strain your budget too much.
Summary
The XTPower solar backpack is a great choice for hikers looking for a rugged and durable solar backpack.
5. Best Value: CHOETECH 24W Solar Charger Backpack Kit
The CHOETECH 24W solar charger backpack kit combines a high-capacity foldable solar charger with an innovative packable backpack at an affordable price.
If you are looking for the best deal on a solar backpack, this is it.
Features
The CHOETECH 24W solar charger has the highest power output of any solar backpack we have reviewed.
It charges devices like smartphones and tablets much faster than other backpacks.
You can also use it to charge a power bank (the backpack doesn’t come with power storage).
While other solar backpacks take at least two days to charge a 10,000mAh battery pack fully, the CHOETECH solar charger does it in around 4 hours.
The secret to the solar charger’s higher output is its folding design. Other backpacks have a single solar panel attached to the backpack.
The CHOETECH solar charger consists of 4 unfolding solar panels. This allows it to remain compact and easily portable while providing a larger solar collection surface area.
The solar charger comes with two USB ports, meaning you can charge two devices at the same time (e.g., a power bank and your smartphone). It also features a pocket where you can store your phone or power bank as it charges.
Versatile Backpack
The included backpack transforms from a full-sized daypack that can fit books, gadgets, and other stuff to a smaller pocket pack for when you don’t need the extra volume.
The versatility is handy for students, tourists, and frequent travelers. The only downside is that the bag doesn’t have a dedicated laptop sleeve.
You’ll be able to fit a laptop in the bag, but it won’t be as well protected as it would be in a backpack with a laptop compartment.
Note that you can only attach the solar panel when the backpack is unfolded to its full size. Use the included carabiners to attach the solar panel loops to the backpack.
Limitations
As I’ve mentioned, the foldable design of the backpack is a good idea but doesn’t offer as much volume and protection as a normal backpack.
Another limitation is that the backpack doesn’t come with power storage. Unless you buy a power bank, you can only charge your devices when there’s sunlight.
Summary
The CHOETECH solar backpack is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable solar backpack that charges devices fast.
6. Most Stylish: HAWEEL Solar Backpack
If you are looking for a backpack that’s both practical and stylish, we recommend the HAWEEL solar backpack.
The integrated solar panel outputs 14W of power, more than most solar backpacks.
Features
The cool casual style aside, the HAWEEL solar backpack is one of the best ways to charge your phone on the go.
The 14W solar panel charges your phone fairly fast as long as it’s receiving direct sunlight.
Too bad you can only charge one device at a time. It also doesn’t come with a battery pack, meaning you can only charge your devices in full sunlight.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t use your own power bank. You can connect one directly to the solar panel. There’s a convenient pocket inside where you can put the power bank as it charges.
To charge your phone from the battery pack, simply plug in your USB cable into the external USB port. The port is connected to a USB cable that you connect to the power bank.
Perfect for Students, Commuters and Travelers
If you are getting a backpack for hiking, aesthetics are not a priority. But if you need a bag for your daily commute, college, or general travel, it needs to have a bit of style.
The HAWEEL solar backpack is both stylish and practical.
The backpack is large and features multiple pockets for easy organization. You can fit a 15.6” laptop as well as a tablet and other assorted items like books.
Its breathable design keeps it comfortable on hot days. Even the shoulder straps have a breathable mesh padding to keep your shoulders from getting sweaty.
The backpack has a special design that improves weight balance to reduce weight and pressure on your shoulders and back, especially when you are carrying heavy things.
You can carry the backpack on your back as normal or flip it and carry it as a briefcase. It has a sturdy side handle for that.
Limitations
The HAWEEL Solar Backpack doesn’t come with a battery pack. While this may not be an issue for school use and day trips, it can be a limitation if you need to take an extended trip.
For frequent travelers, we highly recommend getting a power bank. As I mentioned, you can connect the power bank to the solar panel to charge and then plug in the internal USB cable into it.
You can then charge your phone from the external USB port.
Summary
The HAWEEL Solar Backpack is a great choice for students, travelers, and commuters looking for a stylish and practical solar backpack.
Solar Backpack: Frequently Asked Questions
Are solar backpacks waterproof?
Different backpacks are designed differently. Some are water-resistant, meaning they can withstand light rain or an accidental splashing but not a heavy downpour.
Others are waterproof, meaning they can withstand some rainfall.
Others have no water protection at all.
How long will a solar backpack take to charge my phone?
It depends on the amount of sunlight the solar panels are receiving as well as the wattage of the panels.
In most cases, it can take as little as 3 hours or as long as a full day. If your solar backpack has an integrated battery, it will charge your phone in 2-3 hours.
Does a solar backpack come with a power bank?
Some do, and some don’t.
If you get one without a power bank, you can usually add your own.
