In this post, I would be having a look at the top solar charger for backpacking. In specific would be undertaking a review of RAVPower solar charger that I recently acquired.
One of the most critical aspects of a trek or a road trip is the availability of power in order to charge various critical components like our smartphone, GPS device, power banks as well as a wide variety of batteries for sundry gadgets whose availability is critical ( Read here how to extract more from a power bank )
Till date, I had been relying on high capacity power banks like the one from Anker Astro E5 16000 mAH. However, there is always a need to recharge the power bank at the first available opportunity from an electric source. I had heard about solar-powered chargers but never gone actively into it.
My multiday treks forced my hand to try out solar chargers for charging of my power banks itself.
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Top Solar charger for backpacking
My review of RAVPower solar charger
This post is my review of RAVPower solar charger which is going to be a part of my essential kit when I am out trekking or on a road trip. So let’s begin this post on Top solar chargers for backpacking and a review of RAVPower solar charger.
I ordered this solar charger from Amazon Global after going through reviews on top solar chargers in focus presently on the internet. The following are my thoughts on top solar chargers and in specific the RAVPower solar charger after undertaking a series of trials. I am basing this review only from a user point of view. Will not dwell much into the technical specification too deeply for they can be seen on the internet quite easily.
Introduction to the RAVPower Solar Charger
The RAVPower solar charger is one among many options on top solar chargers for backpacking available. However, as per me is a great choice. Why do I say that so early in the post? It is because the charger is reliable, affordable and proves a decent amount of power. The intention of solar charger is to power up any electric device that can be recharged using a USB. These include smartphones, tablets, battery power banks etc.
Top solar chargers for backpacking utility harness the solar energy for long trips/treks. during these treks multiple recharges are needed and solar charging is the only option. Even on treks where stay options are available, electricity is sold at a premium, a prime example being the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal. In this situation, solar chargers are indeed a useful asset.
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Review of RAVPower Solar Charger- Various aspects to consider.
Construction
- The solar panels patented as SunPower are 04 in number and it is claimed that they increase the energy harnessing efficiency by 23 %
- The panels are ruggedly built from a polymer substrate and held together by an extremely durable canvas cloth
- The entire set up is designed for rugged use and can handle considerable torsion as well as stress and strain.
My comments: Yes, the panels of the Charger are rugged in construction and are held together with a coarse canvas cloth. Having said that the panels are susceptible to crack from a single point contact with any hard sharp object like a stone or a protruding portion of a metallic structure. So the care, while they are opened up for use, needs to be kept in mind.
In the review of the RAVPower solar charger, I must mention that this particular model has the capacity of 24W output which is fairly sufficient. As can be seen in the visual, there are four solar panels that work in combination to provide output to three power chords.
Broad Technical Details
- The solar cells offer three charging ports which can deliver 2.4 Amps of current.
- The total weight is 754 g
- The exclusive I Smart technology ensures that the flow of energy is regulated resulting in the device charging at an even and constant rate.
- The panel has three USB ports and is compatible with most of the devices available in the open domain.
My thoughts on the RAVPower solar charger.
Pros
- It is Compact.
- There is a ruggedness to it.
- Integrated Velcro and pouch for storing small devices. is an added benefit.
- It is built for travelling and to be on the road.
- Three charging ports are advantageous as most of the solar panels are offering only two charging ports
- The solar charger is semi-flexible hence this makes it compact. This is a great advantage
Cons
- The solar charger takes a lot of time to charge a device. This somewhat disappointed me because this meant that the device being charged is needed to be connected for a longer period of time
- I could get only around 2.0 Amps against the rated 2.4 Amps.
Additional thoughts on the RAVPower solar charger
My suggestion is not to keep the device like a phone or tablet directly connected to the solar charger for charging. The sun rays and the heat generated is not conducive for these devices. The better option is to charge a power bank and then use the power bank to charge the other delicate devices.
Also, the power fluctuation during charging based on the intensity of the sunlight is not healthy for the devices to be connected up directly. Hence use the solar charger to power up the battery bank.
I purchased the item from Amazon Global and it was priced at 9000 INR including shipping costs.
Final Verdict. Well, there is no final verdict, I have found this particular solar charger to deliver as advertised. Hence on a personal front, I am happy with my purchase. I would recommend this definitely to all those who undertake treks/ are backpackers
Would you be interested in reading a few more articles related to travel well scroll down
- How do we extract the most from our power bank in sub-zero temperatures
- What is the concept of layering when we are trekking in high altitude. Read here
Interesting! I didn’t get it though, is it worth the hassle?
well its a start , will post an update on same after some onsite usage
Great article! Thank you for the info!
glad
I have never thought about this. would you recommend having for anyone backpacking or just if you are hiking long distances
i would say any backpacker or road tripper or any traveler out in the countryside
Great review thanks for your insights! I had a similar problem of slow charing with a solar power bank, hope you’re able to make the most out of it on your travels!
will post an update definitely
This is a piece of gear I’ve never considered before, but as a hiker it looks like it could be really useful. My phone battery runs out really quickly so this might be just the trick! Thanks for sharing.
I am actually considering buying a solar charger, good thing you have a post about it. I honestly don’t know where to look and I kinda don’t trust the local suppliers that are selling them for cheap.
My powerbank takes also a long time to charge. In fact, it requires overnight charging, so I don’t think I will have a problem with the solar panel on this issue. I guess I have to wait on your updates when you’ve learned more about this device before I make any purchase.
Very thoughtful charging advice that you gave there. You always review not just very useful travel products but also very thoughtful ones. These solar panels are like the thing of the future. And I won’t be surprised if in future I see more and more travelers opting for these.
That sounds really handy!
How much interesting information on a topic unknown to me 😅
so glad
the solar panel for backpackers looks interesting and useful for mountaineering. How much is this tool in USD and where did you buy it?
bought it through amazon , us site
This is really interesting. I have just a little solar charged power bank of my own, but I’ve found the same: that it overheats if I charge my devices with it while it’s in the sun charging, and that it charges everything slowly. Mine was pretty cheap though so maybe if I upgraded it’d be different?
Solar panel for powerbank sounds like a really cool idea! I hadn’t given it a thought. It sounds light at 754 grams but yes the tips that you offered at the end were really interesting that one should not charge the phone while charging the powerbank as it can hamper the efficiency. I hope technology evolves soon to overcome the obstacles faced by the power bank. Thank for a wonderful read!
glad
This is such a great idea especially for long hikes up the mountain. Thanks for such a detailed review!
glad you apprecite the product
Nice kit! I have a similar and I positively love it. And I love the way you made your review so detailed.
thanks that you liked the article