Traveling light is essential for any backpacking trip, where every square inch of space and every ounce of weight can make the difference between a comfortable journey and a long, grueling haul. One of the most practical ways to reduce your load while ensuring that you stay powered up and connected is by bringing along lightweight solar gadgets.
Solar power has made considerable strides in recent years, and there are now a multitude of devices available that harness the energy of the sun for a boost in the backcountry. These lightweight solar gadgets can provide the electricity you need for a wide range of uses, from charging your smartphone and GPS gear to heating water and igniting campfires.
One of the first things to consider when choosing a solar gadget is efficiency. Top-tier solar panels will convert up to 22-23% of sunlight into electricity. Look for models that make use of monocrystalline solar cells, which are more efficient than their polycrystalline counterparts.
When it comes to size and weight, there are many compact and lightweight options in the market. For example, the Goal Zero Nomad 7 solar panel weighs just 0.8 pounds and folds down to a size that can easily fit in a backpack. Other models, like the Anker PowerPort Solar Lite, weigh a mere 0.9 pounds, and when folded up, are smaller than a magazine.
There’s also the BioLite SolarPanel 5+, a superb device that weighs just over half a pound and can generate 5W of power—enough to charge a smartphone in about two hours. It also features an integrated sundial and kickstand for optimal sun alignment and comes with a 2200mAh onboard battery to store energy for later use.
For those who need to charge larger devices like laptops or camera batteries, the RavPower Solar Charger features three solar panels yielding a total output of 24 watts. Despite this high output, the charger still manages to maintain a travel-friendly weight of just under 1.7 pounds.
Lightweight solar gadgets aren’t limited to chargers, though; consider the Solar Breeze Aura, a solar-powered inflatable lamp that can provide up to 15 hours of LED light on a single charge. Not only can it light up your campsite, but it’s also waterproof and can float, making it a useful tool for night-time swimming or fishing.
The Lixada Solar Cooker is another innovative solar gadget that backpackers might find useful. It uses parabolic mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a small area, allowing you to cook without the need for fuel. Weighing only 2.1 pounds, this cooker can reach temperatures up to 550°F.
Yet perhaps the best argument for packing a lightweight solar device is the peace of mind it brings. Whether it’s a solar charger for your phone and GPS, a solar lamp for your night-time activities, or a solar cooker for your food, you never have to worry about running out of fuel or power, provided the sun is shining.
However, while solar power is an exceptional tool in the right conditions, it’s not always reliable. Overcast skies can greatly reduce a solar panel’s output, and the sun’s angle, as well as the time of year, can affect performance, too. Because of these variables, it’s always a good idea to have a back-up power source with you, such as a portable battery pack.
Before embarking on your backpacking adventure, draw up a list of all the electronics you’ll need and consider how many solar panels or chargers you need to keep your devices juiced up. However, don’t go overboard; keeping it light is key.
Remember, when you’re hiking for miles on end, ounces turn into pounds, and pounds turn into pain, so the lighter your backpack, the better your backpacking experience will be. And with the right solar gadget in tow, you won’t have to sacrifice connectivity, cooking needs, or light in your quest to keep your load light.
Finally, while you’re out there enjoying nature’s beauty, remember to respect it. Solar power is a marvel of modern technology that enables us to harness the sun’s energy in a clean and sustainable way. So, while you’re taking advantage of these nifty solar gadgets, take a moment to appreciate the sun’s power and the wonderful world it sustains. Ultimately, the less we take from nature (in the form of fuels) and the more we can leverage its renewable resources, the better it is for all of us and future generations.
