This post was most recently updated on June 14th, 2019
Whether you are on your business ventures, or out and about in the wild, the solar-powered backpack can help you to harness as much solar energy as you need while on the move. It remains quite popular because it’s both super light for portability and affordable. It’s also one of the most convenient charging systems there is.
Some of the Benefits of a Solar Powered Backpack
- Usually built with high wear materials, allowing it to withstand all types of outdoor elements. The same materials make it so much durable.
- The backpack is affordable.
- Once you have bought it you incur zero energy costs.
- Relatively light weight, allowing for easy portability. Again, your movement while hiking or taking extended walks will not be affected by weight.
- It provides green energy which is really good for the environment
Features to Consider when looking for a Solar Powered Backpack
Some really useful features to look for which may help you decide the type of backpack you need are:
Sufficient charging voltage: It is important to check the kind of voltage attached to your backpack. This allows you to determine if it has the capacity to charge all your devices. If yours are USB devices you might have to go for 5V and higher voltage for maximum and long-term support.
A Hefty Battery Pack: It allows you to store enough charge for your devices. It’s quite recommended because you can charge all your devices fast enough, unlike if you were to charge straight from a slow discharging solar panel.
A well-positioned solar panel: Such panels should come in a size that allows full coverage on the backpack. It should also be aligned in such a way that it directly faces the sun.
A much a higher wattage is best as it allows the battery pack to quickly store power, as well as charge your devices. For example, 7-watts solar panel can easily feed solar power to a battery pack for a maximum of 10 hours.
The best thing is that most of the solar panels are actually built on the backside of the backpack. This position is quite favorable, as you can conveniently harness the sun’s rays as you are walking or biking.
There are brands of backpacks which have detachable sockets. It is quite convenient since you can just remove the socket and place it where you think the sun is reaching more. For example, if you are camping, you can remove the socket and place it on top of your tent, or anywhere else to get sufficient sun rays.
Multiple ports: A solar backpack which features several ports allows you to charge a number of devices all at once. It allows you to use maximum sun power, and still retain more battery charge for later.
Multiple padded pockets: These help in holding all kinds of devices, tools, and even your laptop. The padding material is critical in protecting your equipment.
Weight and size of the solar backpack: it always depends on the ultimate use, but if you are traveling,
We’ll take a look at 3 of our favorite solar powered backpacks from our preferred manufacturers Kicking off with one of our favorite solar powered backpacks is the
Voltaic Systems Off Grid 10 Watt Rapid Solar Backpack Charger
- Spacious and rugged
- Comes with a separate power back
- High performance solar panels
- 2 Year Warranty
If you’re a serious camper, hiker, climber , hunter, photographer this cool backpack may be the one for you. It’s a Solarfeature favorite. Grab one and go packing today!
If you’re on a budget and looking for value and style to keep your smartphone juiced, Gopro batteries ready to capture your outdoor adventures, then the Eceen line of solar power backpacks is probably what you’d want to look at.
Common devices like smartphones will charge around 6 hours,
- Light weight
- Cool colors
- Affordable
Some things where this backpack could be improved is with regard to charge time. Charging really depends on direct exposure to sunlight, so on overcast conditions, charge time will be affected significantly.
Most solar chargers are not designed for quick charging
Perhaps a better alternative if you need a faster charge is to buy a separate battery external bank that can be charged by the solar powered backpack while you’re on the move. Check out the article on Portable Solar Chargers we featured ———> HERE
You could plug your smartphone, tablet or batteries for your camera to this external power bank. The solar powered backpack like many solar devices with a solar panel usually are not designed for quick charges
At this price point this Solar powered backpack is a great choice if you want value, and practicality.
Paired with an extra large battery pack(sold separately) , you can venture off in real remote destinations and feel safe having a GPS and cellphone operational.
SolarGoPack 7W Solar Charger bag
One of the more popular mid-range Solar Powered Backpacks that features a 1.8 liter hydration system for those long walks in the sun. Lightweight so when you add your gear you, still feel comfortable and free.
The simple solar panel design will power up just about any common device you’d take a long camping or hiking, smartphones, small tablets, batteries for most action cameras, with adequate space and pockets for the rest of your gear.
The solar-powered
backpack is a convenient energy source which you can use while in the
outdoors. The battery pack allows you to store enough charge to power
your devices and even lighting beyond the sun hours.
It’s
a worthwhile long-term investment you can ever make given that it’s
also affordable. You can be sure that you won’t run out of power
whether in the wilds or in your business meeting.
The
fact that it utilizes solar power means that you make great savings
in terms of energy costs. It’s also a great way to save the
environment because of its very natural and friendly source of energy