I've spent enough time on trails with a dead phone to know the sinking feeling when your GPS app goes dark mid-hike. A good portable charger is survival insurance. I keep one clipped to my pack on every trip longer than a few hours.
The best hiking chargers balance capacity with weight, and most need to handle rain without dying. Solar panels sound great until you realize they're slow and you're hiking under tree cover half the day. I've tested a bunch, and here are the ones that actually held up.
1. Yolosks Solar Charger Power Bank
This thing is a tank. The 49800mAh capacity charged my iPhone three times and still had juice left. I used it on a four-day Smokies trip, and the built-in cables meant I didn't have to dig through my pack for cords. The wireless charging pad worked fine, though I usually just plugged in because it's faster.
The solar panel is more gimmick than feature. It'll top off in direct sun, but don't count on it as your primary charge method. What I liked was the rubberized casing that survived a tumble off a rock ledge. The weight is noticeable at just under half a pound, but for the capacity, it's worth it.
Pros:
- Massive capacity for multi-day trips without resupply
- Built-in cables eliminate the cable tangle in your pack
- Fast charging actually works, not just marketing speak
- Took a beating and kept working
Cons:
- Solar charging is glacially slow under trees
- Bulkier than minimalist options
- Takes hours to recharge the pack itself
2. Blavor Solar Charger Power Bank
The Blavor hits a sweet spot for day hikes and overnighters. At 10,000mAh, it's lighter than the beefier options but still gives me two full phone charges. The dual flashlight is surprisingly useful when you're fumbling with tent stakes after dark. I've used it more than I expected.
The wireless charging is convenient, but I found the cable connection more reliable when my hands were cold and I didn't want to fuss with alignment. The orange color makes it easy to spot in my pack. I wouldn't trust the solar panel for primary charging, but it'll add a bit if you strap it to the outside of your pack on sunny stretches.
Pros:
- Light enough for day hikes, enough juice for overnights
- Flashlight is brighter than my phone's, actually functional
- USB-C means it works with newer gear
- Bright color makes it hard to lose
Cons:
- Solar charging barely registers on cloudy days
- Not enough capacity for longer trips
- Slightly heavier than some ultralight options
3. Ohoviv Portable Charger
This is the charger I bring on section hikes where resupply points are days apart. The 50,000mAh capacity is borderline ridiculous, but when you're five days from a wall outlet, it's peace of mind. I charged my phone, headlamp, and a buddy's GPS watch without worrying about rationing power.
The fast charging works well, but the pack itself takes forever to recharge when you get home. Plan ahead. It's heavier than I'd want for ultralight trips, but for longer hauls where base weight isn't critical, it's worth carrying. The USB-C port is bidirectional, so it charges fast when you can plug it in.
Pros:
- Enough capacity for week-long trips
- Fast charging saves time at camp
- Handles multiple devices without running dry
- USB-C bidirectional charging
Cons:
- Heavy for ultralight backpackers
- Long recharge time at home
- Overkill for day hikes or short trips
4. Errbbic Solar Charger Power Bank
The Errbbic feels like someone took the Yolosks and added a few more features. The 49800mAh capacity is solid for extended trips, and the built-in cables saved me from the usual cord mess. The wireless charging worked fine when I remembered to use it, but I usually just plugged in because I'm impatient.
The dual flashlight is a nice touch for nighttime camp chores. The solar panel charges slowly, as expected, but every bit helps on sunny days. I strapped it to the top of my pack on a clear day hike and got about 10% charge by the time I reached camp. Better than nothing. The orange housing is tough and easy to find.
Pros:
- High capacity for multi-day trips
- Built-in cables reduce pack clutter
- Dual flashlight is surprisingly handy
- Wireless charging for convenience
Cons:
- Solar panel is a slow supplemental charge at best
- Bulkier than smaller packs
- Orange color is love-it-or-hate-it
5. Goodaaa Power Bank Wireless Charger
The Goodaaa sits right in the middle of the capacity range at 36,000mAh. I used it on a long weekend trip and had plenty of power left over. The built-in cables and six output ports mean I could charge my phone, my wife's phone, and a couple of other gadgets all at once without adapter juggling.
The carabiner clip is a nice touch for attaching it to the outside of your pack, though it adds a bit of weight that swings around. The dual flashlights worked well for setting up camp in the dark. Solar charging is still slow, but the three input options give you flexibility if you have access to a car charger or wall outlet.
Pros:
- Good balance of capacity and weight
- Six outputs handle group charging needs
- Carabiner makes it easy to attach to your pack
- Dual flashlights for camp use
Cons:
- Solar charging is slow in anything but full sun
- Carabiner adds swinging weight if clipped externally
- Thicker profile than slimmer models
6. Charmast Portable Charger
The Charmast is slim enough to slip into a side pocket without feeling like you're carrying a brick. At 10,000mAh, it's perfect for day hikes or weekend trips where you don't need massive capacity. The built-in cables are a lifesaver when you realize you forgot your charging cord at home.
The six outputs mean I could share charging duties with my hiking partners without everyone waiting in line. Fast charging at 3A is noticeably quicker than older chargers I've used. The purple color is unusual, but I don't mind it. The slim profile is the real selling point, especially for minimalist packers.
Pros:
- Slim design fits easily in small pockets
- Built-in cables eliminate the need to pack extras
- Fast charging works well
- Six outputs handle group needs
Cons:
- 10,000mAh isn't enough for longer trips
- Purple color might not be everyone's preference
- No solar option at all
7. Solar Charger Power Bank 49800mah
This is another high-capacity option that delivered on multi-day trips. The 49800mAh kept my devices charged on a five-day section hike without running out. The waterproof rating actually held up when I got caught in a downpour, which was reassuring.
The Type-C and dual USB ports gave me enough charging options for different devices. The solar panel is slow, but I noticed it added charge when I left it in the sun at camp. The bright orange color makes it easy to spot in your gear pile. It's heavier than I'd want for ultralight trips, but the capacity justifies the weight for longer hauls. While you're at it, take a look at our solar charger. While you're at it, take a look at our GPS watch. While you're at it, take a look at our waterproof phone case.
Pros:
- High capacity for extended trips
- Actually waterproof, not just water-resistant marketing
- Multiple charging ports for different devices
- Solar panel adds supplemental charge in good sun
Cons:
- Solar charging is slow unless conditions are perfect
- Heavier than lower-capacity options
- Bright orange color isn't subtle
How to Pick the Right One
- Match capacity to trip length. Day hikes need 10,000mAh. Multi-day trips need 30,000-50,000mAh.
- Ignore solar panels unless you're in the desert. They're too slow under tree cover or clouds.
- Built-in cables save weight and hassle. One less thing to forget.
- Fast charging matters more than you think. It cuts wait time at camp.
- Check the weight. High capacity means heavy. Decide if the extra juice is worth the load.
- Waterproofing is non-negotiable. Weather changes fast on the trail.
Bottom Line
For day hikes, grab the Charmast or Blavor. For week-long trips, go with the Ohoviv or one of the 49800mAh options. Solar panels are a bonus, not a strategy. Buy for capacity and durability, and you'll have power when you need it.
