BioLite SolarPanel 10+
BioLite's SolarPanel 10+ stands out for combining a compact, backpack-friendly foldable panel with an integrated battery and rugged construction, making it ideal for hikers who want a single device to both harvest and store solar energy. Compared with the higher-watt entries on this list it sacrifices peak output for turnkey convenience and lower overall cost because you often don't need a separate power bank, while matching Goal Zero on durability and beating Anker and Nekteck on out-of-the-box completeness.
Integrated battery
Rugged foldable
Integrated battery
Rugged foldable
Review Summary
"Users praise the BioLite SolarPanel 10+ for its rugged build, easy mounting and reliable USB charging in good sun; common complaints are modest wattage for the price and noticeably reduced output in cloudy or low-light conditions."
Campfire buddy
Includes a built-in ~2,600 mAh rechargeable battery and USB output for storing solar energy and topping up devices when sun is gone.
Campfire buddy
Includes a built-in ~2,600 mAh rechargeable battery and USB output for storing solar energy and topping up devices when sun is gone.
Eco-Friendly Living
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
BioLite's SolarPanel 10+ stands out for combining a compact, backpack-friendly foldable panel with an integrated battery and rugged construction, making it ideal for hikers who want a single device to both harvest and store solar energy. Compared with the higher-watt entries on this list it sacrifices peak output for turnkey convenience and lower overall cost because you often don't need a separate power bank, while matching Goal Zero on durability and beating Anker and Nekteck on out-of-the-box completeness.
Integrated battery
Rugged foldable
Campfire buddy
Includes a built-in ~2,600 mAh rechargeable battery and USB output for storing solar energy and topping up devices when sun is gone.
Foldable, water-resistant design with integrated cable management and a kickstand for angling toward the sun.
Integrated battery
Rugged foldable
Campfire buddy
Includes a built-in ~2,600 mAh rechargeable battery and USB output for storing solar energy and topping up devices when sun is gone.
Foldable, water-resistant design with integrated cable management and a kickstand for angling toward the sun.
$130-190 CAD
Goal Zero Nomad 10
The Goal Zero Nomad 10 earns its market-leader status through proven weather-resistant build quality and tight integration with Goal Zero's ecosystem of power stations and accessories, which appeals to long-distance backpackers who prioritize reliability. It may not match BigBlue or Nekteck on raw wattage, but its ruggedness and strong resale value justify the premium for serious users who prefer a durable, long-lived solution on the trail.
Chainable design
Weatherproof build
Chainable design
Weatherproof build
Review Summary
"Reviewers appreciate the Goal Zero Nomad 10's sturdy construction and dependable charging for phones and small devices, but many say it feels overpriced for a 10W panel and performance falls off quickly in less-than-ideal light."
Pocketable power
Durable, weather-resistant 10W panel built with reinforced fabric and reliable electronics for backcountry use.
Pocketable power
Durable, weather-resistant 10W panel built with reinforced fabric and reliable electronics for backcountry use.
Eco-Friendly Living
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The Goal Zero Nomad 10 earns its market-leader status through proven weather-resistant build quality and tight integration with Goal Zero's ecosystem of power stations and accessories, which appeals to long-distance backpackers who prioritize reliability. It may not match BigBlue or Nekteck on raw wattage, but its ruggedness and strong resale value justify the premium for serious users who prefer a durable, long-lived solution on the trail.
Chainable design
Weatherproof build
Pocketable power
Durable, weather-resistant 10W panel built with reinforced fabric and reliable electronics for backcountry use.
Provides a USB output with smart charging to safely power phones and small devices.
Chainable design
Weatherproof build
Pocketable power
Durable, weather-resistant 10W panel built with reinforced fabric and reliable electronics for backcountry use.
Provides a USB output with smart charging to safely power phones and small devices.
$110-160 CAD
BigBlue 28W Solar Charger
BigBlue's 28W Solar Charger delivers the highest peak output in this group, enabling noticeably faster top-ups of phones and power banks in good sun and making it a cost-effective choice for groups or power-hungry users. Compared to the lighter 10–15W panels like Anker and Goal Zero, BigBlue trades a bit more weight for superior watt-per-dollar performance, offering a technical and financial advantage when charging speed matters most on multi-day trips.
High-output 28W
Dual fast-ports
High-output 28W
Dual fast-ports
Review Summary
"Buyers frequently call the BigBlue 28W a great value that charges multiple devices quickly in strong sun, though some report it is bulky when folded and occasional durability or customer-service issues."
Stormproof fabric
High 28W total output from multiple panels to charge phones and power banks faster on sunny days.
Stormproof fabric
High 28W total output from multiple panels to charge phones and power banks faster on sunny days.
Time-Saving Convenience
Eco-Friendly Living
Recreational Enjoyment
BigBlue's 28W Solar Charger delivers the highest peak output in this group, enabling noticeably faster top-ups of phones and power banks in good sun and making it a cost-effective choice for groups or power-hungry users. Compared to the lighter 10–15W panels like Anker and Goal Zero, BigBlue trades a bit more weight for superior watt-per-dollar performance, offering a technical and financial advantage when charging speed matters most on multi-day trips.
High-output 28W
Dual fast-ports
Stormproof fabric
High 28W total output from multiple panels to charge phones and power banks faster on sunny days.
Multiple USB ports with smart IC detection to optimize charging across devices.
High-output 28W
Dual fast-ports
Stormproof fabric
High 28W total output from multiple panels to charge phones and power banks faster on sunny days.
Multiple USB ports with smart IC detection to optimize charging across devices.
$70-110 CAD
Anker PowerPort Solar Lite 15W
Anker's PowerPort Solar Lite 15W is prized for its efficient panel cells and exceptionally low weight, delivering dependable charging with minimal bulk—a strong option for minimalist backpackers who value grams saved. While its absolute output is lower than BigBlue or Nekteck, its high conversion efficiency and durable construction provide solid technical value and long-term reliability compared with the budget-focused alternatives.
Ultra-lightweight
Smart PowerIQ
Ultra-lightweight
Smart PowerIQ
Review Summary
"Users like the Anker PowerPort Solar Lite 15W for its lightweight design, consistent real-world output and build quality, while noting it has no integrated battery and output drops in poor light."
Slim-fold charm
Compact 15W two-panel monocrystalline design that maximizes efficiency while keeping size and weight low.
Slim-fold charm
Compact 15W two-panel monocrystalline design that maximizes efficiency while keeping size and weight low.
Time-Saving Convenience
Eco-Friendly Living
Anker's PowerPort Solar Lite 15W is prized for its efficient panel cells and exceptionally low weight, delivering dependable charging with minimal bulk—a strong option for minimalist backpackers who value grams saved. While its absolute output is lower than BigBlue or Nekteck, its high conversion efficiency and durable construction provide solid technical value and long-term reliability compared with the budget-focused alternatives.
Ultra-lightweight
Smart PowerIQ
Slim-fold charm
Compact 15W two-panel monocrystalline design that maximizes efficiency while keeping size and weight low.
Built-in PowerIQ-style technology for safe, optimized charging of a single device at a time.
Ultra-lightweight
Smart PowerIQ
Slim-fold charm
Compact 15W two-panel monocrystalline design that maximizes efficiency while keeping size and weight low.
Built-in PowerIQ-style technology for safe, optimized charging of a single device at a time.
$80-120 CAD
Nekteck 21W Solar Charger
Nekteck's 21W Solar Charger hits a practical middle ground by offering more continuous power than compact 10–15W units while staying lighter and more affordable than the highest-watt panels, making it a balanced choice for solo backpackers. It competes well on value against BigBlue by approaching high-end wattage with a mid-range price and good packability, ideal for hikers who want faster charging without carrying extra bulk.
Budget-friendly
Triple USB
Budget-friendly
Triple USB
Review Summary
"Customers find the Nekteck 21W a solid mid-priced performer with good practical output and convenient USB ports, though a number report lower-than-advertised output in marginal sun and occasional durability/packaging issues."
Trail-ready gusto
Three-panel 21W high-efficiency monocrystalline array delivering solid charging performance for the price.
Trail-ready gusto
Three-panel 21W high-efficiency monocrystalline array delivering solid charging performance for the price.
Time-Saving Convenience
Eco-Friendly Living
Recreational Enjoyment
Nekteck's 21W Solar Charger hits a practical middle ground by offering more continuous power than compact 10–15W units while staying lighter and more affordable than the highest-watt panels, making it a balanced choice for solo backpackers. It competes well on value against BigBlue by approaching high-end wattage with a mid-range price and good packability, ideal for hikers who want faster charging without carrying extra bulk.
Budget-friendly
Triple USB
Trail-ready gusto
Three-panel 21W high-efficiency monocrystalline array delivering solid charging performance for the price.
Dual USB ports with smart charging IC and splash-resistant construction suitable for trail conditions.
Budget-friendly
Triple USB
Trail-ready gusto
Three-panel 21W high-efficiency monocrystalline array delivering solid charging performance for the price.
Dual USB ports with smart charging IC and splash-resistant construction suitable for trail conditions.
$60-100 CAD