Power Banks vs Solar Panels: What to Pack for Multi-Day Trips
You’re out in the middle of nowhere, birds chirping, boots caked in mud, and… your phone’s dead. No GPS. No camera. No music. No contact. And no way to recharge—unless you packed right.
If you're heading out on a multi-day hiking or camping trip, one of the most overlooked but crucial decisions is:
Should I bring a power bank or a solar panel?
I’ve tested both on backcountry trails, alpine routes, and even while cowboy camping under the stars in Arizona. So let’s break this down like we're chatting around a campfire—honest, no fluff, and with a couple of gear tips that could save your trip (and your sanity).
⚡️ Quick Answer:
If your trip is 2–3 days and you’re not using too many devices, go with a reliable power bank.
If you’re out for 4+ days, or in sunny areas with light gear, a solar panel may be worth it—especially if you recharge daily essentials like a GPS, camera, or headlamp.
Now, let’s dig deeper.
🔋 Power Banks: Reliable, Compact, and Foolproof
✅ Why Power Banks Rock for Shorter Trips
- No sun needed. Clouds, rain, shade? Doesn’t matter. It works.
- Plug and go. Charge it at home, and it’s ready to deliver juice all weekend.
- Small and lightweight. Perfect for ultralight backpackers.
🛒 Recommended Gear:
Anker PowerCore 20,000mAh
➡️ Buy on Amazon
It’s about the size of a deck of cards, but it charged my phone 5+ times on a recent 3-day trek.
🧰 What You Can Charge With a 20,000mAh Power Bank:
- iPhone 14 – 4 to 5 times
- Garmin GPS – 3 to 4 times
- Headlamp – 6 to 8 charges
- GoPro – 4 to 5 full charges
⚠️ Downsides:
- Once it’s dead, it’s dead. No way to recharge without an outlet.
- Heavy options = more capacity. Larger banks can weigh over 1 lb (450g).
🌞 Solar Panels: Infinite Power (If Conditions Are Right)
✅ When Solar Panels Make Sense
- Trips longer than 4 days
- Sunny environments (Think Colorado highlands, desert terrain, or open alpine meadows)
- Tech-heavy trips (YouTubers, drone flyers, or GPS-dependent trekkers)
🛒 Recommended Gear:
BigBlue 28W Solar Charger
➡️ Buy on Amazon
Lightweight, folds flat, and can charge two devices at once—this one saved me during a week in Zion.
🌤️ Solar Panel Tips from the Trail:
- Start charging early in the day. Full sunlight = max output.
- Hang it on your pack while hiking. Trickle charging > no charging.
- Use with a small power bank. Store the solar energy so you can charge at night.
⚠️ Downsides:
- Useless in cloudy or forested areas
- Slower than wall charging
- Needs attention to orientation (sun angle matters!)
⚔️ Power Bank vs Solar Panel: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Power Bank | Solar Panel |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | 2–4 day trips | 5+ day trips, remote adventures |
| Weight | Medium (200–500g) | Medium to Heavy (300–700g) |
| Sun Required? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Charges at Night? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium (positioning, cleaning) |
| Upfront Cost | Lower ($20–$50) | Higher ($50–$100+) |
🔄 Best of Both Worlds?
Yes! Many experienced hikers carry a solar panel + small power bank combo.
Charge your power bank by day, use it at night. That way, you’re not relying solely on the sun—or stuck once your power bank runs out.
🧭 Real-World Scenario: Which to Choose?
🏕️ Weekend Warrior Trip – 3 Days
- One phone
- Occasional GPS usage
- Mostly shade and forest
✅ Pick: Power Bank
💬 “I used an Anker 20K on a rainy Appalachian hike—zero sunlight, but I stayed fully charged.”
🏔️ 8-Day Backpacking Trip – Sierra Nevada
- Phone, GPS, drone, and camera
- Sunny conditions daily
- No power for 100 miles
✅ Pick: Solar Panel + Power Bank
💬 “I clipped the BigBlue solar panel to my pack and charged my 10,000mAh bank all day—plenty to run my gear.”
🔌 Bonus: Charging Tips in the Wild
- Airplane mode = longer battery. Especially in low-signal areas.
- Turn off background apps. They drain your battery silently.
- Charge during breaks. Don’t wait till camp.
- Use short, quality cables. Less energy loss than long ones.
🌟 Pro Tip:
Combine your solar panel with a fast-charging compatible power bank. Look for USB-C input/output.
➡️ Browse USB-C Power Banks on Amazon
📌 Conclusion: What Should You Pack?
If you’re hitting the trail for a few days and want something reliable, grab a power bank.
If you're out for long stretches, going remote, or just like having power on hand all day, go solar—with a backup bank.
And if you're like me? You’ll probably end up with both. 😉
🙌 Ready to Gear Up?
Before you head out, double-check your pack and grab the right charging solution for your trip.
Need help picking the perfect setup?
👉 Check out these top-rated options on Amazon:
- Anker Power Bank ensure you have
Stay charged, stay safe, and keep exploring.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Power Banks vs Solar Panels
1. Can I bring both a power bank and solar panel on my trip?
Absolutely! It’s actually a great strategy. Use the power bank at night and recharge it with the solar panel during the day.
2. How long does a solar charger take to fully charge a power bank?
Depends on sunlight strength and panel wattage. On a sunny day, a 28W solar charger can fill a 10,000mAh bank in about 6–8 hours.
3. Do solar panels work in cloudy weather or forested areas?
They’ll still work, but way slower. Dense shade can drop efficiency by 80% or more. Not ideal for charging large devices.
4. Can I charge a laptop with a solar panel or power bank?
Only if it’s rated for that. Look for high-capacity banks (20,000mAh+) with USB-C PD or DC output. Same for solar panels—check voltage compatibility.
5. What’s the lightest solar panel for backpackers?
Models like the Nekteck 21W or Anker PowerPort Solar are great ultralight choices under 1 lb.
