All things Outdoors – Camping like loons!

Hey, you! Yeah, you. Are you an adventure seeker and nature lover? Are you ready to harness the power of the sun on your next camping trip? Imagine never worrying about dead batteries or lugging around heavy fuel canisters again. How does that sound?

Well, you’re in luck! Solar-powered camping gear is revolutionizing the way we experience the great outdoors. Did you know that the global solar power market is projected to reach $223 billion by 2026? That’s right, solar technology is booming, and it’s bringing a wave of innovation to camping equipment. It’s quite astonishing. In this guide, we’ll explore the 10 best solar-powered camping gear essentials (well, in broad strokes – upon which we’ll elaborate later with a closer look at each ) that’ll make your 2024 camping adventures more eco-friendly, convenient, and downright awesome. Let’s dive in and shed some light on these game-changing gadgets!

In a hurry? Here’s a table of contents:

1. Portable Solar Panels: Your Campsite’s Power Station

A brief Overview on How We Got Here:

Up until a few years ago, we would be the last people you’d expect to find talking about portable solar power and camping. We had always taken a pretty traditionalist approach to camping, you know? The whole point for us was to unplug and unwind. We still feel that way – we still like to draw the line. Turn off the screens. Make your own fun. We’ve come to temper that view a little bit. A compromise, if you will.

For us, the solar LED lightbulb turning point came one beautiful afternoon when our camera ran out of juice, and we missed a spectacular photograph. We aren’t particularly good photographers so every shot counts for us, but we often find ourselves in truly beautiful places, and all we have to do is look through the phone and push a button. But, as the late, great John Belushi was wont to say:

“But Noooooooooo!”

No power. What a giant letdown.

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We realized that if we had only had the ability to charge up our camera’s battery, we would have that image right now. So would you. So would a lot of folks that are currently struggling along in it’s absence. That was enough for us to start to think about portable solar panels for camping. During the Covid 19 early days (March of 2021? Thereabouts, right?) my schools were closed down and there was no work. Like a lot of folks, we spent some time on YouTube.

As it happened, we saw a YouTube canoe trip where the adventurer had a drone and a go pro, and – over the course of his video – 9 days or so over about 40 minutes of edited video – and was able to recharge his camera and drone batteries, his GPS, and his phone by simply laying a foldable solar panel over the gunwales of his canoe while paddling through the Canadian wilderness. We realized that we were missing out. That epiphany kind of won us over, and we began to see the benefits of using solar technology on our camping trips. The guy seemed to strike a really great balance between absolutely roughing it and simply using solar battery chargers, well, not really for camping, but more for preserving the adventure. That made a big impression on us.

It’s All About Striking a Balance:

We still are all about roughing it, it’s just that now we can preserve our memories and put ’em on YouTube, or on this blog, or even share them on Instagram or Facebook. We can strike that balance, right? I mean, why not?

So, we decided that having the ability to charge our camera’s battery, or our iPhone ( which we use now more often than not to take photographs or videos), is a big deal. So, we got the bug. And here we are. Now, God help us, we’re hooked. As a matter of fact, though, it just makes sense to have your phone – at the very least – juiced up. Your GPS? Take all the time you need with that one.

The fact is: it’s not just a question of convenience, although it certainly is that. Nope. It goes far deeper. It could save your life. I don’t think we need to put too much more of a fine a point on it than that. It’s nice, too, to not have to worry about your photos or videos. If you’re there you can get them. We’ll get to that in good time.

When it comes to portable solar panels for tent camping, there’s a dizzyingly wide range of options from which to choose from to suit every camper’s needs in 2024. Not to put too fine a point on it, but the sheer variety and number can be a little overwhelming. We hope to help you to whittle down your choices to what is best for you in your particular situation.

Foldable panels, like the popular Goal Zero Nomad 50, offer a great balance of power and portability, easily fitting into a backpack when folded. Or you can strap them on the back of the pack. Get creative.

For ultralight backpackers, flexible solar panels such as the Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Flexible Solar Panel are a game-changer, weighing mere ounces and able to conform to curved surfaces. Rigid panels, exemplified by the Jackery SolarSaga 100W, provide excellent efficiency and durability for car campers or those with a basecamp setup.

Lastly, innovative products like the BioLite SolarPanel 5+ with its built-in battery and kickstand are perfect for those who want a user-friendly, integrated system. We think that it’s really important to not paint yourself into a corner, and therefore, expandability is an important thing to consider. (“Oh, we wish we had less power.” Said nobody, ever. It just doesn’t happen.)

Still, each type has its pros and cons, so we have to consider our specific camping style(s), power needs, and weight restrictions when choosing the best portable solar panel for your tent camping adventures!

Which Factors should we consider when choosing a solar panel for Camping?

When selecting a solar panel for your camping adventures, several key factors come into play. First, consider your power needs. We have an article that will help you to determine your power needs. Or, at least give you a formula that will help you figure out how much power you will need, with the inevitable caveat that this will change with your devices. This will be measured first in Wattage – this determines how much power your panel can generate, and then watt-hours, which is simply how much over time.

Relax. It’s elementary school – back of the napkin – math. In any event, it’s got to be done. Or not. For example, the above-mentioned Goal Zero Nomad 100 offers a robust 100 watts, which is quite likely ideal for powering most folks’ devices or larger appliances, while the lighter BigBlue 28W Solar Charger is perfect for keeping smaller, less power-thirsty devices like smartphones and tablets charged. With a smaller amount of power, it’s much more important to figure out exactly how much power you’re gonna need. It won’t hurt to figure out your needs exactly, but to be honest, most of these solar panels listed here will likely take care of your devices without doing too much math. To avoid disappointment, it’s always a good idea to work out exactly how much you’ll need. It’s no big deal.

As all outdoors people know, size and weight are crucial, especially for backpackers; so in a situation where the Anker Solix PS30 Solar Panel, (Pictured at the very top of this article – It’s the one that sort of looks like a Star Wars fighter – ) – A 30W Foldable Portable Solar Charger that weighs in at just 2.2 lbs (or a little under 1 kg) and folds down to about the size of a magazine, making it ultra-portable) might be perfect, but in a different situation it may leave us a little under-powered. So you can see why we’re a little reluctant to go on out on the limb and say with any conviction “This one!”

On the other hand, we’re only gonna talk about stuff we like. You can take that to the bank.

All of which is simply to say: “We can’t tell you which is right for you, but we can tell you what to consider in different situations, and we can give you the formulas so that you can work out what is best for your needs.”

We hope that this will help you – or at least enable you to make the best decision for your particular situation. In order to do so we must consider the following things:

Durability is essential for withstanding outdoor conditions – look for panels with rugged construction like the Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel, which features an aluminum frame and tempered glass for enhanced life. Don’t forget about efficiency – monocrystalline panels like the Jackery SolarSaga 100W (You can check Jackery’s site, too, sometimes it’s a good idea to check the price at different outlets – lots of times a given company will be running a special offer – so it never hurts to check it out,) typically offer higher efficiency than polycrystalline options. Lastly, consider additional features that might suit your needs, such as the built-in kickstand on the BioLite SolarPanel 5+ for optimal sun alignment, or the waterproof design of the ALLPOWERS 100W Portable Solar Panel for worry-free use in various weather conditions. By carefully weighing these factors against your specific camping style and power requirements, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the perfect solar panel for your outdoor adventures!

Our Top Picks for Solar panels for backpacking and car camping:

When selecting a solar panel for your camping adventures, several key factors come into play. First, consider the wattage – this determines how much power your panel can generate. You have to match this with the input of your portable power station, or charger. (We have an article which will help you to pair up your portable power station – or charger – with your solar panels.)

For example, the Goal Zero Nomad 100 offers a robust 100 watts, ideal for powering multiple devices or larger appliances, while the lighter BigBlue 28W Solar Charger is perfect for keeping smartphones and tablets charged. Size and weight are crucial considerations, especially for backpackers; but even car campers don’t really like to schlepp more than they have to.

We think that durability is really important – and not just for withstanding outdoor conditions – but just as a general economic consideration – something cheap that doesn’t last very long to us, seems like a false economy. We really do not like replacing stuff. We’d by far prefer to spend a little more one time than to have to shell out two or three times. That’s just us, though.

We like to look for panels with rugged construction like the Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel, which features an aluminum frame and tempered glass for enhanced durability. Once again, it’s a trade-off. We find that we are constantly weighing the toughness and the power with the bulk or weight. You probably will too. It’s a mistake for us to presume to tell you what exactly will work best in your particular situation. We can confidently recommend consistently good quality products, and that’s what we’re talking about here. Here are the things we think are important to consider.

Don’t forget about efficiency – monocrystalline panels ( like the Jackery SolarSaga 100W – You can check Jackery’s site, too, sometimes you can score a better deal at the source- ) typically offer higher efficiency than their polycrystalline cousins. (That’s just in general.) It’s a small number, but it’s worth considering.

Lastly, consider additional features that might suit your needs, such as the built-in kickstand on the BioLite SolarPanel 5+ for optimal sun alignment, or the waterproof design of the ALLPOWERS 100W Portable Solar Panel for worry-free use in various weather conditions. By carefully weighing these factors against your specific camping style and power requirements, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the perfect solar panel for your outdoor adventures.

How Can We Maximize Solar Panel Efficiency in various Weather Conditions?

To squeeze every last drop of power from your solar panels, no matter what Mother Nature throws at you, keep these tips in mind! First off, angle is everything – in 2024, apps like a Solar Angle Finder can help you nail the perfect tilt for maximum sun exposure. (Full disclosure: this is one gadget that we’re confident you can forgo. “But Loons,” we hear you say, “How will we know that our panels are at the perfect angle?” Great question. Here’s how: you can save yourself a few bucks and use the can trick. It’s a little technical, but stay with us. Basically, we take a can of beans – although some folks say stewed tomatoes are better – and place it on the solar panel. Move the solar panel until there is no shadow. Walla. Your panel is pointed directly at the sun. You’re welcome. Put your hard-earned cash away. Unless, of course, it’s chilli night. In which case, pop that sucker open. (We like to do our chilli cooking at home and freeze it before we leave. That way, we don’t have to pack out the can. We also don’t have to pay for ice. We’re full of handy tips and you can read all about ’em in our Tips and Tricks for Happy Campers. )

Either way, one thing you can count on is that the angle of the sun is going to change. We’re pretty confident about that. When all of this was like a shiny new toy to us, we confess that we’d run over to our panels every 20 minutes or so, grab our can and adjust the panels. We don’t do that anymore. We generally point our panels at the sun and check it every 2 hours or so. On those pesky cloudy days, don’t despair! Most modern panels like the Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel can still generate a surprising amount of power under less than ideal conditions, but try to place them out of the shade and in the brightest spot possible.

Here in Southern Kyushu, we sometimes have scorching heat. Today, as we write July 29th, 2024 the mercury is at 35°. Solar panels, somewhat counter-intuitively do not perform well in the heat. It’s the sun’s energy. (We have a blog post that explains how solar panels – photo voltaic panels – actually work.)

Here’s a cool tip: (Hah! See what we did there?) Fun fact: nearly all solar panels actually perform better when they’re cooler, so elevating them for airflow can boost efficiency. If your panels are waterproof, cooling them down with some water will realize some surprising efficiency improvements. In dusty or sandy environments, give your panels a gentle wipe-down with a microfiber cloth – clean panels are happy panels! Remove any snow. Rainy day? No worries! Water-resistant options like the [IP68 Waterproof] BigBlue Folding Solar Panels 200 watt (52.8V/3.78A) can handle a drizzle, but always angle them to let the water run off easily.

No Shade!

In partially shaded areas, any panel with bypass diodes (like but not limited to the Jackery SolarSaga 100W) can maintain a surprising amount of output even when partially covered or shaded. Lastly, don’t forget to pair your panel with a quality portable power station, or charge controller, such as the Victron SmartSolar MPPT 75/15, to optimize power transfer in all conditions. Many of today’s portable power stations will do this automatically – which simplifies things immensely. This trend is only going to continue. It’s going to be far less complex to take advantage of this amazing technology. Having a device to store power for later is a game-changer. (Be careful to match the solar panel’s Vmp (max Volt output) with your portable power station’s (or charge controller’s) Vmp input range. Relax. It’s not that complicated.

We wrote what we fervently hope is a helpful article that explains how to match your portable power station with your solar panels.

With these tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be a solar power guru in no time, ready to harness the sun’s energy come rain or shine! On to gadgets!

2. Solar-Powered Lanterns: Illuminate Your Nights

What are the Benefits of Solar Lanterns over traditional camping lights?

Say goodbye to the days of fumbling with batteries, lugging out plastic packaging, or worrying about fuel for your camping lights! Solar lanterns are revolutionizing how we illuminate our outdoor adventures in 2024. First and foremost, these eco-friendly wonders harness the power of the sun, saving that power for when it’s dark. Most of these are dead easy to use, too.

There is an embarrassment of riches here, and we can’t possibly list them all. (We apologize for not including your favorite – it’s a fool’s errand to try to list them all, and they’re multiplying like bunnies – but if you really think we’ve overlooked one that we should include in this article, drop us a line and let us know.) Here are a couple of examples that we like: Take the LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1 Phone Charger, for instance – it not only lights up your campsite but can also charge your phone in a pinch! A nice feature to have.

Unlike traditional lanterns, solar options like the MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 are incredibly lightweight and collapsible, saving precious pack space. No more lugging around heavy batteries or worrying about gas leaks! And let’s talk versatility – many solar lanterns, such as the Goal Zero Crush Light, offer multiple lighting modes and even fun color options to set the perfect campsite ambiance. Durability is another big win; the Tough Light LED Rechargeable Lantern can withstand accidental drops and even survive a dunk in water.

Perhaps best of all, solar lanterns are a cost-effective solution in the long run. Once you’ve made the initial investment in a quality lantern like the BioLite SunLight, you’re looking at years of free, sustainable light. No more batteries. So whether you’re an eco-conscious camper, a weight-watching backpacker, or just someone who appreciates reliable, hassle-free lighting, solar lanterns are clearly the bright (hah!) choice for your 2024 outdoor adventures.

The MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 Solar Lantern	The Tough Light LED Rechargeable Lantern

3. Solar Chargers and Power Banks: Keep Your Devices Juiced Up

While it’s great to have the ability to charge your devices up straight from the solar panels, we have come to believe that it’s absolutely a game-changer to have the ability to store the power you collect in the daytime in a portable charger, or portable power station, and serve it up at night. A small portable charger will work great, if all you want to do is charge your camera’s battery and your phone.

On the other hand, we’re convinced that once you get the bug, and pretty sure that you will, if you’re anything like us, you will find that you want to use that power for other things. More camera batteries, drones, what have you. So you’ll probably need a portable power station. Luckily, we have written an article that will walk you through the questions you don’t yet know you need to ask and our fervent hope is that we will answer them. Because what we want to be here, is helpful. Have a look at our post on How Do I Choose a Portable Power Station? to answer most of your questions. If you’re still in the dark, or we failed to make something clear, drop us a line and ask us. We’ll respond with another article. (That would help us a lot, so don’t be shy.)

4. Solar-Powered Coolers: Chill Without the Spill

We were pretty skeptical of coolers. We’re not that young anymore, (the less generous among our readers may well use a less kind adjective) and over the years, we’ve figured out a lot of tips and tricks to keep our traditional cooler as cold as possible for as long as possible. We are (we think) justifiably proud of our article Tips and Tricks for Happy Campers. On the other hand, ice is messy. It just is. We don’t think there’s any way around that. We’ve long just rolled that into our experiences as a cost of doing business. But today there is an interesting alternative.

In an era of eco-conscious living and outdoor adventures, solar-powered coolers are revolutionizing the way we keep our food and drinks cold. These innovative devices harness the sun’s energy to maintain chilly temperatures, eliminating the need for ice or external power sources. Let’s explore the benefits and some top products in this growing market.

What are the Benefits of Solar-Powered Coolers?

1. Eco-friendly operation
2. There’s no need for ice, maximizing storage space, and saving energy that would otherwise be spent
3. Long-lasting cooling without power outlets
4. Ideal for camping, boating, and off-grid living
5. They are also super handy for home use in the event of a power outage

What are some Top Solar-Powered Coolers?

1. GoSun Chill Capacity: 40 liters Battery Life: Up to 14 hours Solar Panel: 30W flexible panel. Notable Feature: Versatile charging: They can be charged via AC, DC, or power battery.
2. Dometic CFX3 75 Dual Zone Capacity: 75 liters Temperature Range: -7°F to 50°F Solar Panel: Compatible with Dometic PLB40 battery + GO 120W solar panel Notable Feature: We really like the Dual-zone cooling for simultaneous refrigeration and freezing. It’s just a super handy feature.
3. The F40C4TMP 12 Volt Portable Refrigerator, 54 Quart Dual Zone Car Freezer, Independent Temp Control(-4℉~68℉), 51L Compressor Fridge.

The GoSun Chill Capacity	The DOMETIC CFX3 75 Dual zone (fridge and freezer)	The F40C4TMP 12 Volt Portable Refrigerator/freezer.

Full disclosure: These are far more expensive than conventional coolers initially, but if you think of all the power spent generating ice each time you load up the cooler. However, over time, we’ve come to think that these are kind of a good idea. We tend to think that just in terms of ecological reasons. We view this as an investment, though, and tend to take the long view. We realize that truth be told, they’re probably not for everyone. We do have two things that give us food for thought, though: 1) In times of a power outage, you’d be mighty happy to have one of these. 2) The clean-up (or lack thereof) is awesome. Over time, depending on the amount of use they get, they will pay for themselves.

In terms of the clean-up, they are far less messy than traditional ice coolers. We always end up with some (let’s face it) pretty gross water in the bottom of our cooler which generally takes some time and elbow-grease to clear up at the end of the trip, which is our least favorite part of camping.

There is also the safety consideration. As with all of the products we’ve talked about here, it should be noted that these are not just for camping. They’re not just “One-trick ponies”. From coolers to fans to LED lights, these items can all be used around the house.

The more they are used, the better the value, and the fact is the more they are used at home during time of need the less expensive they are. For example, although It’s not yet typhoon season, already there are news stories where people are losing their power. While solar-powered coolers tend to be (much) pricier than traditional models, they not only offer unparalleled convenience and eco-friendly operation for outdoor enthusiasts and off-grid adventurers, but they can save your food during a power-outage. As technology advances, we can expect to see more efficient and affordable options entering the market. We feel pretty certain that like almost all things solar and battery-powered, as the content of scale of manufacturing goes up, the price will come down. It’s certainly food for thought. (Ha! See what we did there? Food? Ahem.)

5. Solar Tent Fans or USB fans: Beat the Heat in Style

In the past few years, we have found ourselves talking about the heat more frequently. Does anyone really need to hear that temperatures have been rising, and it’s really nice to have a fan in the tent at night; not just for cooling, but the ventilation makes a big difference too.

Solar tent fans and USB fans are becoming more and more popular with outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking convenient personal cooling options. Either coupled with a portable power station or self-powered with an included panel, these are finding their way into lot’s of folks camping gear bags.

These devices offer a compact and eco-friendly way to stay comfortable in warm environments.

Solar tent fans typically feature small solar panels that charge built-in batteries, allowing for operation even when sunlight is limited or unavailable. As with the lanterns, we’re unable to list as many as we’d like, but here are some popular examples that show some great features. We’ve included the AddAcc 20000mAh Rechargeable Camping Fan – A battery Operated Fan with Light & Remote, Auto Oscillating, 4 Timer, 60 Hrs Work Cordless Tent Fan and the JINLICTE10400mAh Solar fan, a camping fan with a 7W Rechargeable Solar Powered Fan for Outside, LED Lantern, Stepless Speed and Quiet Battery Operated Tent Fan.

AddAcc 20000mAh Rechargeable Camping Fan	JINLICTE10400mAh Solar fan	ATEngeus USB Desk Fan

Many of these fans often come with multiple speed settings, adjustable heads for directional airflow, and additional features like LED lights for nighttime use, which are super handy. That’s a feature worth grabbing. USB fans, on the other hand, draw power from devices like power banks, chargers or portable power stations. Like virtually all of this stuff, you can use it at home to double the value to you. Well-known products in this category include the ATEngeus USB Desk Fan, which sports a 10000mAh (MilliAmpHours – You can read all about that in our article on portable power stations). Rechargeable Battery Operated Fans, 4 Speeds Table Fans, 8“ Camping Fans. These fans are prized for their versatility and ease of use in various settings, from offices to campsites.

6. Solar-Powered Camping Showers: Refresh and Recharge

There is truly nothing like a hot shower is the outdoors after a day or two of going without. We don’t think we have to spend a lot of time on the benefits. There are a plethora of companies that offer these products. Look at durability, quality of materials and price.

This is just one of many that we like – basically, it’s durable, it heats up the water pretty quickly, and as long as there is sun, you and those around you are gonna feel a lot better.

The Pop Up Privacy Tent Ann Katy Camping Shower Tent Kit is a 2 Pcs, 5 Gallon Outdoor Solar Portable Shower system. “Instant” Tent Sun Beach Easy Set Up & Foldable for Hiking, Fishing, Beach, Washing. We’re big fans of the great marketing. We can’t put our finger on it. There’s something appealing, there, though. ‘Nuff said.

7. Solar GPS and Communication Devices: Stay Connected and Safe

Here’s another no-brainer. Obviously, this is not for everyone. If you are predominantly a car camper this is probably not something you’re going to feel that you need. But, every year, people get lost in the mist, or take a wrong turn on a hike, so this is one of those “better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it” type deals. Of course, a good old fashioned compass will do this for you, but GPS devices bring a lot more features to the table.

A company that we very much like is Garmin, but of course there are others that you might like equally as well. We don’t have any experience with those others, so we’re not going to venture an opinion on them.

We really liked the Garmin eTrex® Solar. It just ticked a lot of boxes for us. It looks rugged, it’s a water-resistant, (a word that is always somewhat unsatisfying, sorry, but there it is) GPS Handheld Navigator, and Unlimited Battery Life (“Unlimited”? We’ll see. So far, so good, to be honest.)

Conclusion:

There you have it, fellow outdoor enthusiasts – some great solar-powered camping gear essentials that’ll take your 2024 adventures to the next level! By embracing these eco-friendly gadgets, you’re not just upgrading your camping experience; you’re also reducing your environmental impact and staying ahead of the curve in outdoor tech. Remember, the key to a successful solar-powered camping trip is planning and knowing your gear. So, which of these solar wonders will you be adding to your camping arsenal? Weekend warriors or a seasoned backcountry explorer, there’s a solar solution waiting to light up your next outdoor escapade. Now, get out there and soak up the sun – both for fun and function! Happy camping, and may your adventures be as bright as the technology that powers them!