Staying connected is a big part of our everyday life. We use phones, tablets, and laptops for school, work, travel, and fun. But what do you do when your battery runs low and there’s no outlet nearby? That’s where solar backpacks help. These backpacks can charge your devices using sunlight—perfect for camping, hiking, traveling, or even your daily commute.
Solar backpacks are getting better thanks to new designs. A 2024 study by Taverne and others in Energy Harvesting and Systems shows how smart features like strong solar panels and better power control make them work more efficiently.
In this guide, we’ll explain what solar backpacks are, how they work, where to use them, and how to pick the best one. We’ll also give you tips to get the most out of your backpack and suggest some top models.
Quick Summary
- Solar backpacks are regular backpacks with built-in solar panels that turn sunlight into power.
- They’re perfect for people who travel, enjoy nature, or just want to keep their devices charged on the go.
- These backpacks are also helpful during emergencies, like power outages or when you’re far from an outlet.
- Look for key features like solar panel efficiency, battery size, charging ports, storage space, and weight.
- To make the most of your solar backpack, keep it clean, face it toward the sun, and carry a backup power bank for cloudy or nighttime use.
What is a Solar Backpack?
A solar backpack is just like a regular backpack, but it has solar panels attached to it. These panels collect sunlight and turn it into electricity, which can be used to charge your phone, tablet, or even a small laptop.
These backpacks are designed for people who are often outdoors or away from a power source. If you’re out hiking, biking, or traveling and your battery dies, a solar backpack gives you a way to recharge without needing to find an outlet.
Key Parts of a Solar Backpack:
- Solar panels – collect sunlight and make electricity
- Battery pack – stores the electricity so you can use it later
- USB charging ports – let you plug in your devices
- Storage space – holds your books, clothes, gear, or laptop
How Do Solar Backpacks Work?
Solar backpacks use special technology to change sunlight into electricity you can use. Here’s how the process works:
- The solar panel catches rays from the sun
- These rays get changed into electrical energy
- This energy gets stored in the battery pack inside the backpack
- You can then use this stored energy to charge your devices through the USB ports
Even on days when it’s not super sunny, many solar backpacks can still make some power. They just won’t produce as much as they would on bright, sunny days.
If you’re interested in learning more about how solar technology works in general, check out our guide on DIY solar systems and how to build your own solar panels.
Why Would You Want a Solar Backpack?
Stay Connected Anywhere
No more stress about your phone dying when you’re far from an outlet! Whether you’re deep in the woods or just riding the bus to school, your devices can stay charged throughout the day. For even more portable charging options, consider checking out our guides to solar phone chargers and solar laptop chargers.
Better for the Environment
Solar power comes from the sun, which means it’s a renewable energy source that won’t run out. By using a solar backpack, you’re helping reduce the use of electricity that might come from burning fossil fuels. Looking for more ways to save energy? Explore our article on easy ways to save energy at home.
Super Convenient
You don’t need to carry around extra chargers or search for power outlets in public places. Your backpack becomes your own personal power station that goes wherever you go!
Ready for Emergencies
If there’s ever a power outage or you get lost somewhere, having a way to keep your phone charged could be really important. You can make emergency calls, use maps to find your way, or get important information when you need it most. For more robust emergency power solutions, check out our guide to solar backup generators.
Where Can You Use a Solar Backpack?
Outdoor Adventures
Solar backpacks are perfect for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. They can keep your GPS devices, phones, and cameras charged while you enjoy nature. This makes your adventures both safer and more fun since you won’t lose connection or photo opportunities. For camping specifically, you might also be interested in our review of the best solar generators for camping.
Travel Days
When you’re traveling, finding power outlets can be a real hassle. With a solar backpack, you can charge your devices while waiting at the airport, riding on a train, or exploring a new place. This is especially helpful in areas where power outlets are scarce or different from what you’re used to.
School and Work Commutes
Students and workers who carry laptops and phones every day will find solar backpacks super useful. You can charge your devices during your daily trips to and from school or work, ensuring you never run out of battery during an important class or meeting.
When Disaster Strikes
During power outages caused by storms or other emergencies, a solar backpack can be a lifesaver. It gives you a reliable way to keep communication devices charged when regular power isn’t available. For more complete home power solutions during emergencies, consider a home battery backup system.
How to Choose the Right Solar Backpack
When shopping for a solar backpack, here are some important things to think about:
Solar Panel Efficiency
Not all panels are the same. High-efficiency panels make more electricity from the same amount of sunlight. That means faster charging. The technology behind these panels is similar to what’s used in solar panels for homes, just on a smaller scale.
Battery Size
This tells you how much power the backpack can store. It’s measured in mAh (milliamp-hours). A bigger number means more stored energy. Here’s a quick guide:
| Capacity (mAh) | Can Charge |
| 5,000 | 1 phone |
| 10,000 | 2 phones |
| 20,000 | 3+ phones or a small tablet |
To learn more about different types of batteries used in solar applications, check out our essential guide to solar batteries.
Charging Ports
Check what kinds of charging ports the backpack has. Many newer devices use USB-C, while older ones might use USB-A. The best backpacks have both types to work with all your gadgets.
Space for Your Stuff
Make sure the backpack has enough room for everything you need to carry. Look for special pockets for laptops and tablets to keep them safe.
Durability and Weather Resistance
If you plan to use your backpack outdoors, choose one made from strong materials that can handle rain and other weather. This protects both your gear and the solar technology. For information on how weather affects solar equipment, see our article on how weather impacts home battery storage performance.
Weight and Portability
Some solar backpacks are light and easy to carry, while others are heavier but have more features. Choose one that fits your lifestyle.
Cost
Solar backpacks can range from about $50 to over $300. While you don’t want to buy something that will break quickly, you also need to find one that fits your budget.
Popular Solar Backpacks You Can Buy
Here’s a comparison of some well-liked solar backpacks:
| Model | Solar Panel Output | Battery Capacity | Weight | Price Range |
| Voltaic Systems Array | 10W | 19,800mAh | 5.4 lbs | $$$$ |
| ECEEN Solar Backpack | 7W | 10,000mAh | 2.2 lbs | $$ |
| Sunnybag Explorer + | 6W | Not included | 2.6 lbs | $$ |
| BirkSun Solar Backpack | 3W | 3,000mAh | 2.5 lbs | $$ |
Tips to Get the Most from Your Solar Backpack
To make sure your solar backpack works as well as possible:
- Put the solar panel in direct sunlight whenever you can
- Keep the panel clean and free from dirt or dust
- Use the stored energy wisely (charge important devices first)
- Try to charge during the middle of the day when sunlight is strongest
- Bring a regular power bank as backup for cloudy days or nighttime – check out our article on how to build a cheap DIY solar battery bank for a more permanent solution
Solar technology keeps getting better every year. In the future, we can expect to see solar backpacks that:
- Charge your devices much faster
- Store more power for longer use
- Weigh less and look more stylish
- Include smart features like device tracking or wireless charging
- Cost less as technology becomes more common
Some companies are already working on backpacks that can charge your phone in just an hour of sunlight, which is much faster than current models. This technology is similar to innovations happening with solar fabrics that integrate solar cells directly into textiles.
How Solar Backpacks Help the Environment
Using a solar backpack isn’t just convenient—it’s also good for the planet in several ways:
- You use less electricity from power plants that might burn coal or natural gas
- You don’t need to buy as many disposable batteries
- You help spread awareness about renewable energy to others who see you using it
- Over time, the energy you get from the sun can offset the resources used to make the backpack
For more information on caring for solar batteries, see our comparison of lead acid batteries versus lithium batteries.
How to Take Care of Your Solar Backpack
To make your solar backpack last longer:
- Wipe the solar panels with a soft cloth regularly to keep them clean
- Store the backpack in a dry place when you’re not using it
- Don’t leave the battery charging for too long after it’s full
- Keep the backpack away from very hot or very cold places
- Replace any damaged charging cables right away
Common Misconceptions About Solar Backpacks
Let’s clear up some false ideas:
| Myth | Truth |
| They only work in direct sunlight | They work on cloudy days too, just not as well |
| They’re too heavy | Most are designed to be light and easy to carry |
| They can’t charge laptops | Some high-capacity models can charge laptops, but it takes longer |
Wrapping Up
With good care, a quality solar backpack can last for many years of daily use.
Solar backpacks offer a smart, earth-friendly way to keep your devices charged when you’re out and about. Whether you love hiking, travel often, or just want to be prepared for emergencies, these backpacks combine practical storage with portable power.
By picking a solar backpack that matches your needs, you’ll be ready to enjoy the freedom of on-the-go charging powered by sunshine. You’ll never have to worry about your phone dying at an important moment again!
Remember that investing in a solar backpack isn’t just buying a cool gadget—it’s also taking a small step toward using more renewable energy in your everyday life. As these products become more common and advanced, they’ll help more people understand how useful solar power can be in our daily lives.
If you’re interested in other solar-powered products for your lifestyle, check out our articles on solar-powered watches, solar outdoor lights, and solar generators for apartments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Backpacks
How does a solar backpack charge my devices?
A solar backpack has built-in solar panels that collect sunlight and turn it into electricity. This power is stored in a battery pack inside the backpack, which you can use to charge your phone, tablet, or other small devices via USB ports.
Can solar backpacks work on cloudy days?
Yes, they can still generate some power on cloudy days, but they charge slower than in full sunlight. It’s a good idea to carry a backup power bank for cloudy or nighttime use.
Are solar backpacks only useful for outdoor activities?
Not at all. While great for hiking and camping, they’re also helpful for commuting, traveling, and during emergencies like power outages—any time you need power but can’t find an outlet.
Are they worth the extra cost?
If you spend a lot of time outdoors or commuting, the convenience of always having power can definitely be worth the investment. Think about how often you find yourself looking for outlets in public places.