[Boondock Buddy]

Hey fellow bikepacking enthusiasts! As we all know, the great outdoors is a sanctuary for adventure, but let’s be real—sometimes we need our devices powered up to capture those epic moments (and find our way back when we inevitably take a wrong turn). I’ve been on the hunt for the best solar chargers that can keep our precious gadgets juiced up while we’re out conquering trails and camping under the stars.

In this post, I’ll be sharing some mini reviews of my favorite solar chargers and tossing in a handy buyer’s guide to help you choose the right one for your bikepacking journey. So without further ado, let’s get right to my top three picks for solar chargers that won’t bail on you when you need them most!

• Anker 21W PowerPort Solar
• Goal Zero Nomad 10
• BigBlue 28W Solar Charger

[Boondock Buddy]

Anker 21W PowerPort Solar

So, after spending a not-so-short amount of time desperately hoping my trusty phone could learn to photosynthesize while camping and biking in the wild, I finally decided to give in and try the Anker 21W PowerPort Solar. Let me tell you, fellow bikers, it was like finding a hidden power source in the Matrix.

Why did I wait so long? On my last bikepacking trip, this nifty gadget proved to be the MVP. The setup is a breeze—no need to channel your inner MacGyver. I simply strapped it to the top of my backpack using the handy loops and went about my merry way. By the time I took a break, the PowerPort had already caught enough sun to supercharge my phone and GPS.

Here’s the lowdown on my sun-powered adventure:

• Weight & Size: If you’re like me and count ounces like they’re extra toppings on your pizza, you’ll appreciate that it weighs about a pound and folds up smaller than my post-ride appetite. A rare feat.
• Durability: This panel survived a day of unexpected rain and a few minor crashes—totally my fault, not the panel’s. It’s like the Superman of solar chargers.
• Charging Performance: Under direct sunlight, it really juices up your devices. I managed to charge my phone from 20% to full while pedaling through a sunny patch. I felt like the Flash! Just don’t expect miracles in the forest or when clouds become your nemesis.
• Compatibility: With dual USB ports, you can charge two devices at once, which is fantastic unless you’re secretly trying to befriend the squirrels by sharing some power.
• Campsite Popularity: Trust me, when everyone’s gadgets start dying, suddenly your solar charger is the center of attention. I even made new friends just by having it—how’s that for social engineering?

Honestly, this little piece of technology has been a game-changer for my bikepacking trips. If the idea of relying on the sun instead of a dwindling power bar doesn’t sound appealing, you’re probably charging your gadgets with the power of negative thinking.

In conclusion, the Anker 21W PowerPort Solar and I are now in a serious relationship. But, remember, you’ve got to have sunlight, so don’t rely on this as your sole power source if you’re biking through Mordor or something. Happy trails, folks!

[Boondock Buddy]

Goal Zero Nomad 10

So, I decided to give the Goal Zero Nomad 10 a whirl on my recent bikepacking adventure, because who doesn’t want to look like a modern eco-warrior, right? Picture this: a sunny trail, my trusty bike, and me, fiddling with a solar panel and pretending I’m MacGyver.

First Impressions: The Nomad 10 is compact and light, kind of like a tech-savvy paperback book. When I first strapped it to my backpack, I was slightly apprehensive, as I have a long-standing tradition of breaking things within the first 24 hours (oops!). But this little panel is built tough; it’s like the Chuck Norris of solar gear.

Setup Experience: Actually getting it hooked up was stupidly simple. I just clipped it onto my backpack, adjusted the angle until it sort of faced the sun, and felt all smug about harvesting solar power. After a questionable attempt at aligning it directly to the sun using my imaginary degree in solar panel angling, I plugged in my phone. The sweet satisfaction of seeing the charging icon light up was akin to finding an extra cheese dip packet when you thought you’d run out.

• Durability: This panel survived rough trails, accidental drops, and a curious chipmunk. It might just have a doctorate in resilience.
• Charging: It won’t charge your phone as fast as the wall outlet at home, but out there in the wild, even a trickle of juice feels like a gift from the universe.
• Size: Compact enough to not ruin your aerodynamics, yet large enough to actually be useful. Plus, strapping it to your backpack makes you look cool, which is, let’s be honest, half the point.

“This thing’s a little powerhouse, kind of like me after two espressos,”

said my buddy who was equally impressed and kept borrowing it, as his power bank decided to throw a tantrum halfway through the trip.

Overall, if you’re a bikepacker who doesn’t mind looking like you’re trying to communicate with Martians while actually just powering your GPS, the Nomad 10 is a solid choice. Just remember to give it lots of sunshine and it will keep your gadgets alive. It’s almost like having a pet, but less demanding and much better in the woods.

[Boondock Buddy]

BigBlue 28W Solar Charger

You know that one friend who’s always prepared for anything, whether it’s a surprise downpour or an impromptu dance-off at the trailhead? Well, it turns out, in the world of gadgets for adventurers, that friend is the BigBlue 28W Solar Charger. Honestly, this thing might be more prepared than I am for most of my rides.

Picture this: I’m deep in the wilderness on a bikepacking trip, somewhere between civilization and a place even Google Maps gives up on. I’m running low on juice for my phone, and I still need to find my way back. Cue the BigBlue 28W Solar Charger—a reliable piece of tech ingeniously designed for folks like us who oscillate between being outdoorsy and technologically reliant.

The Setup: This solar charger has a fold-out design that’s a bit like a biker’s rain cape—compact enough to fit easily in your pack, but when unfolded, it does wonders. I strapped it to the top of my backpack while pedaling through Tough-Trail-Who-Named-This-Mountain, and it didn’t bat an eye. In direct sunlight, this puppy’s like a small power station doing its thing. It makes you realize the sun isn’t just for burning your nose and neck on long rides!

Performance: My favorite part is how the BigBlue stayed cool while juicing up my devices, even in the blazing sun. I had it hooked up to both my GPS (which is more clumsy than helpful at times) and my GoPro, which had been capturing hours of me pretending to know what I’m doing on two wheels. The dual USB ports are like having a second set of hands—helpful and efficient.

A Few Quirks: Just like my bike’s temperamental gear shifter, the BigBlue has its moments—it works best with direct sunlight, so cloudy days can turn it into more of a BigBlue Paperweight. I also found that adding a lightweight power bank in the mix helped buffer the sun’s intermittent gift-giving.

Final Thoughts: If you’re the kind who’d rather risk a spontaneous solar charge than leave any tech behind, this one’s a keeper. It’s easy to set up and doesn’t complain much—like a perfect biking buddy, minus the snoring on overnight trips.

So, next time you’re on a biking escapade and your gadgets scream for life support, let your BigBlue take center stage. And who knows, maybe it’ll start a trend of solar gadgetry on your rides!

[Boondock Buddy]

Best Bikepacking Solar Chargers Buyer’s Guide

Ah, the open road (or trail)—nothing beats the feeling of escaping society, even if it’s just for a weekend jaunt into the great outdoors on two wheels. But just because we’re shedding the chaos of our digital lives doesn’t mean we should forgo all our gadgets, right? Cue the need for a trusty bikepacking solar charger to keep our gear juiced up while we’re out there living our best lives. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick out the best solar charger for your biking adventures.

First things first: why go solar? Well, Mother Nature gives us this glowing ball of energy called the sun, so why not harness it? Solar chargers are eco-friendly, self-replenishing energy sources that let you keep your devices charged without carrying extra batteries that weigh you down. Lightweight and portable—two words every bikepacker loves to hear!

So let’s dive right in:

• Wattage and Output: Take a look at the power (measured in watts) you need. If you’re just charging a phone or a GPS, 5-10 watts might cut it. But if you’ve got a camera, tablet, and a power bank (because, who doesn’t?), aim for at least 15-25 watts. Oh, and check how many USB ports the charger has—you don’t want to play favorites with your tech!
• Efficiency and Panel Type: Not all solar panels are created equal. The efficiency of the panel (how much sunlight it converts to electricity) is crucial. Monocrystalline panels are usually more efficient and durable than polycrystalline, so that’s worth noting when you’re zooming through your options faster than a downhill trail.
• Durability: We’re talking about something you’re grabbing onto while hurtling through trails and blazing under sun—or rain. Look out for water-resistant or waterproof options, and don’t skimp on quality. Unless you want your tech crying “uncle!” during a surprise downpour.
• Portability and Weight: No one wants to lug a hulking, unwieldy beast on a serene biking voyage. Look for something compact and lightweight. Foldable panels are a chef’s kiss in design for easy packing and unpacking without adding too much to your kit’s heft.
• Brand Reputation & Reviews: Sure, the specs are great when you read them, but let’s face it, the proof is in the ride. Go for trusted brands with glowing reviews from fellow bikepackers. Their pain and joy become your guidance.
• Features: LED indicators, auto-restart, and even built-in flashlights can make the difference between a smooth trip and a more eventful one. Consider what extra goodies might come in handy.

From my own experience (and a couple of minor epic solar fails), I made my peace with my solar charger by always keeping it on the top of my panniers or backpack, facing the sun. A couple of bungee cords or paracord knots later, and it’s good to go. Keeping those USB ports out of the rain? That’s another story!

In the end, like picking your routes, choosing the right solar charger is all about planning—both what you’ll need and what you’ll likely never use. Happy trails and may your devices stay as charged as your spirit!

[Gear FAQs]

• How efficient are solar chargers on cloudy days? 🤔
  Ah, the age-old question! Solar chargers are like me before my morning coffee: a bit less efficient when it’s cloudy. However, most top-notch bikepacking solar chargers still harness a decent amount of energy even when the sun is playing hide and seek. Look for those with monocrystalline panels, as they’re known to perform better in low-light conditions. But remember, you’re not going to power a space station out there. 😄
• Can I charge my phone and GPS at the same time? 📱📍
  Absolutely! Many solar chargers come with multiple USB ports allowing you to juice up a couple of devices simultaneously. It’s like bringing an outlet to the great outdoors, except it fits nicely in your backpack and doesn’t violate any Leave No Trace principles. Just keep in mind the charging speed might be slower when charging multiple devices, especially if the sun isn’t pulling an all-nighter. 😎
• How do I protect my solar charger while bikepacking? 🚴‍♂️☀️
  Great question! Think of your solar charger as a VIP at a concert—it needs special treatment. Store it in a protective case when it’s not in use to guard it against the elements. While riding, you can strap it securely to the top of your gear to catch some rays. Make sure it’s not flapping around like a flag in the wind; it needs to stay put for maximum efficiency. And always dry it thoroughly if it gets wet. 😂 Just don’t expect it to self-dry like your favorite pair of socks.

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