Solar Panel vs. Power Bank: How to Keep Your Electronics Charged While Hiking & Backpacking

Hiking and backpacking offer an escape into nature, but staying connected—whether for navigation, photography, or emergencies—means keeping your electronics charged. On a multi-day trip, where outlets are nowhere in sight, two popular solutions stand out: solar panels and power banks. Both can keep your devices powered, but they cater to different needs and conditions. In this guide, we’ll compare solar panels (like LI Solar’s foldable solar bags) and power banks, break down their pros and cons, and share practical tips to ensure your phone, GPS, or headlamp stays juiced up in the backcountry.

Understanding the Options: Solar Panels and Power Banks

Solar Panels

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, either charging devices directly or storing energy in a battery for later use. They’re a go-to for off-grid adventurers who can rely on sunny days.

• Example: LI Solar’s XY-200W Foldable Solar Bag offers 200W of power with 23% cell conversion efficiency, weighs 14.6 lb, and folds to 635 x 564 x 50 mm. The XY-100W model delivers 100W, weighs 7.9 lb, and folds to 615 x 560 x 35 mm.
• Outputs: The XY-200W has versatile M20/XT60/Anderson connectors, that's for power station charging, while the XY-100W features a DC 5.5x2.1mm output, with some variants supporting USB and Type-C (e.g., PD 65W for fast charging).

  

Power Banks

Power banks are portable battery packs, pre-charged before your trip, that deliver stored electricity to your devices. They’re compact and reliable but limited by their capacity.

• Example: A 10,000mAh power bank (like the Anker PowerCore 10000) weighs about 7 oz and can charge a smartphone 2-3 times. A 20,000mAh model (like the Anker PowerCore 20000) weighs around 14 oz and offers 4-5 phone charges.

Solar Panel vs. Power Bank: A Detailed Comparison

Pros and Cons

Solar Panels

Pros:

• Unlimited Power: As long as the sun shines, you can keep charging—perfect for extended trips.
• Versatility: Models like the XY-200W support multiple outputs (M20/XT60/Anderson), charging everything from phones to larger devices like a 700W fridge (4.6 hours with a 4kWh battery, per Jackery’s runtime).
• Eco-Friendly: Harnesses renewable energy, aligning with sustainable hiking practices.

Cons:

• Weight and Bulk: The XY-100W (7.9 lb) or XY-200W (14.6 lb) can feel heavy for ultralight backpackers.
• Weather Dependent: In cloudy or rainy conditions, charging slows or stops (e.g., XY-100W needs 4-6 hours of direct sun to charge a 10,000mAh battery).
• Setup Time: Requires positioning (e.g., 30-45° angle) and may need a kickstand (like sliding the back panel bracket into the kickstand, as you mentioned).

  

Power Banks

Pros:

• Reliability: Works in any weather—rain, shade, or night—delivering consistent power.
• Lightweight: A 10,000mAh power bank (7 oz) is much lighter than most solar panels.
• Fast Charging: Outputs like 18W USB-C can charge a phone in 1-2 hours, faster than solar under suboptimal conditions.

Cons:

• Limited Capacity: Once depleted, you’re out of power unless you can recharge (e.g., a 10,000mAh bank can’t sustain a multi-day trip without recharging).
• Pre-Trip Prep: Must be fully charged before you leave, adding a planning step.
• Environmental Impact: Relies on grid electricity to charge, less sustainable than solar.

Practical Tips for Hiking & Backpacking

Using Solar Panels

1. Choose the Right Model:
• For solo hikers, the XY-100W (100W, 7.9 lb) is lighter and sufficient for charging small devices (e.g., phone, headlamp). It can deliver 5.55A at 18V, charging a 10,000mAh battery in ~4 hours of direct sun.
• For groups or heavier needs, the XY-200W (200W, 14.6 lb) offers more power and versatility, charging multiple devices via its M20/XT60/Anderson connectors.
2. Optimize Sun Exposure:
• Set up the panel at a 30-45° angle facing the sun (use the kickstand by sliding the back panel bracket into place, as noted in your assembly step).
• Place it on your backpack while hiking (many foldable panels have loops for attachment) or set it up during breaks.
3. Pair with a Battery:
• Use a small power bank (e.g., 5,000mAh) as a buffer. Charge the bank with the solar panel during the day, then use it to charge devices at night. This ensures power availability in low-light conditions.
4. Weather Planning:
• Check the forecast. Solar panels like the XY-100W (operating range: -40°C to +85°C) are durable but need sunlight. If expecting clouds, bring a backup power bank.

Using Power Banks

1. Select the Right Capacity:
• Calculate your needs: A smartphone (3,000mAh battery) needs ~6,000mAh for two charges. Add a GPS (1,500mAh) and headlamp (1,000mAh), and a 10,000mAh power bank covers a 2-3 day trip.
• For longer trips, a 20,000mAh bank (4-5 phone charges) is better but heavier (14 oz).
2. Charge Efficiently:
• Use fast-charging ports (e.g., 18W USB-C) to minimize downtime.
• Charge devices at night to preserve power bank capacity during the day.
3. Protect the Bank:
• Keep it in a waterproof bag (e.g., a Ziploc) to shield from rain or sweat.
• Avoid extreme heat (don’t leave it in direct sun), as it can degrade battery life.

Hybrid Approach

For the best of both worlds:

• Day 1-2: Rely on a 10,000mAh power bank for immediate, reliable power.
• Day 3+: Use a solar panel (e.g., XY-100W) to recharge the power bank during the day, extending your power supply indefinitely in sunny conditions.
• Example: The XY-100W’s USB output (5V/2.4A) can charge a 10,000mAh power bank in ~4 hours of direct sun, while its Type-C PD 65W port can fast-charge compatible devices.

Real-World Scenarios

• Short Weekend Hike (2 Days, Pacific Northwest, Cloudy):
• Best Choice: Power Bank (10,000mAh, 7 oz).
• Why: Cloud cover limits solar efficiency, and a short trip doesn’t justify the XY-100W’s 7.9 lb weight. A 10,000mAh bank charges your phone (3,000mAh) twice and a headlamp (1,000mAh) once, covering your needs.
• Week-Long Trek (7 Days, Southwest Desert, Sunny):
• Best Choice: Solar Panel (XY-100W) + Small Power Bank (5,000mAh).
• Why: Abundant sun ensures the XY-100W (100W, 5.55A at 18V) can charge a 5,000mAh bank daily (4-5 hours of sun), which then powers your phone and GPS at night. The panel’s 7.9 lb weight is manageable for a longer trip with no resupply.
• Group Backpacking (4 People, 5 Days, Mixed Weather):
• Best Choice: Solar Panel (XY-200W) + Power Bank (20,000mAh).
• Why: The XY-200W (200W, 14.6 lb) can charge multiple devices simultaneously via its M20/XT60/Anderson connectors, supporting the group’s needs (e.g., phones, cameras). A 20,000mAh bank provides backup for cloudy days, shared among the group.

Bonus Tips for Backcountry Charging

• Power Management:
• Turn off non-essential apps and enable airplane mode on your phone to save battery (can reduce consumption by 50%).
• Charge devices to 80% to maximize battery health (avoid overcharging).
• Cables and Adapters:
• Bring a multi-port USB cable (USB-C, Lightning, Micro-USB) to reduce clutter.
• For solar panels like the XY-200W, ensure you have adapters for its M20/XT60/Anderson connectors if your devices don’t match.
• Safety:
• Secure solar panels on your pack to avoid damage (e.g., use carabiners on the XY-100W’s loops).
• Keep power banks in a shaded pocket—heat above 45°C can reduce capacity.

  

Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?

• Power Bank is best for short trips, variable weather, or ultralight packing. It’s reliable and lightweight but limited by capacity.
• Solar Panel shines on long trips in sunny regions, offering unlimited power with the trade-off of weight and weather dependency.
• Hybrid Setup (solar panel + power bank) is the most versatile, balancing reliability and sustainability for extended adventures.

For hikers and backpackers, LI Solar’s foldable solar bags (like the XY-100W or XY-200W) are a game-changer for off-grid charging, especially when paired with a small power bank. Assess your trip length, weather, and weight tolerance to pick the right solution—or combine both for ultimate peace of mind. Now, pack your gear, hit the trail, and stay powered up, no matter where the path takes you!