Using a Solar Charger in the Outdoors

Q: Should I get solar chargers?
— Adrian, Tucson, Arizona

A: For a weekend campout, you probably can do without a solar charger. Your investment in one would pay off on longer treks, though, especially in the backcountry far from electrical outlets.

A solar charger uses panels that fold out and can be pointed at the sun. They convert sunlight into power, which you can use to charge your cellphone or rechargeable batteries. There’s quite a bit of camping gear now designed to use rechargeable batteries, such as flashlights, lanterns and fans.

Many solar chargers come with multiple power ports, like the Lion Energy 50W Foldable Solar Panel ($150, lionenergy.com), which features USB, USB-C and barrel connections. Just unfold the panel, aim it at the sun, plug your device into the connections at the back of the panel, and it’ll start charging.

You can also hook up a solar generator or power bank that can store power for you to use later. A fully charged Lion Trek Portable Solar Generator ($150, lionenergy.com), for example, can provide enough juice to power a cellphone 10 times before needing to be recharged.

You can find smaller power banks, namely from Goal Zero, for as low as $30 at your local Scout Shop or scoutshop.org