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Just because you’re hiking doesn’t mean you have to leave power behind. With hiking solar panels, you can take your devices and keep them charged for uninterrupted adventures. They’re light and portable yet powerful enough to give your phone, GPS, or other equipment enough juice to last until you return to the trailhead.
Discover the top solar panels from EcoFlow, designed to meet your hiking and camping needs.
EcoFlow’s Best Hiking Solar Panels
- Best for Backpacking: EcoFlow 110W Portable Solar Panel
- Best for Longer Camping Trips: EcoFlow 160W Portable Solar Panel
- Best for Maximising Sunlight: EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel
- Best for Camping and RVs: EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel
Best for Backpacking: EcoFlow 110W Portable Solar Panel
When you’re on a backpacking trip, every ounce matters. The EcoFlow 110W Portable Solar Panel is perfect for those who need a lightweight and efficient power source. Its compact design means you can throw it in your pack without taking up much space in your bag, and its carrying case doubles as a stand when you unzip the panel and prop it at the right angle.
You’ll love that it’s 10% smaller than similar portable solar panels on the market, but its 23% conversion rate means it’s among the best in the industry. Made for outdoor adventures, this panel is IP68-certified and robust enough to withstand high temperatures, wind, heat, and moisture. But just to make sure, we dunked it in water for 72 hours to check.
Imagine being able to charge your smartphone, camera, and GPS device while you trek through remote trails. This solar panel ensures you stay connected and capture every moment of your adventure. Plus, its fast-charging capability means you’ll spend less time charging and more time enjoying the great outdoors. If the sun is out, you’ll get a faster, more accessible charge from anywhere on the trail.
Specifications
- Rated Power: 110W
- Efficiency: 22.8 %
- Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline
- Weight 8.8 lbs (4 KG)
- Folded Dimensions 16.5×18.9×1.0 in (42.0×48×2.5 cm)
- Unfolded Dimensions: 16.5×70.3×1.0 in (42.0×178.5×2.5 cm)
- Waterproof/Dustproof Rating: IP68
- Open CircuitVoltage: 21.8V
- Short Circuit Current: 6.5 A
- Recommended Portable Power Station: EcoFlow RIVER 2
Best for Longer Camping Trips: EcoFlow 160W Portable Solar Panel
For those planning extended camping or car camping trips with hikes in between, the EcoFlow 160W Portable Solar Panel is a game-changer. At just 15 pounds, it offers a balance between power output and portability, making it ideal for campers who need reliable energy for several days but don’t want to lug around something heavy.
Whether setting up a base camp or exploring multiple sites, this panel’s 32 premium monocrystalline silicon cells can provide enough juice to keep your essential devices running, thanks to their higher 22% conversion rate. Want your devices charged up even faster? Chain more than one of these panels together in a series, or allow them to work in parallel to shorten your pit stops.
Don’t worry about downpours that may surprise you on long hikes. This panel’s protective ETFE film and high IP resistance of 68 ensure it can withstand humid, wet, or dusty conditions. You can rest assured that whatever weather you encounter, this panel is up to the task.
The EcoFlow 160W ensures you have the comforts of home, even in the middle of nowhere, and what’s better than that?
Specifications
- Rated Power: 160W
- Efficiency: 21 % – 22 %
- Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline
- Weight: 12.3 lbs (5.6 KG)
- Folded Dimensions: 26.9×16.9×1.0 in (68.5×43.0×2.5cm)
- Unfolded Dimensions: 26.9×62.6×1.0 in (68.5×159.0×2.5 cm)
- Waterproof/Dustproof Rating: IP68
- Open CircuitVoltage: 21.4V
- Short Circuit Current: 9.6A
- Recommended Portable Power Station: EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max
Best for Maximising Sunlight: EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel
If you often find yourself chasing the sun, the EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel is your best bet. Its bifacial design allows it to capture sunlight from both sides, maximising energy absorption and efficiency so you can make the most of any sunlight available.
Picture this scenario: you’re camped in a dense forest with limited direct sunlight. This two-in-one solar panel will still harness enough energy by utilising the ambient light reflected from the ground and surroundings. With the addition of the second side, you can capture 25% more solar energy while charging your portable power station or devices even faster.
But just because it’s double-sided doesn’t mean it’s bulky! Made of a one-piece, thin tempered glass material, it’s light but five times tougher and half as thick as regular tempered glass.
This panel is perfect for unpredictable weather conditions. It can still perform in temperatures up to 300ºF, resisting the elements and ensuring you always have a steady power supply, no matter where you are.
Specifications
- Rated Power: 220W Front Side/155W Rear Side
- Efficiency: 22 % – 23 %
- Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline
- Weight:20.9 lbs (9.5 KG)
- Folded Dimensions: 32.3×19.7×1.3 in (82.0×50.0×3.2 cm)
- Unfolded Dimensions: 32.3×72.2×1.0 in (82.0×183.5×2.5 cm)
- Waterproof/Dustproof Rating: IP68
- Open CircuitVoltage: 21.8V (Vmp 18.4V)
- Short Circuit Current: 13A (lmp 12.0A) Front Side / 8.8 A (lmp 8.4A) Rear Side
- Recommended Portable Power Station: EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro/EcoFlow DELTA 2
Best for Camping and RVs: EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel
For campers and RV enthusiasts who need a robust power solution that’s still small and light enough to tote around for adventures, the EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel is the ultimate choice. Its high 400W power output can support nearly any device, making it perfect for group camping trips or RV stays. Just pair it with a battery to create an EcoFlow Solar Generator with a built-in solar inverter.
This is EcoFlow’s largest and most powerful panel, made even better by its high conversion efficiency rating and convenient folding design, which is perfect for use on the go. Even more attractive is its lightweight and compact design, coming in at just 35.3 lbs (16.0 kg) pounds. Thanks to a large rigid layer in the carry case that protects it, you can easily carry it when necessary without the worry of bending it.
Designed for outdoor use, this panel is made from several layers of monocrystalline tempered glass, which provides high-impact resistance to wind, rain, heat, and other environmental factors.
This solar panel guarantees you won’t compromise on convenience and comfort, so you can enjoy your outdoor experience to the fullest.
Specifications
- Rated Power: 400W
- Efficiency: 22.6 %
- Solar Cell Type: Monocrystalline
- Weight: 35.3 lbs (16.0 KG)
- Folded Dimensions: 41.7×24.4×1.0 in (105.8×62.0×2.5 cm)
- Unfolded Dimensions: 41.7×93,1×1.0 in (105.8×236.5×2.5 cm)
- Waterproof/Dustproof Rating: IP68
- Open CircuitVoltage: 48V (Vmp 41V)
- Short Circuit Current: 11A (lmp 9.8 A)
- Recommended Portable Power Station: EcoFlow DELTA Series
What To Consider When Choosing the Best Hiking Solar Panels
When shopping for hiking solar panels, you must consider much more than output. While that’s still a critical factor in determining which devices you can power, other things like compactness, weight, weather resistance, and ease of use make a big difference.
Here’s what to remember as you browse your hiking solar panel options.
Power Requirements
Determine what devices you’ll be charging and how much power they require. Smaller gadgets like smartphones and GPS devices need less energy, while items like portable fridges or heaters will demand more. To ensure your hiking solar panel can produce enough output for all your devices, add up the running wattages of all the devices you plan to use.
Consider which devices may have a higher starting wattage, and use that number instead of the running wattage for those devices. The final number you get will tell you your minimum power requirements. It’s always wise to find a panel that slightly exceeds this figure to account for any new devices added, surges in power, or lack of sunlight.
Portability and Packed Size
Consider the size and weight of the solar panel when packed. For backpacking, you’ll want something lightweight and compact, whereas for RV camping, you might prioritise power output over portability.
EcoFlow’s Portable Solar Panels are flexible and foldable and come with a protective carry case that doubles as a stand, ensuring every ounce or inch is maximised. They’re also more lightweight than comparable panels on the market, keeping your carry pack light enough to add other essential items.
Durability
Look for panels made from durable materials that can withstand the rigours of outdoor use. Scratch-resistant and shatterproof designs are ideal for frequent hikers. Our solar panels are tested against the elements and have high IP level ratings of 68.
They can withstand rain, wind, dust, high and low temperatures, and more. Our solar panels are up for the task no matter where you’re hiking or what time of year it is, and they’ll last you 25 years or more.
Additionally, their multi-layered design and protective carry case prevent damage when not used.
What Kinds of Hikes You Take
Think about the terrain and duration of your hikes. A smaller panel might suffice for short-day hikes, but for multi-day treks, you’ll need something more robust. Will your hike demand a large carry pack filled with food, water, sleeping bags, and more? Then, it becomes even more essential to find a lightweight and small panel to prioritise your other camping equipment.
Are you staying in an RV while you hike? EcoFlow Rigid Solar Panels, such as the EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panel, can serve you well at camp while your smaller, portable panels are used on the go.
How Many People Will Rely On It
If you’re hiking solo, a smaller panel will do. However, opt for a higher wattage panel for group camping trips to accommodate everyone’s devices. It makes sense to buy a panel with an output slightly higher than you need it to be to accommodate any additional hikers or devices.
Ease of Use
Choose a solar panel that’s easy to set up and use. Look for adjustable stands, integrated storage options, and user-friendly connectors. EcoFlow panels are simple to use and monitor through the EcoFlow smartphone app. You can see how much power your panels generate and keep an eye on things like sunlight capture.
Frequently Asked Questions
The wattage you need depends on what devices you plan to charge and how often. A 100W panel is typically sufficient for charging small devices like phones and cameras. For more power-hungry equipment or longer trips with more people, consider panels in the 160-400W range.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve hiked without power, you know how frustrating it can be when you get lost and don’t have a GPS to refer to. Bringing solar panels and a battery with you on the journey provides safety, comfort, and the ability to use devices to make your time more enjoyable.
Whether you need a lightweight backpacking option or a powerful RV camping solution, EcoFlow has a solution to meet your needs. Browse our selection of EcoFlow Solar Panels to discover our stand-out benefits and take your hiking trips to the next level.