According to the International Journal of Power Electronics and Drive System, solar is an abundant renewable energy source that can generate sufficient power to meet the planet’s demands. One of the products that use solar energy is the solar backpack.
A solar backpack has photovoltaic panels that can supply you with electricity outdoors. The integrated solar panel is strategically positioned on the back. When the panels are exposed to sunlight, they produce electricity which is either stored in a solar battery or power bank.
According to a publication on ResearchGate, solar backpacks are great for camping and hiking since they allow you to charge different devices. Most solar backpacks can offer 120 watts of energy, sufficient to charge small digital devices. Solar backpacks are also beneficial because they are lightweight, easy to use, eco-friendly, durable, and can resist harsh weather conditions.
When buying a solar backpack, it is essential to consider crucial factors such as the bag size, capacity, wattage, charging time, device voltage, removable solar panels, weight, charging compatibility, and durability.
We tested different types of solar backpacks, including outdoor hiking backpacks, casual backpacks, laptop backpacks, and work backpacks. We assessed their comfort level, charging time, weight, quality, and ease of use in each type. Below is what we found out.
Best quality solar backpack – Sunnybag Explorer + Solar Backpack charger

What we liked:
✓ It can charge devices in 2 hours
✓ 100% certified solar panel
✓ It is made from durable materials
✓ It comes in different color options
What we didn’t like:
✘ No power bank
This solar backpack made it to our list since it is a high-quality model made from a durable, lightweight, and water-resistant fabric. Since it has a 6W solar panel, it charges devices fast.
When testing, we liked its versatility since its solar panel is detachable. You do not always have to travel with the backpack when you only want to carry the solar panel.
Its sophisticated design also makes it stand out. It comes with numerous compartments and pockets that can help one organize belongings. Since the solar backpack has a 15-liter capacity, it can accommodate most trail necessities. It also features LED indicator lights that indicate when it is fully charged. Unfortunately, this model only works with USB devices and does not serve as a power bank.
Best for comfort – XTPower solar backpack

What we liked:
✓ Ample space
✓ Efficient solar panel
✓ Lightweight
What we didn’t like:
✘ It is expensive
XTPOWER solar backpack offers long-term comfort since it has straps that are easy to adjust, padded shoulder straps, and a density foam hip belt. However, it does not include a power bank.
Despite this, it is made from lightweight and breathable nylon material. This solar backpack is also flexible since it is equipped with a removable and compact solar charger. Its Monocrystalline solar panel is impressive since it has an efficiency rating of 22%. It is spacious since it offers 46 L of storage.
Apart from the main compartment, it has a separate laptop sleeve, which can fit in a 17-inch laptop. Another feature that impressed us is that the solar backpack has a 6V USB port; it can charge most gadgets, including phones, MP3 players, and GPS systems.
Best for a low budget – Haweel solar backpack

What we liked:
✓ Adequate storage space
✓ Made from durable materials
✓ The high-density model back makes it comfortable
What we didn’t like:
✘ It can get really hot inside.
Haweel solar backpack stands out since it gives one value for their money. It has unique features only available in expensive models, such as a dual zipper design that makes it convenient to carry around, a water-resistant solar panel, and can charge thousands of devices. The integrated solar panel is also impressive since it can withstand minor punctures, drops, and shocks.
It also made it to our list since it uses a solar module with an efficiency rating of 22%. However, though the solar backpack works well, it only works in direct sunlight.
On the upside, this backpack has a main compartment that can hold a laptop and side pockets for carrying other items like books, snacks, keys, and wallets.
Since it comes with back elastic bands, it remains stable while traveling. This solar backpack is also comfortable since it has a high-density molded back section and a breathable mesh shoulder harness.
Best for fast charging – Eceen Solar backpack

What we liked:
✓ Made from durable materials
✓ Adequate storage space for large items
✓ High capacity rating
✓ Removable solar panels
What we didn’t like:
✘ It is bulky
During our test, we charged four different smartphones and discovered that this model’s power bank charged them in less than three hours. It also made it easy to carry many items due to its high capacity rating.
This solar backpack comes with solar cells, which are made with 22% transfer efficiency and built into a protective anti-scratch coating. It also features bar tracking used to reinforce the stress points in this solar backpack to increase longevity.
The backpack is convenient since its solar panels are removable. It also comes with some clips designed for securing solar panels. You can use it daily for traveling since it offers long-lasting performance with minimal weight. However, it comes with a limited warranty.
Best for photographers – Lifepod solar backpack

What we liked:
✓ Affordable
✓ Stylish design
✓ Fast charging
✓ Great quality
What we didn’t like:
✘ It could only charge in direct sunlight.
Lifepod solar backpack made it to our list since its solar panel captures more sunlight than regular solar panels, making it ideal for digital cameras. It has a high-quality solar panel that can efficiently direct power to devices.
It features external USB ports you can easily access to charge portable devices without opening the entire backpack. This solar backpack is made using durable materials that can withstand different weather conditions. The materials used to make it are also ultra-light to ensure comfort while carrying the backpack.
Though it is ideal for everyday use or occasional travel, the packaging does not come with instructions. We liked the sleek design of this solar backpack and found it easy and comfortable to carry, thanks to the inclusion of breathable straps.
Apart from the main compartment, this solar backpack includes more pockets to help one stay organized while carrying different items. The multi-compartments of this solar backpack also feature a classic shape.
Best for large capacity – Eceen solar powered Backpack

What we liked:
✓ It is comfortable to wear
✓ Numerous pockets
✓ Water-resistant
What we didn’t like:
✘ Unclear instructions
What makes this solar backpack stand out from the rest is its large capacity of 78L. This solar backpack is designed with numerous pockets, including a deep main pocket with a string bag, 3 side pockets, a front zipper pocket, and 2 hip belt pockets. However, it is more expensive than other models.
Thanks to the inclusion of strings in this solar backpack, you can bind a sleeping bag. It also features a 20W solar charger and a USB port that can help charge different devices. This solar backpack can accommodate people of different sizes since it offers multi-position torso adjustment. When we tested it, we discovered it was equally comfortable for our tall and short team members.
Thanks to the inclusion of molded channels and open cell foam lumbar pad, it is comfortable to carry around. The manufacturer makes it with water-resistant nylon fabric. It comes in a unique design since it features an S-shaped shoulder strap that has a smooth curved arc for extra comfort. This is also a unisex solar backpack.
Best compact model – Hiking Backpack Travel daypack

What we liked:
✓ 100% money-back guarantee
✓ Ultra-strong
✓ The solar panel is detachable
What we didn’t like:
✘ It is not comfortable since it lacks padding.
The reason why we added this solar backpack to our list is due to its compact design. You can fold it into its zipper pocket when you want to store it and unfold it easily when going on day trips. You can also use it as a carry-on bag during vacations.
It has a nylon lining that makes it lightweight and a zipper closure that enhances convenience during use. It also comes with lots of straps that make it easy to adjust. Though this solar backpack is lightweight, it is not the best for carrying heavy items.
This solar backpack can help one charge multiple devices outdoors due to its 6.5 Watts solar panel. The panel generates 5V/ 1A under direct sunlight. Since the solar panel is detachable, you can carry it or leave it behind.
Another feature we liked is its generous storage capacity since the main compartment can accommodate a 14-inch laptop and has two mesh side pockets that you can use to carry an umbrella or water bottle while hiking. You can also stash an emergency kit into this solar backpack.
What to look out for in buying the best solar backpacks
The following are the main factors you should consider before purchasing a solar backpack.
Capacity
If you want a solar backpack with adequate space, choose one with a capacity above 15 L.
Wattage
Checking the wattage can help determine how fast the solar backpack can charge your devices, so go for one with a high wattage of at least 5 Watts.
Removable solar panel
Though some solar backpacks come with built-in solar panels, those with removable solar panels are more convenient, as the panels can be detached and used without carrying the backpack.
Charging Compatibility
Go for a solar backpack that can help you charge various electronic gadgets, including a laptop, camera, smartphone, or GPS unit.
Durability
Select a solar backpack made from high-quality materials such as polyester and PVC fabric since they can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Weight and comfort
Choose a solar backpack that is not only lightweight but also comfortable with features such as padded shoulder straps, a density foam hip belt, and a high-density molded back.
Pockets and other compartments
A solar backpack with numerous compartments can accommodate many electronic devices and help you stay more organized.
FAQ Section
Does the SUNNYBAG Explorer+ come with a waist strap?
No. This solar backpack does not include a waist strap, but it is still comfortable since it comes in an ergonomic design and is padded.
Does the Eceen solar backpack come with a power bank?
No. This solar backpack does not come with a power bank. However, it can charge your smartphone directly under the sun.
How many USB ports does the Haweel solar backpack have?
This solar backpack comes with only 1 USB port. This means that you can only charge a single device at a time.
Do all solar backpacks come with a battery pack?
Though some do, you may come across models that do not include this feature. If you pick such a solar backpack, consider buying a battery pack separately.
Can I use my devices while charging them in the battery of my solar backpack?
You can, but this is not advisable since this will slow down the charging time.