Yash
The solar backpack is a smart choice if you like adventure sports like mountain climbing, trekking, hiking, etc.
These adventure sports take you away from the main city and its facilities.
It isn’t easy to find a power socket to charge your smartphone, laptop, cameras, and other gadgets.
And this energy scarcity can spoil your adventure sport.
Therefore, you need a compatible energy source that can charge your devices and keeps the essential items with you in an emergency.
The compact, sleek, and durable solar backpack is the smart choice.
But it is essential to know the key features before investing in solar backpacks.
What is a Solar Backpack?
It is a bag that is integrated with a solar panel.
The solar panel uses solar energy to charge the gadgets such as laptops, smartphones, cameras, etc while you are on your go.
The solar panel can be stitched with the bag.
Or
it is detachable and can be attached when required.
Some solar backpacks come with power banks.
The solar panels charge the power bank while you are moving and the energy stored in the power bank can later be used for charging the devices even in the night.
Some power banks have the option to be charged with both sources from solar as well as from AC sockets.
This feature is a good one as it gives you the flexibility to charge the power bank from both sources.
The working of a Solar Backpack
The main interface between solar energy and your gadgets is the solar panel.
It is a device that absorbs sunlight and produces current to charge the devices.
The solar is made by joining the silicon cells.
Silicon is a semiconductor material that is found abundantly on the earth’s crust.
We see two types of solar panels:
Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline.
Read: Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline solar panels
The monocrystalline solar panels are sleeker in design, compact, look aesthetically good, and produce more power in a limited space.
The solar backpack has a space constraint.
Therefore, a solar backpack with a monocrystalline solar panel integrated with it should be your choice.
The power produced by the solar panel changes throughout the day due to the variation in the Peak Sun Hours.
It is at least during sunrise and sunset.
It is the maximum in noon time when the sun is overhead.
However, there are times such as cloudy weather when solar panels produce less power.
Therefore, the charging time of the devices varies depending on the sunlight intensity.
On a clear sunny day, the solar backpack can charge your smartphone in 1-2 hours to full.
The solar panel is integrated at the top of the bag.
This makes it convenient for the user to hang at the back while walking and climbing and doing any other physical activity.
How to choose the right Solar Backpack?
The right solar backpack for you depends on many factors.
Let us discuss the important ones.
1. Bag Capacity
It is the volume of the bag in liters.
An average size solar backpack has a 15 – 20 liters capacity.
This is sufficient for a person planning a short adventure trip and keeping a laptop, clothes, books, and some eatables.
In case, you are planning a long trip then a bag of 50-60 liters capacity would be ideal.
That can handle big loads such as hiking equipment and the big camera set etc.
2. Power of the solar panel (wattage)
The wattage is the power rating of the solar panel that is integrated with the backpack.
This rating is under STC.
Most solar backpacks have a power rating between 5 watts to 15 watts.
The 5-Watts solar panel is sufficient to charge your smartphone effectively.
In case you need to charge other electronics that too simultaneously then you need a bigger size solar panel.
Such as 10 to 15 watts solar panels.
Also, the charging time and the amount of power produced depend on the sunlight intensity.
As it varies throughout the day so as the charging of the devices.
3. Integrated or detachable solar panel
The integrated solar panel solar backpack does not require attaching the solar panel every time.
But the option of a detachable solar panel makes the solar backpack more user-friendly.
The user can detach the solar panels when it is not required such as at night and can lighten the back.
4. Battery Capacity
The battery capacity is important for any adventure.
The battery can provide power at night and keep your smartphone and other devices charged.
The capacity is defined in terms of mAh.
Li-ion batteries are used in solar backpacks.
These are small, compact, lightweight, and store more charge per unit volume when compared to lead-acid batteries of similar capacities.
5. Weight
Every gram weight becomes important when you are planning a long hike or overnight trekking or walking all day.
The weight becomes important if the hiking distance increases. Look for the bag with the lightest weight in that category.
6. The option of wall outlet charging
The solar backpack works effectively when the sunlight is good and it can even charge the battery back faster.
But when there is cloudy weather then it takes long hours to charge the battery.
And
The battery charging becomes even more crucial when you are planning an overnight trekking or hiking.
Leaving a hotel with a battery fully charged poses a risk of losing communication if the smartphone battery dies out.
But if you have to charge the power bank with an AC socket available in the hotel or at home.
Then you can easily charge it fully and take it with you for hiking.
Solar energy can be used as a top-up energy to charge the smartphone or the battery back in need.
7. Pockets, wires, sockets, and plugs
It is important that your solar backpack has several separate sections to keep things systematic.
Such as for keeping the water bottle, laptop, books, clothes, food items, medical box, toiletries, etc.
Also, it should have multiple ports and sockets to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
In case, one port is not working then the user can use the second port to power the device.
8. Budget
Most solar backpacks start from $ 100 and are limited to $500.
Depending on the features, size, power, charging time, and others.
I strongly recommend choosing the solar backpack that meets your requirements in your budget.
9. Warranty
The warranty of the solar backpack is very important for your peace of mind.
The solar backpack should give a warranty for its durability, solar panels, and safety.
Most solar backpacks come with a 2 to 5 years warranty.
The solar panels come with 25 years warranty.
Benefits of a Solar Backpack
- Eco-friendly: The energy produced by the solar panels is clean. The whole process of conversion of sunlight into electricity by solar panels does not produce any gases.
- Easy to use: You need not to do anything special. If you want to charge the device just plug in it with a solar panel wire and the device starts charging.
- Lightweight: Despite the integrated solar panels, the backpacks are lightweight and durable.
- Best for emergency use: These backpacks are designed for emergencies. Consider you are trekking and your smartphone battery is about to die. You need to talk at home. The solar backpack can save you in this hour. The solar panels can charge your smartphone and you can talk to your family.
- Durable: The backpack is made of durable material which is water-proof.
Also, the solar panels integrated with the bag are very durable. It has a performance life of over 25 years. It means that the solar panel can provide power to the appliances for 25 years.
However, there is a certain reduction in the power say 20% of Pmax after 25 years.
- Low Maintenance: These bags require very little maintenance. And the solar panel attached requires regular cleaning of the panel surface in the name of maintenance.
Drawbacks of a Solar Backpack
Variable charging hours
It is a fact that solar panels can power your appliances when there is sun in the sky.
Also, the sunlight intensity varies throughout the day.
That can charge your smartphone in less or more hours.
I mean it is not fixed.
It depends on the intensity of sunlight.
Also, at night the solar panels will not work.
But the li-ion batteries can save you in this case.
The solar panels charge the batteries during the day.
And these batteries store energy in chemical form. Which can be used later in the night or when required.
Limited Electric Supply
You can not withdraw power for 24 hours. The power supply from the solar panel is limited till the time sunlight is there.
However, the Li-ion battery can compensate for this limitation by powering your devices in cloudy weather or at night.
Best Solar Backpacks on the market
The definition of the best solar back depends on the individual factors which we have discussed above.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Which means I will recieve commissions on successful buying of the products. However, I strongly recommend these solar backpacks when it comes to adventure sports and your mobility under the sun.
However, I have a few best ones in my mind that I want to share with you.
SUNNY Bag ICONIC
“It can be used for both work and leisure activities“
It has ample storage space of 20 liters with padded separate compartments.
Thus, giving you the comfort of keeping your items safe.
Also, it has an integrated highly efficient (22.4%) SUNPOWER solar panel which can charge your smartphone and other devices very fast.
The SUNNY bag has a different color LED system.
That gives an idea about the power being generated by the solar panel and the time it will take to charge the device.
The power output varies throughout the day.
The effective LED management system helps the user to understand the mechanism and he can plan device charging accordingly.
ECEEN 10-watts solar backpack
“Strong, light weight and stylish backpack which is ideal for all kinds of travel activities like camping, hiking, and biking“
Its 10-watt highly efficient, lightweight, and removable solar panel can charge your smartphone, I-pad, and tablet from 0% to 100% in less time.
It also has a 10,000-mAh lithium-ion battery which can be used to power your devices at night or when sunlight is not available.
Solgaard life pack Backpack
“A well-organized backpak keeping a right balance between work and play”
This backpack is designed in a way that you can keep both your work and play-related things well-organized in the same bag.
If you work from home for 2 days and then go for travel for the next three days.
Then this bag is ideal for you.
This bag has secret pockets and an anti-theft lock that keeps your personal belonging like credit and debit cards safe and secure.
It comes with a 24 month’s warranty
It is made from upcycled ocean-bound plastic procured from coastal communities.
Hence each bag you order helps in cleaning 6 lbs of plastic from the ocean.
This bag comes with a holding capacity of a little less than 18 liters.
Voltaic Systems Converter Solar Backpack
“Ideal for person who loves to commute on two-wheelers”
This 20-liter capacity solar backpack has highly efficient (22%) 6.6 watts of matte black SunPower solar panels.
It keeps your devices charged wherever the day takes you.
This lightweight backpack is made from 21 recycled plastic bottles.
It has dedicated side pockets for holding small electronics.
FAQ
Q1. How to care for and clean solar backpacks?
Most solar backpacks require very little maintenance.
However, follow the instruction manual and tips for the right cleaning and the longer life of the solar backpack.
Q2. Which are the reliable and best solar backpack brands in the market?
SUNNY Bag, ECEEN, Voltaic Systems, Solgaard, Haweel, and Lifepod.
Q3. Can I use the solar backpack for charging the smartphone?
Yes, solar backpacks can charge your smartphones, I-pads, laptops, and other small electronic devices.
Q4. How long does a solar backpack last?
Most of solar backpacks come with a warranty of 2 to 5 years.
Conclusion
Solar backpacks are a good choice for people who love to commute under the sun.
And
It is a smart option for people who love to travel out for trekking, hiking and mountain climbing, and other related sports.
The solar backpack offers many benefits such as:
- It provides clean energy
- Compact and lightweight
- Durable and water resistant
- Comes with padded compartments which are safe for keeping a laptop or other delicate items.
- Some solar backpacks offer an anti-theft feature (Solgaard) which is great for people keeping important items such as debit and credit cards.
- Often comes with a rechargeable Li-ion battery which can be used to power devices at the night
- Highly efficient solar panel with an efficiency of >=20% which can charge your smartphone fast.
- Solar panels are very durable with operating life of over 25 years.
- It also helps in mitigating carbon emissions from the air.
One can demarcate solar backpacks on the basis of:
- Integrated solar panels solar backpacks
- Detachable solar panel backpack
- Bag Capacity
- Power-wise solar backpack
- Battery capacity
- Number of charging sockets and plugs
- Warranty
Thank you
Yash
