Solar Panel Charger USB Port Portable High Power Paper Shaped Monocrystalline Silicon for Cell Phone Camping Hiking Travel

* Updated review after using the panel for my northbound John Muir Trail backpacking trip. The panel worked flawlessly when combined with a 15,000 mAh battery. However, I probably could have gone with a 10,000 mAh battery to save some additional weight. Sizing the battery is a risk management decision because there is always uncertainty with the weather and cloud cover. The panel does not do well in cloudy conditions. The panel was strapped on top of the backpack to maximize power collection. The solar panel provided sufficient power to be completely self-sufficient for the entire 240 plus miles/17 day hike. Another advantage of having a solar panel is it reduces the need to charge the battery bank at a resupply point, saving time. The panel kept me on the trail longer and reduced the risk of running out of power. I was able to charge my iPhone and Garmin inReach to 100% every night. Great addition to my backpacking list.Charging Data on August 2021 JMT Hike: 2,250 mAh on a cloudy day to 3,900 mAh on a sunny day. It's quite possible to charge even more considering that some of days the battery charged to 100%.The solar panel was sufficient to power my iPhone 11 (4,352 mAh battery) and Garmin mini InReach (1,250 mAh battery). The iPhone was on power saving mode but on the entire day using roughly half the battery. The inReach was on while hiking in tracking mode that used about half the battery each day.My review was written from a backpacking perspective. Weight is always an issue when hiking and that played an important part in my decision making. The panel weighs around 3.5 ounces by itself. When I added the velcro, cord, and charging cable, the panel system weighed at 3.9 ounces. This panel is slightly heavier than an alternative advertised on Amazon, both will work well. I like this panel because it's really easy to mount on the top of my pack because of the existing holes on each corner. If you are an ounce counter you could trim the panel or go with the alternate panel and drill your own holes in each corner. I have tested this panel on multiple backpacking trips and the panel worked very well. This panel is my choice for backpacking.Major Points* Light - around 3.5 ounces (3.9 ounces with velcro, charging cable, and cord)* Charge will vary depending on how the panel is oriented and available sunlight. I was able to charge around 1,000 mAh on a partially cloudy day and over 3,000 mAh in the winter months. During the JMT hike in August the charge varied from 2,250 mAh on a cloudy day to 3,900 mAh on a sunny day.* Placed velcro on a battery pack and the panel so they can be attached. Attaching the battery to the panel has multiple benefits. The panel and battery are kept together and this allows for a short cord. A short cord equals less power loss (less resistance) and less weight.* Buy a battery pack. Do not use the panel to charge your phone directly. The panel only works in sunlight and the second you walk into the shade your phone won't charge. Attaching directly to your phone will be like plugging your phone into an outlet and unplugging every few minutes. I would not recommend this panel if you are simply connecting directly to your phone. I recommend you buy a battery pack that can withstand the on/off/on/off/on/off sequence that occurs on the trail. Also, having a battery pack provides an extra layer of safety if it's cloudy during your hike. I sized my battery pack for my emergency power needs (inReach) with the plan for the panel to provide the power to keep my phone charged for taking videos, photos, and using a navigation app.* EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: Use a short and high quality charging cable for the battery and your phone. If you use a long and low quality charging cable you will be wasting your time and money with the panel. I tested the charging capability on different cables and there can be a large difference. If the panel has not worked for you, check your cable. Also, the shorter the charging cable the lower the resistance and lighter the weight.I recommend this panel when coupled with a battery pack. The panel is a nice addition to my gear list on backpacking trips that extend beyond just a weekend.

Despite my 1-star review, I recommend this panel as long as you know what you're getting in to! As others have noted, it is NOT a 10W panel. If the listing is changed to be accurate, I will change my rating.Here's what you're buying: A 3-5W panel that weighs 85g (3oz).In one hour of full sun during the peak solar window (11am - 1pm), I was able to charge 746 mAh on to my 3750 mAh battery pack (more on that below). I was only able to get 4.0W (5.01V, 0.80A) out of it, but I think the panel could probably do 5W (5V/1A) under ideal conditions and load. Plan on 3W under less than ideal sun.Don't expect to charge your phone unless you have perfect conditions (no shade or clouds) for several hours. Phones will turn on and off in response to variable current. When the screen comes on, you're draining power. So you have to use a battery pack, then charge your phone from the battery. My battery pack was happy to keep charging as I walked around the yard, in and out of shade, and at various angles to the sun.This is great for backpacking. It's the lightest panel I was able to find, and I'm pretty confident it will work. Pair this with the Ravpower 3750 mAh lipstick battery pack (70g/2.5oz), and a charging cable (9g/0.3oz) and you have a full charging solution under 6 oz for the trail.One concern is that the panel isn't the most robust piece of gear. While the solar cell is waterproof (sealed in plastic), the USB part definitely isn't. Just put it in a ziploc bag if it starts raining and don't drop your pack on it.

I bought this to charge my charging banks on a 2-week backpacking trek in New Mexico. Overall, I was happy with the effectiveness, though it was not as good as I had hoped.I had heard about how it wasn't a good option for charging a phone directly, so I used it only for battery banks, including one that has a charge display, so I was able to tell if charging was successful, even if it was just a small amount.Every time I used it, I pointed it directly towards the sun and it was always on a day with few to no clouds. About half the time, it didn't seem to charge at all, even after a few hours in the sun. Other times, an hour pointing towards the sun would add 10-15% to the battery pack.Strangely, it seemed to work best when the sun was lower in the sky, and the solar cell was pointing towards it, rather than when the sun was directly above, and the solar cell was pointing towards it.This is the only solar charger I've used, but based on other reviews and what is available now, it seems like the quality of this charger is good for the price, and great for anyone who needs a charge in the backcountry, without needing constant power. I definitely plan to use it on future trips.