By Claire WhitakerUpdated November 2026
If you are planning a multi-day ride, a solar panel for bikepacking can keep your phone, GPS, headlamp and power bank topped up when you are far from the nearest outlet. The best choice depends on how much charging you need, how much weight you are willing to carry, and whether the panel can survive rain, dust and being strapped to a bag that gets bounced around on rough singletrack. The seven picks below are compared on wattage, portability, water resistance, output ports and how well they suit typical bikepacking loads.
Our Top Picks
Best overall: Quick Charge ultra-lightweight emergency charging panel
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallFlexSolar 25W Portable Solar Panel ChargerView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for lightweight kitsFoldable Solar Panels 50W Portable Solar Panel ChargerView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for waterproof useBigBlue 35W Solar Charger with Fast Charging USB-A/PD 25W USB-CView on Amazon - 4
Best for small devices10W Mini Solar Panel USB Solar Charger Foldable Portable IP67 WaterproofView on Amazon - 5
Best for mixed devicesGOLUMU 30W Portable Solar Panel Charger with USB-C, USB-A, DC PortView on Amazon - 6
Best budget pickBigBlue 28W High-Efficiency Solar Panel Charger with Dual USB-C and USB-AView on Amazon - 7
Best for fast charging45W Solar Panel Charger for Fast Charging with PD 25W USB-CView on Amazon
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| FlexSolar 25W Portable Solar Panel Charger | Lightweight emergency charging | Built-in USB-A and USB-C ports |
| Foldable Solar Panels 50W Portable Solar Panel Charger | Higher daily charging | Three output ports including DC |
| BigBlue 35W Solar Charger | Waterproof use on the road | IP68 rating and USB-A/PD 25W USB-C |
| 10W Mini Solar Panel USB Solar Charger | Small devices and lights | IP67 waterproof, compact fold |
| GOLUMU 30W Portable Solar Panel Charger | Mixed phone and tablet charging | USB-C, USB-A and DC port with IP67 rating |
| BigBlue 28W High-Efficiency Solar Panel Charger | Budget-minded riders | Dual USB-C and USB-A outputs |
| 45W Solar Panel Charger Fast Charging | Fast phone top-ups | PD 25W USB-C and USB-A with IP68 listing |
FlexSolar 25W Portable Solar Panel Charger
Quick Charge , ultra-lightweight emergency charging power for hiking, backpacking, camping and outdoor FlexSolar 25W Portable Solar Panel Charger Built-in USB-A & USB-C Ports
Best for: Lightweight emergency charging on short-to-medium tours
This is a good fit for riders who mainly need to keep a phone, GPS unit or headlamp alive over a few days and want the lightest possible addition to the handlebar or rear rack.
Key specs
- 25W rated panel
- Built-in USB-A and USB-C ports
- Designed for hiking, backpacking and camping use
Pros
- Very light for the output class
- Built-in ports mean no separate cable needed to start charging
- Simple setup for quick top-ups at breaks
Cons
- Slower charging than higher-wattage panels in partial sun
- Limited capacity for larger power banks or multiple devices
Bottom line: Pick this if you want the smallest possible setup and mainly charge a phone or GPS.
Foldable Solar Panels 50W Portable Solar Panel Charger
[Upgraded] Foldable Solar Panels 50W Portable Solar Panel Charger 3 Output Ports (USB-A USB-C DC) Folding Solar Panel for Camping Hiking RV Outdoor Activities
Best for: Higher daily charging for groups or riders with several devices
Riders carrying a laptop-class power bank, action camera and phone will get more out of the extra wattage, provided they can stop in reasonable sun for a few hours.
Key specs
- 50W rated foldable panel
- Three output ports (USB-A, USB-C and DC)
- Marketed for camping, hiking and RV use
Pros
- Higher output suits multi-device charging
- Three output types cover most gadgets
- Folds down for transport on a rack or in a bag
Cons
- Larger folded footprint than mini panels
- Heavier to strap onto a bike or pack
Bottom line: Choose this if your daily charging needs justify a bigger, heavier panel.
BigBlue 35W Solar Charger with Fast Charging USB-A/PD 25W USB-C
IP68 Waterproof, 25.4% High Efficiency, Lighweight Solar Panels for iPhone/Android, iPad, Power Bank, Camping, Backpacking [Upgraded] BigBlue 35W Solar Charger with Fast Charging USB-A/PD 25W USB-C
Best for: Waterproof use in rain-prone regions
Riders touring in wet climates, or anyone who expects the panel to get splashed on gravel and mud, will value the sealed construction and the fast USB-C output.
Key specs
- 35W rated output
- IP68 waterproof listing
- USB-A and PD 25W USB-C outputs
Pros
- Strong water-resistance rating for the category
- PD output supports fast charging on compatible devices
- Good balance between wattage and portability
Cons
- Fast charging only works with compatible cables and devices
- Needs direct sun to reach rated output
Bottom line: A strong all-round choice for riders who want waterproofing and fast phone charging together.
10W Mini Solar Panel USB Solar Charger Foldable Portable IP67 Waterproof
10W Mini Solar Panel, USB Solar Charger Foldable Portable IP67 Waterproof Solar Powered Battery Charger for Small Fan, Camera, Water Pump, Bicycle, Power Bank, Camping Lantern
Best for: Small devices, lights and minimal loads
Riders who only need to top up a headlamp, a small fan or a compact power bank will find this the simplest and lightest option in the group.
Key specs
- 10W rated mini panel
- IP67 waterproof listing
- Foldable design
Pros
- Very compact and light
- IP67 rating suits wet conditions
- Low cost of carry in terms of bulk
Cons
- Too slow for phone-plus-GPS-plus-power-bank setups
- Limited output for larger devices
Bottom line: Best for minimalist riders who only need occasional top-ups for small electronics.
GOLUMU 30W Portable Solar Panel Charger with USB-C, USB-A, DC Port
30W Portable Solar Panel Charger with USB-C, USB-A, DC Port, GOLUMU Outdoor IP67 Waterproof Foldable Solar Phone Charger for Camping Hiking Backpacking High Efficiency Cellphones Tablets Fast Charging
Best for: Mixed phone, tablet and accessory charging
Riders who carry a range of devices and want one panel that handles USB-C, USB-A and a DC connection without needing an adapter for each.
Key specs
- 30W rated output
- USB-C, USB-A and DC ports
- IP67 waterproof listing
Pros
- Multiple port types reduce adapter clutter
- IP67 rating for wet-weather riding
- Middle wattage suits most single-rider loads
Cons
- Port count is fewer than some multi-output panels
- Output varies with sun angle and cloud cover
Bottom line: A practical middle-ground option for riders with a few different devices.
BigBlue 28W High-Efficiency Solar Panel Charger with Dual USB-C and USB-A
Solar Phone Charger for Camping, Backpacking, Folding Solar Panels for iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Power Bank, GPS etc BigBlue 28W High-Efficiency Solar Panel Charger with Dual USB-C and USB-A
Best for: Budget-minded riders who still want dual USB-C and USB-A output
Riders who want a sensible wattage and two output types without paying for premium features will find this a solid compromise.
Key specs
- 28W rated panel
- Dual USB-C and USB-A outputs
- Foldable, portable design
Pros
- Two output types cover most modern devices
- Reasonable wattage for daily top-ups
- Established brand name in the category
Cons
- Lower waterproof rating than the top-rated IP68 options
- Slower charging than the 35W and 45W models
Bottom line: A good value pick for riders who want a dependable middle-of-the-road panel.
45W Solar Panel Charger for Fast Charging with PD 25W USB-C
26% High Efficiency,IP68 Waterproof,Portable Solar Panel for iPhone,iPad,Power Bank,Tablets,Camping,Backpacking,Hiking 45W Solar Panel Charger Fast Charging for Phone PD 25W USB-C/USB-A
Best for: Fast phone charging when sun is strong
Riders who want the highest wattage in this group and plan to charge phones and tablets quickly during midday stops.
Key specs
- 45W rated panel
- PD 25W USB-C and USB-A outputs
- IP68 waterproof listing
Pros
- Highest wattage among the seven picks
- PD output for fast charging on compatible devices
- IP68 listing for wet conditions
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than the smaller panels
- Needs strong direct sun to approach rated output
Bottom line: Best if you have strong sun on your route and want the fastest possible charging.
Buying Guide
Wattage and real-world output
Rated wattage is measured under ideal conditions. In practice, output drops with cloud cover, low sun angle and panel tilt. A 25W panel might deliver a fraction of that on a hazy afternoon. Plan for roughly half of rated output as a working estimate, and size your panel to your largest daily load.
Good picks for this: FlexSolar 25W Portable Solar Panel Charger, Foldable Solar Panels 50W Portable Solar Panel Charger
Output ports and compatibility
Check whether the panel has USB-A, USB-C, PD or a DC port. USB-C with PD charges modern phones faster, while USB-A remains common on older gear. A DC port helps if you run a compatible power bank or small device directly.
Good picks for this: BigBlue 35W Solar Charger with Fast Charging USB-A/PD 25W USB-C, GOLUMU 30W Portable Solar Panel Charger
Water resistance
Look at the IP rating. IP67 means protection against temporary immersion, and IP68 covers longer or deeper immersion according to the manufacturer’s stated depth and time. Waterproofing matters more on wet tours than on dry desert routes, and sealed ports are worth checking.
Good picks for this: BigBlue 35W Solar Charger, 10W Mini Solar Panel USB Solar Charger
Size, weight and folded footprint
Measure the folded size against your handlebar bag, frame bag or rear rack. Panels that fold to a flat rectangle usually strap more easily than ones with thick hinges. Weight matters on climbs, so compare the listed weight with the wattage you actually need.
Good picks for this: FlexSolar 25W Portable Solar Panel Charger, 10W Mini Solar Panel USB Solar Charger
Mounting and attachment
Most riders secure a panel with voile straps, bungee cords or a dedicated mounting kit on the top of a rear rack or handlebar bag. Make sure the panel can face the sun while you ride, or plan to stop and prop it at camp. Avoid dragging panels in dusty conditions where grit can scratch the surface.
Good picks for this: BigBlue 28W High-Efficiency Solar Panel Charger, 45W Solar Panel Charger for Fast Charging
Durability and cable management
Check cable quality, connector strain relief and the material of the panel cover. Keep spare cables and an adapter, since a damaged cable can leave you with a working panel and no way to charge. Store the panel in a protective sleeve when packed.
Good picks for this: Foldable Solar Panels 50W Portable Solar Panel Charger, GOLUMU 30W Portable Solar Panel Charger
Use case and tour length
Short weekend trips may only need a small panel, while week-long tours with multiple devices justify more wattage. Think about how many hours of sun you can realistically expect each day and how much time you will spend stopped.
Good picks for this: 45W Solar Panel Charger for Fast Charging, BigBlue 28W High-Efficiency Solar Panel Charger
FAQ
How much solar power do I need for bikepacking?
It depends on your devices. Add up the watt-hours your phone, GPS, headlamp and power bank need each day, then compare that with what your panel can realistically deliver in sun. Many riders plan for a power bank as a buffer so the panel only needs to recharge it during the day.
Can a solar panel charge my phone while I ride?
Most riders strap the panel to the bike or pack while riding, which can work if the panel receives sun. For best output, prop it facing the sun during breaks and charge then. Charging directly from a panel mounted on a moving bike is less reliable because the angle changes constantly.
Are solar panels waterproof?
Some are, but waterproof ratings vary. Check the IP rating and the manufacturer’s stated conditions. Even waterproof panels benefit from being wiped clean and kept away from prolonged submersion or harsh chemicals.
Do solar panels work in cloudy weather?
They produce less output under cloud cover, sometimes a small fraction of rated wattage. Charging is still possible in diffuse light, but it will be slower. Plan longer stops on overcast days or carry a larger power bank.
Should I use a power bank with my solar panel?
Often yes. A power bank stores energy during the day so you can charge devices when the panel is not in direct sun. It also helps protect your phone from unstable charging conditions. Choose a power bank with a capacity that matches your daily needs.
How should I store a solar panel between trips?
Keep it dry, clean and folded according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid storing it in very hot or freezing environments for long periods, and check cables and ports before each tour.
Conclusion
For most riders, a mid-range panel offers the best balance of output, weight and water resistance. The FlexSolar 25W panel suits minimalist kits, the 50W foldable model fits riders with more devices, and the BigBlue 35W is a strong choice for wet routes. Riders who want the fastest charging on sunny routes should look at the 45W panel, while the 10W mini panel works for small loads. Match the wattage to your daily needs, check the port types against your gear, and verify the water-resistance rating for your climate before you buy.
Sources
- Background on how solar panels convert sunlight into electricity and how output varies with conditions (energy.gov)
- Research on photovoltaic performance and factors that affect real-world output (nrel.gov)
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About Claire Whitaker
Claire Whitaker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our bike touring & bikepacking guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
