Image by Suzanne Downing
Most outdoor activities promote the value of being self-sufficient — especially when it comes to your power. Whether you’re camping in the wilderness, overlanding for a week in the desert or hiking along remote trails, you likely don’t have reliable access to electricity. Fortunately, advancements by a collective of engineers working on solar technology over the years have led to some helpful and innovative outdoor gadgets that are eco-friendly and practical.
From portable chargers to solar-powered lights, these gadgets continue revolutionizing the way we experience activities outdoors. And these gadgets can open new possibilities for extending your outdoor adventures or simply adding some comforts of home.
Below are some solar-powered outdoor gadgets that could enhance your next adventure.
Solar-Powered Charger Bank
Image courtesy of BigBlue
Imagine being in the heart of nature with no access to electrical outlets. That’s where a solar-powered charger comes in handy. While compact solar-powered chargers for items like your phone or tablet have been around for decades, product engineers have made these solar-powered charges better over time. Simply attach the solar-powered charger to your backpack while hiking, and let the sun do the rest. Whether you need to charge your phone for emergencies or power up your GPS device, a solar charger ensures you stay connected wherever you go. There are seemingly countless solar-powered charging banks online with a variety of price points, sizes and weights you can choose from.
Product recommendations: BigBlue SolarPowa 28
In the field: During a multi-day backpacking trip, you find your GPS device and cell phone are low on battery power. With a compact solar-powered charger, you can charge your devices on the go or set up the charger during breaks to make sure your devices stay juiced up for navigation, communication and photo capturing.
Solar-Powered Lantern
Image by Suzanne Downing
When night falls, often having adequate lighting outdoors is important for safety and convenience. That’s where a solar-powered lantern can come in handy. A solar-powered lantern is a lightweight and eco-friendly alternative to traditional gas or battery-powered options. You can hang it in your tent or around the campsite to illuminate your surroundings without relying on finite energy sources.
Product recommendation: LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1 Phone Charger Lantern (read our extended review here)
LuminAID has an entire line of various solar-powered lights with varying price points. The Phone Charger Lantern is one of their most popular items and you can easily strap this to the outside of your backpack to charge while you’re hiking.
In the field: John and his friends are camping in a remote area with no access to electricity. As they gather around the campfire, they use their solar-powered lantern to light up the area, creating a cozy ambiance for storytelling and late-night snacks.
Solar-Powered Shower
Image courtesy of Advanced Elements
After a long day of hiking or biking, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing shower to rejuvenate the body and spirit. With a solar-powered shower, you can enjoy hot water anytime, anywhere, without the need for electricity or gas. Simply fill the bag with water, let it soak up the sun’s rays, and voila — a warm shower awaits.
Product recommendation: Advanced Elements 5-Gallon Summer Solar Shower
In the field: You’re on a week-long camping trip and would really love a hot shower after two days of hiking. Using a solar-powered shower, you can hang it from a tree branch, allowing the sun to heat the water while you explore the surrounding wilderness. When you return to base camp, you’re greeted with a luxurious warm shower.
Solar-Powered Cooler
Image courtesy of GoSun
Keeping food and beverages cold outdoors can be a challenge, especially in hot climates. That’s where a solar-powered cooler comes in handy. By harnessing the power of the sun, these coolers keep your items chilled without the need for ice or electricity, making them ideal for camping, boating, and picnicking. With this option, you can expect to pay a lot more than a traditional ice chest. As an investment, this option may be the best fit for extended overlanding trips.
Product recommendation: GoSun Chill Solar Cooler & Solar Panel Combo
In the field: You’re hosting an overlanding trip in the desert with friends and wants to keep drinks and food cold without ice. With a solar-powered cooler, you can set the cooler up in a central location, allowing the sun to keep the beverages chilled throughout the week.
Solar-Powered Fan
Image courtesy of DOWILLDO
Staying cool outside can be a challenge, especially during the sweltering summer months and you’re far from an air conditioning unit. A solar-powered fan offers a good alternative solution — providing a refreshing breeze without the need for batteries or electrical outlets. Whether you’re lounging at the beach or relaxing in your tent, a solar fan keeps you comfortable and cool.
Product recommendation: DOWILLDO Compact Solar Fan
In the field: You’re camping in the mountains, and the summer heat is relentless. To escape the heat during the day, you set up their solar-powered fan inside your tent, creating a cool and comfortable retreat for afternoon naps and reading sessions.
Solar-Powered Radio
Image courtesy of Kaito
In remote areas where cell phone reception is unreliable, a solar-powered radio is a lifeline for communication and entertainment. Whether you’re tuning in to weather updates or listening to your favorite tunes, a solar radio ensures you stay informed and entertained no matter where your outdoor adventures take you.
Product recommendation: Kaito KA500 Voyager Solar Powered Radio
In the field: You’re on a five-day camping trip in the wilderness and you want to stay updated on the local weather forecast. With your solar-powered radio, you can tune in to the latest updates while enjoying breakfast by the campfire, giving your peace of mind as you plan your day’s activities.
Solar-Powered Flashlight
Image courtesy of MPOWERD
One of the most versatile outdoor solar-powered gadgets on the market is the MPOWERED Luci Beam 3 in 1 flashlight/headlamp combo. It combines the functionality of a flashlight, lantern, and headlamp into one compact and lightweight device. With its solar-powered design, it’s perfect for illuminating your way during nighttime adventures or emergencies. You can charge it fully before heading out and use the sun to sustain the charge. With one full charge on flashlight mode you’ll get 4 hours of light on high, 12 hours on medium and 30 hours on low. In headlamp mode with a full charge you’ll get 2 hours of light on high, 6 hours of light on medium and 24 hours of light on low with one full charge.
Product recommendation: MPOWERD Luci Beam 3 in 1 Flashlight Headlamp
In the field: You’re camping with your family, and you need to use the restroom in the middle of the night. With a solar-powered compact headlamp strapped to you head, you can navigate the dark forest paths with ease.
Suzanne Downing is an outdoor writer and photographer in Montana with an environmental science journalism background. Her work can be found in Outdoors Unlimited, Bugle Magazine, Missoulian, Byline Magazine, Communique, MTPR online, UM Native News, National Wildlife Federation campaigns and more.
