Venturing into the wild is like driving an electric vehicle. There's always one worry lurking in the back of your mind: Do you have enough juice to power through the trip? Being stuck in the middle of nowhere without power can be an uncomfortable or even harrowing experience. Especially if you have to stumble out of your tent at night to go to the bathroom with a dead headlamp. Not only are AA batteries expensive, but they also drain fast, pollute the environment, and corrode when wet. 

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Alternatively, solar lanterns and battery packs may not charge properly if the weather isn't ideal. Your best bet is to invest in a portable solar charger made of panels that can do the job quickly and effectively. But which panel is the best? It's helpful to understand how electricity works before you begin shopping. 

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Many people use the analogy of piped water: Think of voltage as water pressure and amperage as the size of the pipe. Electricity generation depends on both voltage and amperage, so solar chargers are evaluated by multiplying voltage and amperage, which gives you the 'wattage' advertised on solar panels. In other words, if a charger collectively puts out 5 Volts via one 2.4 Amp USB, it generates 12 watts of power. We looked at panels that range between 15 and 28 watts and that offer enough power without added bulkiness.

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But even in bright sunlight, most panels don't reach advertised levels of volts and therefore watts. Plus, some devices always charge at lower amps. Some portable chargers can function in any weather, while others go into a tailspin when clouds hover overhead and then fail to reconnect afterward. Size and weight are also key factors to consider while you shop for a portable charger. 

I analyzed the market to find you the best portable solar charger for your budget and needs.

SunJack 25 Watt Foldable Solar Panel Charger

Best overall portable solar charger

• Fast charger
• Works with many devices
• Light
• 12-month warranty

• Relatively expensive

SunJack 25 Watt Foldable Solar Panel Charger tech specs: Watts: 25W  Auto reset: Yes  Ports: 2 x USB-A  Amps: 3 amps each (3A max)  Weight: 1.9 pounds  Size: 12.5 x 8 x 1.25 inches (unfolded)

This portable solar charger ensures your devices stay juiced while you enjoy camping, hiking, and more. It features smart IC chip technology, which recognizes which device(s) you're charging and adapts currents to maximize charging speeds -- its speed is similar to a wall charger. 

The compact, foldable design makes it convenient for travel. The solar charger weighs under two pounds, and with its ETFE construction, it's more than capable of handling your rugged adventures. 

Best of all, it works with any device using USB for charging. It means iPads, iPhones, Samsung, and Google devices will all work with this charger. It comes with a 12-month, hassle-free warranty to offer you peace of mind and protection. 

BigBlue 5V 28W Solar Charger

Most reliable portable solar charger

• Modest price
• Impervious to clouds
• Durable
• Optional Digital Ammeter

• Bulky

BigBlue 5V 28W Solar Charger tech specs: Watts: 28W  Auto reset: Yes  Ports: 3 x USB-A  Amps: 2.4 each (5V/4.8A max)  Weight: 20.5 oz  Size: 11.1