Power up your backcountry excursions with this lightweight Nestout solar charger

Being off the grid can be a lot of fun. But it’s certainly helpful to have access to your phone or other electronic devices for navigation, photography, communications and illumination.

Nestout’s Solar Charger V2 is an updated, compact solar panel array that’s lightweight, water-resistant, easy to use and reliable for power when you need it most. It features USB Type-C and Type-A ports to better match modern charging cables. You can pair the 2-panel or 4- panel solar chargers with any of Nestout’s portable power banks to store energy. The Solar Charger V2 comes with a built-in digital ammeter to measure your real-time charging at a glance. The provided stand allows you to create a wide range of angles to match the sun’s position for maximum efficiency, and the hanging loops let you drape it over your backpack so you can charge on the move. It’s constructed with a durable ripstop nylon and designed for realistic backcountry use. The two-panel unit weighs just over a pound (the four-panel is 2 pounds), so it’s not too much of a burden for backpackers.

Charging times will vary based on conditions, but on a sunny day, you can generate enough power with a two-panel unit to fully charge a cellphone in about five hours. It’s a convenient way to stay connected when you’re far from any other power source.

Price: $80-$130, nestout.com

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.