5 Best Solar Chargers for iPhone4S

GPS, smartphone, and video camera, those are many sportsmen won’t leave without. These technological tools have their benefits and applications, but only as long as they have power, especially for your iPhone. Below are top 5 solar chargers for your iPhone when you are outdoor.

1. Brunton Explorer2

The Explorer2 is a true go-anywhere solar charger. It weighs under a pound (14.8 ounces) and folds down to a compact 4.5 by 9.5 inches, but unfolds to 27.25 by 9.5 inches. If you’re going for a day hike with only a small pack, the unit will fit nicely. It charges directly but only has a USB output—fine for most handheld devices, but for larger items you’ll need a separate power system. The four solar panels increased the charge of the 4S by about 35 percent in one hour. Corner grommets allow the unit to be strapped down or hung up. At under $100, the Explorer2 is a great value.

Overall: ★ ★ ★ ★
Portability: A+
Durability: B
Chargeability: A-
Ease of Use: A+
Versatility: A-
Price/Value: A
Price: $96 / bruntonoutdoor.com
Final Word: Nothing flashy here, but you can get a ton of functionality from under $100.

2. Bushnell SolarWrap 250

The scroll-like SolarWrap 250 earns points for creativity. The paper-thin solar panel rolls up into a protective case that measures 9.5 by 2.5 inches (unfurled, it measures 9.5 by 15). The USB outlets are on the ends (under caps), so you can charge from the battery while on the move without risking damage to the panel. The SolarWrap doesn’t charge directly, but it packs a punch once the internal lithium ion battery is charged. That took all day, but then it brought the phone from 50 percent to full in one hour. The lightest unit in the test (9.5 ounces), the SolarWrap is a good choice for the backcountry.

Overall: ★ ★ ★ ½
Portability: A+
Durability: B
Chargeability: B
Ease of Use: A-
Versatility: B
Price/Value: A
Price: $70 / bushnell.com
Final Word: Easily the most innovative solar panel on the market. Lightweight and highly portable.

3. Gomadic SunVolt

Size matters. The SunVolt is large, which is both good and bad. At 13 by 12 inches, the panel is powerful but heavy (4.3 pounds). Given its size, you’d expect the SunVolt to charge rapidly, and it does. It took a half-charged iPhone 4S to a full charge in an hour. It’s so powerful that you can charge two devices at once. The bad news is that it’s too large to be considered for backpacking excursions. It comes in a carry case, which makes it easy to transport, and it conveniently folds so you can angle it toward the sun. There is no internal battery for nighttime charging, but you can buy one separately ($40).

Overall: ★ ★ ★ ½
Portability: B+
Durability: A-
Chargeability: A-
Ease of Use: A-
Versatility: C-
Price/Value: B+
Price: $100 / gomadic.com 
Final Word: Big and beefy, this unit will serve you best in car-camping scenarios.

4. Goal Zero Nomad 13

The Nomad 13 is sort of an in-between solar charger. At 26 ounces, and with folded dimensions of 10.5 by 7 inches, the unit is oversize for a backpack—it’d be a better choice for a base camp. It unfolds to 18.25 by 10.5 inches, and comes equipped with three attached connection cables. This ensures you won’t lose them, but also forces you to carry them even when they’re not needed. The unit will charge devices directly, but after leaving the phone plugged in for one hour, we saw only a slight increase in battery charge. It should be noted that Goal Zero recommends using one of its own battery packs, like the Guide 10 ($40), “for best results.”

Overall: ★ ★ ★ ½
Portability: B
Durability: B
Chargeability: C
Ease of Use: A
Versatility: A-
Price/Value: C
Price: $159 / goalzero.com
Final Word: An okay unit if you add on the company’s battery pack. Otherwise, its charging power is anemic.

5. EasyAcc 7W Foldable Solar Charger

This EasyAcc 7W portable foldable solar charger is has 2 lighting panels which effectively collect and make the best use of sunlight. 7 watt mono-crystalline up to 18% efficient solar array provides up to 5V / 1.4A total through one charging port. Besides, it is compatible with almost any smart device with an input of DC 5V including smartphones, PSP, Bluetooth speakers & headphones, Google Glass, and MP3 / MP4 players. Folded (size: 7.5 inch) and lightweight (weight: 12 oz.) design make it ultra-easy to use outdoor.

Overall: ★ ★ ★ ★
Portability: A
Durability: B
Chargeability: C
Ease of Use: A
Versatility: A-
Price/Value: A
Price: $26.99 / Amazon
Final Word: Super portable and easy-to-use unit for outdoor users.