When you’re out camping or hiking, having a way to keep your devices charged is a game-changer. The BigBlue 28W solar charger caught my attention because it folds up small and features a digital display that tells you exactly how much power it’s pulling in.
This solar charger handles multiple devices pretty well, especially if the sun’s out in full force. The two USB ports offer solid charging speed, but don’t expect it to work if it’s cloudy or you’re in the shade.
The carabiners that come with it? Honestly, they’re a bit awkward, so you might want to pack your own if you want to hang it securely. At least it’s tough enough to shrug off a bit of light rain.
It’s easy to carry, offers decent power output, and has useful features like a power meter.
Check it out and see if it fits your camping gear by following this link: Buy the BigBlue 28W Solar Charger.
Overview of the BigBlue Portable Solar Charger
Taking this solar charger outdoors, I noticed it delivers strong power output and is straightforward to use. The foldable design means you can toss it in your bag or clip it to your tent without a fuss.
You can charge two devices at once, and it’s smart enough to adapt the power delivery to whatever you plug in. Just remember, it only works when the sun’s shining—no built-in battery here.
The ammeter is handy for checking how much juice you’re getting in real time. Water resistance is decent for a quick drizzle, but you’ll still want to keep your phone dry.
Exceptional Sunlight Harvesting
Once you set up the BigBlue charger, you’ll see it really does grab a lot of sunlight. There aren’t any metal lines blocking the panels, so it soaks up more rays and charges faster when you’re outside.
The solar cells are efficient and, in strong sun, can power two devices at once without breaking a sweat. But if it’s cloudy or you don’t have it angled right, the performance drops off.
For best results, unfold the panels all the way and make sure they’re facing the sun. Since it doesn’t store power, your devices only charge while the sun’s out. It’s a reliable setup for outdoor activities if you’re chasing the sun.
High-Speed Dual Charging Ports
You can charge two devices at the same time thanks to the dual USB ports. There’s both USB-A and USB-C, so you’re covered whether you’ve got the latest phone or an older gadget.
On a sunny day, the charging speed is right up there with a regular wall plug. The ports are spaced out enough that your cables won’t get tangled, which is always nice.
What you get:
- Two devices charged at once
- USB-C port for newer tech
- USB-A port for your classic cables
This setup is convenient if you hate waiting for one device to finish before plugging in another. Just keep in mind, you’ll need good sunlight for top speed.
Accurate Real-Time Power Monitoring
The built-in digital ammeter is actually pretty useful. You get a live readout of how much power is being produced, so you can shift the panel around to catch more sun if needed.
The numbers can jump around a bit when the sun moves or clouds roll in, but that’s just how solar works. It’s a nice touch for anyone who likes to know exactly what’s going on with their gear.
Built for Outdoor Durability
This charger is tough enough for the outdoors. The PET fabric feels solid, and the water resistance keeps you covered if it starts to drizzle or splash.
Just be careful with the USB ports and the digital meter—they’re not totally waterproof. Also, don’t stuff your phone inside the zipped pocket while charging, or you might end up with an overheated device. With a little care, it should last through plenty of camping trips and hikes.
Portability for Adventurers
When you’re hiking or camping, you don’t want to lug around anything bulky. This charger folds up small and weighs just over a pound, so it’s not a burden in your pack.
The built-in carabiners mean you can clip it right onto your backpack and let it charge while you walk. The panels are a bit big when unfolded, so you’ll need a little space to set it up if you stop for a break.
It’s built to handle some rough use, but again, keep those USB ports dry. All in all, it’s a solid pick if you want power on the go without extra hassle.
Ease of Use
You’ll find this solar charger pretty straightforward. It unfolds quickly, is lightweight, and the ports are easy to access.
The carabiners could be better—they don’t fit the panel holes that well, so you might want to swap them out. The ammeter is a nice bonus for checking your charging status.
If you want a charger that doesn’t make you jump through hoops, this one’s a good bet once you get past the carabiner quirk.
User Experience Highlights
Using this charger, you’ll notice it does its job well in strong sunlight, powering up two devices at once. Phones and power banks charge efficiently, which is a relief when you’re far from an outlet.
The folding design is easy to carry, and the panels feel like they can handle some weather. Again, the carabiners aren’t perfect, so maybe toss a couple of your own in your bag.
The digital ammeter gives you a look at charging status, though it’s not always spot-on if the light is changing. Still, it’s reliable as long as you’ve got good sun.
Pros and Cons
Here’s what stands out when you use this charger on outdoor trips. Some things shine, others—not so much.
Pros
- High Efficiency: Fast charging thanks to advanced solar cells. It grabs sunlight well, even if the weather’s a bit mixed.
- Dual Charging Ports: Charge two devices at once—USB-A and USB-C, so you’re covered no matter what you’re carrying.
- Portable Design: Lightweight, folds up neatly, and comes with carabiners for hanging (though, honestly, the fit could be better).
- Real-Time Monitoring: Digital ammeter lets you keep an eye on your power output.
- Durable and Weather-Resistant: Handles light rain and rough handling, thanks to its tough build and water-resistant fabric.
Cons
- No Power Storage: It only works when the sun’s out. No built-in battery for cloudy days or nighttime.
- Carabiner Fit Issues: The included carabiners might not fit the panel’s clips, so you may need to buy replacements.
- USB Port Protection Needed: The ports and ammeter aren’t waterproof. Get them wet and you could have problems.
- Device Overheating Risk: Charging your device inside the zippered pocket can cause overheating, so keep it outside while charging.
This charger is for folks who want a reliable, efficient way to keep devices powered up outside, but aren’t looking for something with built-in battery storage.
Customer Reviews
If solar charging is your thing, lots of users say this charger is a solid pick for outdoor trips. It handles more than one device at a time and keeps the current steady when the sun’s out.
The build feels sturdy and setup is easy, though there are gripes about the carabiners not fitting right. Charging speed is good for phones and power banks, but it really depends on how sunny it is.
Pros:
- Fast charging when it’s sunny
- Can power multiple devices at once
- Sturdy, weather-resistant design
Cons:
- Carabiners might need replacing
- Performance drops in low light
If you’re outdoors a lot and need dependable solar charging, this one delivers practical results—no big surprises either way.
Conclusion
If you spend much time outside and want a way to keep your devices alive, this solar charger’s a pretty solid pick. It charges up fast enough when the sun’s out and doesn’t mind powering more than one device at a time.
The folding design—with those carabiners—is handy, though honestly, you might end up swapping out the clips for something that actually fits your gear. It feels sturdy and doesn’t fuss about a little bad weather, which is great if you’re camping or hiking for days on end.
Just keep in mind, the charging speed really does depend on how much sunlight you get. If you’re somewhere cloudy, well, patience is key.
All in all, it’s a practical charger that’s easy enough to use and should cover what most folks need outdoors—without a bunch of unnecessary headaches.
