Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

BioLite's new SolarPanel and USB chargers bring portable power to campsites

Introducing the SolarPanel 10+
Keeping our mobile devices charged in the backcountry just got a little easier. BioLite, the company behind the battery-charging CampStove, has announced a slew of new products specifically designed to power our smartphones, tablets, headlamps, cameras, and other gadgets while traveling off the grid, including a new portable solar panel and a line of USB battery packs.

Last year, BioLite introduced its first two solar panels, bringing a lightweight and efficient solution for charging electronic devices to the campsite. Those models included the

SolarPanel 5

and the

SolarPanel 5+

, each of which are capable of generating up to 5 watts of power from the sun. The difference between the two models is that the “+” version includes a built-in battery pack with a capacity of 2,200mAh to store the energy collected. Now, the company is expanding the line to include a third option.

The new SolarPanel 10+ also comes equipped with a 3,000mAh battery pack and is capable of generating as much as 10 watts of power thanks to an additional fold-out solar cell. Like BioLite’s previous models, it has a built-in kickstand to keep it stable on a variety of surfaces, as well as a sundial to help users find the most efficient angle and positioning to collect power. The SolarPanel 10+ sells for $130 and is available now.

The SolarPanel 10+ isn’t the only new addition to the BioLite catalog. The company has also taken the wraps off its new Charge line of USB battery packs as well. Featuring a thin and lightweight — yet durable — stainless steel body, these portable chargers are built to be tough enough to take with you on your outdoor adventures, but elegant enough for use in your day-to-day life, too. The Charge 10 includes a single USB port and a 2,600mAh battery, and sells for $25. The Charge 20 offers two USB ports and a 5,200mAh battery, and is available at a $40 price point. Both will begin shipping on April 15, while a third addition to the Charge line — the Charge 40 — will ship later this summer. It is expected to have a 10,400mAh battery.

BioLite says that all of the Charge models are “dunkproof,” which essentially means they can survive getting splashed with water or exposed to some rain. But they are not fully waterproof so you should expect them to survive getting dropped in a river or lake. That said, they should be durable enough to survive most of the other abuse they’ll receive in the outdoors.

Editors' Recommendations

Kraig Becker
Kraig Becker is a freelance outdoor writer who loves to hike, camp, mountain bike, trail run, paddle, or just about any other…
The best golf apps for iPhone and Android: 8 best ones in 2023
smart golf club

If you play golf, then it's likely you live and breathe golf, and like everyone else, you're probably always looking to improve your game. Hiring a coach and other methods are great ways to improve, but have you considered starting out by downloading an app? Golfing apps are some of the most advanced applications out there and make heavy use of artificial intelligence and GPS to both track your movements and analyze your swing. Golf apps can track an enormous amount of data about the way you play and can help you to turn those bogeys into birdies. Here are the best golf apps for iPhones and Android phones.

Looking for more useful apps? Check out our lists of the best Android apps and best iPhone apps you can download today.

Read more
Goal Zero’s new Skylight is an LED palm tree for emergencies
A Goal Zero Skylight shining LEDs lights into a darkened hallway.

Goal Zero is expanding its lighting range today with a backup LED system called the Skylight. The Goal Zero Skylight is an all-in-one set that includes a 33Wh battery built in and six LED panels that can blast out 6,000 lumens all told.

There are four brightness settings available, if that much light is overkill for your needs, and the panels can angle outwards as needed to cover a larger area. Combined with the 12 feet of telescoping available from the tripod, you can cover quite the range with visibility. A handle with a one-button release allows you to quickly deploy the Skylight for outdoor work or play, and stakes stored in the legs give you the option to keep it in place. A dedicated spool stows the charging cable when you're not using it, and a carrying case is included to store and move the whole kit.

Read more
The best electric bikes for 2023
Aventon Pace 500.3 with rider on it

Whether you're wondering what the fuss is all about with e-bikes, or you're an enthusiast shopping for a new model, the options have never been broader. There is an e-bike for just about anyone who wants to try electric two-wheeling, whether you want to spend $500 or $5,000. Using e-bikes for commuting is an eminently practical and cost-saving alternative form of transport for some people, but most riders choose e-bikes for fun and adventure.

Here are eight of the best e-bikes available today, from our favorite overall pick to more specialized choices for every type of rider, whether you're looking for something fast, portable, and just more affordable.

Read more