Review on 🔋 Lixada Solar Panel Charger USB Port - Compact Monocrystalline Silicon Power Bank for Cell Phone Charging during Camping Trips by Sean Chase

*Updated review after using the panel for my hike north on the John Muir Trail. The panel worked flawlessly in combination with the 15,000 mAh battery. However, I could probably use the 10,000mAh battery to keep the extra weight down. Battery size is a risk management decision as weather and cloudiness are always uncertain. The panel does not work well under cloudy skies. The plate was strapped to the top of the pack to maximize power collection. The solar panel provided enough power to be completely self-sufficient for the entire trek of over 240 miles/17 days. Another advantage of a solar panel is that it reduces the need to charge the battery at the refill point, saving time. The panel allowed me to stay on the road longer and reduced the risk of running out. I was able to charge my iPhone and Garmin inReach up to 100% every night. A great addition to my backpack list. My review was written from a tourist point of view. Weight is always an issue when hiking and that played a big part in my decision. The panel itself weighs about 3.5 ounces. When I added the Velcro, cable, and charging cable, the panel weighed 3.9 ounces. This panel is slightly heavier than the alternative advertised on Revain, both work well. I like this panel because it's really easy to install on the backpack thanks to the holes in each corner. If you count in ounces you can cut the board or use an alternate board and drill your own holes in each corner. I have tested this panel on several trips and it has worked very well. This panel is my choice for hiking. Highlights* Lightweight - approx. 3.5 oz (3.9 oz with Velcro, charging cable and lanyard)* Charging depends on panel orientation and available sunlight. I was able to charge around 1000mAh on a cloudy day and over 3000mAh on a sunny day during the winter months. Haven't tested in the summer months when the days are getting longer. * There is velcro on the battery pack and plate so they can be attached. Attaching the battery to the plate has many advantages. The panel and battery are held together to allow the use of a short cable. A shorter cable means less power loss (less resistance) and less weight.* Buy a battery. Do not use the pad to charge your phone directly. The panel only works in sunlight and once you step into the shade your phone will not charge. Plugging directly into your phone is like plugging your phone into an outlet and unplugging it every few minutes. I wouldn't recommend this panel if you just connect directly to your phone. I recommend you buy a battery that can handle the on/off/on/off/on/off sequence that occurs on the track. In addition, the presence of a battery provides additional security if it is cloudy during the hike. I sized my battery pack for my backup power needs (inReach) with the plan for the panel to provide power to keep my phone charged for taking videos, photos and using the navigation app. * VERY IMPORTANT: Use a short and good quality cable to charge your battery and phone. If you use a long and poor quality charging cable you will waste time and money on the panel. I checked the ability to charge on different cables and there can be a big difference. If the panel doesn't work for you, check your cable. In addition, the shorter the charging cable, the lower the resistance and the lighter the weight. I recommend this panel in combination with a battery. The panel is a nice addition to my backpacking gear list over the weekend.