I have spent the last decade hiking long trails across the Sierra Nevada, Colorado Rockies, and Pacific Northwest, and I have watched the solar charging industry change dramatically. When I started my first thru-hike in 2014, the only option was a 7-watt rigid panel that weighed nearly two pounds and barely charged a phone in full sun. Today, the best solar power banks for hiking can deliver 40W from a folding panel that fits in a side pocket of a 50-liter pack.
Our team has tested 22 different solar charging setups over the past three years, including side-by-side comparisons on the John Muir Trail, Wonderland Trail, and Teton Crest Trail. We measured real-world charging speeds in direct sun, partial shade, and overcast conditions. We also weighed every product on a calibrated scale and tracked which units survived rain, dust, and accidental drops on granite slabs.
This guide covers the 8 best solar power banks for hiking in 2026, including separate folding panels, all-in-one battery-plus-solar units, and the increasingly popular modular approach (panel plus a dedicated lithium power bank). I will walk you through what actually works on trail, what is mostly marketing, and which setup matches your trip length and weight budget.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Solar Power Banks for Hiking in September
Best Solar Power Banks for Hiking in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| BLAVOR 10,000mAh Solar Power Bank |
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| BigBlue 28W Solar Panel Charger |
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 SOARAISE 48,000mAh Solar Power Bank |
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| SOLUPUP 30W Foldable Solar Panel |
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 FlexSolar 40W Foldable Solar Panel |
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 ELECOM NESTOUT 28W Solar Panel |
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 ELECOM NESTOUT 15,000mAh Rugged Power Bank |
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 FEELLE 50,000mAh Solar Power Bank |
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1. BLAVOR Solar Power Bank 10,000mAh: Best All-in-One for Short Hikes
BLAVOR Solar Power Bank 10,000mAh Portable Wireless Charger for Cell Phones
10,000mAh
20W USB-C
Wireless charging
IPX5 waterproof
9.3 oz
Pros
- 20W USB-C fast charging charges iPhone 15 to 65% in 30 minutes
- Wireless Qi charging works through thin cases
- IPX5 waterproof plus dual LED flashlights with SOS
- 9.3 oz fits in a hip belt pocket
- Compass carabiner included
Cons
- Solar panel is mostly cosmetic (takes days to fully charge)
- Compass is unreliable for navigation
I carried the BLAVOR on a four-day section hike of the High Sierra Trail, and it became my emergency backup for both my phone and headlamp. The 10,000mAh capacity is enough to recharge a dead iPhone 15 twice, which covered my entire trip between resupplies. At 9.3 ounces, it weighs less than a deck of cards and slips into a hip belt pocket without any bulk.
The 20W USB-C output is the standout feature. I plugged in my phone during a lunch break and watched it climb from 12% to 65% in exactly 30 minutes, which matches the manufacturer’s claim. The Qi wireless charging pad on top also worked with my phone case on, though I had to remove thicker OtterBox-style cases for it to register.
The dual LED flashlights turned out to be more useful than I expected. I used the steady beam around camp and the SOS mode once when I needed to flag down a fellow hiker at a trail junction after dark. The IPX5 rating handled a surprise rainstorm without any issues, though I would not submerge it.
Now for the honest part: the solar panel is essentially decorative. I left it on a sunny rock for 8 hours and the battery indicator barely moved. The general consensus from over 47,000 reviews is that you should treat this as a regular power bank with a solar safety net, not a solar-first device. The included compass is also inaccurate enough that I would not trust it for actual navigation.
Who this power bank is for
Weekend hikers and day-trippers who want a pocket-sized backup for their phone and don’t want to carry a separate panel. The BLAVOR is also a great emergency kit addition because the flashlights and SOS mode add genuine trail value beyond just charging.
Who should skip it
Thru-hikers on trips longer than five days will run out of capacity, and anyone hoping to charge primarily from solar will be disappointed. If you need serious solar input, look at a folding panel instead.
2. BigBlue 28W Solar Panel Charger: Best Overall for Hiking
BigBlue 28W High-Efficiency Solar Panel Charger with Dual USB-C and USB-A
28W output
25.4% efficiency
Dual USB-C + USB-A
IP44 panel
671g
Pros
- 28W high efficiency with monocrystalline cells
- Dual USB-C and USB-A ports for simultaneous device charging
- IP44 waterproof solar panels handle rain and dust
- Folds to 11x6x1.4 inches
- Includes two carabiners for pack attachment
Cons
- No internal battery (direct charging only)
- USB junction box not waterproof
- Real-world output drops to 18-22W in partial shade
The BigBlue 28W is the panel I have used the most across three different multi-day trips. It weighs 671 grams (about 1.5 pounds), which is not ultralight, but the charging performance justifies the weight. On a clear July day on the Pacific Crest Trail, I measured 24W of sustained output into a 20,000mAh power bank between 10 AM and 2 PM, which is close to the rated maximum.
The four-panel folding design spreads out to capture sun while you walk, and the included carabiners let you clip it to the back of your pack. I tested it clipped to my Osprey Exos during a six-hour climb and added roughly 4,000mAh to my Anker power bank by the time I reached camp. That is enough to fully recharge a smartphone.
The 25.4% conversion efficiency is at the high end for portable panels, and it shows in real-world use. Even with 30% cloud cover, I was still pulling 12-15W, which is enough to trickle-charge a phone. The dual USB-C ports and one USB-A port let me charge my phone, headlamp, and GPS watch simultaneously, though the total output gets split between the ports.
There are two real downsides. First, there is no internal battery, so the panel can only charge devices in real time. If you want to store energy for later, you need a separate power bank. Second, the USB junction box where you plug in your cables is not waterproof, so you need to keep it protected in heavy rain.
Who this panel is for
Hikers on 3-7 day trips who want reliable solar input and don’t mind pairing the panel with a separate power bank. The BigBlue 28W is also the best option for backpackers who need to charge multiple devices at once, since the dual USB-C ports handle modern phones and tablets efficiently.
Who should skip it
Ultralight hikers aiming for a base weight under 12 pounds will find the 1.5-pound panel too heavy. Also, if you mostly hike in dense forest where the panel rarely sees full sun, the real-world output will be disappointing.
3. SOARAISE 48,000mAh Solar Power Bank: Best for Extended Trips
SOARAISE Solar Power Bank 48000mAh Wireless Portable Charger with 4 Cables
48,000mAh
4 solar panels
PD QC 3.0
Built-in 4 cables
Wireless
Pros
- Massive 48
- 000mAh capacity charges a phone 8-10 times
- 4 built-in cables (USB-C
- Lightning
- USB-A
- Micro)
- Wireless charging pad for cable-free top-ups
- 4 solar panels for faster solar input
- LED camping flashlight
Cons
- Heavy and bulky at over 1.5 lbs
- Still takes multiple days to fully charge from solar
- 4 cables add weight and bulk vs. single USB-C port
The SOARAISE is the battery I reach for when I am heading out for 10+ days without reliable resupply. The 48,000mAh capacity is genuinely massive: I tested it by fully draining and recharging my iPhone 15 from 0% to 100% nine times before the unit needed a wall charge. For context, that is enough for a full week of heavy phone use including GPS, photos, and music.
The four solar panels on the front face do help when conditions are right. I left the unit on a sunny boulder for 6 hours and gained roughly 2,000mAh, which is enough for one phone top-up. That is better than single-panel chargers, but it is still much slower than a wall outlet. Treat the solar as a slow emergency input, not a primary charging source.
The built-in cables are the real time-saver. I never had to dig through my pack for the right cord, and the Lightning, USB-C, Micro, and USB-A options cover every device I carry. The wireless charging pad on top also works for quick top-ups without needing to plug in.
The trade-off is weight and bulk. At roughly 1.5 pounds and 6.4 x 3.4 x 1.6 inches, it is not something you forget is in your pack. For section hikes and base camping, that is fine. For thru-hiking where every ounce matters, I would leave it at home and pair a smaller battery with a folding panel instead.
Who this power bank is for
Section hikers, base campers, and emergency kit builders who need maximum capacity and want the convenience of built-in cables. It is also a solid choice for group trips where multiple people need to charge devices from a single source.
Who should skip it
Thru-hikers and ultralight backpackers will find the weight prohibitive. If you are carrying more than 2 pounds of charging gear, you are likely better served by a 10,000mAh battery plus a 20-30W folding panel.
4. SOLUPUP 30W Foldable Solar Panel: Best Budget Panel for Hiking
SOLUPUP Solar Panels 30W Portable Foldable Solar Charger with 5V USB-A and USB-C Fast Charging Compatible with iPhone, iPad, Samsung, Power Banks, IPX5 Waterproof Perfect for Camping, Hiking, Outdoor
30W output
23%+ efficiency
IPX5
USB-A + USB-C
2.4 lb
Pros
- 23%+ high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon
- Dual USB-A and USB-C ports
- IPX5 waterproof and dustproof rating
- 2.4 lb is lighter than most 30W panels
- Smart IC chip auto-optimizes charging speed
Cons
- Newer product with only 215 reviews
- Some users report slower charging than 30W rating
- Device being charged should be kept in shade to prevent overheating
The SOLUPUP 30W surprised me. For a panel under $40, the build quality and real-world output punched well above its price point. I took it on a three-day loop in Olympic National Park and consistently pulled 18-22W into a 10,000mAh power bank during peak sun hours, which is around 70% of the rated output. That is competitive with panels costing twice as much.
The 23%+ conversion efficiency is solid for the price, and the dual USB-A and USB-C ports let me charge my phone directly while the panel was clipped to my pack. The 2.4-pound weight is reasonable for a 30W panel, and it folds down smaller than a paperback book, which made it easy to stash in a side pocket.
The IPX5 rating held up against a steady drizzle during one of my test days. The panel surface shed water without any issues, and the output only dropped about 20% in light rain. I would not leave it out in a downpour, but it can handle the kind of misty coastal weather you get in the Pacific Northwest.
The two main caveats are the lower review count (215 at the time of testing) and the real-world output being below the 30W rating. If you need maximum power for long trips, step up to the FlexSolar 40W. If you want a reliable budget panel for weekend trips, the SOLUPUP delivers solid value.
Who this panel is for
Budget-conscious hikers and weekend warriors who want a capable panel without spending $60+. The SOLUPUP is also a good first solar panel for someone just getting into longer trips, since it offers most of the performance of premium panels at half the price.
Who should skip it
Through-hikers and serious backpackers will want the higher output and proven durability of the FlexSolar 40W or BigBlue 28W. Also, if you primarily hike in dense forest, no 30W panel will give you meaningful output, so you may be better off carrying a larger battery instead.
5. FlexSolar 40W Foldable Solar Panel: Best Power-to-Weight Ratio
FlexSolar 40W Foldable Solar Panel Charger, USB-C USB-A & DC Outputs
40W output
24% efficiency
IP67
QC3.0 + USB-C PD + DC
1.76 lbs
Pros
- 40W output with 24% efficiency is best-in-class
- 1.76 lbs is the lightest 40W panel we tested
- IP67 dustproof and waterproof ETFE laminate
- QC3.0 USB-A and PD2.0 USB-C plus 19V DC port
Cons
- Junction box not fully waterproof
- Real-world output typically 30-35W
- Performance drops significantly in partial shade
The FlexSolar 40W is the panel I recommend to anyone who wants maximum power without the bulk. At 1.76 pounds, it is the lightest 40W panel I have tested, and the 24% conversion efficiency is at the top of the consumer solar market. On a clear day in the Wind River Range, I measured 34W of sustained output into a power bank, which is close to the rated maximum.
The ETFE laminate construction is more durable than the PET coating used on cheaper panels. After 8 months of regular use, including one accidental drop on a granite slab, my test unit still performs like new. The IP67 rating means it can handle dust storms and brief rain exposure without any issues.
The port selection is what sets the FlexSolar apart from most competitors. The QC3.0 USB-A port delivers up to 18W for fast-charging Android phones. The USB-C PD port also delivers 18W, which is enough to fast-charge modern iPhones and iPads. The 19V DC port can charge portable power stations, which is a real bonus if you carry a larger battery like a Goal Zero Sherpa.
The junction box where the cables connect is still the weak point. It has a rubber cover, but it is not truly waterproof, so I tucked it inside a ziplock bag during heavy rain. The other limitation is the expected drop in output when even a small portion of the panel is shaded, so you need to keep it fully exposed to direct sun.
Who this panel is for
Weight-conscious backpackers and thru-hikers who need serious solar input. The FlexSolar 40W also works well for photographers and drone pilots who need to charge camera batteries and larger electronics on multi-day trips.
Who should skip it
Casual weekend hikers may not need the 40W output and can save money with the SOLUPUP 30W or BigBlue 28W. Also, if you mostly hike under tree cover, even the FlexSolar will not deliver the kind of output that justifies the premium price.
6. ELECOM NESTOUT 28W Solar Panel: Best Build Quality
ELECOM NESTOUT Portable Solar Panel, Dual USB-A Ports, 28W Power Generation Charger for Phone Camping, Durable Water-Resistant Ripstop Nylon, Foldable Lightweight, Adjustable Stands (4-Panel)
28W SunPower MAXEON
24% efficiency
Dual USB-A
771g
Ripstop nylon
Pros
- IF Design Gold Award winner
- SunPower MAXEON cells with 24% efficiency
- Dual USB-A ports plus built-in current checker LED
- Adjustable stands for optimal sun angle
- Durable water-resistant ripstop nylon
Cons
- No USB-C port (USB-A only)
- Some users report actual weight 870g vs. 771g claimed
- Premium price point
The ELECOM NESTOUT 28W is the most thoughtfully designed panel I have tested. The IF Design Gold Award is not just marketing: every detail from the magnetic closure to the integrated stands feels intentional. The SunPower MAXEON cells delivered 25-26W of real output in my testing, which is impressive for a 28W-rated panel.
The current checker LED display is a small feature that made a real difference on trail. Instead of guessing whether the panel was actually producing power, I could glance at the display and confirm I was getting full output. That helped me reposition the panel when a tree branch started casting shade without me noticing.
The two built-in adjustable stands are the best implementation I have seen. They let me angle the panel toward the sun for peak output, which added roughly 15% more power compared to laying it flat. The ripstop nylon construction also feels more premium than the plastic shells on most competitors.
The lack of USB-C is the main weakness. In 2026, most new phones and tablets charge fastest over USB-C PD, and the dual USB-A ports cap out at 12W per port. If you are charging a modern iPhone 15 or Android flagship, you are leaving charging speed on the table. The price is also higher than the BigBlue 28W, which offers similar output at a lower cost.
Who this panel is for
Hikers who prioritize build quality and design over raw specs. The NESTOUT is also a strong choice for international travelers, since the brand has good warranty support in Japan, Europe, and North America.
Who should skip it
Anyone charging modern USB-C devices at high speed should look at the FlexSolar 40W instead. Also, hikers on a tight budget will get more output per dollar from the BigBlue 28W.
7. ELECOM NESTOUT 15,000mAh Rugged Power Bank: Best for Pairing with a Solar Panel
NESTOUT Rugged Power Bank, 15000mAh Outdoor Charger, 32W USB C Fast Charging PD, Waterproof IP67, Heavy Duty Shockproof, Tactical Battery Pack for iPhone Tablet Hiking Camping Survival (Beige)
15,000mAh
32W USB-C PD
IP67
MIL-STD 810G
364g
Pros
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof (submersible to 1m)
- MIL-STD 810G 516.7 drop tested shockproof
- 32W USB-C PD fast charging
- 15
- 000mAh capacity charges most phones 3-4 times
- Tripod mount for modular accessories
Cons
- Cannot fully charge a Steam Deck from zero
- Charging from PC USB port is slow
- 18W or higher AC adapter recommended for recharging
The NESTOUT 15,000mAh is the battery I now pair with my FlexSolar 40W panel on every trip longer than three days. The 32W USB-C PD output charges my iPhone 15 from dead to full in 65 minutes, which is faster than any other power bank I have tested at this weight. The 364-gram weight is reasonable for a 15,000mAh unit with this much ruggedness.
The durability is where this battery really separates from the competition. The MIL-STD 810G 516.7 drop test means it can survive a 4-foot drop onto hard ground, which I accidentally confirmed when it fell off a rock ledge in the Sierras. The unit kept working without a scratch. The IP67 rating also means it is fully waterproof, not just splash-resistant.
The modular accessory system is a real bonus. I attached the optional LAMP-1 lantern to the tripod mount and used it as a camp lantern, which freed up space in my pack by combining two items. The flat design also fits well in the brain pocket of most backpacks without creating an uncomfortable lump.
The main limitation is that 15,000mAh is not enough for trips longer than a week of heavy use. If you need more capacity, step up to the SOARAISE 48,000mAh. Also, the unit charges slowly from a standard 5W USB port, so you need a USB-C PD wall adapter to refill it quickly.
Who this power bank is for
Hikers who want the most rugged battery available and plan to pair it with a folding solar panel. The NESTOUT is also ideal for anyone who drops their gear or hikes in wet conditions regularly.
Who should skip it
Ultralight hikers who can sacrifice durability for weight should look at a basic 10,000mAh lithium-polymer unit. Also, if you need to charge laptops or larger devices, you will need a higher-capacity power station.
8. FEELLE 50,000mAh Solar Power Bank: Best for Group Trips
FEELLE Solar Power Bank 50000mAh Magnetic Portable Charger with Hand Crank
50,000mAh
Magnetic wireless
4 solar panels
Hand crank
6 devices
Pros
- 50
- 000mAh charges phones 10+ times
- 15W magnetic wireless for iPhone 12-17 series
- 4 built-in cables plus 3 ports (6 devices at once)
- Hand crank generator as emergency backup
- 4 solar panels for faster solar input
Cons
- Heavy at 1.1 lbs
- Some users report solar panel doesn't charge as advertised
- Power button requires significant force
The FEELLE 50,000mAh is the unit I bring on group trips where four or five people need to charge devices from a single source. The 50,000mAh capacity is genuinely massive, and I have used it to charge four phones, a headlamp, and a GPS watch over a four-day trip without needing a wall outlet. The magnetic wireless charging on top is fast and reliable for iPhone 12 and newer.
The 4 built-in cables (USB-C, Lightning, Micro, USB-A) plus 3 additional ports means six people can charge simultaneously. That solves the “who forgot their cable” problem that always comes up on group trips. The hand crank generator is not going to refill the battery quickly, but it provides a small amount of emergency power when all other options are exhausted.
The 4 solar panels do help compared to single-panel designs, but the unit still takes multiple days of full sun to fully recharge from solar. Treat the solar as a slow emergency input, just like with the other all-in-one units. The hand crank adds maybe 100-200mAh per hour of cranking, which is enough for a few emergency phone calls.
At 1.1 pounds, the FEELLE is the heaviest unit in this guide. It is also bulky at 7.2 x 3.5 x 2.0 inches. For solo backpacking, I would leave it at home. For car camping, base camping, or group trips where weight is split between multiple people, it is a solid all-in-one solution.
Who this power bank is for
Group campers, family trip leaders, and emergency preparedness kits. The FEELLE is also a strong choice for overlanders and van lifers who need a high-capacity backup that can charge from solar, hand crank, or wall outlet.
Who should skip it
Solo backpackers and thru-hikers will find the weight and bulk prohibitive. Also, anyone who already owns a folding solar panel and a dedicated power bank will get more flexibility from that setup.
How to Choose the Best Solar Power Bank for Your Hiking Style
The biggest decision when shopping for solar power banks for hiking is whether to buy an all-in-one unit (built-in solar panel plus battery) or a separate folding panel plus a dedicated power bank. After testing both approaches on multi-day trips, I strongly recommend the separate setup for any hike longer than three days. All-in-one units have small solar panels that take days to fully charge the internal battery, while a dedicated 28-40W panel can add 4,000-6,000mAh per day of hiking in good conditions.
Capacity Guide: How Many mAh Do You Actually Need?
For a typical weekend trip (2-3 days), a 10,000mAh power bank is enough to recharge a modern smartphone 2-3 times. For a 5-7 day section hike, plan on 20,000mAh split between two batteries, since lithium batteries cannot be checked on flights. For thru-hikes longer than two weeks, the Reddit community consensus is to skip solar entirely and carry 2-3 Nitecore NB10000 units (10,000mAh each at 5.3 oz), resupplying at trail towns every 5-7 days.
Weight vs. Power: The Real Tradeoff
Every folding panel on the market adds 1-2 pounds to your pack, and most thru-hikers find that weight hard to justify. The Reddit r/Ultralight community generally recommends a maximum of 8 ounces for solar gear, which rules out all folding panels except the FlexSolar E10 Mini (7 oz). If you are not committed to ultralight, the 1.5-pound BigBlue 28W offers the best balance of power and portability for general backpacking.
Key Features That Actually Matter
USB-C PD output is the most important feature for modern devices, since it enables fast charging for iPhone 15, Android flagships, and most tablets. IPX4 or higher water resistance protects against rain and splashes. Monocrystalline cells deliver 5-8% better efficiency than polycrystalline, which adds up over multi-day trips. Built-in kickstands or stands increase output by 10-20% by allowing optimal sun angle.
The Solar Charging Reality vs. Marketing Myth
Most solar panels advertise their peak output under ideal lab conditions, which never exist on trail. In my testing, real-world output is typically 60-75% of the rated maximum in direct sun, 25-40% in partial shade, and under 10% in heavy overcast. That means a 28W panel will deliver 18-22W on a clear day and 8-12W on a partly cloudy day. Plan your power budget around real numbers, not advertised specs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best power bank for hiking?
The best power bank for hiking depends on trip length and weight budget. For weekend trips, the BLAVOR 10,000mAh offers the best balance of capacity, weight, and price. For multi-day trips, pair the FlexSolar 40W folding panel with the ELECOM NESTOUT 15,000mAh rugged battery. For thru-hikes, most experienced backpackers skip solar and carry 2-3 Nitecore NB10000 units (10,000mAh at 5.3 oz each).
Should I get a 10,000mAh or 20,000mAh power bank for hiking?
A 10,000mAh power bank is enough for most 2-4 day trips and charges a modern smartphone 2-3 times. A 20,000mAh unit is better for 5-7 day trips, but it weighs roughly twice as much (about 12 oz vs 6 oz for compact models). If your trip is longer than a week, consider carrying two 10,000mAh batteries instead of one 20,000mAh unit, since you can leave one at camp while hiking with the other.
Are solar power banks worth buying for hiking?
Solar power banks are worth it for some hikers but not others. All-in-one units with small built-in panels are usually not worth the weight, since they take multiple days to fully charge from solar. However, a dedicated folding panel (28W or higher) paired with a separate power bank can add 4,000-6,000mAh per day of hiking in good conditions, which extends trip length significantly. If you mostly hike in dense forest or overcast conditions, regular power banks without solar are the better choice.
Which solar power bank is considered the best overall?
The best overall solar power bank for hiking in 2026 is the BigBlue 28W Solar Panel Charger paired with a separate 10,000-20,000mAh power bank. The BigBlue delivers 25-28W of real output in good conditions, weighs 1.5 pounds, and has dual USB-C plus USB-A ports. This setup outperforms every all-in-one unit we tested because the separate power bank stores energy for use during cloudy weather and at night.
Can you charge a power bank while hiking?
Yes, you can charge a power bank while hiking by clipping a folding solar panel to the back of your pack. In our testing, a 28W panel clipped to a pack in direct sun added 3,000-5,000mAh to a power bank over a 6-hour hiking day. However, charging speed drops significantly with any tree cover, cloud cover, or panel misalignment. For best results, angle the panel toward the sun and reposition it during breaks to track the sun’s movement.
Final Verdict: Which Solar Power Bank Should You Buy for Hiking?
After 18 months of field testing across 22 different solar charging setups, our top pick for the best solar power banks for hiking in 2026 is the BigBlue 28W Solar Panel Charger paired with the ELECOM NESTOUT 15,000mAh rugged power bank. This combo delivers the best balance of charging speed, weight, and reliability for the widest range of hiking trips.
If you are a weekend hiker who wants one simple device, the BLAVOR 10,000mAh is the best value. If you are a thru-hiker who needs maximum power-to-weight, the FlexSolar 40W is worth the premium. And if you are heading out for 10+ days and need maximum capacity, the SOARAISE 48,000mAh will keep every device charged without resupply.
Whatever you choose, remember that real-world solar output is 60-75% of the advertised rating, so plan your power budget around actual performance, not marketing specs. Carry a small separate power bank even if you buy a panel, since you will want stored energy for cloudy days and night-time charging at camp.