Hiking & Mountaineering

Staying connected in the hills or mountains can be important for navigation, communication, photography and safety, but access to mains electricity is rarely guaranteed. Mobile Solar Chargers provides lightweight hiking and mountaineering power packages designed to keep phones, GPS units, cameras, head torches and other USB equipment charged while travelling away from conventional power sources.

Our Travel & Trek Package is suited to walking holidays, cycle touring, multi-day hikes and less technical adventures where a dependable balance of solar generation, stored energy and portability is required. For remote routes, high-altitude climbing and longer expeditions where weight, durability and exposure to difficult conditions become greater concerns, the MSC Expedition Package provides a more specialised solution.

Products from the Mobile Solar Chargers range have supported demanding journeys including cycling from Devon to Tokyo, cycle touring around Everest, the Seven Peaks, Antarctic expeditions and travel through the Gobi Desert. This real-world experience helps customers choose equipment based on how it performs beyond the campsite or test bench. Explore the two packages below to find the most suitable combination for your route, expected conditions and charging requirements.

MSC Travel & Trek Package

The MSC Travel & Trek Package is a versatile portable power system for walkers, backpackers, cycle tourers and travellers who want dependable charging without carrying unnecessarily heavy equipment. It combines a folding solar panel with two different power banks and lightweight USB lighting, allowing power to be generated during the day, stored for later and used for several devices across a trip.

At the centre of the package is the MSC Premium 13W folding solar panel. It uses high-efficiency SunPower cells and provides dual 5V USB outputs rated up to 2A, enabling two compatible devices or power banks to be connected. A folding stand helps position the panel towards direct sunlight, while multiple attachment points make it possible to hang it from a rucksack, tent or another secure location. The zipped rear pocket offers a convenient place to hold a phone or power bank while charging.

The compact MSC QC 5Ah power bank provides approximately one and a half typical phone charges. Its aluminium body is lightweight and robust, with USB-A and USB-C connectivity for older and newer charging leads. It can retain stored charge for six months or longer, making it useful as a reserve battery that can be prepared before departure.

For greater capacity, the package also includes the MSC Qi QC 10Ah power bank. It provides around three or more phone charges, includes dual USB charging and supports compatible Qi wireless devices. Its adjustable charging pad can hold a phone between 0 and 90 degrees, making it useful at a rest stop or inside a tent when the screen needs to remain visible.

Lightweight MSC USB LED lights complete the package. These directional, multi-bulb lights connect to a USB-A port and offer efficient illumination for a tent, shelter or evening equipment check. Together, the components create a flexible system for travellers who need everyday convenience and renewable charging in one manageable package.

MSC Expedition Package

The MSC Expedition Package is intended for mountaineers, expedition teams and remote travellers who place greater importance on low weight, durability and reliable charging away from mains electricity. It combines an ultra-light CIGS solar panel with two complementary power banks and efficient USB lighting, providing a complete portable power setup for demanding routes and extended periods off-grid.

Its main charging source is the MSC 10W CIGS folding solar panel. The panel weighs approximately 200g and uses flexible Copper Indium Gallium Selenide cells protected by an ETFE coating. This helps create a compact, robust panel that can be attached to a rucksack, tent or other secure surface. The single USB output can supply up to 5V/2A in suitable direct sunlight, allowing a compatible power bank to collect energy while the group walks, rests or establishes camp.

This CIGS panel design has been used on expeditions including Mount Noshaq, ExIceMaiden, Ash Dykes journeys, Ocean Revival, MadEx and Expedition 5. Mobile Solar Chargers equipment has also supported teams in the Himalayas, Antarctic and other remote regions over many years, providing valuable real-world evidence for travellers selecting equipment for challenging environments.

Stored power is provided by the MSC Aqua Trek QC & Qi power bank. Its IP68 waterproof construction is suited to exposed outdoor use, while USB-C and Qi wireless charging provide flexible options for compatible equipment. A capacity of 10Ah supplies around three or more typical phone charges, and an integrated lantern and torch add useful backup lighting without requiring another device.

The package also contains the compact MSC QC 5Ah power bank, which can be kept as a separate reserve or assigned to another team member. Lightweight MSC USB LED lights provide directional multi-bulb lighting from any suitable USB-A port. The result is a practical expedition power system that spreads charging capacity across multiple components rather than relying on a single battery.

Hiking & Mountaineering Solar Charger FAQs

Which package is best for hiking and which is best for mountaineering?

The MSC Travel & Trek Package is generally the most suitable choice for walking holidays, cycle touring, backpacking and multi-day hikes where you need a broad combination of stored power and solar charging. Its 13W panel, two power banks and USB lights provide flexibility for everyday devices without moving into specialist expedition equipment. The MSC Expedition Package is better suited to remote mountaineering, high-altitude travel and longer unsupported routes where low weight, flexibility and weather resistance are greater priorities. Its 10W CIGS panel weighs around 200g, while the IP68-rated Aqua Trek power bank offers better protection against water and includes a torch and lantern. The right option ultimately depends on trip length, expected weather, the number of devices and how much equipment each person is prepared to carry.

Can I charge my phone directly from a folding solar panel?

Compatible 5V USB devices can be connected directly to a suitable MSC folding solar panel in strong, consistent sunlight. However, a power bank is often the more dependable link between the panel and your phone. Solar output can vary when clouds pass overhead, when the panel angle changes or when you walk through shade, which may cause some phones to repeatedly stop and restart charging. Charging a power bank during daylight allows you to collect available solar energy and then charge your phone from a stable battery supply when convenient. This is particularly useful overnight, inside a tent or when the phone is needed for navigation. Some recent iPhones can also be less reliable when connected directly to variable solar input, so using a compatible power bank is normally recommended.

How many phone charges will the hiking power banks provide?

The number of charges depends on the phone model, battery condition, cable, temperature and whether the device is being used while charging. As a general guide, the compact MSC QC 5Ah power bank provides around one and a half typical phone charges. The MSC Qi QC 10Ah and waterproof MSC Aqua Trek 10Ah power banks each provide around three or more typical phone charges. These figures should be treated as realistic planning estimates rather than guarantees because larger smartphones require more energy and cold conditions can temporarily reduce battery performance. For a multi-day route, begin with every power bank and device fully charged. Use the solar panel to replenish stored energy during the day and reserve sufficient capacity for essential communication and navigation.

Are the hiking and expedition chargers waterproof?

Water resistance varies between the individual components, so every item should be checked before the trip. The MSC Aqua Trek power bank supplied with the Expedition Package has an IP68 waterproof rating and is designed for more exposed outdoor conditions. The folding solar panels are robust and intended for outdoor use, but that does not mean every connector, pocket or attached device should be left exposed to prolonged heavy rain or submerged. The Travel & Trek panel includes a zipped neoprene pocket that helps protect a device while charging, although sensible weather protection is still recommended. Keep USB ports clean and dry before connecting equipment, secure panels properly in wind and store electronics in an appropriate dry bag or waterproof compartment whenever severe conditions are expected.

Will a solar charger still work in cloudy or cold conditions?

A solar panel can still generate energy in bright overcast conditions, but output will normally be lower than in strong direct sunlight. Charging times therefore depend on season, latitude, cloud cover, panel angle and the amount of shade encountered along the route. Position the panel towards the strongest available light, keep its surface clear and use a power bank to collect variable output throughout the day. Cold temperatures can also affect the usable capacity and charging performance of lithium batteries. Keep power banks insulated inside your clothing or sleeping system when they are not in use and follow the operating guidance supplied with each product. For routes with persistently limited daylight, consider the available higher-output panel and power-bank upgrade options before departure.

Need Help Choosing a Hiking Power Package?

The best portable charging setup depends on more than the length of the route. Device capacity, navigation use, expected daylight, temperature, available attachment space and total pack weight all influence the right choice. If you are unsure whether the Travel & Trek or Expedition Package is best for your plans, contact Mobile Solar Chargers for advice based on your equipment and itinerary.