Data released by Tourism Research Australia show that camping and caravanning trips are the top holiday choices of many Australians. The goals of camping trips and caravans are to enjoy the natural landscapes and experience Australian outdoors. The majority (77.76%) of visitors surveyed were taking trips as a holiday. Most of the visitors were from 30 to 54 years old, followed by 55+ years old and the 20 to 29 years age group.
The health benefits of camping include physical exercise, reducing your stress levels, and decreasing depression. Studies also show that being in nature improves your mood, boosts your self-confidence, and enhances your memory because of better concentration and less distraction. Electricity helps you to be more comfortable, as you go on hiking or camping.
What is a Solar-Based Gadget?
Solar-based gadgets are devices that use photovoltaic cells to absorb the rays of the sun and convert them into electricity or heat. A power inverter is needed to convert 120 volts AC from low voltage DC. It is used to charge batteries that are connected to AC generators or utility grids. Because of the rapid development of technology and growing environmental awareness, a lot of the basic gadgets used in camping are now converted into solar-based. This is to maximise the use of the sun while you are hiking and lessen your dependence on diesel-based generators. It also allows campers to save money on charging bills. Solar-based devices are highly accessible no matter where you are in remote areas. With all the gadgets in the market competing for your attention, here is a shortlist of the Top 20 Solar-Based Portable Gadgets you will need when you are camping:
1. Solar Lantern
Battery-powered and gas-powered lanterns are cheaper than solar lanterns, but they continuously need gas or a fresh set of batteries to remain functional. With solar lanterns, you just need to make sure that the lantern is out in the open during peak hours to harness the power of the sun and you will have a source of light for the camp for hours at night. Look for how long the lamp will last and the number of hours it needs to be exposed to direct sunlight.
2. Solar Flashlight
This Solar Torch Flashlight has a lithium battery of 2000mAh to store power for a lighting time of five to eight hours which is enough to last overnight. It is very compact at 220x138x18mm and works at three-watt solar panel. This also comes with a 12-month warranty starting from the date of purchase against material defects and workmanship. 
3. Water Purifier
Instead of bringing gallons of bottled water, you may opt to drink straight from the stream. This is an environment-friendly option because you will not be using plastic water bottles. It is also a lot lighter than carrying a five-gallon water bottle uphill. Water purifiers will prevent you from ingesting parasites and bacteria from untreated water. Untreated water, no matter how clean it looks, may cause diarrhoea and fever. Tap water may also have unwanted parasites, so it is best to use water purifiers.
4. Cooler
A cooler ensures that your drinks are cold and ready to drink after the long hike. Lukewarm water is not as satisfying as cold water from the cooler. Insulated ice box could make your drinks cold for a day, but solar-compatible cooler will keep it chilled for days. You may also use a solar fridge that may be connected to a 300-watt portable solar panel or a 200w portable solar panel if you are camping with a trailer or camper. A cooler is convenient if you want your soda and water to remain cold and your food fresh for a week. Solar panels are foldable and each weighs about 23.4 kilograms. 
5. Speakers
Camping is the perfect time to reconnect with nature and get the much-needed peace and quiet. There are times, however, when good music can help soothe the nerves. Solar speakers will allow you to bring music, even when you are hiking. You can share your hiking soundtracks with your group too. Look for speakers which are shock-proof and weather-resistant.
6. Solar Oven
A solar oven is like having a microwave or your own oven in the middle of nowhere. Look for a solar oven that is lightweight and could heat up to 200 to 300 degrees, so it could cook any meal you want. The interior should also be large enough for your pots and pans to maximise its use.
7. Radio
As you will not have access to the internet and most probably mobile signal, a radio is necessary to hear news about the weather and current condition of the trail. This is important if you go to an area that is out of range of cell service.
8. Car Battery Charger
After a week of camping, there is a chance that the battery charge of your car may be depleted. You may have snuck into your car at night, listened to music, and forgot to turn the light off before leaving. Because you are in the middle of nowhere, you cannot find anyone to help you out. A car battery charger is most useful in such a scenario.
9. Portable Shower
A portable shower is quite useful when you hate taking a bath in really cold water or washing in a stream after setting up camp. The portable shower enables you to have a warm bath. All you have to do is fill the bag with water and leave it under the sun. It will then absorb sunlight and heat up the water inside.
10. Solar Backpack
Wouldn't it be amazing to hike and charge your phones and other devices at the same time? A standard backpack will allow you to bring your clothes, phones, and other gadgets on your back while keeping your hands free for the hike. A solar backpack, on the other hand, has solar panels that effectively absorbs solar power and recharges cell phones, speakers, and GPS devices. Look for a solar backpack that is also lightweight, so it won't strain your shoulders.
11. Sunlighter
It is also known as a portable solar lighter. Made from stainless steel, it is a parabolic mirror designed to focus the solar energy to a single point. This in turn creates the fire in seconds after pointing it to the sun. Unlike matches, it is waterproof. Unlike lighters, it can be used for free for a long time as long as there is sunlight.
12. Power Station
A power station allows you to recharge multiple devices at once, so you can plug the power station to solar panels and it can store up to 168 watt-hours. Power stations usually have USB ports and 12V ports and you may charge up to five devices.
13. Camera charger
Imagine that you are taking snaps of beautiful places and you suddenly notice the blinking battery of your camera. If you are far from the nearest power outlet, you would fret because the power bank you are using for your cell phone will not be usable to power your camera. A camera's battery, especially an SLR, would need more energy. A solar camera charger will definitely save the day.
14. Solar Charger
Have you ever heard of horror stories about someone who got lost because his phone's battery was already empty? A cell phone is usually used as a camera, a GPS device, a music player, a clock, a note taker, and a communication tool. This is why it is the first gadget that needs to be recharged. If you do not have a power bank or a power outlet, you will not be able to use your phone for the remainder of your camping. You may use a lot of other options but the cheapest way to recharge your phone is to have a solar phone charger. Who knows, you might even need your phone to call for help in case of an emergency.
15. Generator
If you are planning to bring your laptop while camping, it is advisable to haul a solar generator. This will allow you to watch Netflix and even charge your SLR camera. Most solar chargers only recharge small devices such as phones, ipods, and music players. A solar generator comes with two components, namely the battery and the inverter. The inverter converts the DC power to AC power and stores the energy in a storage battery. This means that converted energy is stored and not lost.
16. Solar Phone Case
If you do not want to use a lot of cables and a separate panel for charging your phone, you may use a solar phone case. A good solar phone case should be able to recharge your phone and keep it from getting wet at the same time. If it has an integrated battery in the case that can serve as a back-up, that will be a plus. Solar phone cases, however, do not have storage for the energy and it goes to the phone directly. If left in the sun for too long, it may overheat.
17. Toothbrush
Being in the wilderness does not mean you should also be wild. If you are used to brushing your teeth with electric or battery-powered toothbrush, you can go for a solar toothbrush in the camp. The vibrations on the brush will take care of the plaque and tartar. A solar toothbrush just needs to be exposed to the sun for you to be able to use it. This also means that it will not work in the dark, so you need to brush before nightfall. All you need to do is turn it on and rinse your mouth with water after you are done brushing.
18. Tent Light and Outside Light
A good tent light should provide illumination for the entire night, after only a few hours of direct sunlight exposure. An outside light should have sensors. An LED Solar Lamp will last eight hours after full charging. 
19. Portable Solar Fan
It is sometimes very hot outside. It can be inconvenient without an electric fan or air-conditioning during summer. A solar portable fan will ease the situation by harnessing solar energy. The fan runs the fastest during noon time when it is hottest outside.
20. Portable Solar Panels
If you are looking for the best portable solar panels, look for portability and wattage. A solar panel should meet your energy needs. It should also be easy to bring along on a camping trip. Bulky solar panels will be hard to accommodate in your car and they might be too heavy for you to set up on your own. You should search for portable solar kits for camping that are easy to assemble and durable even when you use it multiple times. A Maxray 120 watt portable solar panel weighs only 12.6 kilos and is made with monocrystalline cell. It costs only $149. If you need more watts but are not yet ready for the 300W and 200W, another option is the 160 watt portable solar panels. Both folding portable solar panels for camping come with full warranty and can power chargers, coolers, speakers, and other devices. 
Conclusion
Remember that not all campsites have electricity. Bringing solar-based gadgets will definitely save you time from waiting for someone to finish recharging, so you can use the power outlet. Solar panels are very eco-friendly and are renewable. Solar panels and solar-powered gears are very handy and best of all, they harness free sunlight. You just need to harness the sun's energy and convert it into electricity for your camping needs. Tons of products are out there in the market, but nothing beats the 25-year warranty provided by Outbax. Portable solar panel reviews on the products show five-star ratings. Best of all, the portable solar panels for sale online comes with free shipping. With Outbax, shipment is guaranteed the next day. Visit the site now!
