Green Gear Review: Solar Powered Tents

Solar tents are the next evolution of camping gear. The small portable solar panels can be used to power devices such as MP3 players, cell phones, and digital cameras making pollutants like portable generators obsolete. Here’s a overview of the best solar power tents on the market.

For most tents, the sun reaches the solar panel via a fly that has a transparent window which allows the UV light to get through. The system includes the solar panel, power bank, supply wire, and outlets.

The power bank is a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of around 5,000mAh. These are connected to the panel using a supply wire.

The panels produce enough power to charge two devices inside the tent, some LEDs mounted in the tent to provide lighting, or detachable flashlights which hang from the top of the tent like chandeliers.

When the panel is fully charged, it can support indoor lighting for almost four hours. It takes about six to ten hours of sunlight to fully charge the panel.

When selecting solar-powered tents, opt for flexible solar panels made from quality materials that can fold neatly, and can withstand the rigors of the trail.

Katabvatic 3-Person Solar Tent by Eddie Bauer

This three-person, four season expedition tent won the 2012 National Geographic Gear of the Year award. It’s quick and easy to get up with two vestibules that make it easy to get in and out. The tent is a little heavy at 10 lbs. 5 oz, here are the specs:

• Aluminium poles
• Double lined walls made from 40D rip-stop nylon.
• 36 sq ft floor area
• 92 in height
• medium-sized solar panel
• additional battery pack

Cinch Pop Up Tents

Now available for pre-order in 2017, Cinch is available in two, three and four-man versions. Here are the specs for the three man tent:

• 4 ft 8 inches in height
• 12 ft length
• 2 canopies for vestibules at front and back
• 15.4 lbs packed down weight
• Fiberglass poles
• LED lanterns and LED tent pegs

Orange Solar Tent

Also called the Kaleidoscope Tent, this tent comes with three solar panels that are able to charge your gadgets. This tent was designed with the Glastonbury Music Festival and is still in the design phase.