Product Spotlight: Anker 515 Solar Panel (24W Flexible)
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Anker's 515 uses thin-film CIGS cells instead of rigid crystalline ones. That makes the panel flexible, so it's less likely to crack if your pack gets squashed. The trade-off is weight.
Tier: mid. Best for basecamps and paddle trips, not ultralight hiking.
Anker's specs (model A2425)
- Solar input: 24 W
- USB output: three USB-A ports sharing 21 W total, 12 W max per port
- Weight: 1,126 g (about 39.7 oz)
- Folded: 9.64 x 12.1 x 1.97 in. Unfolded: 38.8 x 12.1 in.
- Smart restart: Anker says it pauses charging in shade and resumes automatically when the sun comes back
- Storage: none. There's a zippered pocket for cables or a power bank.
Honest negatives
- Heavy for its output. The BigBlue 28W is listed at about half the weight.
- USB-A only, so you'll need USB-A cables.
- Anker notes the 24 W rating isn't the real USB output. Conversion losses mean you get less.
Why consider it anyway
The auto-restart after passing clouds helps on partly cloudy days, when some panels stop charging and stay stopped. Three ports are handy for a group sharing one panel at camp.
See the Anker 515 Solar Panel on Amazon
Availability changes often, so check the Amazon listing for current stock and options.