I'm trying to get into the backpack camping game... probably a little later in life than I should've. (I'm not old, but not young either, 42, and have a few health issues) I've been on a few short trips during fair weather to test out and learn. I've been wanting to go out for 3-5 days and trying to prepare for that. I've been eyeballing the NESTOUT battery bank and solar charger so I can ensure my Garmin Inreach stays charged because I never like to venture out without that thing. If anything it makes me feel better!
Is there any feedback on the NESTOUT 2-panel solar charger and battery bank?
Hey @John Baldwin
Welcome to the world of backpacking! It’s never too late to get into it, and it sounds like you’re already taking a smart approach by testing things out before committing to longer trips.
As for the NESTOUT 2-panel solar charger and battery bank, I don’t have direct experience with it. I’ve considered trying a solar charger but never wanted to spend the money since a battery bank has always been enough for me. That said, I can offer some general insights:
Things to Consider:
Solar Charging Efficiency – The NESTOUT produces 14W, which is on the lower end compared to other chargers like the BigBlue 28W, SunJack 25W, or Goal Zero Nomad 20W. Two-panel chargers typically don’t generate much power unless they’re in full sun. Some higher-wattage models claim better performance in less-than-ideal sunlight, so it may be worth researching alternatives if solar is a priority.
Battery Bank Capacity – The key factor is whether the battery holds enough power for your trip without constant recharging. If your main priority is keeping your Garmin InReach charged, test how many charges you’ll get from the battery bank and how long your InReach lasts between charges.
Durability & Weather Resistance – NESTOUT markets their products as rugged and waterproof, which is a plus. Personally, I use cheap battery banks from Amazon and have never had any issues.
Alternative Options – If you’re mainly looking to charge your InReach, a high-capacity battery bank (10,000mAh to 20,000mAh) might be enough for a 3-5 day trip without needing solar. The Anker PowerCore or Nitecore NB10000 are solid lightweight options. I take a 40,000mAh one, and I’ve never come close to depleting it (usually it's at about 80% when I get home)—but that depends on how much you’re charging.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re set on solar, the NESTOUT system could work, but I’d recommend treating a battery bank as your primary power source and using solar only as a backup in consistent sunlight. A larger battery (without solar) might be the more reliable choice for shorter trips.
Check out my Guides and How-Tos—they’re all based on my personal experiences, most of which I learned the hard way, lol.