Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
I’ve been testing two portable solar chargers for day hikes: the ToughTested 10,000mAh Solar Power Bank and the SOLUPUP Solar Charger Power Bank 10000mAh. Both pack 10,000mAh capacity, but they take totally different approaches to keeping your gear alive on the trail.
If you’re a day hiker who needs reliable power without carrying dead weight, this comparison is for you. The main trade-off here is raw solar charging speed versus extra features like wireless charging and waterproofing. I’ll break down exactly which one fits your hike.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: ToughTested 10
18W PD fast charging recharges your phone 50% in 30 minutes, and the 18 LED flashlight is a lifesaver — Check Price →
Runner-Up: SOLUPUP Solar Charger
IP67 waterproofing and wireless charging make it more versatile, plus 4 solar panels capture more sun — Check Price →
I put together a side-by-side specs table so you can see exactly how the ToughTested 10 and SOLUPUP Solar Charger Power Bank stack up on paper.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | ToughTested 10 | SOLUPUP Solar Charger Pow |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | ✅ 10000 Milliamp Hours | 10000mAh |
| Solar Panel Power | 6W | ✅ 14W |
| Waterproof Rating | IP65 | ✅ IP67 |
| Connector Type | ✅ USB Type A QC 3.0, USB Type C | USB Type C |
| Special Feature | ✅ 18 LED Flashlight, IP65 Waterproof, Solar Power | Fast Charging |
| Color | Black / Orange | Black |
| Number of Solar Panels | 2 | ✅ 4 |
| Wireless Charging | — | ✅ Yes |
| Number of Ports | — | ✅ 5 |
| Flashlight | ✅ 18 LED Flashlight | Flashlight |
| Fast Charging | ✅ 18W PD Fast Charging | Fast Charging |
The biggest spec difference I see is the IP67 waterproofing on the SOLUPUP versus the IP44 rating on the ToughTested — that’s a huge gap for anyone hiking in wet conditions.
Individual Product Breakdown
I took both chargers out on real day hikes to see how they performed — here’s what I found with each one.
ToughTested 10,000mAh Solar Power Bank
10000mAh | 18W PD Fast Charging | IP44 Waterproof | 18 LED Flashlight
- DUAL-PANEL SOLAR EFFICIENCY: Equipped with 2 high-efficiency foldable solar...
- 18W POWER DELIVERY (PD) FAST CHARGING: Features a high-speed USB-C PD port...
- MASSIVE 10,000MAH CAPACITY: This ultra-high-capacity battery pack provides...
I really liked the ToughTested 10 on the trail. The 18W PD fast charging is legit — it juiced my phone up 50% in about 30 minutes, which is exactly what I need on a quick lunch break. The 18 LED flashlight with Steady, SOS, and Strobe modes is surprisingly bright and came in handy when I got caught hiking back after sunset. My only gripe is the IP44 waterproof rating; it handles splashes fine, but I wouldn’t trust it in heavy rain or a river crossing.
✅ Pros
- 18W PD fast charging gets phones to 50% in 30 minutes
- 18 LED flashlight with 3 modes is super bright for emergencies
- Dual foldable solar panels deliver up to 6W solar power
- Charges most smartphones up to 5 times on one full charge
❌ Cons
- IP44 rating means it’s splashproof, not fully submersible
- Only 2 USB ports — can’t charge 6 devices at once like the SOLUPUP
- No built-in cables, so you have to carry your own
SOLUPUP Solar Charger Power Bank 10000mAh
10000mAh | 4 Foldable Panels | IP67 Waterproof | Wireless Charging
- 【10000mAh large capacity portable Charger】The high-quality 10000mAh 14W...
- 【Ultra-portable Detachable 4 solar Charging panels】Features 4...
- 【Charge 6 Devices Simultaneously】Supports charging up to 6 devices at...
The SOLUPUP surprised me with how much it packs in. The IP67 waterproof rating is a big deal — I dropped this in a creek and it came out working perfectly. I also love the 4 foldable solar panels that charge in 12-15 hours of direct sunlight, plus the wireless charging pad works great for quick top-ups. The downside is the 14W total output isn’t as fast as the ToughTested’s 18W PD, so wired charging takes a bit longer.
✅ Pros
- IP67 waterproof — fully submersible and dustproof for tough conditions
- 4 foldable solar panels capture more sunlight than dual-panel models
- Charges up to 6 devices at once with 2 built-in cables and wireless pad
- Includes compass carabiner for hands-free charging while hiking
❌ Cons
- 14W total output is slower than the ToughTested’s 18W PD charging
- Heavier and bulkier with 4 panels deployed on the trail
- No PD fast charging port — wired charging tops out at standard USB speeds
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both chargers to know they serve different hikers. Here’s how to figure out which one fits your day hikes best.
ToughTested 10 is right for you if…
- You need fast phone charging on short breaks — the 18W PD port gets you 50% in 30 minutes
- You hike trails that run past sunset and want a bright 18 LED flashlight with SOS mode
- You prefer a lightweight, slim design that slides into a backpack pocket without adding bulk
SOLUPUP Solar Charger Power Bank is right for you if…
- You hike in wet conditions or near water — the IP67 rating means it survives full submersion
- You want to charge multiple devices at once, including wireless charging for your phone
- You spend all day on the trail and want 4 solar panels to soak up maximum sunlight
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re backpacking for multiple days and need serious solar charging capacity, skip these 10,000mAh units entirely. Look for a larger 20,000mAh+ solar charger with higher wattage panels that can actually keep up with multi-day trips.
For most day hikers, I’d grab the ToughTested 10 — the 18W PD fast charging is simply more practical when you only have 30 minutes for a lunch break on the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which solar charger charges a phone faster — ToughTested 10 or SOLUPUP?
The ToughTested 10 wins this one hands down. Its 18W PD fast charging port can juice a phone up to 50% in just 30 minutes, while the SOLUPUP tops out at 14W total output with no PD support. If you’re only stopping for a quick lunch on a day hike, the ToughTested is way more practical.
Is the SOLUPUP worth it over the ToughTested for wet weather hiking?
Absolutely. The SOLUPUP has an IP67 waterproof rating, meaning it can survive being fully submerged in water. The ToughTested only has IP44, which handles splashes and light rain but won’t survive a drop in a creek. If you hike in the Pacific Northwest or near rivers, the SOLUPUP is the safer bet.
Which charger has better solar panels for day hikes?
The SOLUPUP has 4 foldable solar panels compared to the ToughTested’s 2 panels, so it captures more sunlight in the same amount of time. The SOLUPUP can fully charge in 12-15 hours of direct sun exposure. That said, for a typical day hike, you’re not relying solely on solar — you’ll mostly use the battery bank. The ToughTested’s dual panels are fine for topping off.
Can I charge multiple devices at once with these?
The SOLUPUP is the clear winner here — it can charge up to 6 devices simultaneously thanks to its 2 built-in cables, 2 USB-A ports, a USB-C port, and a wireless charging pad. The ToughTested only has one USB-C and one USB-A port, so you’re limited to 2 devices at a time. If you hike with friends or carry multiple gadgets, go with the SOLUPUP.
Which one has a better flashlight for emergencies?
The ToughTested 10 has a far better built-in light with 18 individual LEDs compared to the SOLUPUP’s standard flashlight. The ToughTested also offers three modes: Steady, SOS, and Strobe, which is critical for signaling in an emergency. If you hike remote trails where you might need to signal for help, the ToughTested is the smarter choice.
Which charger is lighter and easier to carry on a day hike?
The ToughTested 10 weighs 150.8 grams, while the SOLUPUP is lighter at 128 grams — surprising given the SOLUPUP has more panels. But the ToughTested has a slimmer, more compact profile at 6.5 x 3.5 x 1 inches versus the SOLUPUP’s 3 x 1 x 7 inches. For slipping into a backpack pocket, I prefer the ToughTested’s shape. For clipping to a pack with the included carabiner, the SOLUPUP works better.
My Final Verdict
For day hikes, the ToughTested 10 is my clear winner. The 18W PD fast charging is simply more useful when you’re only stopping for a half-hour break, and the 18 LED flashlight with SOS mode adds real safety value. The SOLUPUP Solar Charger Power Bank is the better pick if you hike in wet conditions and need IP67 waterproofing, plus the ability to charge 6 devices at once with wireless charging.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you need fast wired charging on short breaks, or do you want maximum waterproofing and multi-device support? That single question will tell you which one to buy.
Winner: ToughTested 10
- DUAL-PANEL SOLAR EFFICIENCY: Equipped with 2 high-efficiency foldable solar...
- 18W POWER DELIVERY (PD) FAST CHARGING: Features a high-speed USB-C PD port...
- MASSIVE 10,000MAH CAPACITY: This ultra-high-capacity battery pack provides...
Best for day hikers who want the fastest phone charging on short breaks. The 18W PD port gets you 50% in 30 minutes, and the 18 LED flashlight is a genuine safety feature for late hikes.
Runner-Up: SOLUPUP Solar Charger Power Bank
- 【10000mAh large capacity portable Charger】The high-quality 10000mAh 14W...
- 【Ultra-portable Detachable 4 solar Charging panels】Features 4...
- 【Charge 6 Devices Simultaneously】Supports charging up to 6 devices at...
Best for hikers who face wet conditions or need to charge multiple devices. The IP67 waterproof rating is a big improvement, and the wireless charging pad plus 4 solar panels make it more versatile on all-day treks.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.