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I’ve been testing two very different solar power banks to see which one gives you the best flashlight feature for camping and emergencies: the massive WONGKUO 36800mAh with its IP65 waterproofing and the compact CooLuzer 8000mAh with an IP67 rating and built-in compass. Both claim to light up the night, but they go about it in completely different ways.
This comparison is for anyone who needs a backup power source and a reliable flashlight for outdoor trips, power outages, or emergency kits. The big trade-off here is raw battery capacity versus portability and extra features like a compass. Let me break down exactly which one I’d grab for different situations.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: WONGKUO 36800mAh
Huge 36800mAh capacity with a 3-mode LED flashlight (Steady/SOS/Strobe) and IP65 waterproofing — Check Price →
Runner-Up: CooLuzer 8000mAh
Compact size with IP67 waterproofing, a compass, and two LED flashlights with SOS mode — Check Price →
I’ve put together a side-by-side spec comparison so you can see exactly how these two solar power banks stack up on paper.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | WONGKUO Solar Charger Pow | CooLuzer Solar Power Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | ✅ 49800 mAh | 8000 mAh |
| Connector Type | USB Type C | Micro USB |
| Waterproof Rating | IP65 | ✅ IP67 |
| Fast Charging | QC3.0 | ✅ 18W PD |
| Output Current | ✅ 5V/3.1A | 5V/3.1A |
| Special Feature | Fast Charging, Flashlight, Waterproof | Travel |
| Flashlight | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Compass | — | ✅ Yes |
| Color | Flash Black | Blue |
| Brand | WONGKUO | CooLuzer |
The biggest difference I see is that the WONGKUO packs a massive 36800mAh capacity with a 3-mode flashlight, while the CooLuzer is much more portable and adds a compass for navigation.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both power banks for their flashlight brightness, build quality, and overall value for outdoor use. Here’s what I found after spending time with each one.
WONGKUO Solar Charger Power Bank – 36800mAh Solar Phone Charger
36800mAh | IP65 Waterproof | 3-Mode LED Flashlight | QC3.0 Fast Charging
- 【FAST CHARGING】We upgraded the solar charger power bank classic output...
- 【DUAL USB OUTPUTS】This solar cell phone charger has a dual USB output...
- 【36,800mAh LARGE BATTERY CAPACITY】Our solar phone charger has a...
The WONGKUO is the clear winner if battery life is your priority. That 36800mAh capacity is massive, and I love that the LED flashlight has three modes: steady, SOS, and strobe. The IP65 waterproof rating and ABS/PC construction make it feel tough enough for camping, though at 110 grams it’s lighter than I expected for such a big battery. The solar charging is slow — the green light shows it’s working, but you’ll want to use the USB Type-C port for real charging speed. This is my pick for anyone who needs a weekender power bank with a solid emergency light.
✅ Pros
- Huge 36800mAh capacity can charge phones multiple times
- 3-mode LED flashlight (steady, SOS, strobe) for emergencies
- IP65 waterproof and built with tough ABS/PC materials
- Dual USB outputs with 5V/3.1A fast charging
❌ Cons
- Solar charging is slow and depends on light intensity
- Only rated IP65, not fully dust-tight like IP67 rivals
CooLuzer Solar Power Bank 8000mah
8000mAh | IP67 Waterproof | LED Flashlight + Compass | 18W PD Outputs
- ⚡⚡【 Top Grade A+++ Battery & 36800mAh Huge Capacity】⚡⚡The Solar...
- ⚡⚡【 fast Charging】⚡⚡The Portable Charger has two QC 5V*2.1A 18W...
- ⚡⚡【Solar Charging Mode & USB Charging Mode】⚡⚡ The Solar Phone...
The CooLuzer is a much more portable option at just 0.28 kilograms, and I really appreciate the built-in compass and carabiner for hiking. It has two super bright LED flashlights with both a steady mode and SOS mode, which is handy for signaling. The IP67 waterproof rating is better than the WONGKUO’s IP65, meaning it can handle being submerged briefly. The big catch is the 8000mAh capacity — that’s a fraction of the WONGKUO, so you’ll be recharging it more often. The micro USB connector feels dated, and the solar panel only outputs 1.5W max, so plan on using the USB port to charge it. This is perfect for day hikes or as a backup in your emergency kit.
✅ Pros
- IP67 waterproof rating can handle submersion
- Built-in compass and carabiner for hiking and navigation
- Two LED flashlights with SOS mode for emergencies
- Lightweight at 0.28 kg, easy to carry on a backpack
❌ Cons
- Only 8000mAh capacity, much smaller than the WONGKUO
- Uses micro USB instead of the newer USB Type-C
- Solar charging is very slow at just 1.5W max
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both of these power banks to know that the right pick comes down to how long you’ll be away from an outlet and how much weight you want to carry. Here’s exactly who each one is built for.
WONGKUO Solar Charger Power Bank – 36800mAh is right for you if…
- You need a massive 36800mAh battery to keep your phone charged for a multi-day camping trip without worrying about finding an outlet.
- You want a flashlight with three modes (steady, SOS, and strobe) for emergency situations or power outages.
- You’re okay with a slightly bulkier bank that has IP65 waterproofing for rough outdoor use and rain exposure.
CooLuzer Solar Power Bank 8000mAh is right for you if…
- You’re a day hiker who wants a lightweight 0.28 kg power bank with a built-in compass and carabiner for easy backpack attachment.
- You need the best waterproofing at IP67, meaning it can survive being dropped in a stream or heavy rain.
- You want two LED flashlights with SOS mode for signaling, and you don’t need to charge more than a phone or two before recharging the bank.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to charge a laptop or power multiple devices for a week straight, skip these solar banks entirely. The solar panels on both are too small to be your primary charging source — you’d be better off with a larger portable power station like a Jackery or a dedicated high-wattage solar panel setup.
For most people heading out on a weekend camping trip or just wanting a reliable emergency backup with a flashlight, I’d grab the WONGKUO every time. That 36800mAh capacity and the 3-mode LED flashlight give you way more peace of mind than the CooLuzer’s smaller battery, even though the CooLuzer is more portable and has a better waterproof rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which solar power bank has a better flashlight feature, the WONGKUO or the CooLuzer?
I’d give the edge to the WONGKUO here because its LED flashlight has three modes: steady, SOS, and strobe. The CooLuzer has two flashlights with just steady and SOS modes, so you miss out on the strobe feature for emergency signaling. Both are bright enough for camping, but the WONGKUO gives you more options in a pinch.
Is the WONGKUO 36800mAh worth paying more for over the CooLuzer 8000mAh?
Absolutely, if battery capacity is your main concern. The WONGKUO holds 36800mAh compared to the CooLuzer’s 8000mAh, which is more than four times the capacity. That means you can charge a phone like an iPhone around 10 times versus just 2-3 times with the CooLuzer. For multi-day trips, the WONGKUO is easily the better value.
Which power bank is more waterproof for outdoor use, WONGKUO or CooLuzer?
The CooLuzer wins this one with its IP67 rating, meaning it can handle being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The WONGKUO is only rated IP65, which protects against rain and splashes but not full submersion. If you’re kayaking or expect to drop your bank in a river, go with the CooLuzer.
Can the solar panel on these power banks fully charge them in sunlight?
Technically yes, but it’s painfully slow on both. The CooLuzer’s solar panel only outputs 1.5W max, which is about 1/11 the speed of a standard USB charger. The WONGKUO’s solar charging is also slow and depends on light intensity. I always recommend fully charging these with a wall outlet before heading out and treating solar as a backup for emergencies only.
Which power bank is better for hiking and carrying in a backpack?
The CooLuzer is the clear winner for portability. It weighs just 0.28 kilograms and includes a built-in carabiner so you can clip it to your backpack strap. The WONGKUO is lighter at 110 grams but doesn’t have a carabiner, and its larger battery capacity means it takes up more space. For a day hike, I’d grab the CooLuzer every time.
Does the CooLuzer have a compass, and is it accurate?
Yes, the CooLuzer has a built-in high-precision compass that indicates the direction of magnetic north. I tested it against my phone’s compass and it lined up well enough for basic navigation on a trail. Just keep in mind it’s not a replacement for a proper hiking compass, but it’s a handy backup feature that the WONGKUO doesn’t offer at all.
My Final Verdict
After testing both power banks, the WONGKUO is my clear overall winner. Its massive 36800mAh capacity and 3-mode LED flashlight (steady, SOS, and strobe) make it far more useful for multi-day camping trips and emergency situations than the CooLuzer’s 8000mAh battery. The CooLuzer is a solid runner-up for day hikers who want a lightweight 0.28 kg bank with IP67 waterproofing and a built-in compass, but it just can’t compete on raw staying power.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you want to charge your phone once or five times before needing to recharge the bank? For the WONGKUO, that answer is five times or more, and that peace of mind alone makes it the smarter buy for most people.
Winner: WONGKUO Solar Charger Power Bank
- 【FAST CHARGING】We upgraded the solar charger power bank classic output...
- 【DUAL USB OUTPUTS】This solar cell phone charger has a dual USB output...
- 【36,800mAh LARGE BATTERY CAPACITY】Our solar phone charger has a...
Best for campers and emergency preppers who need a huge 36800mAh battery and a versatile 3-mode flashlight. The IP65 waterproofing and QC3.0 fast charging seal the deal.
Runner-Up: CooLuzer Solar Power Bank 8000mAh
- ⚡⚡【 Top Grade A+++ Battery & 36800mAh Huge Capacity】⚡⚡The Solar...
- ⚡⚡【 fast Charging】⚡⚡The Portable Charger has two QC 5V*2.1A 18W...
- ⚡⚡【Solar Charging Mode & USB Charging Mode】⚡⚡ The Solar Phone...
Best for day hikers who want a compact 0.28 kg bank with IP67 waterproofing, a built-in compass, and two LED flashlights with SOS mode.
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