Published by Vanessa Brunner under Green Living

Camping is one of the easiest, quickest, and most inexpensive ways to have a green Summer vacation (see our Green Camping Tips).

But, as always, there’s a way to one-up the typical camper by investing in a few simple solar powered products. With so many advancements in technology going towards environmentally friendly products, there are more than enough ways to make your trip completely carbon free!

Sun Oven

A Sun Oven is just one way to harness the power of the Sun. It can reach up to 400° F and boil, bake, or steam pretty much anything.

Flash cooker

Another green way of cooking is using a Flash cooker with a Fresnel Lens, but it takes a lot of time, organization, and experience.

The power is unbeatable though:

Solar Powered Flashlights and Lanterns:

The BoGo Light

Intended for use in developing countries, the BOGO light charges up to 5 hours with a full battery

Tabletop Solar LED Lantern

The Soladyne lantern has 12 LEDs and 4 ways to charge: by using the built in solar panel, the hand crank, the cigarette lighter adapter or with the AC charger.

Solar LED Flashlight/Cell Phone Charger

This flashlight has a built in battery that uses its solar panel for power. The internal battery can also be charged with an optional AC/DC adapter (not included) or cigarette lighter adapter (not included). The internal battery stores power for use in lighting, flashing, or for recharging your cell phone (5 cell phone adapter tips are included)

Solar Powered Tent by Eureka

This tent by Eureka comes with solar-powered LED light. The Solar Powered panel is both lightweight and splash proof. When on the high setting, 8 hours of charge provides 8 hours of light.

Voltaic Solar Charger Backpack

This backpack has the ability to charge almost any handheld electronic device. 4-6 hours in direct sunlight will fully-charge a typical cell phone. Voltaic bags use fabrics made from recycled PET (mostly soda bottles). This fabric is both light and durable.

Wagan Solar Charger Panel

Small enough to fit in your backpack, but powerful enough to charge on a cloudy day, the Wagan Solar Panel is ideal for camping trips. Not only is it more convenient, but you conserve a significant amount of electricity from using this panel to charge any electronic device.