Hiluckey 25000mAh Solar Charger Review

The Ultimate Off-Grid Test

I bought the Hiluckey 25000mAh solar charger specifically for a 2-week camping and van life trip through Utah's national parks. With no hookups planned and multiple devices to keep charged, I needed something with serious capacity.

After 14 days of real-world testing in some of the most beautiful (and remote) places in America, here's everything you need to know about this power bank.

First Impressions: This Thing is HEAVY

Let's get this out of the way immediately: this power bank weighs 1.3 pounds. That's heavier than my iPad. When you pick it up, you immediately understand why - this is a serious piece of equipment with genuine 25,000mAh capacity.

The build quality is impressive. Four solar panels fold out accordion-style, and the whole unit feels rugged enough to survive outdoor adventures. The orange accents give it a outdoorsy, technical look that I actually really like.

Solar Performance: Better Than Expected

I'll be honest - I wasn't expecting much from the solar panels. Most power bank solar panels are basically decorative. But the Hiluckey surprised me.

Utah desert (optimal conditions): In direct sunlight at 7,000+ feet elevation, the four panels generated about 15-20% charge per day. That's actually meaningful!

Partly cloudy Colorado: Still got 5-10% charge on overcast days. Better than the zero I expected.

Tree-covered campsite: Basically useless. Need direct sunlight for any meaningful charging.

The key is positioning. The panels work best when you can angle them toward the sun and leave them undisturbed for 6+ hours. I got in the habit of setting up the charger when I arrived at camp and adjusting it once or twice throughout the day.

Week 1: Arches & Canyonlands

Started the trip with the power bank at 100%. Used it to charge my phone (for photos and GPS), camera batteries, headlamp, and occasionally my laptop for processing photos.

By day 5, I was down to about 40% capacity despite the solar panels adding charge each day. The usage was higher than expected - desert camping meant using more flashlights, charging GPS devices, and running a small fan in the tent.

Week 2: Zion & Escalante

Started week 2 with a full recharge at a visitor center. The second week went much better because I'd learned to manage my power consumption. The solar panels consistently added 15-20% charge each day in the southern Utah sun.

The USB-C port was crucial for charging my laptop. Most smaller power banks can't deliver enough wattage, but this one charged my MacBook Air at a decent rate.

Comparison to Alternatives

I also own the Anker PowerCore 26800 ($65) and have tested the RAVPower 25000mAh ($35). Here's how they stack up:

Hiluckey vs Anker: Anker charges faster and is lighter, but has no solar panels and costs more than double. For extended trips, the solar capability justifies the trade-offs.

Hiluckey vs RAVPower: Very similar specs, but the Hiluckey's solar panels are more efficient and the build quality feels more premium. Worth the $7 price difference.

Who Needs This Power Bank?

✅ Perfect for:

• Extended camping trips: Multiple days without power access
• Van life travelers: Base camp charging station
• Emergency preparedness: Natural disasters, power outages
• Festival camping: Multi-day events without charging
• Remote work setups: Off-grid cabin, outdoor workspace

❌ Skip if you:

• Prioritize portability: Too heavy for daily carry
• Mostly urban use: Overkill for city life
• Need laptop charging: Won't charge gaming laptops or larger devices
• Expect solar-only use: Solar is supplemental, not primary

After 2 Weeks: Would I Buy Again?

Absolutely. This power bank kept my essential devices charged for two weeks in remote areas where power simply wasn't available. The solar panels provided meaningful supplemental charging, and the massive capacity meant I never had to worry about rationing power.

Yes, it's heavy. Yes, it's bulky. But when you're truly off-grid for extended periods, those trade-offs are worth it for the peace of mind.

I've since used it for a music festival (5 days, no power access) and during a power outage at home (3 days). In both cases, it performed flawlessly.

Planning an off-grid adventure?

We test gear in real-world conditions because specs don't tell the whole story. Got questions about off-grid power solutions? Contact our editorial team for expert advice.