A hydrogen generator includes a housing, a solid hydrogen source disposed within the housing, and an inlet configured to guide a fluid to contact the solid hydrogen source. The inlet can contact a wicking region. The wicking region can include a wicking material that has an affinity for the fluid. The wieking material can include a hydrophilic material. The housing can include a hydrogen gas outlet. The hydrogen generator can include an end cap at one end of the housing including the inlet and the hydrogen gas outlet. The hydrogen gas outlet can include a gas permeable membrane. The inlet can be fluidly connected to a fluid control system configured to control fluid flow rate to the solid hydrogen source. The generator can be portable.