LuminAID PackLite 16 Inflatable Solar Light, Clear, One Count

The LuminAID PackLite 16 Inflatable Solar Light is the best inflatable solar lantern on the market, period. There are a few things you need to know about inflatable solar lanterns: 1. Most people haven't seen them before, so when they come across them, they tend to buy into the makers' claims that this is a 'new,' 'innovative' product--usually accompanied by some heartwarming story about how they developed it because they were inspired by some experience with third-world peoples to bring clean, safe, affordable, renewable lighting to the world! Tune it out. In fact, the market is saturated with at least a half dozen companies that make similar claims, and a few of those companies have been churning these out for over a decade. It's hard to sort out who actually should get credit for this 'innovative' idea, but there's a good chance the answer is NONE of the companies that are currently trying to capitalize on that kind of 'feel good' backstory to sell you their product. 2. There is a significant problem with quality control and cheap materials in most of these inflatable solar lanterns. I discovered all this after being disillusioned by the Luci EMRG lantern I bought. At first, I thought it was the best ultralight lantern I had ever found. Except that in all the solar charge cycles I tested it, I never thought to try running it for longer than an hour. For the first hour it gave off great light, and was so lightweight that I was willing to accept the cheap construction. But when I discovered that the battery was poor--never able to last more than 90 minutes, despite the manufacturer's claims, I started researching this issue and found this is a VERY common problem with inflatable solar products from many companies and that most of their marketing stories about innovation are either stale, grossly exaggerated, or flat-out lies. Read my review of the Luci EMRG lantern if you want to know more about that. 3. As solar inflatable lanterns go, this one is MARKEDLY BETTER IN QUALITY--probably because the company's founders appeared on TV's Shark Tank and netted a strong financial backer/partner to assist them with the manufacturing side. In any case, the Packlite 16 actually lives up to the manufacturer's promises. I'll compare it to the Luci EMRG just to illustrate my point. The Luci EMRG lantern is made from a small, cheap solar panel that is framed by a cardboard frame/base, sealed in the same plastic-like clear vinyl that is used to make very cheap pool toys for infants, with a very cheap inflation valve and a poor battery that cannot hold a charge longer than 100 minutes even on its lowest brightness setting. By contrast, the LuminAID Packlite 16 is considerably higher in quality. The LuminAID's inflatable body is made of a much higher quality vinyl which has more of a rubbery feel (less like plastic), very much like high grade medical vinyl. Whereas the Luci EMRG's vinyl is realatively stiff and cheap, crinkly feeling, the LuminAID's vinyl is very pliable and thus, should prove to be exponentially less susceptible to cracking/splitting over the long term. Likewise, the LuminAID uses a single bright LED instead of the Luci EMRG's three smaller LEDs and pairs it with a much better battery. The battery charges faster (7 hours of sunlight vs. the Luci EMRG's 8-9 hours) and lasts MUCH, MUCH LONGER. Whereas the Luci can barely go 50 minutes before it starts to dim noticeably and dies before it reaches the 90 minute mark, the LuminAID can go at least 5 hours and 45 minutes on its brightest setting, which is just as bright as the Luci EMRG. Better yet, it does not dim noticeably at any point in that duration; it remains bright and then, when it has exhausted the charge, shuts off. Lastly, the inflation valve on the Luci EMRG is very cheap. Although it looks the same by eyesight, you can tell by feel that the EMRG's valve is stiffer and smoother than the inflation valve on the LuminAID. As a result, the little valve cap on the Luci EMRG frequently pops out on its own instead of staying in place as it should--a sure sign of cheap plastic., By contrast, the LuminAID's valve seals shut securely and the cap is actually a little stiff to remove, as it should be. 4. The LuminAID Packlite 16 has nice extra touches that suggest a concern for quality/convenience. For example, it has a small snap flap that helps hold the lantern in a small folded package when it is deflated. In that configuration, it is very slim and packable, and it hangs easily on a pack for recharging. The solar panel is not only noticeably larger and better in quality than the Luci EMRG's panel (and the panels on other, similar knock-off products), but it is paired with a very tiny LED that shows when the lantern is charging (red) or charged (green). The charging LEDS are extremely tiny, so I feel confident they're not "wasting" precious energy. Also, attesting to the quality of these components, the red LED has at least two brightness levels: a scant pinprick of red light whenever it detects the slightest hint of a charge from the panel, and a noticeably brighter (but still tiny) glow of red when (presumably) the panel is generating its maximum charge current. Also, the panel is sensitive enough that it does register a charge in partial shade. More surprising still, after completely exhausting the battery, I held a small (but bright) FLASHLIGHT to the panel for about 1 minute. To my surprise, it registered a charging current and I was then able to run the lantern on its lowest brightness for approximately 7 minutes! That tells me this is a very efficient (i.e., good quality) solar panel. A few other notes about this particular lantern, the LuminAID Packlite 16: -- The brightest setting on this lantern is 45 lumens, NOT 65 lumens as it incorrectly states in one of the sections above. At 45 lumens, it is adequate to light up a typical 3- or 4-person tent bright enough to play cards, read, etc. and it lasts at least 5 hours and 45 minutes before exhausting the charge. On the medium and low settings it runs longer. The low setting is very dim, but still adequately bright for one or two people to read by (you would need to position the book/map within 6 - 10 inches of the light to be able to read by it.) The makers claim it can run for up to 16 hours on this low setting, and in my own tests, I confirmed that it definitely runs over 14 hours (I had to leave at that point and couldn't stick around to confirm when exactly it finally died). That means it is an EXCELLENT "nightlight" for children who may be a little intimidated about sleeping in a pitch dark tent. You can let it run all night on low, giving off a reassuring glow in the tent, and then charge it up the next day in the sun--something you could never do with an ultralight non-solar light, since it would mean having to carry a lot of spare batteries. -- This lantern is waterproof. The solar/battery unit is completely sealed in clear vinyl, and the inflatable light diffuser is also sealed (hence inflatable). As long as the inflation valve is closed securely, no water should get in, even if you submerge it. Also, it will certainly float while inflated. Leaving it outside in the rain should present no problem whatsoever. -- This light has four modes: high, medium, low, and blinking. All are accessed by pressing the red power button to cycle through them, in that order. Since the power button is sealed under plastic with the solar panel and battery, there is no way to "feel" the button in the dark; thus, I recommend that you place a piece of duct tape or electrician's tape over the button so that you can find it by touch in the dark when needed. -- This light is brightest through the long side opposite of the side where the power button and solar panel/battery is attached; however, the hang loops are at one end. Thus, if you hang the lantern by those loops, it shines brightest sideways. Ideally, the designers should add a second hang loop right next to the power button, which would enable you to hang it so that the large, brightest side faces down for better tent illumination. As a quick fix, you can just make a small loop using packing tape. If you're smart about how you make the loop to maximize the adhesion, it will hold the light just fine. (Just make sure you don't cover any of the solar panel or you'll block some of its efficiency for recharging!) The bottom line is that if you're looking for a lightweight, reliable, inflatable solar lantern to use as a camp/tent light, this LuminAID is a great choice. It's quality is the best of all the inflatable solar lanterns I've come across, and thus, it is worth paying about twice as much to get one. At around $24, the price seems reasonable, and "similar" products that sell for $10 - $15 (like the Luci EMRG) are laughably cheap in construction and WILL fail you, so I suggest you don't waste your money on those others like I did. I highly recommend this lantern for anyone wanting to cut the weight and bulk of hardshell lanterns (and spare batteries) from their pack weight!

I love this light! In fact I have purchased two of them. Knowing that at some point the grid will go down and having lived through 3 days without power, I know the need for light after the sun goes down. It is a long, boring night when one has only an oil lamp, candle or flashlight for illumination purposes. I decided to practice with this light for several nights to make sure I was satisfied with it as I don't want to be without a light source that is very versatile and will meet my needs. I turn off the lights at night and just use the Luminade for the things I need and want to do. The air in the pillow allows the light to be diffused into all corners of the room. No, I can't read a newspaper across the room with that kind of light, but I can see into every corner and avoid tripping on anything or could see into a dresser drawer. In the bathroom I was able to do the usual things one does in the bathroom, including flossing my teeth, looking into the mirror and being able to see what needed to be seen close up. At night when I need to decompress in order to shut down and be relaxed enough to get to sleep, I often work on a difficult crossword puzzle for about 10 minutes so that I stop thinking about "to do" lists and can relax. I place the pillow on my chest while propped up in bed and am able to easily read the newspaper without having to concern myself with positioning and repositioning the light. The light is bright enough to illuminate the area for most tasks, and there is enough diffused light to be able to work without difficulty in any room. When the battery needs recharging, I place the pillow on my sunny window sill between the closed blinds and the window. It stays there throughout the day, and is good to go again that night. The folks who designed this product placed a piece of plastic just above the on/off button so that by feeling for this plastic piece, one can locate the on/off button in the dark with little effort. I will use the second one I purchased as I back-up light, but also discovered that if I leave the light in its original folded up position of a small rectangle and don't inflate the pillow that I can use it as a lamp on my belt. My plan is to fashion some sort of holder for this rectangle that I can slide onto my belt and use as a method of shining a light ahead of me. I am not a fan of headlamps as I have to constantly tilt my head down to illuminate the terrain before me, and that becomes uncomfortable after while. The LED lights on the second generation product are strong and shine quite a distance from my body making it easy to see where I am going. I love this light and am glad the owners decided to put 2 LED lights in the next generation of lights they produced as one light would not provide enough light. All in all I am very pleased with this light and am recommending it based on a month's worth of use. The only downside to this product is that if the pillow gets punctured, and the pillow can no longer hold air, then the ability to use this product would be greatly diminished.

Saw it on shark tank and had to try one. While they are pricy most likely because they have to pay a shark it works as advertised. I put this in the tent on the low setting. It does not bog down the tent and I am able to leave it lit up all night. I did not even have to remove it from the tent to charge it as enough light got through to charge it inside. I have used it multiple times both camping and inside trailers for lighting. I don't think it folds up extremely well when done, but it is small enough that I don't have any issues with storage. I know they have newer units and this was early, but this meets my needs. I think one thing that would make it better would be a second handle or hole at the bottom so you could aim the solar panel and the light when hanging it up.

I ordered a couple of these for an alternate light source for a BOBs. They arrived on time and without damage. The different functions work as advertised. A good light source without the need for batteries. Not something I would want to try to read a small print paperback with for long but good for low light needs in a tent or to keep from tripping on something while trying to find the bathroom at the campsite. The strobe function seems like it might be useful in an emergency kit in a car if you can remember to charge it once in a while or maybe just leave it somewhere where it can stay charged. Not sure how the charge holds after long term use. The only thing I can see that could use improvement is the tabs for attachment to other gear. The tabs are of the same thin material as the rest of the light diffusion pillow. A little reinforcement here would help to ensure this doesn't become the first piece of gear that you lose on the trail if you hang it on your pack to charge while hiking. Worth the money for a light source that doesn't need batteries.

I purchased one of these directly from the company when they first came out and it was a game changer and I ended up giving it to someone who needed it more than I did. No good deed goes unpunished. The new version has the strobe function which is a huge plus for disaster and survival prep. Massive downside and why it has two stars rather than the 5+ I would give the one I bought a few years ago...power consumption and charging. I got 2 of these based my love for the Luminaid I bought a few years ago and gave to someone who needed it last year. I prefer to test things when failure is an irritant and not a threat so I took the lights with me on a camping trip. Both lights crapped out without making it even a night a (more like 4 hours). Recharging was a joke. An afternoon of overcast light rendered a minute of light and this was in the same campsite and conditions that I used the first one in a few years ago with great success. I put them away and relied on my other light options for the balance of the trip. This was a bummer as the luminaid is a great tent light when it works. When we left camp on Saturday I placed the two units on my dashboard and after 2 days of blazing direct sunlight in RTP, NC neither lamp's charging indicator light is green; something is either up with the solar panel or with the indicator light. Either way this is unacceptable and I am sending these two back to Amazon. This was also a good lesson in testing your gear; even things you have tested in the past.

I wish I could give 2.5 stars. As that is an option I am afraid that customer service must win out and so 2 stars it is. Upon arrival I quickly inflated the Luminaid only to find that it had 3 slit marks as if cut with a razor blade! (I opened the bubble wrap envelope with my hands, no need for a knife to open it!). I contacted Luminaid directly and here is our communication: "Hello! I ordered a Luminaid packlite 16 and when I opened the packaging the balloon had a cut in it so it is basically useless. :( The light itself works great, charges and seems to hold a charge just fine. Can you tell me the best way to patch the inflatable material? Or replace the balloon around it? Thank you! Thanks for your e-mail and I am sorry to hear that you cut your Packlite 16 light. Some customers have used TPU patch kits that they found online to repair their lights. Let me know if this works for you and I hope to help you resolve this very soon!" So, instead of arguing with the customer service rep about who cut what, I ordered some sticky patch tape right here from Amazon for $7 and it certainly worked! So, make note that this tape works great for a puncture. Not a bad thing to have for camping anyhow! (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00W133LF0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1) So, minus 1 star for the flimsy material that makes up the balloon. Is there a way around this? I am not sure. So, at the very least, buyer beware of what you are purchasing. If you plan on using this for camping... be aware that the slightest poke can puncture this material. Lastly, minus 2 stars for a poor customer experience. I know that its tough when I have no way to prove who cut my lantern/balloon thing, but since I have to be honest about how I feel it was handled, there it is.

4 stars for being a neat idea but 3 stars for performance and 2 stars for having little scratch marks in the plastic due to folding.... This is a neat concept and cool little gadget. But, honestly, the light while deflated is brighter than when the light is actually inflated. Tried and tested in a pitch black bathroom. On the other hand, while inflated the light might spread slightly more, but it isn't as bright; so it kind of debunks the ingenuity of the concept....I saw a keychain open bulb at REI for 7 bucks that looked cool...anyway... Overall, the concept still trumps my negative opinion. Pros, it is solar powered, ultra light, and will be a practical tent light.

I have all manner of lights. Surefire flashlights, Streamlight battery lantern, primus gas lantern, key chain lights, mag lights and assorted other solar panel for various devices. I'm in the outdoors and other dark places fairly frequently and the one thing that always manages to find a place in my gear is a LuminAID. Car Camping, hoteling it, travel abroad or backpacking through the desert this light is always clipped on my pack or in my luggage. Its light, its easy and I don't have to worry about batteries. I use it for reading and journaling in the dark, for finding stuff in the car,for a night light if I'm traveling with someone who needs one, and just to have in case I'm out of options and have run through my batteries. This won't be good if your trying to spotlight anything, but for a nice soft light with a wide dispersion this is perfect. Its easy to inflate and and easy to fold up, and so far has held up to more abuse than I thought it would. Until general solar panel technology drastically improves, or they find a way this can double as a comfortable pillow (translucent down maybe? is that a thing yet?) this is the best pound for pound lantern you can get. And if all that isn't enough, I've found the company is quick to fix any problems, listens to any feedback its customers have, and is doing it all while saving the world one light at a time. Pretty darn great to be giving my hard earned dollars to a company that cares so much about the world we all share.

台風21号で停電になったときに何年も前に買ってたのが非常に役にたったので、追加で買いました。

Lo acosejo al maximo para tod@s aquellas personas que realicen acampadas o salidas por la montañas o para deportistas extremos tambien lo podemos llevar en el coche para una emergencia. Se recarga por la placa solar y tiene 3 intesidades de luz con strobo, se infla para poderlo hacer flotar, yo lo llevo en mi mochila de diario.

Incredibile e semplice e geniale prodotto.un semplice cuscino gonfiabile,piccolo cuscino,con una luce led all’interno,con tre regolazioni di luce e una quarta per sos.il tutto caricabile da un pannellino solare.sgonfiato e ripiegato è più piccolo e molto più leggero di un cellulare.lo ricomprerei

I can't get over how bright this light is and how long it lasts for! Not only that but it's also super super lightweight! Perfect for camping or trekking! I did quite a bit of research before finally settling and buying this one and I'm so glad I did, simply perfect in everyway.

Système vraiment astucieux et polyvalent. C'est très simple d'utilisation et les performances semblent remarquables (à voir dans le temps, car je commence juste à l'utiliser). J'avais un doute sur la puissance d'éclairage, mais là j'ai été surpris car ça éclaire très bien ! Je recommande sans réserves à tous et pour tous les usages (maison, auto, camping, nautisme, et, pourquoi pas, petites fêtes au jardin ;-)