Green Lantern
Essential: The Luci Light Solar-Powered LED Lantern
Whether the adventure is at a far away destination in a tent or cabin, or happening at home during a power outage, having easy, dependable lighting is key. The Luci Light is an eco-friendly, really cleverly designed solar powered lantern that has been an essential part of my 'kit' for a wide variety of use cases.
For the Uninitiated:
MPOWERD created their first version of the Luci Light in 2012, with the goal of making an affordable clean energy product that could work in any situation. Since then, they've evolved their core lantern product and have also come up with a variety of other lighting-based products/solutions.
Lucy Light lanterns are their core product - they are inflatable, waterproof, and solar-powered LED lanterns. They don’t need batteries or electrical outlets, which makes them perfect for off-the-grid adventures.
So, why is it the best?
1. Infinite Power
One of the obvious reasons the Luci Light is so awesome is because it is so easy to charge with simply the sun. I'll toss mine in our front yard before a trip, or even on the dash of my car when heading out if I forgot to charge it beforehand.
It's also pretty quick to charge, only requiring about 7 hours in the sun to FULLY charge it, so I've even attached it to the top of my backpack during the day so we were able to use it all night. And, if you have access to a USB outlet, you can also charge it even quicker by plugging it in before you need it. While this requires a bit more forethought, it takes a lot less time.
2. Smart Designs and Modes
The Luci Light has multiple light settings, and you'll find yourself the different settings. The primary ones are high, medium, and low light levels - which are great for cooking/detailed work, relaxing and talking, or getting ready for bed in a tent, respectively. There is also a blinking mode that I've used when leaving it at a campsite so that it's easier to find when returning in the dark.
Some models also feature a great red light that does not affect your night vision (and you know I love custom lights like the Philips Hue bulbs that adjust to the time of day and environment!), while others have different sets of fun colors you can cycle through. You can use the light face down to diffuse the light, or face up or hanging to help maximize the light cast.
3. Packable and Portable
Weighing just 4.4 ounces and collapsing down to just an inch thick, the Luci Light is the definition of packable. Toss it in your backpack, and you won’t even notice it’s there until you need it.
Once you need it, it's easy to inflate, giving you a wide-casting light with such a small and flexible form factor. There are helpful clips to allow you to hang it from the top of your tent or a tree for light, as well as from a pack so it can charge while you hike.
4. Adventure-Proof
The Luci Light is also very durable: it's waterproof and can handle extreme temperatures, making it perfect for any adventure, from snowy mountain hikes to hot desert trips. I've tossed mine into lakes, pools, and my kid's bath to help add a bit of fun.
There are very few moving parts and the light has a reported lifespan of up to 10 years, so you should be able to get a lot of use out of it. I've had a couple for at least 5 years and have brought them on countless trips (in addition to using around the house or letting the kids play with them).
5. Good Causes
MPOWERD, the company that makes the Luci Lights, is a B-Corp, which means making a positive impact is a required part of their business. They donate lights to emergency situations and sell subsidized lights to emerging markets and non-profits.
The "Impact" page of their website is worth checking out to see how they help facilitate safety, education, entrepreneurship, and disaster relief through their impact program.
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So, there you have it: The Luci Light in all its glory. Highly, highly, highly recommend.
It's incredibly easy to use, easy to pack, and easy to charge. While there are higher end/upgraded lantern options (allowing for device charging, color lights, string lights, and more), the Luci Outdoor 2.0 is my go-to option that I use the most and that I have gifted to family and friends. But, with all of them, you're only adding convenient, durable, and cool lighting options to your life and adventures.
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The Luci Light is offered in a variety of colors, light styles, and accessories. If you do decide to use the links I share, you'll still get the lowest prices that I'm aware of, but I will get a small bonus for helping with the sale! Thank you!
