I regularly use the original LuminAID solar-powered lantern on my backpacking trips. Incredibly lightweight and requiring no extra batteries, these inflatable lanterns are super fun to use and a great way to light up your tent or campsite at night. The company followed up the original Solar Light with a 2x brighter version in the PackLite 16, but now LuminAid gets ready to release a lantern that is even lighter and more packable–the PackLite 12.
The LuminAID PackLite 12 is a compact, solar-powered light that twists flat and inflates into a lightweight (3.5 ounces), portable lantern. Safe, sustainable, and ultra-portable, this lantern provides up to 12 hours of consistent ambient LED light on low, 8 hours on high, 6 hours on extra bright, or 32 hours in flashing mode for those emergency situations. You can cycle through modes by simply pushing a single red button.
The PackLite 12 makes use of 12 bright LEDs and recharges the Lithium-Polymer Ion battery with a built-in, high-efficiency solar panel in just 7 hours of sunlight. The new twist-to-close feature makes it easy to stow away for those in-a-hurry moments and the adjustable strap attaches to your backpack to charge on the go, hang from a tent, or carry as a handheld lantern to light your path ahead.
The LuminAID PackLite 12 solar-powered lantern retails for $22.95. Shipping in April, the company is taking pre-orders on their website now. For those that want to add a little funk to their camping setup, check out the PackLite Spectra ($24.95). The Spectra is the same solar-powered lantern as the PackLite 12 but changes colors–up to 7 in all.
