Lou McLeod: LuminAID Solar Powered Lights – Compact, Waterproof & Long Lasting

Sunday, 18 September 2016

LuminAID Solar Powered Lights – Compact, Waterproof & Long Lasting

The following article LuminAID Solar Powered Lights – Compact, Waterproof & Long Lasting is courtesy of Total Survival

LuminAID solar powered lights are unique, lightweight, durable, IPX7 waterproof, inflatable lights. Ever since I saw them on Shark Tank back in 2015, I thought the company was on to a good idea. I received two great little LuminAID solar powered lights for review – the cube-shaped Packlite 12 and the pillow-shaped Packlite 16.

Both units pack down tiny for storage – roughly the size of two decks of playing cards. They can charge while folded or inflated. To use, simply blow up and press the button and select your preferred light level.

These units are a substitute for a camp light or lantern, with enough light for small room or reading a book (near the unit – think “lamp”, not “floodlight”). Once charged, the units will hold that charge for up to two years. This means you can keep a charged unit in your first aid kit, emergency preps or glove compartment and and have light when you need it.

The lights are PVC free and tested in temps from below zero to extreme heat. They are also waterproof and fully submersible, with an IPX7 rating. This means that they can go under up to 3 feet (1 meter) and still work. (Think flood preparedness…)

Luminaid Solar Powered Lights – Packlite 12

The smaller LuminAID Packlite 12 square light is a good tabletop unit, or it can be hung or carried like a lantern. The flat bottom gives it a small footprint (just 4″x4″), so it’s perfect for small spaces. I could easily see it being used to gather eggs in a coop without electricity, or for camping. The “twist to store” feature of this light makes it easy to pack up quickly.

Features:

45 lumens
Full charge in 7-10 hours
12 hours of light on LOW setting
2 year storage life
4 settings – High, Medium, Low and Emergency Flash
Waterproof – IPX7 rating
Charges in overcast conditions
PVC Free (made of TPU plastic)
10,000+ hours of battery life
1 year full warranty

LuminAID Solar Powered Lights – Packlite 16

The LuminAID Packlite 16 looks like a lit up pillow, and is based on the original LuminAID design. This unit is larger when inflated, with a 8″x9″ footprint when laying down. It has handle and holes to allow it to be hung and carried. This is probably the better of two units for camping and emergencies – maybe even pool lights? It’s brighter and holds a charge longer than the Packlite 12. (That said, I think the Packlite 12 wins on coolness factor.)

Features:

65 lumens
Full charge in 7-10 hours
30 hours of light on LOW setting
2 year storage life
4 settings – Extra Bright, High, Low and Emergency Flash
Waterproof – IPX7 rating
Charges in overcast conditions
PVC Free (made of TPU plastic)
10,000+ hours of battery life
Charge indicator turns green when fully charged

To share light with those in need, the LuminAID “Give Light, Get Light” Package allows you to purchase of Packlight 16 for yourself while donating one to someone in need in Nepal, where they are still rebuilding from the 2015 earthquake.

We just received our solar lights this summer, so we’ll keep using them to see how they hold up over time. I’ve noticed some amazon.com reviews indicating that there may be some quality control issues to work through. The majority of reviews are positive.

Have you used solar lighting or solar emergency products? If so, what do you recommend? Are there any that you’ve seen that you’d like to see me review? Leave a comment and left me know!

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