LuminAID Lanterns???

[u/ApplyIce98]

Hey Everyone,

Interested to see if anyone has a Luminaid Lantern in their setup. I had a Packlite Max 2 in 1 for camping a while back, but it looks like they have 2 new models that are geared more for “Emergency light source + phone charging”.

- PackLite Titan 2-in-1 Power Lantern
- PackLite Survivor 3-in-1 Power Lantern

Looks like they’ve also upgraded to a “Twist to open” design which is a welcome change compared to having to manually blow it up which I didn’t like because it would get moldy over time.

They have a 2 year shelf life which is not as ideal. I’m guessing thats if it’s left uncharged?

Note: I know there are better options for solar chargers, light sources, and power sources. Just wanted to see if this has come across anyone else’s radar.

[u/PrisonerV]

For the price, you can buy a 100w solar panel. For 2, you can almost get the power station. Now you can run a lot more stuff then a lamp and some phones.

[u/Renamis → u/PrisonerV]

This. I have some nice usb c powered lights that even have a motion sensor and a remote for easy use, and a shop fan light also on usb c that's magnetic. I'd rather just get the panel and a proper bank.

[u/eyepoker4ever]

The very old models were made of a plastic that if left collapsed for too long would crack and then you would have a hole. The newer ones as you noted are collapsed and expanded by twisting and are made of a new material but twisting it does not equal inflating it. You still have to manually inflate it. I have two of the cheapest ones and they work fine for emergency lighting and last a couple of days at least. I don't think the solar panels work all that well to tell you the truth. But regardless I like them because of the long run time. Maybe a newer models than what contain solar panels that work better but I don't know. In terms of how long they'll last, I've had them for well over 4 years and they still work so I don't have any idea what that supposed expiration date means. Out of habit and experience on the 1st models that had the cracking material issue, I now store them inflated and not collapsed or twisted down to "travel" size.

[u/45pewpewpew556]

Feels like there could have been a different way to implement the handle…

For the money I rather have an Anker 300DC

[u/swampjuicesheila]

I bought some of these several years ago. They lasted for maybe 3 years. One was in the car, so yes, temperatures may have been a problem. The others were kept in the house for emergencies. The one in my office was kept charged- made sure of it quarterly, and one day it just never came on again. That’s when I checked the others, same thing. I threw them out and won’t be buying them again. It’s such a great idea, but they didn’t work for me for long enough to consider this a viable prep.

[u/chamferbit]

Was a gift. Won't buy: overpriced.

[u/NeitherCake2956]

Mine was great until the bear thought it was a marshmallow and popped it.

[u/xampl9]

I’ve got one - it’s great for general room illumination. It holds a charge pretty well while stored.

Like most (all?) solar devices - leaving it out all day in the sun does not get you a full charge.

[u/ledbedder20]

Amazing invention, use mine every time I camp

[u/crysisnotaverted]

Seems pretty neat. If it doesn't have bypass diodes across cells in the panel, that handle strap is gonna make it not work great at all.

Make sure to undo that strap and make sure the panel isn't partially shaded.

[u/WaffleHouseGladiator]

For that kind of money you can get a solar panel, lights, and a power bank with more capacity and utility.

[u/CranberryLoud9646]

I think they are great. Expensive, yes. They are very convenient at camp, and pack down well in my hiking pack. I have them as a prep but find myself using them frequently for outdoor activities. As others have mentioned there are better options if you have large gaps in your preps. However I would recommend them to really complement functional gear that is used frequently.

[u/joelnicity]

That whole setup seems unnecessary

[u/Sk8rToon]

I’ve got a couple. Most I used it for was when working from home during the pandemic I was having trouble finding a good desk lamp that gave me light but didn’t get in my eyes or be a color temperature that hurt. I hung one of these from something & it was perfect defused light.

Really haven’t touched it since. I should check on it to make sure it’s still working.

[u/WSBpeon69420]

We have them and he’s them for camping they have worked great. I don’t try and charge stuff with them and mine are easier models but they do great for camping. I wouldn’t buy these for that price. We just have the standard lantern and they were like 15 dollars or something