LUCI Camping and Hiking solar lamps by MPowerd
I'm really impressed by the quality and range of the MPOWERD solar powered light solutions.
In this review, I have explored in more detail what I feel are the 3 best choices for camping and hiking. These are the Luci Base Light, the Luci Pro and the Luci Pro Luxe lantern. Each has advantages, and hopefully I've cut through the technical jargon to make the choice easy for you.
More...
If you already know the Luci Solar Powered light is for you, then click the link below to go to the supplier Mpowerd, or click on the Amazon link to see the Luci Base and Lux Light range.
Click on the link below to go directly to the answer to your most pressing question, or keep scrolling to read the entire article.
What makes MPowerd solar lamps better than the others?
MPOWERD Luci have been building inflatable lamps since 2012, so the technology is well proven. These are waterproof and won't sink if they accidentally fall into water. They come with a battery bank that can be charged either with a USB or by the sun, and they are easy to inflate/deflate. Above all else, they're safe.
Waterproof and Buoyant
This speaks for itself. Being out and about in the rain won't worry these babies. My 3 favorite Luci Lamps are all rated IP67 waterproof. It means they can survive being submerged for up to 3 feet (around 1 meter) for up to half an hour. This really suits any adventure, whitewater rafting, and camping.
As they're buoyant, they won't be sitting at 3 feet for very long though. This makes them ideal for boats or around the pool. You can quickly inflate and then toss them in the pool at a party to create some warm or romantic ambiance. They're also extremely handy for Halloween trick-or-treating with the kids, even if it rains.
Versatile Battery Bank
You can charge the Luci using the inbuilt solar panel by putting the lamp out into the sun or on a window sill. These can also be charged more quickly using any USB charging point. They have a two way port that can also be used as a battery bank for phone charging.
Safe
These lamps are extremely safe compared to an open flame light. There is nothing to smell, spill, or damage surfaces. There's also no danger of nasty burns or threat of fire, making for safer camping. Throw away your old smelly kerosene lamp, and keep the Luci Lamp charged for emergencies or power outages at home.
Inflatable
You can inflate the Luci lamps up as easily as you would blow up a beach ball. It takes about two to three breaths of air to fill it up and light up an area. When you are finished using it, simply push the air back out.
This makes it especially compact for your backpack, and hiking, etc. Reminds me of the song by The Seekers. "Puff the magic lantern lives by the sea". Oh, that was a dragon, wasn't it? Anyway, you puff into them to inflate them.
Which are my top choices of MPowerd Luci Solar Lanterns?
Quick Answer:
1. Luci Base Light - with extra Battery life
The Luci Base Light is the only light on the market that is solar powered, collapsible, and lightweight that produces 300 lumens for up to 50 hours on a single charge.
300* lumens of light is enough to create a beautiful yet powerful glow.
The Luci Base light takes longer to charge, but it really is the heavy duty lamp in the range. It has double the battery size and on its High setting, will be twice as bright than the other 2 solar lights in this review.
2. Luci Pro: Outdoor 2.0 + Mobile Charging
The Luci Pro Outdoor 2.0 charges from empty to full in just a few hours when plugged in to a power source and lasts 50 hours or more on a single charge.
Features
3. Luci Pro: Lux + Mobile Charging
The Luci Pro Lux with Mobile Charging is almost the same as the Luci Pro Outdoor 2.0 but has a Matte finish, and a lower Lumen output.
What's the Difference between the Outdoor Pro and the Pro Lux?
The Luci Pro Outdoor 2.0 has a clear finish, and bright-white LED's. It provides 150 lumens for great visibility both inside and outdoors.
Luci Pro Lux has a matte finish. This is a frosted decor light with warm LED's, and gives out up to 135 lumens of light.
Other than these differences, the main specifications between the two lights are identical.
Both come with a 2-way USB cord and have a single USB port for two-way charging. They have a 2,000 mAh battery that recharges fully in 14 hours of direct sunlight or 2-3 hours via the USB. These last up to 50 hours (on low mode), and both have a top strap and an adjustable base strap.
The Luci Pro Outdoor 2.0 works well as an overhead light as it gives enough light for many different tasks. The Luci Pro Lux is often used as a table-top light as it is softer on the eyes with its soft-white LED's and matte finish.
How to Charge, Inflate and Deflate Luci Solar Lights
Charging
Firstly, don't charge the Luci while it's inflated - it should charged only when it's flat. Charging it while its inflated could cause the shape of the light to become distorted on a hot, clear day.
Keeping it flat also makes it easy to keep it charged up ready for emergencies. Charging while flat also works well when strapped to the outside of your backpack during the day. It means it's not taking up much room while its soaking up all that sun.
Charging automatically starts as soon as you place the solar panels in the sun. The battery indicator button (which it looks like a lightning bolt) will let you know how its going. All four lights will be steady once it's fully charged.
It'll charge a lot more quickly on a bright, clear day and will take a little longer on overcast days. It may also take longer depending on the UV index.
Inflating
To inflate the Luci, pinch the valve to open the airway. With the valve pinched open, pull the unit apart. This allows some pre-inflating before you start blowing.
Blow into the valve until it's fully inflated. As soon as it's inflated, close valve tab and push the valve into the unit.
Deflating
To deflate your Luci solar light, open the tab and squeeze the valve open. You can then push on the unit to release the air.
Gently twist the light as you deflate it as this will help make a flatter and more compact shape. Once all the air is released, close the tab on the valve.
Other Specifications and Warranty
Video - Luci Pro Series with Mobile Charging
Watch the Luci Pro in action in this video. It gives you a better sense of its overall size and brightness. The Luci is charged by sunlight and then easily becomes a charger for your mobile phone.
Shipping & Special Promotions
Shipping is free for all orders over $50 for the lower 48 states of the US. If the solar light you select isn't over $50, why not buy two, and pick up one of the smaller lamps in the range, at the same time. You really can't go wrong.
It's not uncommon for MPowerd to include some extra freebies in as well during their Special Promotional sales.
My Conclusion
The MPowerd Luci solar light range maximize brightness while minimizing space. They weigh almost nothing, and as well as being totally waterproof, they also float. This is especially handy if accidentally knocked or dropped into water.
These lights are basically indestructible unless you plan to drive over them or your dog chews your unit. I think you can't go wrong with any of the solar lights in this range.
Don McKenzie
Author
Don McKenzie is a 77-year-old retired On-Line Electronics Business Owner-CEO and was a Computer Senior Systems Engineer back in 1975.
Don started his Internet-based Electronics and micro-controller online store (CEO and Founder of Dontronics.com) in 1993 and retired in 2018. During this time, he pioneered a lot of new Internet concepts such as online payments and helped the Tax Office with the introduction of International tax rulings.
Great article! Solar powered devices are definitely a savvy choice for camping and hiking in general. It’s great to have some spared power for your phone or otherwise.
I’m always looking for new gadgets to play with when I’m camping. These are kind of cool! Maybe I can convince my wife to let me get these new toys.
Gabriela Rodriguez
We live in Florida where electric power can be lost due to Hurricanes on a regular basis. In fact sometimes daily in the Keys areas where we are, and the sun can be so bright and hot for so long.
What a great backup for not only for power but lights as well. The phone charging is interesting too, especially when we have our odd massive blackouts. Some areas and many Islands were without power for days after the last Hurricane. Sure, you can sit in your car with it running to charge your phone, but these just make so much more sense. I am grabbing a few to try out. Free green power. Who could ask for anything more?