Inflatable LED solar lanturn

[Shadow Catcher]

New York City-based Mpowerd introduced the Luci solar-powered inflatable lantern earlier this month. The lantern folds like an accordion and shines with the force of 10 LED bulbs. Its integrated solar panels also means you should never have the hassle of switching out batteries. At 4 oz and is $14.95. http://www.mpowerd.com/luci-portable-solar-light
‘Luci’ is an inflatable, water resistant bright LED solar lantern with three light settings – dim, bright and emergency flashing. It has the added feature of being collapsible and portable, holding its charge for 3 months, making it maintenance‘Luci’ is an inflatable, water resistant bright LED solar lantern with three light settings – dim, bright and emergency flashing. It has the added feature of being collapsible and portable, holding its charge for 3 months, making it maintenance-
free and suitable for all weather conditions. The Luci Solar Lantern is designed and manufactured by MPowered, a Benefit Corporation, founded in 2012.

MPowered seeks to reduce global energy poverty through the development and manufacture of affordable, environmentallyriendly lighting and power products . We believe that clean, energy efficient light should be accessible to everyone on the planet. This is why MPOWERD, with each Luci purchase, gives one light to someone living in energy poverty. We call this our Buy One, Give One promise.

[Hillmann]

I don't get why it is inflatable, and nothing on there website explained the benefit of it. I have seen a similar lantern that is filled with water. The water is used to "deflect" the light and give an even room light rather than a bright spotlight. But I don't understand what inflating it with air is supposed to do.

[jstrubberg]

I would imagine the curved wall of the cylinder does the same thing, help spread the light. LED light tends to be extremely directional and needs some help to light up a room.

[wagondude]

At the left edge of the picture, are four of the lights deflated and compacted for storage. They are excellent lighting options for backpackers. Light weight, compact and can be stored in a pocket that would also fit a water bottle. Just inflate them for a light that will give more area/task lighting than a small flashlight or head light.

[Shadow Catcher]

If you read the commitment, when you buy one, one is donated. I am actually thinking of buying one, does not take up much space...

[indycamper]

Very interesting. I really like the humanitarian aspect. Also, looks like it would serve well during an emergency situation, since it would store compactly out of the way and be able to be brought out when needed. One would simply need to remember to put it out to charge every couple of years!

[Woodbutcher]

When I first saw it ,I thought it might be perfect for leaving out on the table at night to just leave a little light to help find your way back to the campsite. It also looks like it would be easier on the eyes for neighboring campers. I just may give one a try. Thanks for the post!

[nevadatear]

Seriously cool. Buying two, one for the tear and one for the emergency box. I like both the design and the social commitment. Thanks for posting.

[Verna]

I normally put two deck step solar lights under my TD door, after charging them in the sun during the day. It sure helps to find the door for the night time potty run. But, the batteries don't last very long in the deck step lights, especially last weekend at the Hoosier Shiveree.

I like these Luci lights. 6 hrs worth of charging for 12 hours of light. Sounds great for me!!! I'll be able to find my door at night.

[Junkboy999]

When you inflate it, that puts space in between the LED on the bottom and a Reflector on the top that
diffuses the light. One of the German reports on youtube said if you buy one, one will be sent another
to a 3td world place that can use them. The developers probably got a grant for researching and build it.
As long as them give away as well as selling them.

That is the same way the Water brick company did. Nice stackable 3.5 gallon water containers
I got three of them. http://www.waterbrick.org/lp-water-cont ... PAodJR8ATw

I might have to get a few lights for hanging around the TD if they fall off a hook or a stand they should not brake.
I love the solar stuff even if it is cheap. I got harbor freight 9.99 solar rope lights for the TD as well.
Dim but last all night.

[nevadatear]

Got out luci light today. Very impressed. Puts out lots of light. Light weight. Bounces when u drop it. Hanging loops. Free energy. Should be perfect nite lite on the awning and late nite potty trip.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1360036855.480688.jpg (90.38 KiB) Viewed 592 times

[nevadatear]

I went to the Luci website today, as well as amazon, and saw the price has jumped from 14.99 to 24.95. At 14.99 i bought 2. At 24.95 i wouldn't have even bought 1. Too bad. Was a great product at a reasonable price. Now it is an over priced novelty i have stopped recommending.

[JuneBug]

In years past as a caver, I spend many happy times in remote parts of Mexico. Since some cave systems were extensive, we returned to some areas every year to continue exploring and mapping. Locals always asked us to bring batteries and flashlights for them.
This is such a wonderful item for developing countries, especially where people need to move about after dark in areas with poisonous snakes and dangerous critters.
Also, could be a great item as part of an emergency/day hiking kit, in case you end up hiking back in the dark.