LuminAID Solar Powered Lights Review
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LuminAID solar powered lights are unique, lightweight, durable, IP68 waterproof, inflatable lights. Ever since I saw them on Shark Tank back in 2015, I thought the company was on to a good idea. We review the cube-shaped Packlite Nova and Packlite Titan.
Table of contents
Luminaid Hands On Details
Both units pack down tiny for storage – roughly the size of two decks of playing cards, the titan is obviously larger. 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 IP68 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 Nova
The smaller LuminAID Packlite Nova 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 4.75″x4.75″), 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. It cannot charge other USB devices.
LuminAID Packlite Nova Specifications
- Full Solar charge in 10-12 hours
- Recharges via USB input in 1 hour
- Battery 1000mAh
- 5 settings – Turbo, High, Medium, Low and Emergency Flash
- Turbo 75 Lumens for 3-5 hours
- High 50 Lumens for 6-8 hours
- Medium 25 Lumens for 12-14 hours
- Low 18-24 hours (12 Lumens)
- Flashing 36-48 hours (12 Lumens)
- Waterproof – IP67 rated; submersible up to 1m
- Dimensions: 4.75″ x 4.75″ x 1.0″ (flat); 4.75″ x 4.75″ x 4.75″ (inflated)
- 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 Titan
The LuminAID Packlite Titan is larger than the original LuminAID design. It has a larger solar panel and most notably can charge other USB devices. Red and white light modes. It has a handle to allow it to be hung and carried. This is probably the better of two units for camping and emergencies. It’s brighter and holds a charge longer than the Packlite Nova. It can charge a 5v USB device.
LuminAid PackLite Titan Features:
- Charge Time: Solar 16-20 hours or 4hours on USB
- Battery: 4000mAh
- Max Brightness: 3oo lumens
- 8 white LEDs and 8 red LEDs
- Size: 6″ x 6″ x 6″ ( 6x6x1.3in collapsed)
- Weight: 12.5oz
- 5 brightness settings – Turbo, High, Med, Low and Emergency Flash
- Turbo: 300 Lumen for 3-5 hours (smaller one is only 75)
- High 8 hours
- Med 15 hours
- Low 100 hours
- Emergency Flash
- Waterproof – IP67 rated; submersible up to 1m
- Charges in overcast conditions
- PVC Free (made of TPU plastic)
- 10,000+ hours of battery life
- Charge indicator turns green when fully charged
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.
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Conclusion
We have used both of these numerous times. The Luminaid Nova is our favorite. It is simple durable and throws enough light to walk around during a power outage. It sits on our living room windowsill year-round.
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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This article is by Laurie Neverman. She has a BS in Math/Physics and MS in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in renewable energy. Laurie and her family live in a “concrete bunker” (ICF home) with a permaculture food forest, greenhouses, and three types of solar. They “walk the talk” of preparedness by living a more self-reliant lifestyle.