MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0
A best-in-class budget-friendly inflatable solar lantern known for rugged waterproof construction and long runtime; it holds its position by delivering a reliable, low-cost balance of durability, weight and collapsibility for ultralight campers. Compared with premium inflatable options like the SolarPuff it undercuts on price while offering better weather resistance than some ultra-minimal options, and it beats bulkier rechargeable lanterns on packability. Its simple solar charging and user-friendly design make it an attractive, cost-effective choice for emergency kits and lightweight trips.
Solar-charged glow
Inflates like UFO
Solar-charged glow
Inflates like UFO
Review Summary
"Users praise the MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 for its rugged, fully waterproof design, reliable solar charging and surprisingly bright, even light; long-term owners report it survives rough camping and emergency use with consistent performance. Some note the brightness lags behind wired lanterns but overall reliability and packability make it a favorite."
Floats on water
Integrated solar panel charges the internal battery for off-grid use.
Floats on water
Integrated solar panel charges the internal battery for off-grid use.
Eco-Friendly Living
Recreational Enjoyment
A best-in-class budget-friendly inflatable solar lantern known for rugged waterproof construction and long runtime; it holds its position by delivering a reliable, low-cost balance of durability, weight and collapsibility for ultralight campers. Compared with premium inflatable options like the SolarPuff it undercuts on price while offering better weather resistance than some ultra-minimal options, and it beats bulkier rechargeable lanterns on packability. Its simple solar charging and user-friendly design make it an attractive, cost-effective choice for emergency kits and lightweight trips.
Solar-charged glow
Inflates like UFO
Floats on water
Integrated solar panel charges the internal battery for off-grid use.
Inflatable, collapsible design that floats and is IPX7 waterproof.
Solar-charged glow
Inflates like UFO
Floats on water
Integrated solar panel charges the internal battery for off-grid use.
Inflatable, collapsible design that floats and is IPX7 waterproof.
LuminAID PackLite Nova USB
A market-leading hybrid solar + USB rechargeable collapsible lantern, favored for a brighter output and the convenience of USB charging that often doubles as a power source for small devices. Versus the more budget Luci and the designer SolarPuff, the PackLite Nova trades a modest weight increase for quicker charging and higher usable brightness, making it the go-to when dependable illumination matters more than absolute gram savings. Its durable construction and track record with disaster-relief use justify a slightly higher price for users who need consistent performance.
USB + solar
Compact packable
USB + solar
Compact packable
Review Summary
"Buyers of the LuminAID PackLite Nova USB like its compact, inflatable form, USB recharging option and useful brightness levels for backpacking and emergencies; long-term users say it holds up well though seams and plastic can show wear over many seasons. Many appreciate the balance of weight, price and convenience, while a few wished for longer runtime on high."
Strap-ready charm
Solar-chargeable and USB-rechargeable for flexible power options.
Strap-ready charm
Solar-chargeable and USB-rechargeable for flexible power options.
Eco-Friendly Living
Time-Saving Convenience
A market-leading hybrid solar + USB rechargeable collapsible lantern, favored for a brighter output and the convenience of USB charging that often doubles as a power source for small devices. Versus the more budget Luci and the designer SolarPuff, the PackLite Nova trades a modest weight increase for quicker charging and higher usable brightness, making it the go-to when dependable illumination matters more than absolute gram savings. Its durable construction and track record with disaster-relief use justify a slightly higher price for users who need consistent performance.
USB + solar
Compact packable
Strap-ready charm
Solar-chargeable and USB-rechargeable for flexible power options.
Collapsible, lightweight construction that packs flat for travel.
USB + solar
Compact packable
Strap-ready charm
Solar-chargeable and USB-rechargeable for flexible power options.
Collapsible, lightweight construction that packs flat for travel.
Goal Zero Crush Light
A compact, ultralight, crushable lantern positioned as the most packable and budget-conscious option, ideal for minimalist backcountry users who prioritize grams and simplicity. It provides USB-rechargeable convenience similar to the LuminAID but in a smaller, lower-cost package; while it doesn’t match the runtime, diffusion quality or build refinement of SolarPuff or Princeton Tec it wins on minimal bulk and price-per-ounce. Its straightforward functionality makes it a practical backup or multi-day trip staple when weight and space are the primary constraints.
Crush-to-store magic
USB recharge ready
Crush-to-store magic
USB recharge ready
Review Summary
"The Goal Zero Crush Light is valued for its ultra-compact, crushable design and portability, making it handy for short trips and kit; reviewers frequently mention limited brightness and battery life compared with larger lanterns. Overall owners find it useful as a lightweight backup or packable task light rather than a primary campsite lantern."
Pocket-ready tough
Silicone crushable body compresses small for easy storage.
Pocket-ready tough
Silicone crushable body compresses small for easy storage.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
A compact, ultralight, crushable lantern positioned as the most packable and budget-conscious option, ideal for minimalist backcountry users who prioritize grams and simplicity. It provides USB-rechargeable convenience similar to the LuminAID but in a smaller, lower-cost package; while it doesn’t match the runtime, diffusion quality or build refinement of SolarPuff or Princeton Tec it wins on minimal bulk and price-per-ounce. Its straightforward functionality makes it a practical backup or multi-day trip staple when weight and space are the primary constraints.
Crush-to-store magic
USB recharge ready
Pocket-ready tough
Silicone crushable body compresses small for easy storage.
USB-rechargeable with dimmable output to extend runtime.
Crush-to-store magic
USB recharge ready
Pocket-ready tough
Silicone crushable body compresses small for easy storage.
USB-rechargeable with dimmable output to extend runtime.
$25-45 CAD
Princeton Tec Helix Backcountry Rechargeable
A technical market leader for backcountry lanterns, the Helix pairs rechargeable high-output LEDs with rugged, lightweight construction and mounting options tailored to camp tasks where directional light and control matter. Unlike inflatable designs it sacrifices extreme compressibility for beam control, brighter usable illumination and more durable controls, giving it an advantage for cooking, tent work, and basecamp use. It typically carries a higher price but delivers superior runtime, accessory versatility and performance compared with the inflatable, solar-first options.
Backcountry bright
Rechargeable endurance
Backcountry bright
Rechargeable endurance
Review Summary
"Princeton Tec Helix Backcountry Rechargeable gets high marks for solid build quality, useful beam options and rechargeable convenience, with reviewers appreciating its versatility for backcountry use. Some users report it is slightly heavier than minimalist ultralights and note average battery life on higher settings, but most consider it dependable."
Trail-friendly grin
Rechargeable high-output lamp designed for rugged backcountry use.
Trail-friendly grin
Rechargeable high-output lamp designed for rugged backcountry use.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
A technical market leader for backcountry lanterns, the Helix pairs rechargeable high-output LEDs with rugged, lightweight construction and mounting options tailored to camp tasks where directional light and control matter. Unlike inflatable designs it sacrifices extreme compressibility for beam control, brighter usable illumination and more durable controls, giving it an advantage for cooking, tent work, and basecamp use. It typically carries a higher price but delivers superior runtime, accessory versatility and performance compared with the inflatable, solar-first options.
Backcountry bright
Rechargeable endurance
Trail-friendly grin
Rechargeable high-output lamp designed for rugged backcountry use.
Durable, water-resistant construction with user-friendly USB charging.
Backcountry bright
Rechargeable endurance
Trail-friendly grin
Rechargeable high-output lamp designed for rugged backcountry use.
Durable, water-resistant construction with user-friendly USB charging.
Solight Design SolarPuff
A premium solar inflatable lantern known for refined materials, an even soft diffusion and a designer aesthetic that commands a higher price but delivers excellent usable light and compact stowage. It stands out among collapsible contenders for its balance of form and function—offering softer, more pleasant ambient light and a sleeker envelope than utilitarian models like the Luci or Crush Light—while rivals such as the LuminAID may offer faster USB charging that SolarPuff variants sometimes omit. For users willing to pay extra for build quality, diffusion and long-term durability, SolarPuff is the lifestyle-oriented choice in the collapsible ultralight category.
Origami foldable joy
Soft diffused glow
Origami foldable joy
Soft diffused glow
Review Summary
"The Solight Design SolarPuff is widely praised for its elegant origami-inspired design, soft even light, good solar charging and durable waterproof construction; long-term owners highlight its aesthetic and reliable everyday use. The main recurring complaint is its higher price compared with simpler inflatable lanterns, though most reviewers feel the quality justifies the cost."
Premium solar style
Origami-inspired foldable design that collapses to a slim, portable panel.
Premium solar style
Origami-inspired foldable design that collapses to a slim, portable panel.
Eco-Friendly Living
Recreational Enjoyment
A premium solar inflatable lantern known for refined materials, an even soft diffusion and a designer aesthetic that commands a higher price but delivers excellent usable light and compact stowage. It stands out among collapsible contenders for its balance of form and function—offering softer, more pleasant ambient light and a sleeker envelope than utilitarian models like the Luci or Crush Light—while rivals such as the LuminAID may offer faster USB charging that SolarPuff variants sometimes omit. For users willing to pay extra for build quality, diffusion and long-term durability, SolarPuff is the lifestyle-oriented choice in the collapsible ultralight category.
Origami foldable joy
Soft diffused glow
Premium solar style
Origami-inspired foldable design that collapses to a slim, portable panel.
Built-in solar panel and rechargeable battery provide off-grid illumination.
Origami foldable joy
Soft diffused glow
Premium solar style
Origami-inspired foldable design that collapses to a slim, portable panel.
Built-in solar panel and rechargeable battery provide off-grid illumination.