The 5 best solar lanterns of 2023

Tech specs: Brightness: 150 lumens | Run Time: 45-50 hours | Weight: 8.5 ounces | Dimensions: 6 cubic inches, collapsible to 1 inch | Features: Dustproof, waterproof, 100% PVC free

Even if you aren’t an inflatable lantern fan, Luminaid’s Packlite is hard to resist. While the six-inch cube weighs 8.5 ounces–bigger and heavier than the Luci– its powerful 150 lumen LED lamps can deliver at least 42 hours of runtime on a low setting with four other luminosity modes. That’s why it gets rave reviews from backpackers who perpetually worry about battery life.

Despite its size, the Packlite is surprisingly svelte when collapsed–about the size of a small book–so it can easily be stuffed in a backpack or stashed in an outside flap. However, the Packlite’s most lauded attribute is its ability to charge other devices via USB ports, so your headlamp and watch won’t run out of battery, either.

It’s also dustproof and waterproof up to one meter, which makes it ideal for canoe trips and camping in rainy weather. Other winning features include a battery indicator, adjustable strap for convenient hanging, and tough material thanks to heavy-duty TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane).

That aside, this lantern has a compelling backstory. Designed by architecture students Andrea Sreshta and Anna Stork, this solar lantern–in an uncanny resemblance to the Solight Solarpuff’s origins–was created in response to the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti years ago, and the company continues to work with humanitarian agencies.

The Packlite won all five offers on ABC’s Star Tank around eight years ago and quickly garnered its first investment from billionaire Mark Cuban. However, at a sticker price of $50, it may have to do a little more work to poach fans of the Luci Pro Outdoor 2.0.