Gear Review : The BioLite Luci Solar Light

What better way to enjoy light than having a light powered by the sun?! The BioLight Luci solar light produces hours of light after a relatively short charge. It’s free energy in a compact, lightweight, waterproof product!

Gear Review: The BioLite Luci Solar Inflatable Waterproof Lights

We had never even heard about the Luci solar light until we were doing our month-long cycle trip from Seattle to San Francisco! Yes, we cycled over 1000 miles, but that’s a story for another day. 😉 On that cycling trip, we ran into a cyclist carrying around this super small solar “thing” on the back of his bike. We had no idea what it was until we saw him at camp later.

It was an epic solar light! The BioLite Luci solar light to be exact. We were blown away by the light it produced as we played games, ate dinner, and even planned out our next day’s ride all under this bright little thing! Since that trip, we have now collected three different Luci’s…we love her so much!! Let’s get into the specs!

Luci Lux, Solar Light, luci solar light, mpowerd, arboursabroad, vanlife
Again, this is the Luci Lux, and even with it’s soft setting, we can still get work done without bothering our eyes!

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Why We Recommend The Luci Solar Light

Lightweight

The Luci all come in under 5 ounces!! Some even as low as 2.4 ounces!! Think about that… this simple light powered by the sun won’t be putting much weight in your pack. And better yet, you aren’t carrying around batteries either! We’d say that’s a win-win.

Compact

The inflatable side of this product is ingenious! Not only does it float, but it makes the Luci solar light so compact! Easily strap it on to your pack, or put it in the dash of your van to charge without it being in the way. Then when you want to use her, blow her up and she’s ready to go! So simple, so perfect!

Waterproof

So she floats because she’s inflatable, but she’s also fully waterproof! Next time you’re out paddling around the lake, bring Luci along and you won’t have to worry about the water putting out your light or ruining this product!

Long Lasting Charge

When Luci charges in direct sunlight, you’ll actually get more light use than the amount of time charged! She charges fast, and stays charged long! The duration of time your Luci will work on a solid charge will depend on what Luci you get, but in most cases, it’s at least 7 hours of light!

Handy Hangin’ Strap

This part of the Luci is one of our favorite specs! The strap on Luci allows for her to be connected to a pack or hang from something not only when she’s charging, but also while you’re using her. Simply place the strap on a hook, hang her in a tree, or latch her to basically anything, and you’ll have a hanging lantern! Some Luci’s have adjustable straps while others don’t, so be sure to read about the Luci variations below to pick which Luci is right for you!

vanlife, Luci Lux, Mpowerd Luci solar light, solar energy, arboursabroad
This here is the Lux Luci, so it’s not as bright as the other Luci’s, but still produces enought light to play games or whatever!

Adjustable Settings

Depending on what kind of mood you’re in, Luci can match it! Luci comes with three different settings. A relaxed, bright but not uber bright light. A super-duper bright setting. And a strobe light… okay maybe not a strobe light, but it is a flashing setting. The bright light will run the charge down faster obviously, but you can still get a full night’s use out of the light on it!

And if we’re honest here, in the van, we have yet to use any of our Luci’s on their brightest setting. The dim/lighter setting lights up the van just fine! Oh, and one more thing… The Emergency Luci even has an SOS setting… Great if you’re out in the woods on a long trip, or if you ever wanted to learn SOS!! 😉

If We’re Getting Picky About the Luci Solar

This is where we typically say if something could be changed with Luci, but really we love everything about her. I mean… How genius is it to name a product a real name.. we feel like she’s part of the family! 😉

We have had our Luci lights for over ten years, and they are just now starting to not be inflatable, but the light part still works!

The Variations of Luci

Luci BioLite EMRG – 3-in-1 Emergency Inflatable Solar Light

  • 7 hours of light on a full charge.-Smaller light, so even lighter than the original at 2.4 ounces.
  • Smaller light, so even lighter than the original at 2.4 ounces.
  • Works as a lantern, flashlight, and even SOS!

Luci Lux Solar Inflatable Lantern 

  • 7 hours of charge = 12 hours of light
  • 4.4 ounces in weight
  • Frosted finish, so much more relaxed feel.

Luci Outdoor 2.0 – Inflatable Solar Light 

  • 7 hours of charge = 12 hours of light
  • 4.4 ounces in weight.
  • Charge Reader telling you how much charge is left in the light.
  • Three adjustable settings.

Where To Get Your Luci Solar Light

We recommend getting your Luci Solar light from REI. You can order your light and pick it up in stores to avoid shipping fees, and if it’s not on sale, you get 10% back at the end of the year when you’re an REI member! They also have a one year no questions asked return policy, so that’s a major perk of buying through REI.

Grab Your Light Today | Luci Solar Light

Don’t Need A Luci Solar Light, But Want To Give To Someone Who Does?

BioLite is working to change the world with their Luci Inflatable Solar Lights. If you agree that this is a killer product, but don’t necessarily want one for yourself, why not buy one for someone who goes without light? BioLite works with non-profit organizations to give light to those in need. Head to this link here to find out more and to purchase a Luci for someone else!

MPowerd, Luci Solar Light, solar energy, solar panels, arboursabroad
Luci Solar Light Review

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