During bugging out, having a reliable light source is important especially during an emergency. Personally, I have at least a torchlight or a solar air lantern in my EDC bag to ensure that I could still move effectively at night whenever I am out.
In the past, candle and oil lamps were used as a source of light during the night. Then, the electric light bulbs came along to replace the oil-fuelled lighting. Today, LED lighting has become the primary choice due to its superior efficiency and low energy wastage. In fact, LED lights are 80% more efficient than traditional lighting such as fluorescent and incandescent light because 95% of energy in LEDs is converted to light and only 5% is wasted as heat.
Why do you need a Solar Air Lantern?
Lighting is a critical source especially during blackout and night time. Unless you have a torchlight in hand, you might need to sit through the night in total darkness posing danger to you and your family. Solar air lantern is a better alternative to a torchlight because it does not require any batteries and could last up to 24 hours on a full charge.
A solar air lantern is useful in situations where you need some camping ground light, brighten a room during electricity shortage, accessory light for your vehicle during car breakdown or stranded at night, emergency flasher to signal for help, attached to your bug out bag to light up your hiking path, illuminate a tent, act as a spotlight and the benefits here are endless. In fact, you can even use these air lanterns as decoration during the festive season.
There are few types of solar air lantern in the market and the selection criteria for the lantern are dependent on your usage. Let’s dive in on how to select a solar lantern so you could make your own choice.
How do you pick a Solar Lantern?
There are generally four main features you will need to consider when buying these air lanterns. The features are size, brightness, built quality and charging time and methods.
In my view, I would generally recommend something small and light-weight that fits into your pocket and everyday carry so you would always have it by your side especially during emergencies. In terms of brightness, these solar lanterns usually shine up to 75 lumens or 125 sq ft of lighting area sufficient for lighting up a tent or for reading purpose. If you want a lantern that can shine the whole campsite, you probably need a lamp with a brightness rating of around 300 lumens to provide usable light. The greater the brightness, the larger the lantern will need to be so it could fit more LEDs and light enhancers.
For built quality, I would recommend solar air lantern with a waterproof rating (IP67). These lanterns are built for your outdoor survival so it must be weather-proof and submersible. Lanterns that can float on water would be a bonus when you need to shine emergency light when you are out in the waters.
Lastly, in terms of charging time and methods, solar air lantern that provides multiple charging methods such as solar and USB charging would be ideal because you can ensure the lantern is properly charged up before you bug out. Depending on where you live, the fast charging time may be critical to your survival if your place does not get much sunlight of at least a few hours per day.
Top 5 Solar Air Lantern Comparison Table
| Product Image | Name | Brand | Dimension (WxHxD) | Product Weight | Max Brightness | Battery Capacity | Rating | Price | Benefits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Luci solar light | Luci | 5 x 5 x 4.2 inches | 4.4 oz. | 75 lumens | 1000 mAh | 4.4 / 5.0 | $$ | Click for latest price | Most affordable solar lamp and able to last up to 24 hours on single charge. |
  | PackLite Nova USB | LuminAID | 4.75 x 4.75 x 4.75 inches | 5.0 oz. | 75 lumens | 1000 mAh | 4.6 / 5.0 | $$$ | Click for latest price | Gives you an all-in- one solution. Huge battery capacity with optional charging station (PackLite Hero 2-in-1) |
 | d.light S30 Portable Solar Lantern | d.light | 9.5 x 20.5 x 9.5 inches | 7.0 oz. | 25 lumens | 450 mAh | 4.6 / 5.0 | $$ | Click for latest price | Provide multiple charging methods (i.e. solar and USB) and 2 years of manufacturer's warranty |
  | Suaoki Solar Air Lantern | Suaoki | 3.8 x 3.8 x 2 inches | 5.6 oz. | 65 lumens | 800 mAh | 4.0 / 5.0 | $$ | Click for latest price | Lowest priced lantern with a built-in USB output port. |
  | Pocket Light | Survival Frog | 6 x 6 x 3 inches | 5.0 oz. | 65 lumens | 800 mAh | 4.6 / 5.0 | $$ | Click for latest price | Able to turn into an emergency flashlight, lantern and USB power bank. |
Luci – The Original Inflatable Solar Light
Background – The original Luci solar light is manufactured by MPOWERD and protected by patent # US 9,194,563, it’s made to be a no-frills, get-the-job-done kind of light. Its focus is on functionality where the lantern is designed to be bright, compact and portable.
Physical attributes – The dimension of the Luci solar light is 5 x 5 x 4.2 inches packed with 10 white LEDs. Luci Original is waterproof (rated IP67) and completely submersible so you do not need worry while you are kayaking, fishing, surfing or boating with your Luci light.
The body of the Luci light collapses flat so you can easily pack it and carry inside your survival kit. It packs down to 1.5 inches tall but inflates to 4.5 inches and casts 150 lumens of warm, white light in all directions.
How do you inflate it? You simply pinch the valve and blow air into the body of
the light as you would a balloon. Once fully inflated, secure the valve closed.
The Luci original weighs less than most mobile phones at 4.4 oz. or 125g. This light weight lantern does not take large storage space or weight in your bug out bag but proof to be most useful and reliable when you need some light.
Pros – Easily charge – The Luci original can lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge with a battery level indicator (1000 mAh Lithium-Ion Battery). Just place the Luci Original in direct sunlight for 7 hours and it’ll last up to a day on a single charge. A convenient battery level indicator located near the light’s solar panel lets you know just how much power is left so you know when it’s time to charge it in the sun again.
Different light modes – There are 4 light modes: low, medium, high, 1 second flashing. The flashing light can be particularly useful in an emergency to signal for help. Toggle through each of the four settings by pushing the power button on bottom of lantern.
Always prepared –Completely solar-powered and incredibly bright makes the Luci a great addition to your survival kit because you never have to worry about not having any batteries in your survival kit anymore!
Brightness – The Luci original shines up to 75 lumens and is generally useful for lighting up campsite by hanging on a tree, lighting inside of tent, power outages at home, reading a book in the dark or to simply light up a backyard party.
Other Uses – Camping, hiking, ultralight backpacking, kayaking, paddle boarding, survival gear
Completely powered by solar energy, The Luci Original is a clean, reliable source of light to use just about anywhere. The manufacturer also offered a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty on all MPOWERED products sold by authorized sellers.
There is also the newest version, the Luci Pro that have all the features of the Luci Original but has an integrated solar panel can charge the 2000mAh battery in about 14 hours. The Luci Pro also allows you to charge via USB before you reach camp.
PackLite Nova USB by LuminAID
Background – LuminAID were founded by Andrea and Anna while they were students at Columbia University. The founders realised that light can have an important positive impact on safety and comfort especially after a devastating earthquake in Haiti. In fact, you can even watch the LuminAID light product history on Shark Tank. LuminAID seeks to make safe light and energy accessible for all. Whether that’s aid workers in Nepal, backpackers in California, or refugees in Syria, they are passionate about sharing safe, sustainable light with those who need it most.
Physical attributes – The dimension of the PackLite Nova is 4.75 x 4.75 x 4.75 inches packed with white LEDs. The PackLite Nova USB shines at up to 75 Lumens, which is about 125 sq ft of lighting area on the highest setting. The light lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge.
The body of the PackLite Nova can be packed into 1 inch thick so it is easy to carry around in your survival kit. The PackLite Nova is also waterproof (IP67), shatterproof and dustproof making it completely safe for children.
The PackLite Nova USB weighs about 5 oz. or 142g. This light weight lantern does not take large storage space or weight in your bug out bag but has prooven to be most useful and reliable when you need some light.
Pros – Multiply ways to charge – Two Ways To Recharge (Solar & USB), the built-in 1000mAh Lithium ion batteries recharges in approximately 10 hours of direct outdoor sunlight or by micro USB input in 2 hours. After a full charge, it can last up to 24 hours of non-stop usage.
Five different light modes – There are five settings available which are Turbo, High, Medium, Low and Flashing. Again, the flashing mode here is useful to get attention in case of any emergency when bugging out. The PackLite Nova USB has multiple brightness levels and shines up to 75 lumens. I would recommend using the Medium (12-16 hours on a full charge) or High (6-8 hours on a full charge) settings for reading.
Energy Saving – These lanterns are designed to hold 80% of the battery charge in storage for up to 2 years making it really energy efficient. There are also 4 LED indicator lights that show you how charged the battery is in case you need to check the battery level before bugging out.
Brightness – For these white LEDs, you can toggle between different brightness of 12, 25, 50 and 75 Lumens for reading, illuminating your tent, lighting the garden path, or setting the mood.
Other Uses – Camping, hiking, fishing, emergency preparedness, patio parties, fun in the pool, and makes a perfect gift.
Designed for camping, hurricane emergency kits and travel, the NovaLite USB LuminAID offers solid built quality and value for your money. The manufacturer also offers a full 1-year warranty on their products.
If you’re looking for an upsize version, you can check out the PackLite Max or PackLite Hero 2-in-1 Supercharger. It provides all the benefits of the Nova USB but adds a larger battery of 4000mAH Lithoum ion battery that can shine up to 300 lumens of light. It also provides a charging outlet to power up your smartphone with a 5V 2 Amp output port.
d.light S30 Portable Solar Lantern
Background – In 2004, Peace Corps volunteer Sam Goldman’s daughter was badly burned in a kerosene accident in Benin, Africa. Sam knew there had to be a safer way to power homes and business in developing countries. After returning to North America, Sam founded d.light that provide solar-powered solutions for people without access to reliable electricity.
Physical attributes – The dimension of the d.light S30 is 9.5 x 20.5 x 9.5 inches. Shaped like a McDonald’s cup, the d.light S30 solar lantern is designed to be flexible and built to be durable so it’s perfect for camping, hiking, or anytime you want to unplug and live off the grid.
There are 2 main components that make up the lantern: the red part which contains the battery, LED, and photocell, and the container which is a light reflection enhancer. There is also a handle at the top allowing you to hang overhead in a tent.
Installed with a 450 mAh Lithium ion battery, the d.light S30 can output a minimum 25 lumens which is really good considering this is a solar light. The cup helps to illuminate the lumens which enhances and helps to distribute the light output. After a full charge, the lantern can last up to 4 hours on high brightness level and 8 hours on standard option.
The d.ight S30 weighs about 7 oz and with the metal handle, the lantern can easily be carried around.
Pros – Multiple ways to charge – d.light S30 offers two ways to charge its batteries (Solar & USB). If using the built-in solar panel with the slanted panel facing directly towards the sun, it will fully charge in a day. The AC charging port (through Nokia standard charger) gives you the option to charge up via the USB port and it will be fully charge in approximately 8 hours.
Different light modes – You can choose between its two brightness levels: Standard and High. The angled top of the d.light S30 allows it to be placed upside down, diffusing and spreading 360-degrees of illumination.
Great Manufacturer Warranty – Every purchase of the d.light S30 has a 2-year hassle-free warranty that covers product failure from normal use including battery.
Other Uses – The d.light S30 is built to survive the toughest conditions, like drops onto concrete, rain, and intense heat and dust. The lantern would make a great addition for hurricane survival kits and emergency supplies
If you do not mind bringing a cup size lantern when living off the grid and require a reasonable amount of light for night-time adventures, the d.light S30 would make the perfect companion due to its durable design and reasonable price.
Suaoki Collapsible Solar Air Lantern
Background – Suaoki LED lantern lights are the lowest price among all the lanterns. The lantern comes in an accordion-shape design making it an all-rounded LED Lantern gadget suitable for adults & kids
Physical attributes – The dimension of the Suaoki LED is 98 x 96 x 55 mm and can be packed to 1.77 inch when fully folded leaving ample space in your backpack. The top side of each blade has a good-sized solar panel, while the bottom features 6 white LED lights. There is also a small hanging hook on the top that allows you to hang it overhead.
The Suaoki LED is claimed to be water-resistant but I would personally not submerge this lantern into water because it is not waterproof.
Weighing just 5.6 oz., this Suaki LED lantern offers reasonable brightness of 25 to 65 lumens for low to high brightness. I like the ability to adjust the angle of the blades, either focusing or dispersing light to suit the task at hand.
Pros – Dual Recharging Methods – You have the options to charge via solar power or USB. The Suoaki LED lantern light takes about 4 hours to fully charge its 800 mAH Lithium ion battery via adapter and a green light will be shown to indicate the lantern has been fully charged.
Different light modes – The Suaoki LED offers 3 different lighting modes: High mode, Low mode and SOS flashing. These settings are common for any outdoor recreation or beacon call. After one full charge, the lantern will be able to work more than 10 hours in low mode and 5 hours in high mode.
Mobile Phone Charging – I was surprised that for such reasonably priced lantern, it also offers as a power bank charger for your smartphone or any gadgets with a built-in USB output port. This lantern offers a great bang for your buck if you are running on a tight budget.
Other Uses – Outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, or as a lighting source for a late-at-night porch reading.
With only 2-4 hours of light on a single charge, this is more an emergency task light than one for an evening in camp. Hence, I would recommend getting a few of these lanterns if you intend to use it for camping or when bugging out.
Pocket Light from Survival Frog
Background – Pocket Light is a product from the Survival Frog where it features a creative design of a 2-in-1 survival light. What makes it 2-in-1? While in the “hockey puck mode”, it is a handheld flashlight. After expanding it, the pocket light turns into a solar air lantern making it the product so far that has this unique feature.
Physical attributes – The dimension of the Pocket Light is 6 x 6 x 3 inches and can be compacted to fit inside your pocket. The Pocket Light is generally weatherproof: it is made of plastic, and there is a cover for the USB or micro USB port to help keep dust and moisture out.
Weighing about 5.0 oz., The Pocket Light is 25 lumens on the low setting, and 65 lumens on the high and flashing settings.
Pros – Solar Charging – The Pocket Light is 100% powered by solar, so it never needs batteries to generate bright, white light. This Solar Lantern can last more than 10 hours on one solar charge (Full sun charge in 4-6 hours).
Multi-modes Lantern – There are three distinct settings: Bright, Ultra Bright, and SOS Flashing. The flashing light signalling feature makes it ideal for emergency camping gear to get help from rescue teams.
Mobile Phone Charging – This tiny pocket light also offers a built-in phone charger so you could light up your tent and charge your mobile devices all at the same time.
Other Uses – Camping Lantern, Hiking, Home & Auto and Collapsible Flashlight with USB Emergency Power Bank Charger.
Manufacturer’s Guarantee – The Survival Frog does offer a nice 6-month “any reason” refund guarantee which boost buyer’s confidence in case of any fault after using it on a camping trip.
In short, the Pocket light can be summarised as a flashlight, lantern and USB powerbank. Some users have reported issue with its shape after using the lantern a few times so make sure to check the condition of your pocket light when you receive it.
Bottom Line
Thanks for taking the time to read this review for solar air lanterns – our top five picks. I hope this review would help you choose your solar air lantern because each lantern has its own strength, design and functions.
Ultimately, the primary goal of getting a lantern is to provide light especially during an emergency when bugging out. Everything else such as different light modes and a mobile charger would be a bonus or nice to have.
I personally like a solar air lantern that is reliable, fast charging and offers dual-charging method (solar and USB) to ensure that my lantern is always ready when I need it. Let me know in the comments which is your favourite solar air lantern! I will be sure to reply to you.