#8 on this list
Luci Outdoor 2.0
MPOWERD
The MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 solved the fundamental challenge of backcountry lanterns: how to get 360-degree diffused camp light without carrying a bulky glass or plastic globe. The Luci uses an inflatable, clear PVC cylinder that collapses completely flat to the thickness of a small book, blowing up like a tiny beach ball when you reach camp. A built-in solar panel sits on the top cap, surrounded by an array of bright LEDs that fire downward through the inflated chamber. You simply lash the collapsed puck to the top of your backpack during the day to soak up sun, and you have several hours of clean, diffused area light by nightfall. Because the entire unit is sealed, it carries an IP67 waterproof rating and floats effortlessly, making it equally useful for paddle trips and stormy weather. Because the Luci Outdoor 2.0 relies primarily on its small solar panel for charging, you are dependent on sunlight. If you face three straight days of rain and dense tree canopy, you cannot quickly top it off from a wall outlet or battery bank. However, for ounce-counting backpackers and paddlers who want hands-free camp light without the weight of hard-sided lanterns, it is exceptionally capable. **Highlights** - Collapsible inflatable body packs down flat to save pack space - Integrated solar panel provides continuous off-grid recharging on the trail - IP67 waterproof rating ensures the lantern survives downpours and floats in water - Top and bottom straps make it easy to lash to packs or hang inside tents - Frosted/clear vinyl diffusion casts broad, functional perimeter light **Watch-outs** - Recharging via solar requires direct, consistent sunlight for best results - Vinyl bladder can be punctured by sharp tools or severe abrasions - Lacks a USB input for fast wall charging on short turnarounds
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#9 on this list
The Siege
Streamlight
Streamlight built The Siege for environments where gear gets soaked, dropped, and neglected. Encased in high-impact polymer with molded rubber bumpers, this D-cell lantern is IPX7 waterproof, can be submerged in a meter of water, and naturally floats to the surface if knocked out of a canoe or off a wet dock. Powered by three standard D-cell alkaline batteries, The Siege prioritizes brutal durability and extended low-mode runtime over sleek aesthetics. On its lowest white setting, it will run for hundreds of hours, making it the ultimate tool for extended power outages, hunting camps, and remote cabins where wall charging is non-existent. A dedicated red LED mode provides night-vision preservation and emergency signaling without blinding campmates. A brilliant design detail is the removable outer globe: twist it off, and you have an unobstructed, bare-bulb flood light that you can hang upside down via recessed carabiner clips on the base. The trade-off is unmistakable: once loaded with three D-cells, The Siege is heavy and dense. It has no internal USB port to charge your phone, and you have to keep alkaline spares on hand. But if you need an indestructible, waterproof light that will sit in a gear box for eighteen months and turn on without fail, this is the one. **Highlights** - IPX7 waterproof construction survives full submersion and floats handle-up - Removable outer globe allows bare-bulb hanging for downward area coverage - Runs on widely available D-cell alkaline batteries for long-term storage reliability - Recessed carabiner-style D-rings on top and bottom allow inverted suspension - Red light mode preserves natural night vision and offers emergency signaling **Watch-outs** - Substantial weight once loaded with three alkaline D-cell batteries - No integrated power-bank function to charge personal devices - Ongoing battery replacement costs if used heavily throughout the season
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Luci Outdoor 2.0 | The Siege |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 4.4 oz (125 g) | — |
| Max Output | 75 lumens | 540 lumens |
| Battery Capacity | 1,000 mAh lithium-ion | — |
| Max Runtime | Up to 24 hours on low | — |
| Ingress Protection | IP67 waterproof, submersible up to 1m | — |
| Solar Charge Time | 7 hours in direct sunlight | — |
| Packed Thickness | 1 inch collapsed | — |
| Battery Platform | — | 3 D-cell alkaline batteries |
| Waterproof Rating | — | IPX7 (submersible to 1m, buoyant) |
| Weight with Batteries | — | 31.0 oz (879 g) |
| Drop Resistance | — | 2 meters |
| Max Low Runtime | — | 295 hours (white low) |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Luci Outdoor 2.0
- Completely flat packability saves space in ultralight packs
- IP67 waterproof construction is fully submersible and floats
- Dual strap design allows versatile hanging and pack attachment
- Solar self-sufficiency eliminates the need for charging cords
- No USB input port to recharge from external power banks
- Sunlight recharge performance drops significantly in overcast weather
- Vinyl bladder can be punctured by sharp rocks or pack tools
The Siege
- Certified IPX7 waterproof and floats handle-up if dropped in water
- Removable globe enables unobstructed, shadow-free downward area lighting
- Near-indestructible body with two-meter impact resistance and rubber bumpers
- Massive 295-hour runtime on low white setting using stable D-cell batteries
- Heft exceeds 31 ounces once loaded with three alkaline D-cells
- Lacks a USB charging port to top off personal electronics in emergencies
- Cool white light output lacks the warmth of modern recreational LEDs
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.