I saw this article on Co.Design about a startup that is making a 4-oz, pop-up, solar-charged lamp for use in third world countries.

The company is using the, now-common, "buy one-in the 1st world, we send one to the 3rd world" model. The write-up looked intriguing, but it didn't talk about the hiking viability of the product.

Claims are that 4-5 hours of sunlight will produce a 10-12 hour lamp runtime. And with the collapsable design, it looks like this might be a great idea for backpacking, especially for group trips. Cost is only $25, so I'm tempted to pick one up to try, but I was just curious if anyone here has heard anything or has any first-hand experience with the product.

Thoughts?

As a general rule, a good light will give its power rating either in terms of wattage or lumens or candlepower. When the manufacturer does not mention any power at all, it is generally because the power is too low to be practical.

--B.G.--

more info http://www.mpowerd.com/luci-different

Product Specifications

■Charge time of 8 hours yields a minimum of 6-12 hours of light
■Luci charges under direct sunlight and even under incandescent light
■Maintains a single charge for 3 months
■Ten white Light Emitting Diodes (LED’s) with 4000 mcd light source
■Two brightness levels to conserve battery life
■Flashing-light setting for emergency situations
■Delivers up to 80 lumens providing 15 sq ft of light
■The rechargeable lithium polymer battery pack can be charged while collapsed or expanded
■300 - 500 cycle life
■Over charge/discharge protection
■Over current and short circuit protection
■Waterproof PVC enclosure
■Minimum lifespan of 2 years

maybe it would be good for thru-hiking - then you wouldn't have to worry about batteries

"Delivers up to 80 lumens providing 15 sq ft of light"

Great. That means that it will not deliver more than 80 lumens. So, 1 lumen would meet that.

--B.G.--

Good one Bob - I didn't notice that - very funny

and what does "15 sq ft of light" mean?

maybe some marketing person made that list of specs

I've never heard the term "energy poverty" before...

Makes about as much sense to me as Noise Poverty

energy poverty = no 110 V AC outlets?

or 220 V AC or whatever you guys in the rest of the "energy rich" world use : )

Edited by retiredjerry on 02/21/2013 17:19:30 MST.