The LuminAID PackLite Solar Lantern is our best collapsible solar lantern pick, and it scored 82 out of 100 in our testing.
A light, packable, waterproof solar lantern with USB backup, though output is modest and solar charging is slow.
An inflatable solar lantern with both solar and USB charging that collapses flat and floats, which is why it is the collapsible solar pick.
Here's the deal:
We tested it head to head against the other top camping lanterns, and below we break down how it did on Brightness, Durability, Features, Ease of Use, Weight, where it falls short, and whether it is worth your money.
Best Collapsible Solar Lantern
LuminAID PackLite Solar Lantern
- Max output: about 75 lumens
- Charge: solar 10 to 14 hr, USB 1 to 2 hr
- Low runtime: up to 48 hr
- Water rating: IP67 submersible
- Shell: inflatable TPU
- Weight: very light
- Floats: yes
- Modes: multiple plus flash
Bottom Line : A light, packable, waterproof solar lantern with USB backup, though output is modest and solar charging is slow.
Pros
- Very light and packs flat
- Solar plus USB charging
- IP67 waterproof and floats
- Long low mode runtime
Cons
- About 75 lumens, modest output
- Solar charge takes 10 to 14 hours of sun
- Base model has no phone charging
Our Verdict: LuminAID PackLite Solar Lantern
A light, packable, waterproof solar lantern with USB backup, though output is modest and solar charging is slow.
An inflatable solar lantern with both solar and USB charging that collapses flat and floats, which is why it is the collapsible solar pick.
What's the bottom line?
Self inflating TPU body collapses flat and weighs very little, among the lightest here.
Packs down small enough for a jacket pocket.
It folds flat and I trust it in the rain, but the solar top up is slow so I charge it by USB before a trip and use the sun to keep it going.
Emma, Top-Notch field tester
Reasons to buy:
- Very light and packs flat
- Solar plus USB charging
- IP67 waterproof and floats
- Long low mode runtime
Reasons to avoid:
- About 75 lumens, modest output
- Solar charge takes 10 to 14 hours of sun
- Base model has no phone charging
Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results
The LuminAID PackLite Solar Lantern scored 82 out of 100 overall.
It is strongest on weight and weakest on brightness.
Here is how it did on every metric we tested, with exactly how each score compares to the rest of the field.
Brightness
The base PackLite puts out roughly 75 lumens on its top setting, ambient rather than task light.
Multiple brightness levels plus a flashing mode.
TPU shell diffuses the light more softly than a bare bulb.
Good for a tent or table, not for lighting a wide area.
| Brightness | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| LuminAID PackLite Solar Lantern | 6/10 |
| Category average | 7.1/10 |
| Worst in test | 5/10 |
Durability
Rated IP67, so it handles a short 1 meter dunk and it floats.
Waterproof shatterproof heavy duty TPU.
You might be wondering:
As seen on Shark Tank and used in disaster relief, so it is built to take abuse.
One of the genuinely waterproof lanterns in this list.
| Durability | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| LuminAID PackLite Solar Lantern | 8/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Features
Charges by solar or USB, and higher models can top up a phone.
Solar charge takes roughly 10 to 14 hours of direct sun depending on model, which is slow, so plan ahead.
USB charge is much faster at 1 to 2 hours.
Runs up to about 48 hours on low.
| Features | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| LuminAID PackLite Solar Lantern | 7/10 |
| Category average | 7.2/10 |
| Worst in test | 5/10 |
Ease of Use
Single button cycles modes.
Inflate by mouth or self inflate, then clip it in the sun.
No cable required if you rely on solar.
| Ease of Use | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| LuminAID PackLite Solar Lantern | 7/10 |
| Category average | 7.7/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Weight
Self inflating TPU body collapses flat and weighs very little, among the lightest here.
Packs down small enough for a jacket pocket.
A strong choice for travel and backpacking.
| Weight | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| LuminAID PackLite Solar Lantern | 10/10 |
| Category average | 7/10 |
| Worst in test | 4/10 |
Should You Buy the LuminAID PackLite Solar Lantern?
A light, packable, waterproof solar lantern with USB backup, though output is modest and solar charging is slow.
It is best suited to travelers and preppers who want a packable waterproof light with usb backup.
Want to know the best part?
The big win: Very light and packs flat.
The main compromise: About 75 lumens, modest output.
We scored it 82 out of 100.
What Other Camping Lanterns Should You Consider?
Not sold on this one? A few others from our testing are worth a look.
The BioLite Luci Original Solar Lantern is our best solar lantern. A near weightless solar lantern that shines for packing and travel, provided you accept slow charging and modest output.
The Black Diamond Moji R+ Rechargeable Lantern is our best tent lantern. A tiny, dimmable puck light that is perfect above your head in a tent, if you can accept splash only weather resistance.
The Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns (4-Pack) is our best budget multipack lantern. Four collapsible lanterns for the price of one premium light, dim and basic but genuinely handy in numbers.
Specifications
| Max output | about 75 lumens |
| Charge | solar 10 to 14 hr, USB 1 to 2 hr |
| Low runtime | up to 48 hr |
| Water rating | IP67 submersible |
| Shell | inflatable TPU |
| Weight | very light |
| Floats | yes |
| Modes | multiple plus flash |
Conclusion: LuminAID PackLite Solar Lantern
After testing it against the other top camping lanterns, the LuminAID PackLite Solar Lantern earns its place as our best collapsible solar lantern pick.
Its standout strength: Very light and packs flat.
So:
The main thing to weigh before you buy: About 75 lumens, modest output.
If you want travelers and preppers who want a packable waterproof light with usb backup, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.
Still comparing? See exactly where the LuminAID PackLite Solar Lantern ranks against the full field in our 10 Best Camping Lanterns guide.
