Best Solar Lantern
MPOWERD Luci Original
$20
Max output75 lumens
Weight4.4oz / 125g
ChargingSolar only
Collapsed1in flat
WaterproofIP67, floats
Price$20
TrailCraft score 8.7/10
Read Full Review →Best Packable Lantern
Goal Zero Crush Light
$30
Max output60 lumens
Weight3.2oz / 91g
ChargingSolar plus USB
Collapsed0.5in flat
WaterproofIPX4
Price$30
TrailCraft score 8.6/10
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Bottom line: Both are inflatable solar lanterns that pack flat and float. The Luci is $20, simpler, and the reference product in this category. The Crush Light adds USB charging as a backup for cloudy days and a candle-flicker mode, for $10 more. If you camp where sun is unreliable, the Crush Light's USB input is worth it.
Head-to-head differences
Charging
MPOWERD Luci OriginalSolar only — needs a full sunny day for full runtime
Goal Zero Crush LightSolar plus USB input — chargeable on overcast trips
Crush Light wins; this removes the main weakness of solar lanterns.
Waterproofing
MPOWERD Luci OriginalIP67 and it floats — genuinely suited to paddling
Goal Zero Crush LightIPX4 — splash resistant
Luci wins for water use.
Weight and packing
MPOWERD Luci Original4.4oz, collapses to 1in
Goal Zero Crush Light3.2oz, collapses to 0.5in
Crush Light wins.
Price
MPOWERD Luci Original$20
Goal Zero Crush Light$30
Luci wins.
Choose the MPOWERD Luci Original if:
- →You paddle, or the lantern will be around water
- →You camp in reliably sunny conditions
- →$20 and a genuinely proven design
Choose the Goal Zero Crush Light if:
- →You camp in shaded or overcast conditions
- →You want USB as a charging backup
- →Packed size and weight matter most
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Full rankings, specs, and scores for every product in this category.
View Full Category →Common Questions
How long does solar charging take?
Roughly 7 hours of direct sun for a full charge on both. Shaded campsites will not deliver that, which is the argument for a USB backup.
Are inflatable lanterns durable?
More than they look. Both survive being packed and sat on. The failure mode is puncture from something sharp, so avoid setting them down on stubble or gravel.
Is 60-75 lumens useful?
For ambient tent light and finding things, yes. For cooking or reading, you want something brighter.