Review: GMT Solar Lantern [Verdict: Works]

The SL900 is a relatively-lightweight, dead-simple-to-use lantern that sports two solar panels, LEDs and a 6V 4AH sealed lead acid battery. You simply leave it in direct sunlight while hiking, hanging or whatever, and it will charge up enough to provide at least 2-4 hours of nocturnal glow.

At about 12" x 7", the SL900 isn't the most packable torch ever, but for car camping, it works great. I've used it on two car-based camping trips this spring/summer, and have very very minor complaints. One little issue is the fact the top opens indiscriminately, i.e. the top cover hatch tends to open all the way due to a frisky hinge. Thus, if you're trying to position part of the solar panel so that it gets optimal, direct sun at certain times of the day, you won't always achieve your goal — in other worse, you'll need to brace the top against a rock or, more likely, wedge the carrying handle against the back of the panel to hold it at the perfect sun-kissed angle.

All in all, that's a pretty minor complaint. The lantern is $85 (a bit pricey), weighs just 7 lbs (not totally unreasonably), and works well (it should, for that kind of money). After an afternoon of charging, we wound up getting 2 hours with the lamp on high, then another hour or so with the lamp set to medium/low — and while it was not exactly a task light, the lantern provide enough visibility to cook desert, make our way around the camp site, etc.

It's worth noting higher-end solar lanterns include AM/FM, 9-watt fluorescent bulbs, and stobe light features, to name just a few perks. Eh, spending more than $85 — let alone $75 — on a lantern seems potentially gauche. Also, before any solar charging, you'll need to give the lantern a full charge from a standard wall outlet/power source. So, if you're thinking of going off the grid completely with this thing, well, sorry.

6 Comments

RedShirt77

#1 – 12:01 PM August 12, 2009

Did you leave it unattended all day? I realize campsites aren't crime central, but i am somewhat hesitant to leave valuable items out in the open when I am off enjoying the great outdoors. Good fences and all.

Steven Leckart

#2 – 12:41 PM August 12, 2009

Yes and no.

When we went hiking, I put the lantern on the dashboard of our locked car and positioned the car/lantern in as much sun as possible.

RedShirt77

#3 – 11:30 AM August 13, 2009

Huh, I would think the uv protection on the windows would cut the effectiveness of the chargeing.

Cool product, I like switching more of my camp stuff over to solar and crank charge. That way I don't need to invest all that money in batteries that then lose half their charge in the closet over the winter.

Purly

#4 – 7:36 AM August 14, 2009

Where can you buy it?

topugg2009

#5 – 6:02 PM November 16, 2009

ugg boots uk often have a synthetic sole, although this is not universal. Uggs have been identified as a fashion trend for men and women since the early 2000s. In late 2008, ugg boots sale nike dunks All kinds of adidas shoes On Sale.The products are first-class quality, adidas shoes sale welcome you to purchase. ugg boots sale-Warm ugg boots for all the family remain at the heart of our collection,find your favorite UGGs from stunning designs- ugg boots uk. nike dunk high Classic Tall UGG Boots Bose in ear ghd ugg button boots Bose on ear

topugg2009

#6 – 6:04 PM November 16, 2009

Name

Email Address

URL

Remember personal info?

Comments (You may use HTML tags for style)

Review: GMT Solar Lantern [Verdict: Works]

6 Comments

Leave a comment

RECENT COMMENTS

AT

AT