MPOWERED created the Luci light back in 2012, and I tried my first ones a couple years ago. I found the Luci light to be great for backpacking and to have around the house for those times when the electricity goes out. MPOWERED added some beef to the battery of the Luci light and created the Pro series. The MPOWERED Luci Pro Outdoor 2.0 and Pro Lux have passed testing with flying colors and I think you‘ll like them too.
Size and Specs
Both the Luci Pro Outdoor 2.0 and the Luci Pro Lux measure 5 inches in diameter and 1.5 inches tall when they are not inflated. I found that one big breath inflated the lights and they expand to 4.25 inches in height. My breath caused a little fogginess inside the light but this went away fairly quickly. The warmth of my hand helped the fog go away a lot quicker. Both lights weigh in at 5.5 ounces or 156 grams.
Charging the lights can be done either with the sun through the solar cell mount on top or through a USB port. MPOWERED says the charging time with USB is 2 to 3 hours and full direct sunlight with get the job done in 14 hours. Keep in mind that you are charging a 2000 mAh 5 volt battery that can top off a smartphone by 30 to 50 percent.
Fully charged, this battery will run the light for up to 50 hours. Just strap the light to the outside of your pack during the day, and you should have plenty of run time at camp. A 4 LED battery level indicator is there to let you know just how much juice is left. MPOWERED built in protection for the battery so you don‘t have to worry about overcharging and things like that.
Light Output
The main difference between the MPOWERED Luci Pro Outdoor 2.0 and the Pro Lux is that the Lux has a frost or matte finish. The inflatable plastic housing of the Lux is frosted while the Outdoor 2.0 is totally clear. The Outdoor 2.0 is a bit brighter while the Lux gives more of a soft glow that is easier to look at. MPOWERED says the maximum light output of the Outdoor 2.0 is 150 lumens and the Pro Lux puts out 135. There isn‘t much of a difference, but you can tell the Lux is just a bit less bright. Both lights use 10 LEDs.
Both lights have 4 modes; low, medium, high, and a 1 second flashing mode. Clicking the power button cycles through the light modes and that includes off. Holding the power button for 3 seconds turns off the light at any point. The last brightness setting is not saved so the light comes on in the dim setting regardless. This is not bad since it prevents the light from coming on at full brightness in the dark.
Other notes on the MPOWERED Luci Pro Outdoor 2.0 and Pro Lux
Both lights come with a 1 meter USB cable. The USB port underneath the solar panel charges the light and tops off your electronics. A rubber plug similar to those you‘d use when blowing up a pool raft protects the USB port well. Both lights have an IP67 rating which means they are very dust resistant and fresh water resistant to about 3 feet for around 30 minutes. Straps on the top and bottom of the light make it easy to hang and one strap is adjustable. The lights operate in temperatures from 15 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
Final thoughts
Both the MPOWERED Luci Pro Outdoor 2.0 and the Pro Lux sell for $34.95 on the MPOWERED website. These lights pack down small, are lightweight and I enjoy using them. I hang mine from my hammock suspension and just leave it on while I take care of chores at night. This makes finding the hammock on those pitch-black nights easy as well. MPOWERED is committed to doing some good in the world and I like supporting companies like that. Both lights have a 1-year warranty. Click HERE to check out the MPOWERED website and see all the products they offer.
I‘d like to thank MPOWERED for providing the Luci Pro Outdoor 2.0 and Pro Lux for testing and review. We at Industry Outsider live on budgets just like everyone else, so being able to test these products allows us to pass along information that hopefully benefits everyone.