5 Trendiest Inflatable Solar Lights in 2024 – Buyer’s Guide

Are you tired of using dirty kerosene lamps or do you need a better lighting option when going outdoors? If yes, then you may want to consider the inflatable solar lights.

But these inflatable lights are not only perfect for camping and hiking because if you have limited space and have concerns about weight capacity, these can also be perfect illumination options.

What are the Trendiest Inflatable Solar Lights in 2019?

For a brief overview, solar lights are spot-on inventions that absorb energy from the sunlight and then store it in such a way that whenever you might need that power for illumination, it will be available for you.

And you should also remember, solar lights are not only created compact and long lasting but they are also inexpensive as well.

So, below are the best inflatable solar lights available in the market that might suit your needs.

INFLATABLE SOLAR LIGHTS	RATING	PRICE CHECK	PRICE	LIGHT OUTPUT
LuminAID PackLite 16 Solar Inflatable Light	4		$$	45 Lumens
MPOWERED Luci EMRG 3-in-1 Emergency Solar Inflatable Light	4		$	25 Lumens (4 LEDs)
Terra Friendly Floating Solar LED Pool Party Light	4.5		$$	90 Lumens
OldShark Inflatable Solar Lantern Outdoor Waterproof Emergency LED Camping Light Solar Charger	4		$$$	80 Lumens
Solight Solarpuff Portable Compact LED Solar Lantern	4.5		$$$	100 Lumens

1. LuminAID PackLite 16 Solar Inflatable Light

Known to have the power to keep you safe and sound through the night, the LuminAID PackLite 16 Solar Inflatable Light is the updated version of the original LuminAID Solar Light that was invented shortly after the Haiti Earthquake in 2010.

This solar-powered, inflatable lantern packs flat for easy storage and charging and inflates to create a lightweight, waterproof lantern.

This all-weather device is made from ultra-durable TPU plastic material that has been tested in sub-zero and tropical temperatures.

It’s also 100 percent PVC-free and is equipped with 19 percent high-efficiency solar panel, which charges the built-in Lithium-polymer ion battery in 7-10 hours of sunlight.

It also has a dual red/green LED charge indicator that shows when the device has been fully charged. The device is also waterproof up to 1 meter deep and has the ability to float.

Additionally, it can illuminate a 125 square feet area and has two years of storage life plus a 1-year full warranty.

Despite its impressive quality and features, the LuminAID PackLite 16 has one major flaw – the device is not very UV resistant.

Even though the clear plastic that covers the front of the light when it’s folded up is UV resistant, the rest of the device that is made up of the opaque plastic is not.

And since this model is already the updated or second version of the original, the manufacturer should have paid more attention to this issue. It also does not have the brightness of an incandescent or fluorescent light.

Among the solar inflatable lanterns in the market, this device is probably the most impressive when it comes to quality and affordability. As a matter of fact, the Packlite 16 lives up to what the manufacturer vowed its customers.

In comparison to the next inflatable solar light we’ll be discussing – the MPOWERED Luci EMRG 3-in-1 Emergency Solar Inflatable Light  – the LuminAID Packlite is considerable of higher quality as its inflatable frame is crafted from a much higher quality vinyl that has a more rubbery feel similar to a high-grade medical vinyl and less like plastic.

The Luci EMRG’s vinyl, on the other hand, is relatively firm and cut-rate. Since LuminAID’s vinyl is very pliable, it’s less susceptible to cracking or splitting over the long term of use.

In addition, the LuminAID uses a single bright LED with a much better battery while Luci EMRG has three smaller LEDs and pairs it with a much better battery.

LuminAID’s battery charges faster for 7 hours under direct sunlight while the Luci EMRG charges for 8 to 9 hours. PackLite 16 also lasts longer and go for at least 5 hours and 45 minutes on its brightest setting (similar as Luci EMRG).

But the Luci can only go for 50 minutes before it begins to dim and eventually dies before it reaches the 90-minute mark. At times, the Luci does not dim noticeably at any or remains bright but when the power has been exhausted, it just shuts off.

2. MPOWERD Luci EMRG 3-in-1 Emergency Solar Inflatable Light

A perfect and reliable alternative lighting source option during power outages, natural disasters and roadside troubles.

MPOWERD’s Luci EMRG is a 3-in-1 emergency lighting device that functions as a lantern, a flashlight and an emergency light in one. It’s waterproof with the IP67 rating, lightweight and extremely durable.

This device charges in 8 hours but with no batteries needed. It gets its power solely from the sun. it’s equipped with a high-efficiency solar panel and 4 LED lights that provide a light output of 25 lumens.

It also has 4 light settings – super bright, bright, 1-second flashing and S.O.S. (Red and White morse code) modes. A fully charged device can illuminate an area for up to 7 hours on bright setting.

Even though it earned several positive reviews, testing its endurance has proven the inferior build and poor performance of the product.

It also does not work as promised and with its cheap cost and relatively simple concept or design, the product is far less innovative compared to what the manufacturer suggests.

Since LuminAID and Luci EMRG have similar concept and design, let’s compare the one from the other. As aforementioned above, the LuminAID inflatable solar-powered lamp is much better than MPOWERD’s Luci EMRG.

Another point to consider is the product’s inflation valve that is very cheap. Although it looks the same, EMRG’s valve is stiffer and smoother compared to LuminAID’s.

As a result, Luci EMRG’s little valve cap frequently pops out on its own instead of staying in place as it should. LuminAID’s valve, on the other hand, shuts securely and the cap is actually a little stiff to remove.

LuminAID’s solar panel is larger and better in quality than the Luci EMRG and other similar knock-off products’ panel.

Speaking of the solar panels, the Luci EMRG lantern is crafted from a small and low-cost solar panel that is framed by a cardboard base and sealed in the same plastic-like clear vinyl that is used to make very cheap pool toys for infants.

With a very cheap inflation valve and a poor battery that cannot hold a charge longer than 100 minutes even on its lowest brightness setting, this product makes a not-so worthy investment.

3. Terra Friendly Floating Solar LED Pool Party Light

Considered a versatile inflatable solar light with endless of uses, the Terra Friendly Floating Solar LED Pool Party Light is a must-have backpacking or camping lantern that can also be used as the following:

• Outdoor lanterns
• Picnic lighting
• Bug-out bag
• Survival kit light
• Hot tub light
• Backyard pool light
• Boat light
• Emergency flare, flashlight alternative

This solar kit is bright and long lasting, and can illuminate a 15 square feet area. It has three light settings – low, high and flashing modes. Also, it includes a one-of-a-kind feature, which is its battery-level indicator LED.

It is equipped with a highly efficient built-in solar panel board, a rechargeable lithium polymer battery back, ten white LED lights with 4,000 mcd (millicandela) light source and an inflating nozzle. For all weather conditions, the device is enclosed with a waterproof PVC.

The Terra Friendly Solar Light aims to bring visible light in areas where electricity and lighting options are scarce or unavailable.

But even though the product is inflatable and waterproof, it’s not intended for prolonged (months-long) exposure to extreme weather conditions such as high heat (100 degrees and higher).

It’s also not designed to withstand prolonged submergence underwater (more than 20 seconds on an occasional basis). However, it’s not constructed for extreme pressure, sharp objects, and water in the interior of the PVC air chamber. Lastly, its PVC shell is not puncture-proof.

Unlike the other aforementioned inflatable solar lights, the Terra Friendly has a design flaw. Even though it’s designed to be an inflatable one, many costumers noticed that the product has some balance issue and it would not stay upright when fully inflated.

Unlike any other pool light in the market, the Terra Friendly charges in the sun but it’s not solar-activated. Despite being a pool light, it’s more ideal for dry use as it will not remain waterproof for too long.

4. OldShark Inflatable Solar Lantern Outdoor Waterproof Emergency LED Camping Light Solar Charge

The OldShark Inflatable Solar Lantern Outdoor Waterproof Emergency LED Camping Light Solar Charge is a reliable and bright alternative source of light that never requires maintenance, fuel or batteries.

This product also brags its lightweight and ultra-compact design that makes it a perfect fit in any drawer, pocket or toolboxes.

Ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, tents, backyard/barbecue, and pool parties, and emergency purposes like roadside assistance and power outages

The OldShark lantern is equipped with 10 LED lights with 4,000 mcd (millicandela) that provide 90 lumens of illumination output. The LED lights are assisted by a frosted light diffusing shell.

Moreover, the product is crafted with a rechargeable lithium polymer battery power (300-500 cycle life). It also has two charge options – under direct sunlight or under an ambient or incandescent light.

It has a charge time of 8 hours, which can provide a minimum of 6 to 12 hours of illumination.

In spite of the mostly positive reviews, the OldShark Inflatable Solar Lantern has some minor issues when it comes to its charging mechanism. The product should also not be over-inflated.

The OldShark light has a lot of similarities to the Terra Friendly one. Both almost have the same specifications and features.

But while Terra Friendly has a design flaw, which is on the balancing of the device, the OldShark is criticized for its poor charging mechanism. It also didn’t have any problems when it comes to staying upright as long as it’s not over-inflated.

5. Solight Solarpuff Portable Compact LED Solar Lantern

Invented by Alice Min Soo Chun, the Solight Solarpuff Portable Compact LED Solar Lantern is a patented solar flatpack and an origami expandable lantern.

Dubbed as a superior and lightest solar light, it’s perfect to be used in homes, gardens, and pools, as well as in outdoor activities such as camping and hiking.

Even though most inflatable solar lights need a few puffs from your lungs, the Solarpuff auto inflates without using a mouth or pump.

It’s also designed with high technology and high-performance fabric material that creates an enchanting dispersion of light through its prism-like light spectrum.

Furthermore, the product’s fabric is specifically engineered for durability, flexibility, waterproof and structured for adaptability and recyclability. it’s also designed to fit in any back pocket.

The device takes pride in providing 100 lumens of illumination and can fully charge under direct sunlight in 8 hours, providing approximately 8-12 hours of lighting and illuminating a room of 100 square feet.

In cases when you only charge your device for 5 hours, you don’t have to worry as it can provide 5 to 8 hours of illumination.

Crafted from water-resistant and recyclable PET (polyethylene terephthalate), the Solarpuff has three lighting modes – low, high and flash settings.

It can be charged under direct sunlight or an incandescent light (but will take longer than 5 hours to charge).

This product is also recognized by various award-giving bodies and the media. Perhaps the only minor issue with the Solarpuff is the fact that it’s more expensive compared to its other rivals.

Unlike most solar-powered lights mentioned above that are made from PVC, the SolarPuff is built with PET, which a non-toxic and recyclable material. In the list, it’s also the inflatable solar light with the highest light output of 100 lumens.

What Are Inflatable Solar Lights?

Designed to replace the kerosene lamps, this is commonly used in places where there is no electrical infrastructure.

These inflatable solar-powered light are practical and economical option for small-scale emergency situations. So, why not buy these alternative light source for daily and not just for your outdoor adventure needs?

These are not only helpful in emergency situations but can also improve the aesthetics of your outdoor spaces in your home or simply for daily use. Such compact and long-lasting solar lights are also produced inexpensively.

However, many of them would require a huge amount of time to charge starting from 6 hours to 12 hours but then it will be able to give an almost same duration of light back to you.

Following the statements and reviews above, you might be contemplating on the benefits and uses of choosing and purchasing inflatable solar lights.

These innovations, however, do not only provide light. They also minimize pollution and health issues linked with kerosene emissions such as lung diseases, burns, and eye deterioration.

It’s without a doubt that solar power is being common with everything in our life. The sun is a powerful and free source that is responsible for lots of things that happens on Earth.

Thanks to the great inventions of modern technology, inflatable solar lights are the chic and efficient devices that used to light up any space and harnessed the free and renewable energy from the sun.

Conclusion

Lighting is important for so many things, not the least of which is finding your way in the darkness during a power outage or while stumbling around outdoors on a moon-less night.

Hence, it’s really not surprising that emergency lighting is one of the top ten items on every man’s must-have list.

So, have you chosen the best inflatable solar light that suits your needs? Or perhaps we have missed some details that you wish we covered? If yes, feel free to express your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.