High Sierra Topix

I was down at my local REI today, picking up a new set of Gregory shoulder straps. To be honest, mine are fine on the ol’ Shasta, but spotting a recent, REI.com ad, “discontinued: stop-carrying-this-item policy” - Gregory straps – (I really just needed a new sternum strap, but they were selling the whole assembly - in fact all Gregory harnesses/belts, for 83¢, so I splurged).

Anyway, figured as long as I was there, I might as well spend a few minutes (read 1 hour +), browsing around… (Hard to believe, Huh?)

Interesting find was this SOL light cap 200 – 2.6 ounces.
Claims: “Sealed Photocell turns a wide-mouth Nalgene bottle into a Solar-Powered Lantern.” LightCap 200 ... http://www.sollight.com

My regular REI guy said that this was fastest selling item in the store. Thought it pretty cool too - $25.00, so I grabbed one. Anybody seen/used this product?
Mark

I use Gatorade bottles now, they save me 7 oz. over two Nalgenes. Is the lantern intended more for group use? Plus, my two old Nalgenes are dark colored. A romantic glow?:)

That's pretty nifty. Have you tried it out yet to see what the real life charge time is?

Unfortunately, been raining steady here in Sacramento...so no fricking sun to charge it adequately....says you should charge it first 12 hours in full sun for best results. I have it sitting on inside window sill - does light - (push off/on switch), but dims quickly...probably because no good sun.
Claims up to 8 hours on a full charge, but would be happy with 3 or 4, (maybe 1 hour reading per night is what I normally do).... and with four bulbs, very bright output.
Whatever, I still think its cool, and the added 1 1/2 oz worth it, if you carry a 1 liter nalgene (anyway).

markskor wrote:Whatever, I still think its cool, and the added 1 1/2 oz worth it, if you carry a 1 liter nalgene (anyway).

That's kinda my thinking as well. I'm not an über weight weenie, so 1.5 oz extra isn't a deal breaker for me. If they light for a solid 3-4hrs and enough to read a book with, I'm sold.

Fully charged now - came home for lunch and turned it on...3 hours later when I got home (teacher's hours) it was as just as bright as when I left.
Four, sealed, ultrabright LEDs and at least 3 hours rechargeable light...even has a sensor that turns the lights off in the day.
I still think its cool.
Mark