d.light S3 Portable Solar Lantern for Camping

UPDATED REVIEW: It's been over THREE YEARS since I bought this solar light and I still use it all the time. One of the BEST investments I've ever made. I no longer live on the sailboat, but have used it for all kinds of lighting. Read the rest of my review for more info.Although it's small in size, this little solar light puts off a very bright light, and charges very easily. I can run mine all night, then put it in the window to charge during the day. I live on a sailboat and use mostly solar (which I bought from Amazon), and the d.light S2 LED Task Light is one of the best solar powered items I've purchased.It looks just like the photo, with the solar sensor on one side and the light on the other. You can either use the stand to sit it somewhere or to hang it (I do both, moving the stand back and forth until it's just where I want it), or you can even carry it like a flashlight. I use mine nightly, and it's now second nature to grab up the solar lights in the morning and hang them in the window or put them outside.Some solar powered items won't charge from inside (or not very well) or have to have a very sunny day to fully charge. This light will charge (at least in my case) even in the worst of weather.I am truly amazed with the product. All of the d.light products I've bought have been above and beyond expectations. They have all already paid for themselves many times over. I only have one complaint about one of them (it's supposed to be able to charge items from the light, but it hasn't worked on mine, but that light is almost like a spotlight, so it's a minor complaint...And remember that that is another product, not this one.)If the company changed anything about the d.light S2 LED Task Light, I would like it to be to make the ON/OFF button be positioned in an easier to reach location. It's sometimes quite difficult to turn the light on or off because of where the button is. Especially for females with longer fingernails, the button is in an awkward spot. This still was not enough of an issue to cause me to drop it to four stars, so that should say something about how much I love this product.This would be good for anyone, but especially a great idea for those who want to save energy, money, or the earth. They are inexpensive enough to buy several to keep on hand for emergencies, too. Keep one in the rear window of your car and it's always ready to go. Keep one in your trunk for when you're on trips and will be gone a few days. Keep one in your boat, RV, with your camping equipment, in the attic (where the sun shines in), on a couple of window sills in your house, give as gifts, etc... Just remember that if you store the light without some way to obtain sunlight, you're going to have to charge it before use. It may be able to hold a charge for awhile, but I would keep in mind that it needs charging. It's just great to have in emergencies, and CAN be charged IF you already have it.

Pros:- Practical design, much more useful than a flashlight- Efficient solar pannel- Small and lightweightCons:- Proprietary USB charging plugI use this light approximately twice a week in my home. While I believe this would be invaluable in an emergency situation, I've managed to find many practical uses for this light beyond camping and power-loss. I was able to find so much utility with this light mainly due to its design. Having legs that can stand tabletop and also server as a hook to hang the light allows me to work with both of my hands. I've been using this light in the evenings a lot when walking through my shed to get to the workbench. When entertaining guests, I keep this light next to the BBQ to check on the grill. I transfer this light over and hang it on the outdoor patio umbrella once I'm done with cooking so my guests can see what they're eating too. I then, bring the light with me to take all the empty bottles over to the recycling bin. When entertaining for outdoor dinner and a movie (I keep a projector outdoor), the light will see a good 5 hours of usage. This light is bright enough so you can see where you're walking, what you're eating, or to find your keys, but not so bright that it would be intrusive when watching a movie or if someone is falling asleep next to you.Many of my friends have been intrigued with the functionality of this light without even considering its practicality during an emergency. I always highly recommend it to others.

I camp quite a bit and the power in my area is unreliable. I'm purchasing more solar powered devices that can be used anywhere. This light has a very useful form factor that I take everywhere. It sits on the night stand and charges during the day, provides extra light on the nightstand when needed. When the power goes out it is bright enough to light a room by turning it toward the ceiling. It holds its position on the stand very well. I grab it when walking the dog a night and the stand makes a good handle to carry it around like a flash light. It has a wide beam, but bright enough to light a path at night. Lights the way to the shed at night then the stand hangs from a hook on the wall to light the inside. Lights the path to the campsite bathroom, then lights the room. Clips to the outside of a backpack and charges during the day when hiking. Hangs from the top of a tent for light at night. I haven't tested how many hours it lasts, but I use this light daily and has never run out of power. The glow in the dark power switch is a nice touch. The only way I think this could be better is if it was fully water proof (submersible) with a USB out for emergency dead battery phone calls. Highly recommended.

I like the flight products. They are durable and will produce a small charge even on cloudy days. They can be sat in a bright window even. I do prefer the lantern style better than this model. I don't care for the on/off switch ease on these ones. It does work well and if it's like my other ones can take being dropped without issue. Mine have been dropped, blown over in wind and drug around by the dogs. I don't recommend that but life happens.

Have several of these hanging in a vaca place off the grid for about 12+ yrs. They are in windows so when I arrive at night, I have light. They have gone through hurricanes, been run over by rats and have been knocked about by tropical storm winds yet still beam on. Seem to last indefinitely. Buying a cpl more now for homeless ppl. Fantastic product!