This review dives into the Ever Ready Collapsible Rechargeable Lanterns, a surprisingly affordable camping lighting solution. Snagged at over 50% off, these lanterns offer impressive value for their price point, making them a compelling option for budget-conscious campers or anyone seeking reliable backup lighting. We explore their features, performance, and overall practicality, weighing their strengths against potential limitations. This detailed assessment considers aspects like power sources, build quality, brightness, and extra functionalities, helping you decide if these lanterns are the right fit for your needs.The Ever Ready lanterns boast a versatile design, incorporating both 18650 rechargeable and AA battery options. Beyond their adaptable power, these compact and collapsible lights include handy features like a magnetic base, a hanging hook, and even an SOS beacon. We examine how well these features function in practice and whether they justify the purchase, particularly considering the significant price reduction. Ultimately, we assess whether these lanterns deliver sufficient brightness and durability for various outdoor uses, providing a thorough evaluation for potential buyers.
Read more: Best Rechargeable Camping Lanterns 2024: Top 10 Reviews & Comparison
Unboxing and First Impressions
I recently purchased a two-pack of Ever Ready collapsible rechargeable lanterns from Amazon. I managed to snag them for a significant discount – over 50% off! This made them an incredibly affordable option, especially considering they were originally priced at $28 each.
The lanterns arrived in a compact box, hinting at their space-saving design. They are smaller than some traditional camping lanterns, but still a decent size for portability and decent light output.
The initial impression was positive. They seemed well-constructed and surprisingly sturdy for their collapsible nature. I was excited to test their features.
Power Source and Versatility
What truly set these lanterns apart was their versatile power source. They utilize a removable 18650 battery, my preferred type for its high capacity and easy replacement.
This is a major advantage over hardwired batteries; you can carry spares and swap them out as needed, ensuring uninterrupted illumination during extended camping trips or power outages.
As a backup, they also accept three AA batteries, offering a convenient alternative power source when 18650s are unavailable. This adaptability was a crucial factor in my decision to purchase these lanterns.
Features and Functionality
Beyond the power options, these lanterns offer a surprising array of features. They're equipped with a strong magnet base for easy attachment to metal surfaces, making them ideal for hands-free illumination.
A built-in hook provides additional hanging options, so you can conveniently suspend the lantern from branches, tent poles or other suitable locations.
There's also a side handle and a surprising addition – an SOS beacon function, though I question the necessity of this on a basic camping light.
Brightness and Overall Performance
The lanterns boast a respectable 300 lumens, providing ample illumination for most camping situations. The light isn't overwhelmingly bright, but certainly sufficient for navigating around a campsite or illuminating a tent.
The automatic activation upon expanding the lantern is a clever design feature. It's convenient and user-friendly.
Overall, for the price, the brightness and functionality are impressive, making them excellent value for money. The build quality seems surprisingly sturdy for the price point.
Final Verdict
At $6.50 each (on sale), these Ever Ready collapsible lanterns represent outstanding value. The versatile power options, combined with their useful features (magnet base, hook, and surprisingly bright light) make them a great addition to any camping gear or emergency kit.
While not waterproof, the other advantages far outweigh this limitation for the price. If you're looking for an affordable and practical lantern, I highly recommend checking these out – especially when they're on sale.
Bear in mind the quality might not match top-tier brands, but for the price and features, they're a steal.