The Happy Camper: LuminAID’s New Trio Modular Light System
I went on my first solo canoe trip of the season last week. It was to Mair Lake—a stunning turquoise coloured lake that is part of the North Frontenac Parklands in southeastern Ontario. I didn’t choose the best weather to experience this crystal-clear waterbody. It rained, and the smoke from the western forest fires clouded up the skies as well. Most of the time, I sat under the tarp and read a good book—and also had some fun testing out some new gear I got for the season, including the new Trio Modular Light System from LuminAID.
The light system comes with three module lanterns that connect to a single solar docking station. Two are cubed shaped and the third is a larger rectangular light. They attach onto the solar panel by a strong magnet and are easily detached to use separately. This is the big bonus of the lighting system. Imagine a family camping out, each wanting their own light. Perfect!
Each light has three separate settings: bright white light, medium, low and a special candle flicker mood. The rectangular light puts out 220 lumens on high that lasts for five hours, 110 lumens on medium that lasts for 10 hours, 22 lumens on low that lasts for 50 hours and the candle flicker (my favourite part of the light system) lasts a solid 100 hours. For the two cube lights set on high will be 110 lumens (two hours), medium is 55 lumens (four hours), low is 10 lumens (20 hours), and candle flicker lasts 40 hours.
You can charge the light by USB, which takes 2-3 hours. I timed mine to be fully charged in just over 2 hours. The solar charging takes a lot longer—over 30 hours of sunlight. However, my system never came close to running out of battery on my trip. The rectangular light also has a 2,000 milliampere per hour battery that you can use to charge your own electronics (perfect for my phone and cameras). The solar charger can also be used to charge other devices. That is really cool!
Each light comes with its own hanger, and so does the entire system when connected to the solar docking station.
Each light has its own four mini-green LEDs to indicate how much battery life is left. You also have to push and hold for a second to two for the lights to turn on—which helps protect it from accidentally turning on while stored in your pack.
I only used the Trio light for one trip so far. I’m interesting is seeing how the magnet connection lasts and the durability of the solar panel that has no protective cover. But it seems solid so far.
I probably will never pack the LuminAID New Trio Modular Light System for a solo backcountry trip. There’s no real need to add the bulk of it in my pack. But I am definitely bringing it along on family campground trips. It’s a must for that kind of outdoor outing.
