Every time another hurricane draws near, the power goes out for a few hours and we’re all expected to stay in our homes to avoid infection. Most people wish they were more prepared for the unexpected.
Deciding how exactly to go about this isn’t easy, though. We all have limited funds to spend on stuff we might never use, there are a whole bunch of options that all claim to be exactly what you need, and many self-proclaimed experts on the subject seem to be a few crayons short of a drawing.
In case you’re interested, there are a couple of credible books on the subject. Still, unless you really want to get into “prepping” as a hobby, the best philosophy is probably to look for items that you can use use in ordinary life as well as if the manure should strike the ventilator.
This blow-up lantern is just about perfect for a picnic or camping trip. Since it’s inflatable and waterproof, it can even be used, floating, in a hot tub or pool. The air pocket serves another purpose, too, helping to disperse and soften the light so it doesn’t blind you when looking directly at it.
The product has been extensively field-tested in demanding circumstances. The manufacturer, along with its customers, have donated tens of thousands of them to people suffering from natural and man-made disasters, improving their design based on the lessons learned.
Each unit folds up into a very compact 5″ x 5″ x 1″ (13 by 13 by 2½ cm) package weighing only 5 ounces (150 g) and is tough enough to survive in a rucksack or hastily packed car trunk.
It can be fully charged by leaving it out in the sun for 10 hours (strapped to the top of your backpack while you’re hiking, for instance) or through a USB connection. There’s even a battery level indicator.
Though it’s very useful when you don’t have anything better available, it’s not all that bright and shouldn’t be compared to the lightbulbs in your home – a fairly good flashlight is a more accurate comparison. You’ll be glad to have it when preparing a meal in front of your tent after sundown, but you shouldn’t count on your whole family using it to read by for hours at a time.
