I think this light tube from Ztarx looks futuristic and “cool”. It creates more light than most camping lanterns, but weighs less and takes up less space. It also has good build quality.The whole unit is well-sealed against water– the solar panel and on/off button are under clear plastic, the USB port has a sturdy flexible-plastic valve cover, the seams and two hanging straps are all heat-melted together.The inflatable sleeve does not have any weird or plasticky odors. There’s a one-way valve to make blowing it up easy.The single stripe of LEDs provides bright and clean light. I could read on all three levels, although at the lowest level I brought the light closer to my book. Don’t look directly at the LEDs on high, like I did, as it caused after-image spots for a few seconds.The fourth light option is an SOS call. I could imagine that having a long 29” LED stripe flashing “SOS” might draw rescuers’ attention better than a small lantern would.The solar panel is small at 2” x 2.5”, so I don’t think it will charge quickly via solar; the box says it requires 20 hours of sunlight. I plan to charge this via USB, which takes 2.5 hours, so the solar panels will be used only in emergencies only. It’s great to have a non-USB power option as a backup, even if I only get a half-charge per day.It can be rested on the ground, hung up with the two hanging straps, or attached using the two embedded magnets. The strong magnets are an especially clever idea, as the light can be easily attached to any number of places– along a car door, under an open hatchback, along a metal support pole in a campground. This means that lights can be placed where needed, not only in places where hooks are.I really like this light. I might order another one.
"Finally a solar light that doesn't feel like a cheap toy. The 86cm Tube is basically a light bar for your tent but weights almost nothing. Used it for 5 days in the Sierras, never needed to plug it in."
"If you do location shoots, the BeamPro is a lifesaver. CRI is legit 95+. I keep two in my camera bag just in case. They literally take up zero space when deflated."
"The floating feature is why I bought it. Perfect for lake nights. Factory direct pricing is fair too. Ztarx quality is consistent."