Cairn Box and LuminAID PackLite 16

So first of, thank you to my AMAZING parents for getting me the best hiking-related birthday present ever: a subscription for Cairn Boxes. Basically, once a month, Cairn sends you a sampling of awesome outdoor gear. So far I have gotten, backpacker magazines, food samples, chafing cream, you name it. It’s an AWESOME concept and the company is really great. Additionally, if you review the items they send you on through a form on their website, you get even MORE gear in your next box for providing feedback. You can also customize your boxes by letting them know your specific gear preferences. There is no better feeling than having this box arrive to me each month and getting to open it up and be happily surprised by all of the gear inside. Cairn boxes are amazing and I recommend them to any outdoor fanatic!

Now let’s talk about my favorite gear item I have gotten from these boxes so far: the LuminAID PackLite 16. When I opened this, I had no idea what it is. It comes as a little 2″x 4″ rectangle of clear material with a solar panel on the top. Upon looking at the instructions, I discovered all I had to do was blow some air into it, and turn it on. So I tried it, and WOW.

This little thing weighs only 2.9 ounces! For that little weight, you get a lantern that provides a TON of light, and is solar powered! From one full solar charge (about 7 hours), you can get up to 30 hours of light! It is completely weatherproof, and it floats! There are four different light settings, high, medium, low, and a flashing light for emergencies. It even comes with a one year warranty.

Upon initial gear gathering, Harrison and I decided we would each be bringing a headlamp, but now, because of this amazing product, we have decided to bring only bring one headlamp, and the LuminAid. We both prefer the LuminAID to a headlamp because the way it scatters light is much more convenient. With a headlamp, even a really nice one, you still end up with just a beam. However, with this, you are surrounded by light, and that light isn’t so directed, meaning less instances of blinding each other with our headlamps (speaking as a Conservation Corps member this was NO fun and happens constantly).

We can’t say enough great things about the product itself. But wait, there’s more! The company itself is awesome too! THANK YOU,20 CAIRN BOX FOR INTRODUCING ME!

LuminAid was developed by two women, trying to find a solutions for dark and dangerous conditions in post-earthquake Haiti. Now, it is used in disasters all over the world to provide light for those displaced by tragedy. The company also offers a “Give Light, Get Light” program. This program aims to provide those who rely on unsafe, or potentially toxic light sources with a safe, renewable source of light. Through this program, they ave distributed 12,ooo lights in over 50 countries! How it works is simple: whenever you make a purchase from LuminAID, for a small extra fee, you can also donate a light to someone in need.

Basically, this company rocks.

Everyone in the hiker community should check them out! Who doesn’t love buying great products from a company that does even greater things for our world?