This post is sponsored by UV Pack Light.
I was really excited to try out a product that claims to be reusable, long-lasting (in terms of how long it will last before recharging) with quick recharge times. Besides, who doesn’t love glow sticks? Of course, it is always a bummer when they fade away and you have to throw them in the trash. What a waste!
But not anymore! UV Pack Light came out with rechargeable glow sticks (and more)! No batteries or electricity needed either! They quickly recharge in any light (during testing, I only used the ambient room light) and last for over 10 hours on one recharge!
The Nutty Hiker Test
UV Pack Light sent me their Large UVPaqlite, UvGloStik, gear tag, and pet tag to try out.
Upon opening the package the first thing I noticed was the UVPaqlite. It was folded and at first, I mistook it as packing material…oops! Once unfolded I realized it was the UVPaqlite. Super light and waterproof. This was the main item I was interested in testing out, as it sounded like it would be great to take on backpacking trips.
Quick Charging
I sat it on my desk and within about 6 minutes it was ready to work. I took it to my bedroom where it would mimic being out away from the city and city lights and after my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I realized this little thing puts out more light than I expected!
According to the package, it will recharge in 1 minute using direct sunlight, 5-10 minutes using room light, 2-4 seconds using a flashlight.
Brightness
While it obviously does not put out light like a flashlight or even regular glow sticks, it would work great as a night light in a tent or even night hiking so those behind you can see you (just attach to your pack). You wouldn’t be able to read your favorite book using it, but you will be able to see items immediately around you when you are in the dark.
This is actually a dress in my closet, to give you an example of the brightness. The UVPaqlite was about 12″ away from it. I will say, even though you cannot tell from this photo, that the entire walk-in closet was illuminated in a soft night-light like glow.
In fact, I could absolutely see hanging this in your tent as an all-night night light. How awesome would it be to have low light illumination in the middle of the night when you wake up needing to potty!?
Durability & Weight
This is super light, mine weighed in at 3.1 oz. and is waterproof. The glow in the dark crystals are packed in a vacuumed sealed bag. Best of all, since it is reusable there is no trash to get rid of or carry around; I mean who doesn’t love saving Mother Earth!?
The glow crystals are non-toxic, non-radioactive, and safe for pets and people.
Run Time
They claim to last over 10 hours. After 12 hours mine still had a soft glow. The brightness of course “fades” the longer it is not exposed to light, however, 12 hours with still a glow to it is pretty impressive!
Overall Thoughts
Completely worth it! The UVPaqLite works great as a low illumination night light and the fact that it is lightweight, waterproof, and does not need batteries or electricity to recharge makes it a great little piece of gear for backpacking, even if you use it just to attach to your backpack so your friends can quickly locate you on the trail.
The UVGloStik, Gear Tag, and Pet Tag work great for easily locating your gear in the dark (or pet for that matter). Simply charge it just like the UVPaqlite; they last just as long!
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