Outdoor Electronics

Recent Electronic Reviews

BioLite SunLight 100

A nifty little light that works great for small campsites, travel, and where a larger lantern might not be practical. Solar or power charging options eliminate the need for batteries. Why did I buy this light? I really enjoy my BioLite AlpenGlow 500 lantern, but for some trips, it just doesn’t make sense to lug around just a big lantern. So I started looking for a smaller, lighter option that would be able to slid into a pack without taking up much room but still provide similar results (i.e. Full review

Sierra Madre Hot Pocket

Can I give zero stars? Don't waste your money. The battery pack died after the first discharge (only to 20% or so, not all the way empty) and it will not recharge - cannot reach customer service to get a replacement... read this comment thread, and the kickstarter comment section before you decide. It's such a good idea, but too expensive and very poorly executed. Sierra Madre clearly have a supply issue on their latest power packs, they are failing quite consistently if the  comment sections are… Full review

L.L.Bean Waterproof Solar Flashlight

Solar lantern is good. Solar flashlight not so much! Full review

ThermoWorks ThermoDrop

The ThermoDrop is a key-chain or zipper-pull digital thermometer that's useful for gathering temperature data in the backcountry. Such statistics help me in better understanding my tolerances and gear needs. It's also fun for bragging rights/telling stories about my backcountry adventures. Background: I'm fond of factual and actual numbers when it comes to backpacking. There's just so much that's subjective and tailored to individual needs and perspectives, especially when it comes to temperature… Full review

Primus EasyLight

Does what it's supposed to, doesn't require a rocket science degree to use, and doesn't create excessive fire hazard when used safely. My only regret is that there are only five stars to click. Personally, I would give this product 60 stars. I knew it would be a great product, but it outshone my expectations. It easily lights up a medium-sized living room, no squinting of the eyes. My favorite aspect is that it's not the kind of product that you're worried about coming "unscrewed" if you accidentally… Full review

Ledlenser MH10

For all who need a simple bright headlight with great battery life for everyday use even in rough conditions. Just three main light modes, one button (push on brightness1 -push brightness-push boost-push off) I am using the Mh10 for over 2 years now and am very satisfied with it. I live in Finland above the Arctic Circle, so it gets quite dark and cold in winter. The battery life is great and is very bright. I like the simplicity of the lighting modes. Just one button and three main light modes. Full review

Sierra Madre Hot Pocket

When it works, it works. Lay it on chest, under insulation, nice toasty warmth. When it works. SM not responsive to issues. Battery packs poor. Bought two—one for wife, one  for me—for Christmas! In the right situation, they can provide warmth. On my chest when I'm napping. On my lap in the car. This thing in a sleeping bag would rock, but... They don't stay on, shutting off at random. A month of sporadic use, trying to figure out best ways to use them, and one battery has failed. Company not… Full review

Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge Lantern

The ultimate EDC flashlight/lantern? It’s great for backpacking/camping, that’s for sure. The Lighthouse Micro Charge is a minimalist, portable yet powerful dual-use light with an USB outlet to double as an emergency power bank (hence the Charge in its name). Small, hand-sized flashlight/lantern/charger perfect for an EDC. The USB port is used to charge external devices. Capacity is limited though.  The Lighthouse Mini Charge is a versatile piece of gear that gets a lot of use on every kind… Full review

BioLite HeadLamp 750

A decent premium headlight I had lost my comparable BD headlamp (a smaller version of BD's Icon 700?)    I enjoy not needing batteries. The battery pack is pretty chunky. I had to improvise an overhead strap for running—successful? tbd Cheers - gs Full review