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My only issue with this light was taking it out of test mode, but I found the procedure on the Goal Zero website and have been using it without any issues ever since. The sequence of the lantern is torch, full power lantern and finally half power lantern. My main usage is in the half power lantern mode, so would prefer the sequence to be reversed, but if you want to protect your night vision, it's simple enough to pop the light underneath a jacket or sleeping bag etc to scroll through to the desired setting. The torch mode is a really usable wide beam which still gives good forward range. The full power lantern mode would be powerful enough to light up quite a large room, so this would be a great little lantern to have in the event of a power cut. The half power lantern is my personal favourite, enough to see by but economical in use. In fact, despite regular use, it steadfastly refused to budge from a power rating of 3 bars and has only quite recently dropped to 2 bars. For a week away in the forest, this would have sufficient battery life, and with thrifty use, would probably be OK for two weeks without recharging. Whereas some lanterns of this type have a brilliant white light which is frankly uncomfortable on the eyes, the Goal Zero has a softer, more mellow light which is perfectly effective but much kinder to the eyes. The power can also be easily adjusted to provide the exact level desired in all settings. Aesthetically speaking, there is something satisfyingly 'Middle Earth' about carrying a lantern at night, although I doubt if Frodo's light was rechargeable via USB! I have added a short length of paracord using a sliding fisherman's knot and a mini carabiner which makes it very easy to attach to any small projection or hanging loop. This little light performs far beyond its diminutive size and weight would suggest and is now a permanent fixture in my kit list whenever I go away. Highly recommended.
Barry Cheadle
28th January, 2025Rated: 5/5