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Note I prefer other more frosted and warmer versions of this lantern, like the BioLite Luci Charge 360 (read my review here) instead.

See the 15 tests

1. In the box
2. Inflation and deflation
3. Buttons
4. Brightness settings
5. Lumen output
6. Shine distance
7. Run times
8. USB charging
9. Solar charging
10. Mobile charging
11. Battery level indicator
12. Straps
13. IP rating
14. Drop testing
15. Portability
16. Pros, cons, recommendations
17. Bonus – MUST read!

Note I bought this lantern when it was the “Mpowerd Luci Pro”. BioLite acquired Mpowerd in 2024 and rebranded it to the “BioLite Luci Original” — all the tests still apply.

In the Box

Here’s what the BioLite Luci Original looks like, and what came inside:

• Luci lantern
• Charging cable

Inflation and Deflation

Pull out the valve at the bottom, pull the cap off, pinch where it says “squeeze here”, and blow. It takes only one breath.

Then cap the valve and push it back in so it sits flush with the surface. Deflating is just the opposite.

Buttons

There are 2 buttons — power, and the battery level indicator. Both sit flush with the surface, which makes them hard to find in the dark.

Brightness Settings

Four modes, cycled with the power button: Low, Medium, High, Flashing. There’s no memory setting.

Pro Tip To skip cycling through every mode, press and hold the power button for 2 seconds to switch off directly.

Lumen Output

Brightness mode	Official specs	My testing
Low	Unclear	0 lumens
Medium	Unclear	17 lumens
High	150 lumens	34 lumens
Flashing	Unclear	34 lumens

Note that these are measured from the side of the Luci, not facing the lights directly.

Shine Distance

The shine distance came in at 2.2 feet — enough to light a 2-person tent, and nothing more.

Run Times

Light mode	Official specs	My testing
Low	50 hours	51 hours
High	5 hours	5.25 hours

I ran these after owning the Luci for about 4 years with light use, so holding its original capacity that well is impressive.

USB Charging

• Full charge via USB 2.75 to 3 hrs

Newer Lucis have both a USB-A output and a USB-C input; mine is the older model with just one USB-A port.

Solar Charging

The Luci is also a solar lantern, so it can be charged entirely by sun.

• Full solar charge 5–7 daysat 12 hours of sunlight each
• After 1 day of sun 15–20% charge

Mobile Charging

The USB port also charges phones. Here’s what I got with my iPhone 12 on a single charge:

• Capacity 2,000 mAhmy iPhone 12 is 2,815 mAh, hence no full charge
• iPhone 12 charge 17% to 66% (total 49%)
• Charge timing 1 hr 20 min

Battery Level Indicator

Press the battery button and the lights show for 4 seconds. Here’s what each level meant during my low-brightness run-time test:

• 4 lights 100%
• 3 lights 74.5%
• 2 lights 57%
• 1 light 27.5%
• 0 lights 0%

Straps

The Luci has 2 straps — an adjustable one at the top over the solar panel for hanging it in a tent, and a fixed one at the bottom.

IP Rating

The Luci Original is rated IP67 — submersible to 1 meter for 30 minutes. I tested exactly that by tying it to a pole in a swimming pool.

Getting it down to 1 meter was hard because it’s so buoyant even deflated. After 30 minutes it still worked perfectly, with not a single drop of water inside — the port plug seals really well.

Drop Testing

I rolled it down a small slope and it was completely fine, thanks to all the air inside.

Portability

• Weight 6.1 oz
• Packed size, deflated 5.1 x 5.1 x 1.25 in

Pros, Cons, Recommendations

Now, what are the pros and cons, and would I recommend the BioLite Luci Original?

Easy inflation and deflation

It inflates in less than one breath, so you don’t end up blue in the face. Deflating is just pressing the air out while tucking the plastic in.

Lightweight and compact

At 6.1 oz this is super compact and portable — probably the main reason you’re considering it.

USB and solar charging

Full solar charging is fantastic in a pinch in the backcountry, since you’ll get at least a few hours of sunlight every day to top it up.

Shockingly durable

It takes 150 pounds of pressure — I stood on it and it didn’t pop.

Build is high quality

After 4 years of shelf life the battery doesn’t seem to have depleted much at all.

Sharp objects can puncture it

Sharp pressure can pop the lantern, and then it won’t inflate anymore.

Breath droplets inside lantern

I don’t love inflating by breath — water droplets form inside and it starts looking dirty after a while.

Light diffusion isn’t great

This is why the measured lumens are so low. The Luci has no frosted globe to act as a diffuser, so light doesn’t spread outward and the count drops fast with distance.

You can see the difference in my BioLite AlpenGlow 500 review.

Light is very harsh

Without a diffuser, staring into the 10 LEDs at the top is really glaring up close. Measured from the front instead of the side:

Light mode	Lumens (side)	Lumens (front)
Low	0	382
Medium	17	1,540
High	34	2,500

That’s 2,500 lumens straight at you on the brightest setting, with no soft diffusion at all.

1-year warranty

Only 1 year, which is really quite short.

Bonus – MUST Read!

Every figure above is from my own testing — measured by hand, bought with my own money.