Let there be Lamps

Submitted by nestorb on Wed, 2006-12-06 09:11.

December 6, 2006 -- A dark tent is not the most welcoming refuge after a long hike. But the solar-powered Mini Everlite EL7 (newlite.com), at $44, provides a solution. The light portion has three light-emitting diodes and a photo cell that automatically turns the light on and off. It is supplied with a detachable solar panel about the size, if not the thickness, of an index card. A cable and Velcro fittings let users mount the solar panel on top of a tent while keeping the lamp inside. By the company's measurements, eight hours of charging in full sunlight will keep the lamp lighted for 20 hours. Accessory cables, which sell for $15 to $20, allow the solar panel to recharge other things, like cellphones, iPods and cameras. This month an improved version, the EL8, will appear in stores in limited numbers. For $5 more, the sleeker new model is supplied with a headband mount.