You Need This Amazing Camping Light Even If You Never Camp

Minimalism continues to dominate the zeitgeist, from interior design to camping goods, with followers of the lifestyle espousing the benefits of less stuff, more intentionality — but sometimes, over the top just feels good.

For example, you could get by with a dinky little headlamp that weighs less than a goldfish … or, you could go all out with a badass camping light bright enough to illuminate an entire studio apartment. If the latter sounds fun, keep reading.

Say Hello to My Big Friend

A few months back, a rep for Goal Zero asked if I’d like to test the brand’s new camping light. I get pitched a lot of camping lights, all fairly similar, but when I got a look at the Goal Zero Skylight, I realized I had to go against my minimalist grain and give it a try.

The reason is simple: This thing is too over-the-top, too big, too bright not to test. After spending years fumbling in the dark with a teeny beam of headlamp-supplied light, after countless accumulated hours wondering, ‘Shit, where did I leave the headlamp?’, after losing half a dozen charging cables, I was ready for something … bigger. And Goal Zero certainly provided with the Skylight. It’s capable of throwing out 6,000 lumens (my favorite headlamp gives off 325, for reference); it can reach 12 feet tall when fully extended; its internal battery can last eight hours on low and its rated IPX4 water-resistant. It’s a lot. And I love it.

The Skylight fits into a carrying case that certainly makes it easier to cart around, but don’t be fooled: the light is still 14 pounds on its own, and 17 when it’s all packed up. And I’m totally fine with that. I don’t count a single ounce with this monstrous light. I set it up and enjoy being able to see everything around me, all at once.

The Skylight Isn’t Just For Camping

I’ve found myself using the Skylight almost as much at home as I do camping — maybe even more. It’s just so handy. My partner and I are remodeling a 110-year-old house and days run long. When night has fallen and we’re still installing drywall, fixing the water main we just broke (yes, that happened, and I blame him) or cleaning up our job site, the Skylight is always there for us.

We also own a Goal Zero Yeti 1500X power bank, and with it, the Skylight can run for 375 hours on its lowest setting. Yes, you read that correctly: the Skylight could light our home or campsite for 15-and-a-half days, baby.

If you’re a diehard minimalist or ounce counter, I doubt I’ll convince you of the Skylight’s majesty and grace. (And I’m wondering why you’re still reading, to be honest.) But, if you’ve done the whole “I’m going to pack as little as I can and suffer through this camping trip” thing and you’re a little tired of it, give the Skylight a try. If you have kids and you feel like being able to see them at a dark campsite for once, order one. If you’re into overlanding and want a bomb-ass light that’s going to last you half a month, fork over the cash for one of these babies. Or if you’ve never even thought about camping but just want powerful around-the-house illumination, pony up. You get it. Just buy one.

You’ll thank me later.

Goal Zero Skylight

The Skylight is capable of a whopping 6,000 lumens, can adjust from four to 12 feet high and can extend illumination for 300 feet. With the Goal Zero Yeti 1500X power bank, it can run for 375 hours on its lowest setting.

Pros

• Water resistant and durable
• Battery-powered operation means it can travel anywhere
• Warmer light makes vision more comfortable

Cons

• Heavier than traditional camp lights
• Pricey

• 
  $299.95 at Goal Zero