Compare our two best-selling power lantern models: the PackLite Max and the PackLite Titan. Here's a little more about what makes LuminAID's power lanterns stand out, and how to pick the right one for your needs.
Buyer's Guide: The Titan vs the Max
Featured Products:
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PackLite Max 2-in-1 Power Lantern
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How We Break it Down:
1. Battery Capacity
2. Durability
3. Size and Weight
4. Light Modes
5. Reviews
Battery Capacity: 2000mAh vs 4000mAh
Both the Max and the Titan have an integrated battery that you can use as a portable battery pack, and both models can hold a charge in storage for up to 2 years.
Why does this matter? Many products advertised as "solar phone chargers" can recharge your phone...but only in direct sun. When a cloud passes over, or if you need a quick boost after night falls, you're out of luck.
Integrated battery packs like those in the Max and Titan, on the other hand, charge in the sun during the day (yes, even in cloudy weather!), in order to store energy that you can use later. This ensures uninterrupted charging, creating a more versatile solar device for that you can use whenever you need it -- day or night!
Both the Max and the Titan are designed with a built-in battery pack that you can use to charge your phone.
Both models can hold a charge in storage for up to 2 years.
The main difference between the Max and the Titan comes down to the size of the internal battery. The Titan has double the battery capacity of the Max, giving you 2x the brightness, 2x the runtime, and more charge for your phone.
The PackLite Max 2-in-1 Power Lantern features a 2000 mAh battery, while the PackLite Titan 2-in-1 Power Lantern boasts a 4000 mAh battery. That’s enough to charge most phones 2 or 3 times! The Titan’s solar panel is also 60% larger than the Max’s, enabling a fast solar recharge time, despite the large battery capacity.
The Titan has double the battery capacity of the Max.
That means 2x the brightness, 2x the runtime, and more charges for your phone.
What to Consider:
This comes down to the size and quantity of devices you're planning to charge, as well as how long you expect to go before being able to recharge the internal battery by solar power or USB input.
For casual use, the PackLite Max is a great choice, and it's our bestseller for a reason. If you mostly take day-trips or weekend camping trips, just need a back-up charger for power outages, or want a reliable 2-in-1 phone charger and lantern, the Max is a solid choice.
For extended off-grid use, or charging multiple phones, the PackLite Titan is the best choice. If you own a tablet/iPad, plan to be off-grid for extended periods of time, or if your family might want to charge more than one phone during a power outage, the Titan has the battery capacity you're looking for. You get some extra peace-of-mind with our largest battery and 100-hour runtime. You can be confident that all your bases are covered when you go with the Titan.
Integrated Battery
A large portion of solar phone chargers on the market can recharge your phone, but only in direct sun. When a cloud passes over, or when you need a quick boost after night falls, the solar panels might as well be shiny paper. Battery packs, on the other hand, store energy and ensure uninterrupted charging, creating a more versatile solar device for charging whenever it’s needed- even if the sun’s out of sight!
The integrated battery in LuminAID power lanterns cuts out the cost of an external battery, lightens your gear load, and makes them easier to use. Plus, the USB input charger allows you to charge the integrated battery from a car or wall charger, giving your gear an energy boost before you head out on your adventure.
The PackLite Max 2-in-1 Power Lantern features a 2000 mAh battery, while the PackLite Titan 2-in-1 Power Lantern boasts a 4000 mAh battery- that’s enough to charge most phones 2 or 3 times! The Titan’s solar panel is also 60% larger than the Max’s, allowing for a quicker charge when you’re on the go.
Durability
Solar devices are often needed in off-grid situations, which can involve unpredictable circumstances and exposure to the elements. This makes waterproof and dustproof certifications a must-have for basic protection and usability in rough conditions.
All LuminAID solar power lanterns are designed to the specifications of disaster relief and humanitarian aid, where they may be used after natural disasters or in harsh climates. Rated IP67 waterproof and dustproof, they are engineered for rugged use.
LuminAID products are tested in the field and used by humanitarian aid workers and by nonprofits operating in over 100 countries, often in areas where they are used by families as a safer alternative to candles, kerosene, or battery-operated lanterns.
What to Consider:
Both the Max and the Titan meet the same rugged durability standards and IP67 waterproofing. If durability is your main criteria, both products will serve you well.
Plus, every purchase on LuminAID.com is backed by our Off-Grid Guarantee, and 100-Day Return Policy.
Size and Weight
Size and portability are among a gear junky’s biggest worries. Design is what differentiates bulky chargers from practical ones. LuminAID's power lanterns are designed as all-in-one devices that lighten your load and save space by packing flat and replacing bulkier standalone items in your gear bag or emergency kit.
vs
6"x6"x1"
8.5 oz. (Max)
12.5 oz. (Titan)
Weighing in at 8.5 oz, the PackLite Max 2-in-1 Power Lantern ranks among the lightest of its counterparts. When packed flat, it’s roughly the size of a paperback book (6"x6"x1"), so it's easy to tuck one into your backpack, keep one in the glove compartment of your car, or store in your emergency kit. It inflates into a lightweight 6" cube, using a custom-designed valve.
You inflate the Max with your mouth, using a valve.
You inflate the Titan with your hands, using our new Twist-to-Inflate design.
The PackLite Titan 2-in-1 Power Lantern is the same size as the Max, but weighs 12.5 oz, with twice the battery capacity. The Titan also features a new Twist-To-Inflate design that allows it to go from packed to set up in seconds. This design is quick to inflate with your hands and safe to share with others with no inflation necessary.
You can learn more about the history of LuminAID's technology, and the design process behind the Titan here: Understanding the Titan
What to Consider:
Both products are the same size, but the Titan weighs an extra 4oz. If you're an ultralight backpacker, that might be a no-no. You'll have to consider whether the extra 4oz of weight is worth doubling the battery capacity and runtime.
The Titan's new Twist-to-Inflate design doesn't change the size of the product, but it does make it easier to inflate, and better for sharing.
Finally, don't forget to factor in the space and weight that you'll save when you ditch a few bulkier pieces of gear and replace them with an all-in-one LuminAID power lantern.
Lantern Light Modes
Only a handful of solar phone chargers on the market incorporate a true solar-powered lantern that has enough spread to light your campsite. The inflatable body of LuminAID lanterns serves as a diffuser that softens glare and lights an area, as opposed to a direct beam of light like a flashlight. In terms of lantern specs, the thing to look for is lumens. The higher the lumens, the brighter and farther the lantern can shine.
The PackLite Max 2-in-1 Power Lantern reaches 150 lumens on its Turbo mode, which is bright enough to light up 200 square feet -- more than enough for your tent. On its low mode, the Max can run for 50 hours on a full charge.
The PackLite Titan 2-in-1 Power Lantern will light up your campsite with a 300 square foot lighting area on Turbo mode. On low mode, the Titan can last for 100 hours on a full charge.
Both models have dimmable brightness levels, and an emergency flash mode.
Most people use their LuminAID lanterns on Medium for everyday tasks like reading or cooking.
In addition to 2x the brightness and 2x the runtime, the Titan’s is also LuminAID's first product with a Red Light Mode for night vision. Red light allows you to preserve your night vision in the dark, and is perfect for stargazing, or as a reading light. Learn more about the creative ways LuminAID's Gear Testers used Red Light mode here.
The Titan is our first product to feature a Red Mode for night vision.
How to Choose:
For 1-2 people, the PackLite Max has more than enough light and runtime to get you through a power outage, charge your phone, and light your tent. When you need an extra boost of brightness, you can use Turbo Mode, but most people typically use this product on High or Medium.
For a family or a group, the Titan is a better choice, because it can light a campsite or charge 2-3 phones, and its Twist-to-Inflate design makes it easier to share. The Titan also has Red Light Mode for night vision, which can come in handy if you want a gentler option for your eyes after dark.
Customer Reviews
With over 2,500 customer reviews, LuminAID's customers have a lot to say. We're proud that so many of our customers not only use our lights for their own camping trips or emergency kits, but also give them as gifts to the people they care about.
Customers who recommend the Titan
Customers who recommend the Max
Expert Gear Reviews
Video Review: Terradrift Loves the Titan
"The one thing we never leave home without is our LuminAID inflatable solar lantern. Our very first one, the Nova, was a gift... But we recently added this bad boy (the Titan) to our gear closet!
Here's the long and the short of it: the PackLite Titan is dope...It's the same trusty solar-powered tech we know and love...but better."
REI's Best Camping Lanterns: The PackLite Max
"LuminAID’s PackLite Max Phone Charger Lantern is a lightweight, collapsible lantern that is our pick for the best camping lantern for backpacking and traveling.
Weighing in at a little more than half a pound, this featherweight lantern is easy to pack in your backpack or travel bag, and only takes a few seconds to inflate after you arrive at your campsite."
The Final Verdict:
Both of these power lanterns are a solid choice if you want an all-in-one lantern and phone charger. When it comes to size, weight, and durability, they're fairly even, and they're both backed by LuminAID's Off-Grid Guarantee.
The decision between these two models comes down how much you value the extra benefits of the Titan, versus the lighter weight and lower cost of the Max. Reviewers who were familiar with LuminAID's original design loved the Titan's new features.
The Max is a good fit for:
Use by 1-2 people
Short power outages, day trips or overnight camping
Charging 1 phone
Lighting a tent
Ultralight backpacking
The Titan is better when it comes to:
Use by a family, or sharing with others
Extended power outages or days off-grid
Charging multiple phones, or a tablet
Lighting a campsite
Night vision
If you're on the fence, go with the Titan. You won't regret it.
For a little bit more cost and 4 extra ounces, you get double the much battery capacity, runtime, and brightness, plus extra features that no other LuminAID product has, like Red Light Mode and the new Twist-to-Inflate design. The Titan packs a ton of features into a compact, versatile product.
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PackLite Max 2-in-1 Power Lantern
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