Hybridlight Atlas 600 Solar Camping Lantern | First Look

I’m a big fan of being prepared, living in Alaska it quickly becomes part of your culture. One thing we always worry about is lighting. Because winter storms don’t knock out power when it’s convenient and stumbling around in the dark is bad. That’s why I’m glad I had our featured product on hand a few weeks ago, the Hybridlight Atlas 600 Lantern.

Some people may not get excited about lanterns. But when you show me a lantern that doesn’t need batteries, is waterproof, floats, puts out 600 lumens and can hold a charge for up to 7 years? Well, you get my attention fast. These are just a few of the attributes that are packed into the Hybridlight Atlas 600. In this article we will breakdown the specifications, build quality, features and who should be interested in this little powerhouse lantern.

Hybridlight Atlas 600 Camp Lantern Video:

Hybridlight Atlas 600 Specifications

Illumination:

• Low: 25 Lumens, 100 Hours Run Time
• Medium: 125 Lumens, 20 Hours Run Time
• High: 600 Lumens, 5 Hours Run Time
• SOS Safety Strobe Setting

Charging Time:

• Using Micro USB Port: 4 Hours
• Using Solar Panel: 19 Hours

Other Features:

• 2 USB Ports for Charging Devices
• Waterproof & Floats (No Rating Listed)
• Can Hold a Charge 7 Years
• Foldable Carry Handle
• 4000 mAh Lithium Ion Battery
• Drop Resistant to 3 Meters (9.8 Ft)
• Contains 10 LEDs
• Height: 8”
• Diameter: 4” Approximately
• Weight: 13.2 Ounces

Build Quality

The Hybridlight Atlas 600 lantern appears to be made of a thinner plastic like other camp style lanterns. This isn’t a knock on the Atlas 600 but it’s just something to mention. There is a reason it’s only 13 ounces but retains a 3 foot drop rating. It’s not your grandpas old Coleman lantern but then again, it’s not supposed to be.

All the rubber covers and feet on the Atlas 600 are soft and playable and do the job well. The charging port cover, with some gentle pushing and manipulation, fit snuggly inside the opening. Protecting the 2 USB’s and the Micro USB charging port from the elements. This unit does float but honestly, I didn’t put it to the test yet. My waterproof testing so far has been leaving the lantern on my back deck during the several blizzards we have had this year. Each time when I bring it in to thaw out it functions flawlessly.

The top of the Atlas 600 features a plastic fold down carry handle that is contoured for easy carrying and had no sharp spots or pinch points. This was a nice bit of quality control by the St. George, Utah based company, that many companies overlook. Especially on lower priced camp gear. Big marks to them so far.

Lanterns are not really any good if the lens or refractory surfaces are not spreading light in a way that maximizes the LEDs. Thankfully with the Atlas 600 the 10 LEDs contained in the body have a tapered and frosted surface to bounce their light off. The tapered shape really does a good job of pushing the light out a good distance in the average room. Even at its lowest setting.

Controls

Controls on lanterns should be as easy to use as possible. And with the Atlas 600 they are what we have come to expect on lanterns. A single yellow rubber button allows the user to cycle the lantern between 25-125-600 Lumens with a simple depression of the button. Once you turn the lantern on, you will have to cycle through the remaining settings until it is powered off.

This lantern also features an SOS emergency strobe beacon. To activate this feature, you simply push the button twice quickly. The manufacturer does not give an illumination rating for this setting. Which might be the only issue I have come to find with this light.

Charging the Atlas 600 with other than solar means simply requires the user to plug the USB cord into a receptacle and wait till a few hours. The small light under the operating control will turn from Red to Green when the unit is fully charged. When charging the unit using solar the light will also turn Green when it’s fully charged.

There are two USB ports located on the front of the Atlas 600 that allow users to charge other devices. It’s a nice feature that other solar lanterns or even battery powered lanterns don’t offer. Another instance where the design team was thinking about the end users and their needs.

Target Audience

This lantern is perfect for anyone involved in Boy Scouting, overland adventures, camping or hunting. Or really anyone who is in the outdoors and needs a light source without the hassle of batteries. Simply toss this light into the back of your truck, on your ATV or kayak and you’ll have lots of friends at your next outing.

This lantern can also be helpful to anyone who takes disaster preparedness seriously. The multi-use role of the Atlas 600 is sure to pique the interest of consumers. The fact that the incidence of natural disasters seems to be increasing. Plus the possibility of civil unrest. Should make concerned citizen ask themselves, can the Atlas 600 be a realistic part of their preparations.

Closing Thoughts

Priced at $59.99 at the time of this article, the Atlas 600 by Hybridlight might not be the cheapest lantern on the market. But it is if you factor the cost of constantly replacing expensive batteries over the course of a few seasons. It’s a simple to use, no frills lantern with a potentially unlimited supply of power as long as our sun doesn’t go supernova anytime soon.

Atlas 600 provides a wide range of illumination options and can hold a charge up to 7 years. Which is still amazing even after reading it so many times in the literature. It’s lightweight, can withstand rain, freezing cold, and it even floats. What’s not to like about this little light?

I purchased this light on my own with no sponsorship or donations and highly recommend the Hybridlight Atlas 600. In fact, I like it so much I’ve ordered a few as presents for my family members this Christmas. To me that’s putting my money where my mouth is, if I like something enough to buy it 3 or 4 more times and give them to the people I love, that’s a good endorsement.

Thank you for taking the time out of your day and life to come by the site and I hope you enjoyed this look at the Atlas 600.