There’s no such thing as too much light. I like to see what I’m doing at all times. This is why I’ve added several auxiliary lights to my Overland rigs and have several work lights in my garage. One item that has proven to be a versatile addition to my Overland set-up is the FLUX LED and Powerstation from Gear Aid. When I pick a piece of gear to add to my kit, it has to fit a certain criteria. To provide me with something necessary. Be durable and weather resistant. And serve more than a single purpose. The FLUX Rechargeable LED Light and Power Station fits this criteria.
Providing me with something necessary:
That something is light. Wether it’s working in the engine compartment, under the truck or just getting into camp late and needing a task light to cook or set-up a tent, the FLUX is the perfect companion. With an adjustable metal kickstand, the FLUX can be placed at a variety of angles to provide the needed illumination. Add the RAM ball mount and the options become limitless. I utilize a RAM magnetic mount simply because I can stick the FLUX on the roof of the truck illuminating the roof top tent when setting up at night. Additionally, I can attach it to just about anything under the vehicle or in the engine compartment and the steel bumper.
Ten brightness settings, ranging from 20 to 640 lumens, allow me to dial in the proper amount of light needed for various applications. Three different color temperatures ranging from a soft 3000k to a daylight 6500k offer further customization. I tend to use the brightest setting when working on the vehicle but switch to the softer color temp. The amber light seems to attract less bugs than the whiter lights for some reason.
Be durable and weather resistant:
The IP65 Rating provides “dust tight” and protection against water projected from a nozzle. That’s good enough for any environment I’ll encounter while Overlanding. Dust is a real enemy to electronics and it’s something we encounter all the time while off-roading. The IP65 rating for water is enough to defend against a downpour. And when you’re hastily setting up a roof top tent in a rain storm at night, it’s nice to know the FLUX will keep pumping out light despite severe conditions.
Serving more than a single purpose:
The title eludes to the FLUX’s dual function. Not only does it provide hours of light. The FLUX also serves as a power station for small electronics. Although I carry a large dedicated auxiliary battery for most charging purposes, it’s nice to have a back up if we ever deplete it. The FLEX’s 20,800 mAh Li-ion battery recharges phones, tablets, and other devices with a 1.5-amp USB port. Charging most iPhones up to 10 times.
FLUX LED Features:
- Portable power bank and LED work light; quickly changes into camping lantern with included diffuser bag and hanging hook
- Fully adjustable light with 3 color temperatures and 10 brightness settings; runs 20 to 640 lumens for 13 to 192 hours of operation
- 20,800 mAh Li-ion battery recharges phones, tablets, and other devices with 1.5-amp USB port; charges most iPhones up to 10 times
- 1/4-20 threaded point compatible with tripods and Gear Aid, RAM, and GoPro mounts (RAM and GoPro adapters sold separately)
- Built with an adjustable metal kickstand and IP65-rated spray-proof casingIncludes: light, stainless-steel hook, diffuser bag and USB charging cable
FLUX LED Specs:
- Weight: 24 oz
- Size: 4.9”x 4.5” x 2.2”
- Cell Capacity: 20,800 mAh (77Wh)
- Cell Type: Lithium Ion
- Lumens: 20-640
- Brightness Settings: 10
- Run Time: 13-192 hours
- USB Output: 5V 1.5A
- Micro-USB Input: 5V 2A
- Durability: IP65
- Color Temperatures: 6500k, 4200k, 3000k
- MSRP $179.96 Sale $149.95
The FLUX is the largest of the rechargeable lights from Gear Aid. And the most expensive, currently listed at $149.95. However, there are two smaller options available to fit all budgets. Because no one deserves to be left in the dark. The smaller ARC LED and Power Station is about a hundred bucks. And the smallest of the lights, the SPARK Rechargeable LED comes in at under fifty bucks. Additionally, the FLUX includes a translucent bag that converts it to a lantern. A lantern I’ve used in conjunction with Gear Aid’s Camp Line Kit to fully illuminate a camp meal.
Since the Gear Aid FLUX is a fairly compact unit, I keep it in a pouch mounted to the Greyman Tactical RIP panel on the back of the drivers seat. This keeps it within easy reach in case of a mechanical break down or establishing a hasty camp late at night. And the 20,800 mAh Lithium Ion battery has outlasted trips exceeding 8 days. For these reasons, the Gear Aid FLUX LED has made the final grade and become one of my Overland essentials.
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