REVIEW – Sometimes you don’t need a whole lot of light when it’s dark. Sometimes you need just enough to move around. And sometimes you want colorful light. Does the BioLite AlpenGlow Mini check all these boxes?
What is it?
The AlpenGlow Mini from BioLite is a multicolor, USB-C rechargeable LED light that produces up to 150 lumens. It has four color modes and can last for anywhere from 5 hours (on high) to 40 hours (on low).
What’s included?
- BioLite AlpenGlow Mini
- USB-A to USB-C cable
- Instruction manual
Tech specs
Click to expand
- Lumens: 150Lm (HIGH) / 5Lm (LOW)
- Runtime: 5 hrs (HIGH) / 40 hrs (LOW)
- Weight: 3.5oz (98g)
- Battery: 1000mAh Li-On (3.7Wh)
- Charge time: 3 hr by USB-C
- Dimensions: 2.9in x 2.4in (75mm x 60mm)
- IPX4 rated (protection against rain, but not submersible)
Design and features
I have plenty of flashlights, headlamps, and large battery-sucking lanterns for when the power goes out or for camping. I was intrigued by the AlpenGlow Mini from BioLite. The first thing that caught my attention when I opened the box was how small it was. Initially, I had some doubts that it would be useful given the size, but after playing around with it, I think it will be extremely useful.
A couple of things stood out to me; it’s rechargeable and it has a built-in bungee strap. I do not like using disposable batteries and sometimes the rechargeable AA and AAA batteries just don’t have a lot of power. Having a long-lasting (5 to 40 hours) light that I can recharge via USB-C was terrific! If I’m hiking and need to charge up the light, I can connect it to an external portable battery that is solar-powered. I wouldn’t need to find an electrical plug for either the portable battery or the BioLite AlpenGlow Mini light. The bungee strap is a great way to attach the light to different objects, especially round ones. It tucks neatly underneath the base and stretches out if needed.
The BioLite AlpenGlow Mini LED light puts out a maximum of 150 lumens. Granted, this isn’t too bright during the day, but in the dark, it’s plenty enough to get around. The brightness can be adjusted down to 5 lumens. That adjustment is what sets this little light apart from my other flashlights. With my flashlights and some of my headlamps, there is just one brightness setting. I like having the flexibility of dimming the brightness so my night vision doesn’t get impacted as much.
Another thing that this little light does that my flashlights don’t do, is change color. I can change the color to red, lower the brightness and it’s great for use while doing some astrophotography. I can see using it in multicolor mode just to break up the ambiance. The light changes color gradually, slowly fading from one color to the next.
Assembly, Installation, Setup
The BioLite AlpenGlow Mini came partially charged and I was able to use it right away. I did have to refer to the instruction manual a couple of times to refresh my memory on how to change modes, colors, and brightness.
A single tap on the top button turns the BioLite AlpenGlow Mini on. It will remember whatever mode and brightness was previously used.
To increase (or decrease) brightness, press and hold the top button until the desired brightness is achieved. Or keep pressing until the light blinks and that signifies when the light is at its highest or lowest setting.
Tapping the top button two times changes the color. Tapping the top button three times constantly changes the color, fading from one color to the next.
Performance
For a light this size, about the size of a large muffin (but still smaller than a Costco muffin), it does a good job of spreading enough light to get around and make out objects in the dark. It doesn’t put out enough light in a concentrated amount to read, but for getting situated in a tent a night, it’s more than enough.
What I like about BioLite AlpenGlow Mini
- the size, it fits in any bag and doesn’t take a lot of space
- rechargeable, the fact that I don’t need to take batteries is great
- versatility, the included bungee strap on the bottom increases the usefulness
- multicolor, a fun option to change up the mood
What needs to be improved?
- magnets, absolutely nit-picking, but having some magnets on the bottom would add more functionality
Final thoughts
I like the BioLite AlpenGlow Mini LED light! I’m making my truck a little more adventure-ready and I can see having this light on a table or hanging from a tree branch or pole, would add some ambiance and functionality when it gets darker. Sitting in the truck at night, doing some astrophotography, and having this light at its lowest setting would be perfect for moving around but also not bright enough to throw off my (or my camera’s) night vision.
Price: $39.95
Where to buy: BioLite AlpenGlow Mini and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by BioLite. BioLite did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
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Olight has something simular, the OBulb. It has a magnetic. I have one in the bedroom with a red light and one in the bathroom attached to the light switch using its magnetic.