Gear Review: Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini Rechargeable Lantern
Value Rating: 8
Durability Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 8
Location of Test: In my van, room, and tent
Duration of Test: 8 Months
Product Name: Lighthouse Mini
Product Brand: Goal Zero
Best Use: "Being a light in dark places, when all the other lights have gone out."
Size: There is a regular sized Goal Zero Lighthouse and the Lighthouse Mini. This review is for the mini. 210 Lumens, Built-in 1A USB port, 3,000mAh battery, magnetic base, top hook loop, directional lighting feature, usb plug to charge lantern.
The Full Review:
I bought this Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini after my old lantern kicked the bucket. I intentionally bought this lantern for wide area light that would be hung above me in a tent or my van. I also wanted something smaller than the standard Lighthouse due to weight/volume concerns for if I took it backpacking.
8 months in and it still performs great after heavy usage. 3000mah battery performs how you would expect a rechargeable battery to perform. I get roughly 6.5 hours on high mode. I rarely dim it to its lowest setting. I rarely will use the power to charge my phone as I have alternative dedicated external battery packs for that purpose and this lantern was purchased for the purpose of providing light, not charging my phone. I guess it’s nice to know that the option is there.
It has a loop on the top to hang it with paracord and it also has a metal hook to slide it into your little loop on the inside of your tents ceiling.
The coolest feature is the Mars rover style legs that allow the light to sit about 5 and a half inches above the ground. Those also stow away if you plan to hang it.
I found out about the magnet feature by accident. Hit a bump in my van when it was hung up and it flew into my vans side wall and stuck to it. I was quite surprised and also glad it didn’t break. One could say it’s quite durable cause any other lantern would’ve broken from falling that distance.
Haven’t had to replace the battery yet but I understand that it has to be a goal zero battery and they are typically sold out on their website. Hopefully, the battery will last a long while.
The Good
Well designed, durable, provides decent light, lots of options for hanging it, compact.
The Bad:
Replaceable batteries are hard to come by.
The Bottom Line:
Fairly priced name brand product with useful features and a functional and durable design. In my opinion, it is well worth every penny. If you need a small compact lantern, this is a fantastic choice.
The Full Review:
I bought this Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini after my old lantern kicked the bucket. I intentionally bought this lantern for wide area light that would be hung above me in a tent or my van. I also wanted something smaller than the standard Lighthouse due to weight/volume concerns for if I took it backpacking.
8 months in and it still performs great after heavy usage. 3000mah battery performs how you would expect a rechargeable battery to perform. I get roughly 6.5 hours on high mode. I rarely dim it to its lowest setting. I rarely will use the power to charge my phone as I have alternative dedicated external battery packs for that purpose and this lantern was purchased for the purpose of providing light, not charging my phone. I guess it’s nice to know that the option is there.
It has a loop on the top to hang it with paracord and it also has a metal hook to slide it into your little loop on the inside of your tents ceiling.
The coolest feature is the Mars rover style legs that allow the light to sit about 5 and a half inches above the ground. Those also stow away if you plan to hang it.
I found out about the magnet feature by accident. Hit a bump in my van when it was hung up and it flew into my vans side wall and stuck to it. I was quite surprised and also glad it didn’t break. One could say it’s quite durable cause any other lantern would’ve broken from falling that distance.
Haven’t had to replace the battery yet but I understand that it has to be a goal zero battery and they are typically sold out on their website. Hopefully, the battery will last a long while.
The Good
Well designed, durable, provides decent light, lots of options for hanging it, compact.
The Bad:
Replaceable batteries are hard to come by.
The Bottom Line:
Fairly priced name brand product with useful features and a functional and durable design. In my opinion, it is well worth every penny. If you need a small compact lantern, this is a fantastic choice.