Gear Review: Nokero Crestone N200 Solar Light Bulb

Here’ a twist on the whole backcountry lighting market: A solar-powered light that’s actually affordable.

What a concept.

Marketed by Nokero as “the most economical solar light on the market,” the $15 Crestone Solar Light Bulb (N200) is almost ideal for off-the-grid living or backcountry travel, effectively paying for itself in less than two months by eliminating the need for candle power or kerosene. The light works in a range of both indoor and outdoor situations, including cooking, reading and emergency lighting.

And, it’s worth noting that the four-LED Crestone is no slouch in the brightness department. It delivers 13 lumens of light in “high” mode, and five lumens in “low” mode, nearly as much as a traditional powered gas or electric light, and plenty for most chores around camp. It will also run for up to eight hours on a single solar charge and can operate in temperatures ranging from -20-55 degrees Celsius (-4-131 degrees Fahrenheit). The lamp is housed in an ABS plastic body with a polycarbonate plastic globe, so you’re going to have to work hard to break or damage it.

It’s cheap, it’s effective and it’s all but impossible to break it. What more is there to say?

The Crestone N200 Solar Light Bulb is available direct from Nokero, or from one of the manufacturer’s authorized dealers.