Skip to main content

Project Lunar Is the Multifunction Lantern We Didn’t Think Existed

Get ready to resent your flashlights, lanterns, and head lamps.

How in the heck did a simple lantern earn more than $500,000 on Kickstarter? Well, a Hong Kong-based grassroots product design company called DACH opened our eyes to the fact that our lighting devices today really don’t do enough.

Recommended Videos

DACH’s response is called Project Lunar— a multifunction lifestyle lantern inspired by the shape of vintage camping models, but with a clean, metallic and matte color-pop design.

Project Lunar
Image used with permission by copyright holder

With three lighting modes controlled on the side by a gas valve stimulator, we’re given just enough brightness and mood-setting options without the device feeling haughty.

And the light isn’t just light on Project Lunar. Let us explain…

The lantern’s twin Cree LED chips generate a white “Golden Glow” of 2700 lumens, which evokes the sensation of being warm and cozy. Even crazier, the combination of Lunar LED spectrums makes the lighting less attractive to mosquitos and other insects that traditionally swarm to the glow of flashlights and other outdoor lighting devices. The soft glow also promotes better sleep versus bright, almost fluorescent lanterns or glaring phones (Gahh!) and instead mimics the soothing blaze of a campfire.

Other wicked smart features on the Lunar include a built-in USB powerbank, 240 hours of straight burn time, 100-percent waterproof durability, a glow in the dark feature so we can find it in the middle of the night while camping (when you gotta go…), and two alternative modes that turn the lantern into a torch-style flashlight and hands-free body lamp.

Project Lunar
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Project Lunar
Image used with permission by copyright holder

By screwing off the base and attaching a new head where the lantern was, Lunar becomes a mega flashlight with a zoom feature to expand or contract glow range. In its compact mode, it clips to a backpack and lights your general area during evening hikes. And unlike the bulky multi-part accessories we’re used to being weighted down by, Lunar charts in at only 600 grams— that’s less than 1.5 pounds, people.

As far as function goes, we’ve only grazed the surface of Lunar’s abilities and cross-use, but it’s safe to say we’re freakin’ impressed. * Slow clap. And yes, we’ve decided to use Project Lunar both on camping trips and while winding down in our apartments… which is exactly what DACH wants.

The light was meant for indoors as much as outdoors, acting in lantern mode as an easy-to-move table or bedside ornament. Not to mention an excellent item to have on hand in an emergency or when the power goes out.

Project Lunar Lifestyle
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What were we saying about a simple lantern earning half a million dollars? We’re not surprised anymore. In fact, we wish we jumped on the bandwagon last year during its Kickstarter campaign (which has closed). The first Project Lunar models will be shipped in March, so be ready to resent your current blasé lights until DACH takes liftoff.

Photos courtesy DACH

Topics
Jahla Seppanen
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Born and raised off-the-grid in New Mexico, Jahla Seppanen is currently a sports, fitness, spirits, and culture writer in…
How to adjust ski bindings in 10 easy steps
Your ski bindings are the link between you and the snow, so set them once and set them right
Ski boot clipping into binding from behind

When you’re riding the chairlift or gondola up your favorite ski mountain and picturing your next great run, there’s a good chance you’re not explicitly thinking about your ski bindings. I know that I really don't ever give my bindings much thought, except when I'm stepping into them. However, once you get to the top of the mountain and plant your skis in the snow to clip your boots in and start down the slope, you’ll be reminded of how crucial ski bindings are to the whole skiing experience.
After all, ski bindings attach your ski boots to your skis, allowing you to stay in control of your skis. Therefore, having properly adjusted ski bindings ensures you can ski safely and comfortably without risking injury to yourself or others by accidentally losing control due to an equipment failure.
Adjusting your ski bindings isn’t particularly complicated. Still, it must be done correctly -- and that's true if you're participating in the Winter Olympics skiing events or if you're like me, hitting the slopes for some weekend fun! With that in mind, let's get you set for the best ski season yet as we show you how to adjust ski bindings.

Can you adjust your own ski bindings?

Read more
How to use a compass for navigation when GPS fails
Don't get lost this hiking season: try out a compass!
Baseplate compass on top of a map

In the days since GPS was invented, many of us have lost the skill of navigating by a good old compass and map. As a family on the road in a 1991 Airstream Motorhome, we were early adapters to the GPS, but I still remember a time when we had to navigate New York with the crinkled old maps in the glovebox. Out in the wild, things are a little bit different. Milestones don't often sweep you by while you're busy using a magnifying glass to figure out what intersection you're on, but it can still be a challenge. Today, compasses are still considered to be a top 10 safety item by the National Park Service, but it's a shame how many people don't know how to use a compass. Here's how to get started.
Parts of a baseplate compass

There are so many compasses to choose from, but if you're just starting out, I highly recommend using a simple baseplate compass. These are attached to a ruler, so you'll be able to easily take your bearings. Experts from REI do a great job of explaining the basic parts of a compass and how to use them, but here is the breakdown:

Read more
Construction at Glacier National Park means changes for your trip — what to know
NPS imposes new rule to manage visitors at Glacier National Parl
The Garden Wall along the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park.

In fall of 2024, the officials at Glacier National Park started a major construction project to replace aging infrastructure. This included the Swiftcurrent area water system, which was originally installed in the 1960s and is in desperate need of replacement. The rehabilitation project also includes road and safety improvements. Since the construction project encroaches on much of the parking options, the National Park Service has announced that personal vehicle access to Many Glacier will be restricted.

Visitors to the park can still enjoy access through a temporary shuttle service that will start operating in July and conclude in September. Otherwise, all vehicles, bikes, and foot traffic will not be permitted until the construction is complete.

Read more