Simply Brilliant Lightcap 200 - Smoke

I knew when I ordered this product that I was taking a chance. It's a great idea, but the execution was terrible. This is a $5 gimmick device, at best.The Good: 1) The concept has potential. 2) Fits a Nalgene bottle. 3) Amazon has an excellent return policy.The Bad: 1) Zero instructions on how to operate or how to take it apart if you ever need to replace the battery. 2) Non-standard screw heads to the battery compartment, so unless you have a specialty tool, you can't get into the battery compartment to change the battery. 3) On/Off switch is poorly designed with little tactile feedback to let you know what position the light is in and feels very flimsy. While you think that would be obvious (ie the light is on, the switch is in an on position) there's a sensor built into it that won't allow the device to function unless it's pitch black. 4) The internal wires are connected in such a way that you could easily rip them from the connectors while trying to replace the battery, especially since there are no instructions on this process in the information booklet contained in the package.The Ugly: You can forget all about the Bad above, since the device isn't likely to function long enough for any of that to matter. I ordered two of them. Neither of them worked out of the box. No big deal, I'll let them charge for a bit and try them out. I let them sit for a few hours in direct light. One of them still wouldn't turn on at all. The second one would only operate in some sort of strobe effect. No matter what I did, I couldn't get it to stop strobing. In fact, a strobe wan't even an advertised feature. Needless to say, for $30 a pop, both of them went back into their packages and I'm sending them back for a full refund.I'm disappointed. I wanted them to work. It really is an interesting concept with some potential, but this product doesn't perform as advertised. In fact, mine didn't perform at all. Do yourself a favor and keep looking.

I am writing this review second hand, as this was a gift for my son who is active in Boy Scouts.The Lightcap is solidly constructed, and seals the water bottle as well (I was afraid that the bottle would leak with this lid on). The switch feels of decent quality and all four lights light up.Now, one must have an understanding of solar charging and keep their expectations reasonable. The photovoltaic panel is around 1.5 x 1.75 inches. Not much surface area to charge the internal batteries, and conditions must be pretty ideal to get a full charge.We set it in direct sun for a couple of days prior to his trip, and I let him know to use the lamp only when needed.. that playing with it, and leaving it on unnecessarily would not be wise.Apparently, after a good charge, he was able to use it in the tent for bedtime reading, and by leaving it in full sun during the day, he didn't have any problems all week.He has an amber colored bottle, and the light is a bit dim, but that's due to the bottle itself. We tried it on a clear glass mason jar, and it was many times brighter, so we are in the market for a clear bottle for him.Overall, this is a brilliant idea. Great for backpackers, Boy Scouts or campers. Just be aware that there needs to be attention paid to the length of charge, since the small panel is not putting out very much juice, and it takes a while to get the batteries fully charged, and from there, it's a matter of maintaining that charge.

Took this on the Appalachian Trail last week,tied to the top of the backpack. Even on overcast days, this item picked up enough charge to stay lit from dusk to dawn as a "nightlight". Threw plenty of light to read maps, books, find items in all areas of our tent. Will take a few trips to recoup the moderate cost, but well-worth it as it's lightweight and tough. We elected not to use it on top of a Nalgene bottle as illustrated, though - we elected to simply tuck it into our overhead gear stow.

Love this product, been using it for about 10 months, just enough light to see when I'm walking at night. A little less than I need for unpacking in my tent, would be better if it was a little brighter.Only complaint: The rubber cap covering the on/off switch got loose and the lantern wouldn't go out at a campout a few months ago. I ended up sleeping with the lantern outside my tent that night. The cap covering the button eventually came off and now the lantern works, but there isn't a cap over the button. A little annoying.

After reading a few negative reviews I was reluctant to buy this fearing I would purchase a cheaply built light. But I was pleasantly surprised . I am a Cub Scout leader and the boys are mesmerized by my water bottle. I've dropped it a few times and it has held up well. I would highly recommend this light to anyone looking for a easy tent light.. One cool feature is the photo cell in the top it will only light up when it's dark so it easily charges all day and will be a night light all night. Much easier than finding a head light..

Really a nice addition to my gear. gave me a nice little lamp in the tent and didn't have to worry about batteries.

I really like it if you spend all day outside it charges and it's perfect. If you are in cloudy weather it doesn't work as well. Also it was cracked a little when I got it so maybe that's why. Shipping wasn't very protective for something breakable.

Works grate