As we head towards Spring I think it’s time that I introduce you to the most versatile lighting product that we have at Muddy Towers, say hello to Silverpoint’s Explorer 6000 Charger Lantern.

"It's just a glorified torch, isn't it?" 

It can be used as a simple torch, but it's a lot more than that. It’s a powerful lantern that gives you a massive 585 lumens at its highest setting. The lights are dimmable too, if you find the the astounding blast of light too much to handle.

It’s also a charger.  With its USB charger you can quite easily charge your phone, batteries and other bits'n'bobs using the Explorers impressive 6000mah internal battery.  On the subject of charging, there’s also numerous ways to charge up the Explorer.  There’s the traditional ways from using the USB from your computer, a mains adaptor and even from your car.  If you’re away from home there’s also a solar panel on the reverse, so there’s no excuse for it not being charged.  (It’s worth noting that some cables need to be bought separately via Silverpoint's website.)

Further increasing its flexibility it has a hinged adjustable magnetic stand so it can be mounted and pointed pretty much anywhere you want. 

It can also be used as a hanging tent light by using the included carabiner hook. 

And if that isn’t enough, it has a tripod mount fitted too. 

I told you it was versatile!

In the photos below, Muddy Madam slipped the stand part into her coat pocket, leaving the torch hanging outside and used it as a handsfree torch; perfect for dog walking on cold nights. 

I like it best for its ability to be attached to the side of  my Toyota 'Deux Smurf' in case I need to see what I’m doing during repairs or when camping. In the first photo the lantern was attached magnetically to the roof, and the second photo was taken in complete darkness, holding the Explorer where a flash would be on the camera, which definitely shows its power.

How good is it in the rain?

 Don’t worry about water, the Explorer 6000 is water resistant to IPX5 standard - that’s heavy rain.  Oh, I forgot to mention, it also has a red light mode which preserves your night vision, and is useful for attracting attention in an emergency as it has a flashing SOS function.

Measuring 130 x 88 x 32mm and weighing in at just 329 grams (including battery), it can be easily handled with just one hand.

Operational Modes
High: 585 lumens; 4 hours, 30 minutes run-time
Mid: 290 lumens; 8 hours, 30 minutes run-time
Low: 150 lumens; 17 hours run-time
Ultra-low: 30 lumens; 100 hours run-time

It was last July (2016) when Stephan from Silverpoint Outdoor gave me this lantern to review, he asked if it could be written and published within a next few months, I said yes.  However, it’s now nearly March and I feel a bit bad - sorry Stephan.  It isn’t because I’d forgotten to review it, or that I was simply too busy, no, I wanted to give it really thorough test through winter, and I’m really glad I did.

The Explorer has been used for all manner of tasks, and both Muddy Madam and I agree that it’s by far one the best and most useful products that we’ve ever reviewed.  In fact, only last night we had to finish installing a light fitting in the kitchen, which entailed switching off the electricity, which consequently left us in complete darkness. The trusty Explorer saved the day, and proved its worth yet again.

Website: www.silverpointoutdoor.com