Short Description:

The Squid light is a 3 LED light with the LEDs positioned on flexible stalks that surround the body of the light. This allows the LEDs to be pointed in almost any direction imaginable. The Squid is primarily designed as a tent light or table lantern and has 2 brightness levels selectable. In a pinch it can also be used like an ordinary flashlight. They are made by Montane, Inc. and are available from Squidlight.com.

The body of the Squid light is trilateral in appearance (it's the same on 3 sides). There is a rubbery nosecone at the top, 3 holes around the top for hanging, 3 stalks protruding from the base, and a click switch underneath. The stalks each have a 5mm white LED encapsulated inside a clear plastic bulb at the end. There is also a tab sticking out to the side at the base of each LED bulb to attach the stalk to slots in the body near the top for storage. The stalks are bendable 180 degrees, allowing the light to be directed almost anywhere. It can stand on its base as well as hang, or stand on its stalks if needed. The Squid light comes in a variety of colors, but the LEDs are always white.

The light is advertised as "water resistant" and it floats. There is a rubber seal at the main body seam to help prevent the entry of water.

The LEDs produce a flood of light in the direction they are pointed. The clear capsule that each LED resides in helps to diffuse the light in all directions so it can be used effectively as an area light.

The switch at the bottom is hidden behind a rubber cover and has 3 positions - Off, On Low, and On High. Simply click the switch in series to access each mode.

Batteries are common AAA alkaline batteries. Unclip the stalks from the top and unscrew the unit in the middle to replace the dead cells. There is a sticker surrounding the battery compartment indicating polarity. Advertised battery life is 20 hours on high, 7+ days on low.

Accessories: Included in the package is a nylon lanyard (with an "S" hook) for hanging the Squidlight.

Reviewer's Impressions:

The Squidlight is a pretty wild little light. Very lightweight and compact, I see this light taking over the role of "candle lantern" in most tents.

For those of you who may be wondering, "How the heck did he thread the string through the 3 holes so that it would hang straight?", here's my patented process on how to:

Looking from the top down, take the lanyard loop and push it into one hole. Grab either side of the loop and pull one side through one hole, and the other side through the other hole (1.). Pull one loop through the other and pull tight (2.), then stick the long end through the remaining loop and pull tight (3.). TaDa!!!

Fit and finish are OK. There were some black rub marks on the arms of the unit received. There were no sharp areas. One of the LEDs was a bit off center in the capsule, causing the light beam to be a little skewed.

Durability seems good, able to withstand bangs and drops. I subjected to to quite a few "g"s shaking it out after it failed the dunk test and water got inside the case. It still worked with no problems. The LEDs are protected by the little plastic capsules, so they should not be subject to damage from drops.

Output is good and the fact that it has 2 brightness levels is very handy. In pitch darkness the LOW setting should be more than adequate inside a tent. Beam quality is not the best, but it's not made for throwing a beam a long distance. Note that when the arms are all attached to the body at the top the Squid will throw 3 separate beams. If you want one beam you will need to direct the arms so the light is sent in one direction.

I would classify the Squid as "splashable". It is advertised as water resistant and it is supposed to float. It does float, but it takes on water when placed in a full sink of water and requires drying out. If it's dropped in the lake, it may need a day in the warm sun to remove the moisture from inside. If the LEDs come on very dimly despite the switch being in the "off" position, water has gotten into the case.

(Into the sink it goes! Don't do this to your Squid light on purpose!)

Conclusions: Great little area light. Very versatile with the movable arms. Keep it dry. Ditch your tent candle lantern and get one of these instead.

+ + + Pluses: Impact resistant, Long battery life, Bright, Easy battery change, Lightweight, Stands up, 2 brightness levels, Common batteries, Lights on flexible stalks, Floats

- - - Minuses: Not very water resistant, If it gets wet inside it requires some time to dry out and the LEDs come on and stay on until dry or the batteries are removed.

Quick Facts Table: