I’ve been wanting one of these ever since seeing them at Overland Expo in 2023. After finally getting one this summer, the STKR Concepts FLi Over-Lander 10′ light pole didn’t disappoint.
The image above shows how well it illuminates a campsite, offering a huge radius of light, but puts it high enough that the LEDs themselves aren’t blinding anyone.
Ten feet may not sound like a lot, but it’s a good 4-5 feet higher than most humans, and its footprint is so small, it never really gets in the way. And with a 100′ illumination diameter, you can set it well away from your work area and walking paths and still have plenty of light.
Light output
Here’s the same shot comparing our campsite with and without the light on, at dusk on full power. Even with some ambient light lingering long after the sun ducked below surrounding cliffs, the 2,600 lumens was immediately beneficial to seeing what we were doing.
As it got darker, it almost seemed too bright, but its dimmable to suit your needs.
There’s also an Amber mode for night time.
This mode isn’t as bright, but still offers a broad swath of illumination, and it’s also dimmable.
The great thing about the Amber mode is it doesn’t affect our ability (or my phone’s camera’s ability) to see the stars. The 10′ pole is tall enough to light up the top of my high-roof Transit camper van while my son sets up his outdoor sleeping arrangements (don’t ask, it’s not comfortable, his choice 😂).
Bonus points: Amber is also much less likely to attract bugs than a white light.
Battery life, output & operations
The base holds the 14,000mAh battery, keeping weight low for better stability, and the tripod legs extend to 27″ diameter. There are holes at the ends of the legs so you can stake it down in windy conditions.
It’s rated for 6 hours on high, or up to 72 hours on low. The base also has a USB-A port for charging other devices. A single power button cycles it through the modes of:
- Solid white
- Solid amber
- Flashing white
- Flashing amber
- Off
You need to press them in close sequence – after five seconds, the button reverts to an on/off button, so you’ll need to just turn it off, then back on and then cycle through modes.
To dim or brighten the lights, simply hold the button down for a second and then keep holding until it reaches the desired light level. Press and hold again to go in the other direction.
A small remote control sticks to the bottom of the unit via magnets and has glow in the dark buttons, and that does have separate mode and dim buttons.
The only downside is that you’ll need to remember to remove it before planting the base on the ground to push the legs down from their storage position…otherwise you’ll likely crush the remote. And, it’s tiny, so keep it in a pocket or something when not using it.
Opening, closing & other features
The telescoping sleeves are fiberglass to save weight (the unit weighs under 5lbs), and the base and legs are aluminum for strength.
STKR (pronounced S-T-K-R by sounding out the letters, BTW) says the first few times you open and close it, it’ll be difficult to slide the legs open. This is 100% accurate, and I’m still working it loose after several uses.
In fact, I’d add this warning: Slide the attachment sleeve up to close it until it’s loosened up…I’ve already bent one of the supports trying to lever it closed from the feet. I stopped quickly and bent it back mostly straight (straight enough to fully tuck into its closed position), but it would be easy to overpower them and damage it.
Fortunately, the legs and struts are attached with actual bolts with a plastic washer. This is a nice touch compared to using cheap, irreplaceable rivets, so you should be able to replace parts if something bends or breaks – a much appreciated detail!
MSRP is $199, which is more affordable than several name-brand competitors. It comes with a charging block/cable and storage bag, too. Packs down to about 26″ x 4″ x 4″ in the case, so it’s easy to stow.
Here’s why you want this camping area light
Compared to lanterns that sit at eye level, preventing you from really seeing the people sitting across from you, or only illuminating a small area, the STKR FLi Over-lander 10′ bathes the entire campsite in light. And it’s hands free, with more dispersed/less harsh light than a headlamp.
It makes setup, cooking, cleanup, and working easier, and it’s lightweight and easy to setup, too. It’s also easy to charge, just plug it in while you’re driving and it’s ready to go for the next evening. I also like the little details, ease of use, and the price. All in all, I highly recommend it, just be careful closing it up until it breaks in.
Want one? Use code AWOL for 10% any of STKR’s lights and other overland/vanlife gear.
Be the first to comment