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Reviews > Lighting > Lanterns > Kriana Original Krill Lamp > Owner Review by Kevin HollingsworthOwner Review: Kriana Original Krill Lamp Reviewer Information Name: Kevin Hollingsworth Product Information Listed Specifications: Note: All measurements are mine (unless otherwise
specified)
The Kriana Krill was packaged in a shrink-wrap plastic. It uses two AA batteries, which are sold separately. The Krill is marketed to replace the chemical light sticks; its soft glow emulates chemical light sticks. It is approximately 5 in long, with an attachment tab on the top. There is a screw cap on the bottom which acts as the On/Off switch and where the batteries are inserted. There are arrows printed on the bottom, which tells you which way to turn the light on and off. Turning the cap clockwise turns the light on and counterclockwise turns it off. On the screw cap, there is an o-ring to prevent moisture from getting into the light. The light is listed to be waterproof up down to 150 ft (46 m). There are no bulbs, liquid, or chemicals. It is made of durable and impact resistant plastic. Wrapped on the inside of the Krill’s light tube there is what looks like some form of fluorescent paper. It comes in 6 colors: Green (brightest), Blue, White, Yellow, Orange, and Red. The Krill is rated to have a life of over 3000 hr total use and an intensity of 5.5 FL (18.8 candela/m2). The battery life is 120 hr per set of two AA batteries. Field ConditionsI have used the same Kriana Krill for about 2 years. It has been on numerous trips during this time. The trips have included camping trips in both built-up campsites and backcountry sites in Virginia, mainly the Shenandoah National Park and in areas around the eastern coast of Virginia. Most of the trips were conducted in the spring and fall with temperatures as low as 60 F (15 C) and as high as 105 F (41 C), and in mostly dry condition with some dampness at night and in the morning. On one trip in Aug, there was a light drizzle most the day and night, with bouts of clear weather and hard rain. One trip was conducted in February, with weather conditions changing from clear to rain and then snow, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 50 F (-7 to 10 C). The terrain has included mountains, with altitudes around 3000 ft (914 m), and in wooded and clear type areas at around sea level. Observations I spend a lot of time hiking and camping with my kids, who get nervous at night. I would use two light sticks to illuminate a two or three man tent to the point that you can just see things. I also used light sticks as markers. I bought two of the Kriana Krill to replace the light sticks I normally use.
The green is listed as the brightest of the colors. When I compare the Krill to the green chemical light sticks, I found it to be just as bright as a light stick that has been in use for a few hours. The difference is that the light sticks’ intensity lowers with time, while the Krill maintain the same intensity. Using a light meter, I measured the luminance output of the Krill. The measured luminance was 4.6 FL (1.6 candela/m2). I find the Krill is bright enough for reading a book or map at night and two Krills will illuminate a two or three man tent just enough to see. It gives off is a “soft light” that did not keep me awake. The light can be seen a good 100 ft (31 m) with a clear view, such as a field or lightly wooded area, but as it gets more dense, the visibility decreases. I used the light to mark things around the camp, such as obstacles and my dog at night. I have left it on for 3 days continuously, and it was just as bright as I first turned it on. The battery life depends on the type of batteries used. I was using rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. The light is advertised as being manufactured with durable and impact resistant plastic. I have used it under varied conditions and dropped it on hard surfaces. It has taken a lot of punishment and has never failed, cracked or failed to light up. The Krill is also advertised as waterproof up to 150 ft (46 m). I have used it in both damp, misty conditions and in a continuous rain. I have never had any type of moisture problems. Wanting to see what would happen if the Krill was submerged in water, i.e. dropped in a stream; I submerged the Krill in bucket of water. No water got inside the Krill and it continued to work without any visible degradation. I wanted to see what the Krill would do when it was subjected to cold temperatures for extended period of time. The Krill was used in temperature around 20 F (-7 C), but that was not an extended period. I conducted two tests, in which I placed a Krill in my freezer overnight (12 hr). In both test, the same Krill was used and it was on when I place it in the freezer. The difference between the tests was the type of batteries used. The first time was with normal alkaline batteries, and the second was with rechargeable NiMH. In the test where I used the alkaline batteries, the Krill did not last the night. It was off in the morning. I tried to warm Krill up to no avail, but it started operating when I replaced the batteries with a new set. In the second test, with the NiMH batteries, the Krill was just as bright in the morning as it was when I put it in the freezer. This leads me to my conclusion that the operation of the Krill in cold environments is restricted by the batteries used. Summary The Kriana Krill is good replacement for chemical light sticks. The Krill is not bright enough to be used as a replacement for a flashlight, but is good for use in limited lighting situations and as a night marker. Things I like:
Things I don't like:
Read more reviews of Kriana gear Read more gear reviews by Kevin Hollingsworth Reviews > Lighting > Lanterns > Kriana Original Krill Lamp > Owner Review by Kevin Hollingsworth | |||
