These flexible ‘strap lights’ clip to your gear with magnets, outshine headlamps

By Chloe Olewitz Published February 24, 2016

When it comes to adventure lighting, most headlamps just don’t cut it — so the the outdoorsmen at Zyntony set out to make something that did. They wanted to create a light that was super bright, could light up a whole area instead of just spot lighting, and was completely hands-free. That’s how they came to create Ra, a totally adaptable, hands-free light source that can be used for any kind of outdoor adventure.

Each Ra light strip features five premium Cree LEDs, which are high efficiency bulbs that make the most of any available battery power. Different settings on the LEDs allow for 50-800 lumens of light output, which is about five times brighter than an average headlamp according to Zyntony. Those light beam settings allow for adjustable light spread and throw in different situations, focusing on the needs of an outdoor adventure seeker who needs more than the average flashlight or headlamp capabilities.

1 of 6

Ra strap light campgrounds area lighting — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Ra strap light night time hiking — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Ra strap light rigged to backpack — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Ra strap light night time ice climbing — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Ra strap light closeup rare earth metal magnets — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Ra strap light for ice climbing — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Each Ra is equipped with ten powerful rare-earth magnets that let it attach to any ferrous object (that would be any metal with iron in it, like the hood of a car for example). Another attachment option is the MagBak magnetic backer strip that makes it easy to attach Ra to clothing or pretty much any non-metallic object. Finally, the optional D-ring strap also turns Ra into an adaptable accessory for most outdoors equipment, like backpack straps or tent attachments.

Recommended Videos

Since Ra can charge in any micro USB port, Zyntony also offers a range of high capacity battery packs as an add-on option. These “BatPaks” are available in four different sizes and capacities, so Ra users will be able to pick the power solution that works best for their nighttime lighting needs.

With more than three weeks left in the Ra Kickstarter campaign, Zyntony has raised more than ten times their original funding goal of $15,000. Backers who pledge $58 or more can get an early bird single pack that includes one ZyntonyRa and a compatible BatPak I. As usual, higher donations will earn backers perks like extra Ra lighting units, more powerful BatPaks, and more. If all goes according to plan, backers can expect to start receiving Ra units and other perks in June of this year.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Chloe is a writer from New York with a passion for technology, travel, and playing devil's advocate. You can find out more…

Topics

Entertainment

Sebastian Stan lays out Bucky’s future after Thunderbolts

Sebastian Stan in Thunderbolts.

There are some spoilers ahead for the ending of Marvel's Thunderbolts. Stop reading now if you don't want to be spoiled.

Earlier this year, Captain America: Brave New World briefly introduced a new direction for James "Bucky" Barnes, a character Sebastian Stan has been playing since 2011 in Captain America: The First Avenger. In Brave New World, the former Winter Soldier apparently retired from being a reformed hero and went into politics by running for Congress. Thunderbolts reveals that Bucky won his election to the House of Representatives. But his stay in Congress was short.

Cars

Jeep Compass EV breaks cover—but will it come to the U.S.?

jeep compass ev us newjeepcompassfirsteditionhawaii 4

Jeep just pulled the wraps off the all-new Compass EV, and while it’s an exciting leap into the electric future, there's a catch—it might not make it to the U.S. anytime soon.
This is a brand new electric version of the Jeep Compass, and being built on Stellantis' STLA platform—the same architecture underpinning models like the Peugeot E-3008 and E-5008—it looks much slicker and packs a lot more inside than previous versions of the Compass.
Let’s start with what’s cool: the new Compass EV is packing up to 404 miles of range on a single charge, a 74 kWh battery, and fast-charging that gets you from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes. Not bad for a compact SUV with Jeep's badge on the nose.
There are two versions: a front-wheel-drive model with 213 horsepower and a beefier all-wheel-drive version with 375 horsepower. That AWD setup isn’t just for looks—it can handle 20% inclines even without front traction, and comes with extra ground clearance and better off-road angles. In short, it’s still a Jeep.
The design's been refreshed too, and inside you’ll find the kind of tech and comfort you’d expect in a modern EV—sleek, smart, and ready for both city streets and dirt trails.
But here’s the thing: even though production starts soon in Italy, Jeep hasn’t said whether the Compass EV is coming to America. And the signs aren’t promising.
Plans to build it in Canada were recently put on hold, with production now delayed until at least early 2026. Some of that might have to do with possible U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican vehicles—adding a layer of uncertainty to the whole rollout.
According to Kelley Blue Book, a Stellantis spokesperson confirmed that the company has “temporarily paused work on the next-generation Jeep Compass, including activities at” the Canadian plant that was originally meant to build the model. They added that Stellantis is “reassessing its product strategy in North America” to better match customer needs and demand for different powertrain options.
So while Europe and other markets are gearing up to get the Compass EV soon, American drivers might be left waiting—or miss out entirely.
That’s a shame, because on paper, this electric Jeep hits a lot of sweet spots. Let’s just hope it finds a way over here.

Entertainment

Charlie Cox singles out his least favorite Daredevil: Born Again episode

Charlie Cox in Daredevil: Born Again.

Daredevil: Born Again season 1 was largely reconceived after the 2023 actor and writer strikes. Dario Scardapane -- a veteran of The Punisher series on Netflix -- was brought in to be the new showrunner and he made a lot of changes to the series that were well-received. However, there's one episode that Scardapane didn't really change at all, and it happens to be the least favorite episode of Daredevil: Born Again's leading man, Charlie Cox.

During an appearance on The Playlist, Cox noted that he wasn't very fond of the season's fifth episode, "With Interest," which was a largely standalone episode that featured his character, Matt Murdock, in a bank during a hostage crisis.