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.

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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.

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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…

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