elevate your time in the wild with the expandable + waterproof ouTask telescopic lantern

KARST launches ouTask Telescopic Lantern on kickstarter 

Outdoor adventure and product development company KARST has just launched the ouTask Telescopic Lantern, a portable, waterproof, and compact camping light with impressive multi-purpose functions. Launched on Kickstarter, the product can operate in one of three ways: extend to a 1 meter high lighting pole, unfold as a small desk lamp, or switch on like a flashlight. More than being portable, the telescopic structure also helps it achieve completely different lighting effects that change with height as you stretch and collapse it.

‘When fully folded, ouTask is in a simple cylindrical shape that you can grasp with one hand and quickly put into your backpack or hand to your teammates. And in order to prevent it from rolling on the surface, we slightly modified its pure circular profile into something more practical while keeping it minimal,’ explains the team at KARST. 

all images © ouTask

mountable, multi-purpose, and omni-directional

Adding to its multi-function nature is a magnetic tripod base that allows a firm attachment to most ferrous carriers, cars, or ships. Once adjusted to the desired surface, a click-to-open mechanism enables powerful spatial lighting for campers in seconds. Even better, its Omni-directional light head can rotate horizontally without limitation and flip vertically — providing more than 720° of 3D lighting capability, a first in portable lighting technology. ouTask can also switch between warm (yellow) and cold (white) light.

innovative and integrated telescopic and tripod designs 

The hassle-free approach continues with holes designed on every tripod foot to pin down the lantern, preventing it from falling, shaking, or being knocked away by strong winds. The team at KAST also designed night-vision polymer stickers that can glow after absorbing light, helping users easily identify it in the dark or prevent children from accidental stumbling. The lanyard is also one of ouTask’s basic configurations; it is freely retractable and comes in handy when one encounters challenges in the wild.

As a final function, the telescopic lantern can double as a smartphone power bank and can be paired with a solar panel to recharge itself.

ouTask comes in a compact and cylindrical shape

durable and waterproof shell 

OuTask features aviation aluminum alloy cellular radiators and an ABS/PC shell to endure harsh environments. ‘We put a lot of thought into its waterproof ability in industrial design. Our team loves adventure, so we hope people can have the same reliable and suitable equipment for it,’ explains KARST. ABS/PC offers impact strength with temperature and ultraviolet (UV) resistance. It is a non-toxic, odorless, renewable, and recyclable protective green material, internationally tested and certified.

The main body has an IPX6 waterproof rating that can withstand the heaviest rain. The lamp head and pole can even be underwater to detect aquatic creatures. Having said that, campers should dry it after taking it for a dip to avoid unpleasant odors. 

quick unfolding to create a desk lamp

720-degree stereo lighting 

a magnetic base can get the camp light firmly attached to most vehicles 

campers can extend the lantern to create a 1-meter-tall light pole 

fixing holes at the tripod base to secure ouTask when needed 

project info:

name: ouTask Telescopic Lantern

design: KARST
launching on: Kickstarter

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edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom