Alpenblow Lux – mini airpad inflator with lights – by Alpenglow

Yes, we know, you don’t need this. But the original Alpenblow was already such a wonderfully unnecessary piece of luxury, and now there’s the Alpenblow Lux, the upgraded version for anyone who wants just that little bit more. It allows itself a few extra grams (13.7 grams instead of 8.6) and gives you plenty back for it.

What the Lux adds

Where the original Alpenblow just inflates, the Lux does more:

• Twice as fast to inflate as the Classic
• 80% more pressure, so it also handles thicker sleeping pads
• Deflate mode: it sucks your pad empty again so you can roll it up small (note, it is not meant as a vacuum pump for compression bags or clothing)
• Two built-in reading lights with several modes, so you have a lamp in your tent straight away
• Half the energy use per inflation compared to the Classic

Like the original, the Lux simply runs on USB-C (5V), so you plug it into your phone or a power bank. There’s no battery inside and that’s part of the charm, nothing extra to charge. A USB-C cable is deliberately not included (less e-waste, you already have one, don’t you… ;-). Inflating costs almost nothing, around 9 mAh on a NeoAir NXT, your phone barely notices.

Press the triangular logo to cycle through the modes: inflate/deflate, then the lamps on low, medium and high, a candle flicker mode, and even two white noise modes (a soft fan hum and ocean surf, both with a 30-minute auto shut-off). Then off again, or just unplug it. It’s nice and quiet, 43 dB at 30 cm.

A free Lantern Leash is included (0.9 grams), a flexible strap that clips the Lux against, say, a NOBO or M!GO bottle, giving you a little lantern. The Lux uses the same nozzles and interface as the original Alpenblow.

Specifications Alpenblow Lux

• Weight: 13.7 grams (with Therm-a-Rest nozzle)
• Power: USB-C, 5V (2.4 W fan, 0.30 W lamps), no cable included, no battery
• Energy use: 9 mAh @ 5V (measured on a NeoAir NXT)
• Inflation: twice as fast as the Alpenblow Classic, with 80% more pressure
• Deflate: yes, sucks your pad empty (not a vacuum pump for bags or clothing)
• Noise level: 43 dB at 30 cm
• Lamp modes: low / medium / high / candle flicker, plus 2 white noise modes (30 min auto shut-off)
• Included nozzles: Therm-a-Rest (WingLock), NEMO, Big Agnes, Sea-to-Summit, EXPED
• Includes a free Lantern Leash (0.9 g)
• Molded and assembled in California

The story behind Alpenglow

Alpenglow is the pink sunlight that reflects off the peaks of the Alps. Alpenglow Gear was founded by Tom, also known as “Gadget”, the guy who dreams up these wonderfully unnecessary ultralight toys. The Lux won’t improve your FKT, but it will spare your lungs and hand you a lamp in the evening. Happy trails.