Milwaukee PACKOUT Flood Light w/ USB Charging

The Milwaukee PACKOUT Flood Light w/ USB Charging is a compact, powerful tool that has quickly become a staple in my daily work routine. This versatile light offers much more than just illumination, making it an essential companion for various tasks, whether in a workshop, construction site, or even for outdoor activities like camping.

Design and Build

The first thing that struck me about this flood light was its robust build quality. Milwaukee has a reputation for durable tools, and this light is no exception. It’s built to withstand the rigors of a job site with an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, and it feels solid enough to handle a few knocks and drops without any issues. The overall design is compact and low profile, making it easy to carry around and store within the PACKOUT Modular Storage System.

Lighting Performance

Performance-wise, this flood light is impressive. With a maximum output of 1,400 lumens, it can easily illuminate a large area, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. The light offers three different output modes: high, medium, and low. This flexibility allows you to adjust the brightness according to your needs, whether you need to light up an entire room or just a small workspace.

I found the rotating light head especially useful. It has a 300° horizontal and 180° vertical rotation, which means you can direct the light exactly where you need it without having to move the entire unit. This feature is particularly handy when working in awkward or confined spaces.

Battery Life and Power Options

Running on Milwaukee's M12 battery system, this light provides over four hours of runtime on the highest setting with an M12 XC4.0 battery. This is more than adequate for most tasks, and if you have multiple batteries, you can easily swap them out to keep the light running for an extended period. The only downside here is that the tool does not include a battery or charger, so you’ll need to have those on hand.

USB Charging and Storage

One of the standout features of this tool is its integrated USB-A and USB-C ports. These ports allow you to charge your devices directly from the light, which is a fantastic addition for anyone who needs to keep their phone or other gadgets powered up while working. I’ve found this feature incredibly useful, especially on long jobs where access to power outlets might be limited.

The light also includes a small storage compartment with two trays. While the storage space is somewhat limited, it’s perfect for keeping small items like screws, wire nuts, or drill bits organized and within easy reach. This added functionality makes the light even more versatile and convenient to use.

Usability and Ergonomics

Using the PACKOUT Flood Light is straightforward. The separate mode button for changing brightness levels is intuitive, and the settings are retained when you turn the light off and back on again. This means you don’t have to cycle through the modes every time you switch it on, which saves time and adds to the overall ease of use.

However, there are a couple of minor drawbacks. The light tends to tip over on soft or uneven surfaces if you stand it on its short end. Additionally, the light panel can sag if positioned horizontally without adequate support, which could be improved with a 90° detent.

Integration with PACKOUT System

The compatibility with Milwaukee’s PACKOUT Modular Storage System is another significant advantage. The light easily stacks on top of other PACKOUT components, making it a seamless addition to your existing setup. However, it’s worth noting that it can only be placed on the very top of the PACKOUT stack, as you can’t put anything on top of it. This might be a slight inconvenience for those who prefer to stack multiple items.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Milwaukee PACKOUT Flood Light w/ USB Charging is a well-designed, durable, and highly functional tool that offers excellent performance and a few extra features that add to its versatility. It’s particularly beneficial for professionals who are already invested in the Milwaukee PACKOUT system, as it integrates seamlessly and adds another layer of functionality to your storage and lighting solutions.

While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as limited storage space and slight instability on uneven surfaces, these are overshadowed by its overall performance and utility. The ability to charge devices via USB, combined with its powerful lighting and durable build, makes it a valuable tool for various applications.

I would highly recommend the Milwaukee PACKOUT Flood Light w/ USB Charging to anyone looking for a reliable, versatile lighting solution that integrates well with the PACKOUT system. Whether you’re a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, this tool offers a great balance of performance, durability, and convenience.