For a deeper dive into the headlamp market, see our article on the best headlamps.Back to Our Top Camping Lantern Picks Back to Our Lantern Comparison Table. And you do pay more of a premium upfront for rechargeable batteries, but its important to remember that the cost and waste of AA/AAA batteries will add up over time. First, the Crush Light has a middling 60-lumen max output, which is the dimmest on our list (the Luci is 75 lumens) and lacks the brightness needed for illuminating an entire campsite in full darkness. 
Their Lighthouse 600 is also compatible with a solar paneland boasts a helpful hand crank for manual rechargingalthough youll need to purchase it separately. Unfortunately, however, the LE LED Camping Lantern doesnt stand out in many other areas. Brightness is measured in lumens, and the lanterns above have max outputs ranging from 60 (the Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma) to a whopping 1,000 (the LE LED Camping Lantern and Coleman OneSource). The primary focus here is on weight and packability, as hauling gear miles into the wilderness can be quite effortful. Another standout feature is the proximity lighting function, which automatically adjusts intensity based on how close you are to the lantern. The $45 Nite Ize is a decent value considering its output and long battery life, but it starts to look less competitive when stacked up against options like LEs LED model above, which costs around half the price and features a whopping 1,000 lumens of brightness.
No matter what model you have, its a good idea to keep your lantern in a relatively warm place when its not in uselike inside your sleeping bag if you leave camp for the day. But if youre on a budget and anticipate using the color modes and USB port, the Crush Light Chroma is a super compact lantern at a great value. Weight: 7.9oz.Max lumens: 250Batteries: Rechargeable (USB) or AA (3)What we like: A brighter and rechargeable alternative to the Zip above.What we dont: Its also heavier, pricier, and lacks the flashlight function. You also get the option to recharge the lantern via USB, which eliminates the need to pack extra batteries and helps limit waste. Lanterns are the most ubiquitous form of camp lighting, but there are several other fun and unique alternatives worth a mention here. It also cant be collapsed down and lacks deployable legs for propping up on a table (the base curves up at the sides and lacks stability on uneven surfaces), although the tether at the top can easily be adjusted to hang from a branch or inside your tent. ), but we think most campers will find the added output of the 500 model worth the price and weight penalties. Black Diamond recently overhauled the Moji collection, and the standard model here is the cheapest and most basic in the collection. For example, MPOWERDs Lucy comes with an IP67 rating, which means it can handle being dropped in water up to 1 meter deep for half an hour, while the Lander Boulder (IP65) is only rated for protection against spraying water rather than full immersion. The ability to switch between lantern and flashlight functionality is a big plus in our experience and gives the Zip a major leg up compared to the Moji above and BD's Volt below. Importantly, much of the winning formula remains, including the cheap price tag, lightweight build, and compact shape. Just as importantly, it features a very bright 800-lumen lamp that puts out even, diffused light (the control knob allows you to effectively dial in the intensity). Weight: 8.6 oz.Max lumens: 150Batteries: Rechargeable (USB and solar)What we like: Integrated solar panel, USB port, and collapsible design are great for off-grid adventures.What we dont: Strap isnt secure enough for attaching to a pack; device charging drains the battery quickly. Weight: 4.4 oz.Max lumens: 75Batteries: Rechargeable (USB and solar)What we like: A light and collapsible solar-powered lantern for just $25.What we dont: Most campers will want something brighter. Camping lanterns certainly have come a long way over the past few decades, with modern designs boasting impressive integrated tech and charging capabilities. We also found it too thick to hang from the webbing loops in our REI Grand Hut 6 tent (since replaced by the Skyward)we ended up snapping it through the zipper pulls on the roof vents instead. These designs all lack the versatility of standard lanterns, but they can be a fun supplementary option for those that get out a lot and like to customize the setting and atmosphere at camp. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge with a three-dot indicator to monitor juice, or you can position the lamp in direct sunlight and utilize the solar panel. Our favorite is MPOWERDs popular Luci Solar String Lights listed above, which create more of a cozy, intimate setting at camp and come with all the requisite features for regular outdoor use, including a built-in solar panel for recharging, USB port for powering electronics, and good weather resistance. But for tech lovers that like to geek out on their gear, the top-end Lander Boulder has its place.See the Lander Boulder Lantern + Power Bank. Additionally, the Lighthouse is on the heavier and bulkier end of the spectrum at just over a pound, making it far less appealing than options like the LuminAID above for hauling into the backcountry. How long does it need to be? The AlpenGlow 500 is on the pricey side at $80 and a little heavy and bulky compared to many of the picks below (it also doesnt collapse down for stuffing in a full trunk or gear bin). And a final knock against the Cairn is its control button: Some users have noted that its finicky and not all that intuitive to adjust brightness (its sometimes unresponsive when held down to cycle through the settings). On the low end, IPX0 equates to no protection at all, while IPX8 at the high end means the item can sustain prolonged immersion. For another ultralight (2.5 oz.) LuminAids PackLite Max and MPOWERDs Luci Outdoor 2.0, on the other hand, have fairly thick and bulky straps that can be tougher to suspend inside a tent (we had to get creative by utilizing the zipper pulls inside our camping tent rather than the thin webbing loops). Some of our top picks include Goal Zeros diminutive Lighthouse Micro Flash Lantern and deflatable designs like LuminAIDs PackLite Max, Goal Zeros Crush Light Chroma, and MPOWERDs Luci Outdoor 2.0, which also sport solar panels for off-grid recharging. Modern camping lanterns are a fun bunch, with many of the designs above boasting unique tech features for added convenience when youre off the grid. And unlike many of the picks above, the LE doesnt have a port for charging electronics or even a battery life indicator. and compact option, UCOs Leschi Lantern costs less at $13 but isnt as bright and runs on AA batteries. It also falls short in run time (100 hours vs. up to 170 for the Goal Zero), although we do like the nylon cord for more easily stringing from a branch or inside a tent. The third Black Diamond model to make our list is their Volt, which is a step up from their Zip above in terms of brightness and features. In terms of construction, the Boulder is relatively streamlined and sleek but falls toward the heavy and bulky end of the spectrum at around 1.5 pounds. Weight: 4 lbs. Weight: 1 lb. As far as alternatives go, MPOWERD also offers the lights with six color modes for the same price, and Nite Ize's Radiant Rechargeable Shineline String Lights cost $20 less but lack a USB port and have a shorter (10 ft.) cord.See the MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights. Most campers stick with traditional lanterns for illumination, but if youre looking for a cozy and unique ambiance, string lights are a fun alternative. Weight: 2.6 oz.Max lumens: 200Batteries: AAA (3); rechargeable battery sold separatelyWhat we like: Light, compact, and very affordable.What we dont: Rechargeable battery sold separately; limited lighting modes. New York-based BioLite is well known for their innovative wood-burning stoves, but their camping lantern collection is arguably just as well executed. In the end, theyre a nice supplementary option, but we advise bringing along another power source to expedite the recharging process via USB if possible. Utah-based Lander is a relative newcomer to the world of camping lanterns but has already made a name for themselves at the high end of the market. The final Black Diamond lantern to make our list is their Apollo. We also love the collapsible design, which inflates easily with a few breaths and folds down to around 1 inch when packeda big plus for freeing up valuable space in a full trunk or garage. Max lumens: 1,000Batteries: Rechargeable (USB)What we like: A modern and tech-heavy option from Coleman.What we dont: Short run time and not as well sorted as many of the picks above. But at just $23 on Amazon at the time of publishing, youd be hard-pressed to find more output for less. In addition to being on the dimmer end at 150 lumens, the lantern has a pretty barebones feature set: It isnt rechargeable via USB, doesnt come with integrated charging ports or a solar panel, and sports just a single button to access all of the modes. In other words, it will likely require a bit of a learning curve to maximize the functionality, which wont be a problem for tech-savvy campers but could pose an issue for those just wanting the basics. lanterns And a final nitpick is that it can be tough to find the exact setting you're looking forcycling through the modes requires a combination of button-pushing and shaking the lantern. ge lantern battery operated led camping enbrighten resistant weather lanterns Due to their limited appeal for most recreational campers, we included just one of these models above (the Coleman Powerhouse Dual Fuel), but they do have utility for cold-weather outings and camping at higher altitudes. REVEL GEAR makes another quality design in their Trail Hound string lights, although they dont have a built-in battery and therefore must be connected to a power source. Other fun alternatives include BioLites globe-shaped SiteLight Lantern and SiteLight Duo, a daisy-chained lighting system that can be powered by a BioLite lantern or any USB power source. LuminAIDs PackLite Max 2-in-1 Power Lantern is a shining example of the ongoing innovation within the market: The lantern sports a built-in solar panel that recharges the battery when exposed to sunlight (you can also recharge it more quickly via the USB) and a single port for repowering electronics should you run out of juice while out in the wilderness. Right away, well note that the design is unmistakably basic and lacking in features and settings compared to many of the picks above, including no charging ports and minimal light modes. Theyre also considerably lighter and more compact overall. All in all, its a highly reliable and time-tested option for winter campers, survivalists, and those spending time at higher altitudes. For reference, Goal Zero recommends pairing the lantern with their Nomad 10 panel, which will run you $100 (in addition to the already-steep $70 investment). And at $110, youre paying a pretty steep premium for an otherwise low-tech and dated-looking design. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. The first question to ask yourself when searching for a camping lantern is how much brightness you anticipate needing.
Their Lighthouse 600 is also compatible with a solar paneland boasts a helpful hand crank for manual rechargingalthough youll need to purchase it separately. Unfortunately, however, the LE LED Camping Lantern doesnt stand out in many other areas. Brightness is measured in lumens, and the lanterns above have max outputs ranging from 60 (the Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma) to a whopping 1,000 (the LE LED Camping Lantern and Coleman OneSource). The primary focus here is on weight and packability, as hauling gear miles into the wilderness can be quite effortful. Another standout feature is the proximity lighting function, which automatically adjusts intensity based on how close you are to the lantern. The $45 Nite Ize is a decent value considering its output and long battery life, but it starts to look less competitive when stacked up against options like LEs LED model above, which costs around half the price and features a whopping 1,000 lumens of brightness. No matter what model you have, its a good idea to keep your lantern in a relatively warm place when its not in uselike inside your sleeping bag if you leave camp for the day. But if youre on a budget and anticipate using the color modes and USB port, the Crush Light Chroma is a super compact lantern at a great value. Weight: 7.9oz.Max lumens: 250Batteries: Rechargeable (USB) or AA (3)What we like: A brighter and rechargeable alternative to the Zip above.What we dont: Its also heavier, pricier, and lacks the flashlight function. You also get the option to recharge the lantern via USB, which eliminates the need to pack extra batteries and helps limit waste. Lanterns are the most ubiquitous form of camp lighting, but there are several other fun and unique alternatives worth a mention here. It also cant be collapsed down and lacks deployable legs for propping up on a table (the base curves up at the sides and lacks stability on uneven surfaces), although the tether at the top can easily be adjusted to hang from a branch or inside your tent. ), but we think most campers will find the added output of the 500 model worth the price and weight penalties. Black Diamond recently overhauled the Moji collection, and the standard model here is the cheapest and most basic in the collection. For example, MPOWERDs Lucy comes with an IP67 rating, which means it can handle being dropped in water up to 1 meter deep for half an hour, while the Lander Boulder (IP65) is only rated for protection against spraying water rather than full immersion. The ability to switch between lantern and flashlight functionality is a big plus in our experience and gives the Zip a major leg up compared to the Moji above and BD's Volt below. Importantly, much of the winning formula remains, including the cheap price tag, lightweight build, and compact shape. Just as importantly, it features a very bright 800-lumen lamp that puts out even, diffused light (the control knob allows you to effectively dial in the intensity). Weight: 8.6 oz.Max lumens: 150Batteries: Rechargeable (USB and solar)What we like: Integrated solar panel, USB port, and collapsible design are great for off-grid adventures.What we dont: Strap isnt secure enough for attaching to a pack; device charging drains the battery quickly. Weight: 4.4 oz.Max lumens: 75Batteries: Rechargeable (USB and solar)What we like: A light and collapsible solar-powered lantern for just $25.What we dont: Most campers will want something brighter. Camping lanterns certainly have come a long way over the past few decades, with modern designs boasting impressive integrated tech and charging capabilities. We also found it too thick to hang from the webbing loops in our REI Grand Hut 6 tent (since replaced by the Skyward)we ended up snapping it through the zipper pulls on the roof vents instead. These designs all lack the versatility of standard lanterns, but they can be a fun supplementary option for those that get out a lot and like to customize the setting and atmosphere at camp. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge with a three-dot indicator to monitor juice, or you can position the lamp in direct sunlight and utilize the solar panel. Our favorite is MPOWERDs popular Luci Solar String Lights listed above, which create more of a cozy, intimate setting at camp and come with all the requisite features for regular outdoor use, including a built-in solar panel for recharging, USB port for powering electronics, and good weather resistance. But for tech lovers that like to geek out on their gear, the top-end Lander Boulder has its place.See the Lander Boulder Lantern + Power Bank. Additionally, the Lighthouse is on the heavier and bulkier end of the spectrum at just over a pound, making it far less appealing than options like the LuminAID above for hauling into the backcountry. How long does it need to be? The AlpenGlow 500 is on the pricey side at $80 and a little heavy and bulky compared to many of the picks below (it also doesnt collapse down for stuffing in a full trunk or gear bin). And a final knock against the Cairn is its control button: Some users have noted that its finicky and not all that intuitive to adjust brightness (its sometimes unresponsive when held down to cycle through the settings). On the low end, IPX0 equates to no protection at all, while IPX8 at the high end means the item can sustain prolonged immersion. For another ultralight (2.5 oz.) LuminAids PackLite Max and MPOWERDs Luci Outdoor 2.0, on the other hand, have fairly thick and bulky straps that can be tougher to suspend inside a tent (we had to get creative by utilizing the zipper pulls inside our camping tent rather than the thin webbing loops). Some of our top picks include Goal Zeros diminutive Lighthouse Micro Flash Lantern and deflatable designs like LuminAIDs PackLite Max, Goal Zeros Crush Light Chroma, and MPOWERDs Luci Outdoor 2.0, which also sport solar panels for off-grid recharging. Modern camping lanterns are a fun bunch, with many of the designs above boasting unique tech features for added convenience when youre off the grid. And unlike many of the picks above, the LE doesnt have a port for charging electronics or even a battery life indicator. and compact option, UCOs Leschi Lantern costs less at $13 but isnt as bright and runs on AA batteries. It also falls short in run time (100 hours vs. up to 170 for the Goal Zero), although we do like the nylon cord for more easily stringing from a branch or inside a tent. The third Black Diamond model to make our list is their Volt, which is a step up from their Zip above in terms of brightness and features. In terms of construction, the Boulder is relatively streamlined and sleek but falls toward the heavy and bulky end of the spectrum at around 1.5 pounds. Weight: 4 lbs. Weight: 1 lb. As far as alternatives go, MPOWERD also offers the lights with six color modes for the same price, and Nite Ize's Radiant Rechargeable Shineline String Lights cost $20 less but lack a USB port and have a shorter (10 ft.) cord.See the MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights. Most campers stick with traditional lanterns for illumination, but if youre looking for a cozy and unique ambiance, string lights are a fun alternative. Weight: 2.6 oz.Max lumens: 200Batteries: AAA (3); rechargeable battery sold separatelyWhat we like: Light, compact, and very affordable.What we dont: Rechargeable battery sold separately; limited lighting modes. New York-based BioLite is well known for their innovative wood-burning stoves, but their camping lantern collection is arguably just as well executed. In the end, theyre a nice supplementary option, but we advise bringing along another power source to expedite the recharging process via USB if possible. Utah-based Lander is a relative newcomer to the world of camping lanterns but has already made a name for themselves at the high end of the market. The final Black Diamond lantern to make our list is their Apollo. We also love the collapsible design, which inflates easily with a few breaths and folds down to around 1 inch when packeda big plus for freeing up valuable space in a full trunk or garage. Max lumens: 1,000Batteries: Rechargeable (USB)What we like: A modern and tech-heavy option from Coleman.What we dont: Short run time and not as well sorted as many of the picks above. But at just $23 on Amazon at the time of publishing, youd be hard-pressed to find more output for less. In addition to being on the dimmer end at 150 lumens, the lantern has a pretty barebones feature set: It isnt rechargeable via USB, doesnt come with integrated charging ports or a solar panel, and sports just a single button to access all of the modes. In other words, it will likely require a bit of a learning curve to maximize the functionality, which wont be a problem for tech-savvy campers but could pose an issue for those just wanting the basics. lanterns And a final nitpick is that it can be tough to find the exact setting you're looking forcycling through the modes requires a combination of button-pushing and shaking the lantern. ge lantern battery operated led camping enbrighten resistant weather lanterns Due to their limited appeal for most recreational campers, we included just one of these models above (the Coleman Powerhouse Dual Fuel), but they do have utility for cold-weather outings and camping at higher altitudes. REVEL GEAR makes another quality design in their Trail Hound string lights, although they dont have a built-in battery and therefore must be connected to a power source. Other fun alternatives include BioLites globe-shaped SiteLight Lantern and SiteLight Duo, a daisy-chained lighting system that can be powered by a BioLite lantern or any USB power source. LuminAIDs PackLite Max 2-in-1 Power Lantern is a shining example of the ongoing innovation within the market: The lantern sports a built-in solar panel that recharges the battery when exposed to sunlight (you can also recharge it more quickly via the USB) and a single port for repowering electronics should you run out of juice while out in the wilderness. Right away, well note that the design is unmistakably basic and lacking in features and settings compared to many of the picks above, including no charging ports and minimal light modes. Theyre also considerably lighter and more compact overall. All in all, its a highly reliable and time-tested option for winter campers, survivalists, and those spending time at higher altitudes. For reference, Goal Zero recommends pairing the lantern with their Nomad 10 panel, which will run you $100 (in addition to the already-steep $70 investment). And at $110, youre paying a pretty steep premium for an otherwise low-tech and dated-looking design. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. The first question to ask yourself when searching for a camping lantern is how much brightness you anticipate needing.
