A good camping lantern is an outdoor essential. 
GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. When you buy something through one of the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Two features quickly set this flashlight apart during my testing.
You can also switch between a strobe setting and a colored-light option. All in all, this is a feature-rich lantern in a small package thats great for car camping, van dwelling, or backyard hanging. They keep the flame small and contained inside the lamp. If searching for a flashlight with a strobe mode, I recommend choosing one that strobes white light as opposed to red light. Beyond these flaws, the J5 Tactical was simply okay relative to the other lights we tested. Its also a top pick for emergency preparedness. The main reasons for the fandom seem to be the durability and longevity of the brands flashlights.
There is nothing fancy about it.
The build is durable.
The LED flashlight has multiple modes, including a 400-lumen high beam that cuts a path into the night. Choosing between an electric and a gas-powered lantern comes down to what features you prefer. After field testing, double checking product specs, and using the lights for over a month we think the ThruNite Archer 2A V3 is the way to go. The bungee cord makes it easy to hang in any location. Chances are a headlamp or lantern will serve you better for camping, so consider those options before buying a flashlight. It began raining while we were using this lantern, but it never went out or had any issues. Our team of experts is bringing you best camping gear reviews and buying guides.
Its a handy light that does double duty as a lantern and a phone charger. It is smaller than a stick of lip balm and weighs only 0.4 oz without the battery in.
This tiny lantern packs a big punch, yet goes surprisingly easy on the wallet. The color is a pleasing, warm light yellow, and weve been impressed with how bright it gets on the highest setting. Weve used these string lights nearly every day for many months, and theyre still going strong. The E05s size will be a deal-breaker for some. It has 3 modes: low, medium, and high. The pocket clip makes it easier to keep track of, if clipping your flashlight to your belt or pocket is your thing. Gas-powered lanterns are bright, have a long burn time, and work well in sub-freezing temperatures (the runtime drops, but not as much as when using alkaline batteries). The nice thing about a battery-powered lantern is that you dont need to worry about charging it up. I couldnt forget the light I got from Fenix store and that made our camping trip convenient. Check out some of the bestselling gear at Backcountry this week and save on gear for your next adventure. It also lacks strobe and red light modes. The Ledlenser ML6 ($100) is just the thing you need. Of course, the built-in solar panels are a big plus if thats an important feature to you. A good camping flashlight is supposed to make camping easier. Support us! Ten individual light pods are spread across 18 feet of braided nylon cord, allowing you to light up a large area. Look for lanterns that are water- and dustproof, ones with multiple dimming settings and integrated solar chargers. Otherwise, go with any of the above recommendations. Lanterns need to be bright enough to light up an area, but not so striking that theyll temporarily blind you if you accidentally look at them. Ok, enough about the Fenix brand. Copyright 2022 GearJunkie, All Rights Reserved, IFSC World Cup Climbing Rules & Scoring Explained, Specialized GEN-S: Young MTB Crushers in Training, The Bestselling Gear at Backcountry This Week, Red Bull Athletes Swarm The Nines With Pops of Color, The 'Cadillac' of Trekking Poles, LEKI Unveils High-End Black Series FX Carbon, Meet the SUV Improv Group: 2022 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Review, Most Dialed 'SUP-Yak' Yet: ISLE Switch Review, Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Review: A Favorite for Fast, Long, Technical Trail Running, $60 Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds: Soundcore Life A3i Review, The POV of Fear Itself: A Scaredy Cat Goes Trail Riding, Learn This Life-Saving Firestarting Trick From a Survival Expert, Manx Enduro: A Crusty Duo Tackle the Isle of Man by Mountain Bike, Gear Bargains: Save on Mountain Hardwear, ALPS Mountaineering, Stoic, and More, Gear Deals From Rumpl, MSR, Toad&Co, and More, Gear Bargains: Save on prAna, SAXX, Columbia, and More, Gear Deals From ALPS Mountaineering, RTIC Coolers, Outerknown, and More. And it clocks in at just $40. Despite this rough handling, it still shines brightly and functions perfectly. Budget flashlights abound on Amazon, so, before offering my review, Id like to let you know about a potential risk you take when buying them. Our Top Pick, the ThruNite Archer 2A V3, doesnt have a red light mode and frankly I only missed it slightly.
Second, you cant change the beams focus in any way. The brighter the beam, the shorter the run time. I was certainly wowed for a moment. Of course, my testing would be incomplete without using the flashlights to take a nighttime trip to the loo. Once the sun goes down on your campground, youll need an alternative light source. If youd like a light source to evenly illuminate your tent or campground rather than produce a focused beam, a camping lantern would work much better. Collecting firewood or seeing what that rustle in the bushes was might call for a medium beam. It runs on three AAA batteries, and the dimming switch allows you to make quick adjustments. Gas-powered lanterns require a bit more work with applying the fuel canister and lighting the wick. Those prone to misplacing small pieces of camping gear should certainly not buy this light. This way you dont have to toggle through blindingly bright white light modes to arrive at the red light mode. Plus, it has four lighting settings, and you can remove the cap to make it smaller or shine a more directed beam of light. For most campers, 100 lumens or above is enough to light up many camp spaces.
This was the most expensive flashlight we tested as of this writing. Your source for comprehensive hunting reviews and buying guides. It isnt as user friendly as a button switch and requires two hands. First, look at the brightness levels of the flashlights youre interested in. The light has two minor downsides that arose during my testing. At just 20 bucks, its a great value. Thats because its dimmest setting, its firefly mode, is so dim that it doesnt hurt your eyes at night. The high mode could be used as a signal or when you simply need more light. Replaceable batteries are ideal for situations in which an external charging source is unavailable. Take into account where youll be going and if you need something extra bright for this reason. Look at the how many lumens the low mode emits. A single candle burns for nearly 9 hours, and the spring-loaded system keeps the flame at a consistent height. With a 100-lumen max, its not the brightest light on the list, but the Moji lantern ($25) gets the job done.
The Crush Light is a solid solar light and a great choice for backpacking. First, its a single-button interface that includes the strobe mode in the brightness cycle.
I ended up using the dimmer flashlight on my smartphone. But since it can become removed completely, beware of misplacing it. The included reflector clip directs the light where you need it most. I tested these flashlights exclusively in a 2-person tent. On the other hand, the Mini Maglite PRO LED has only one brightness setting a high mode that emits 272 lumens and has a run time of only 2.5 hours according to Maglite.
Its extremely easy to use just slide the glass down and light the candle for instant light.
First, it lacks a red light mode. If you simply need a light source while camping, a flashlight might not be the best tool for the job. Time to circle back to a claim I made in the intro. Second, its expensive. It takes about 5 hours to recharge, and we get a solid weekend of camping on a single charge. Looking for a packable solar light that wont break the bank? It runs on three D batteries and has a max output of 1,000 lumens. If youve never used a gas lantern, its important to make note of a few things. Consider this partial list of things you might do at night while camping: For many of these scenarios, youd probably hold your flashlight with your teeth to use as a makeshift headlamp or set it on a surface to use as a makeshift lantern. It packs down to 4.25 inches long and weighs just 7.2 ounces. My eyes had already started to adjust to the brightness, though, and the sudden lack of light made it hard to see. Similar to stoves, the run time decreases in colder weather. And for some reason its the red light that strobes, not the white light. The company, based in Minnesota, calls the product a tough, reliable, solar-powered flashlight, lantern, and back-up cell phone charger for off-grid and just-in-case emergency use. Thats a bit of a mouthful, but it sums up the hybrid products feature set. Manufacturers list run time on their product pages (but be aware theyre likely incorrect and take them with a large grain of salt). Feb 2020 Update: Fenix has released a new version of the LD02 the LD02 V2.0 and discontinued the previous version that we tested. Many lanterns will give you 5-10 hours on high, with longer times in the lower settings. Weve updated our links to point to the new version and are in the process of testing it. This palm-sized light has continually surprised and impressed us. The dual-mantle design pumps out 1,000 lumens on high.
Its lowest 4-lumen setting makes a good nightlight, too.
The fatal flaw of too many of the flashlights we tested was a low mode that wasnt dim enough. More than once I temporarily blinded myself with the strobe while cycling through brightness settings when using this flashlight in my tent. Quite a few in this list fit those categories. If you plan on packing your lantern into the woods, however, youre going to want something lighter that wont take up much pack space. Simply wrap the string lights into the solar base and twist closed. The hand crank is durable and easy to use and along with the USB cord it cleverly stores away when not needed. Weve splashed water on it without any issues, but we dont recommend letting it sit out in the rain or become submerged completely. My toddler is very fond of this light and has repeatedly dropped it. The best camping lantern is the one best designed for how you plan to use it. I came across references to the brand many times on flashlight sites and forums while doing research for this article. Then its time you met the Goal Zero Crush Light. You dont have to worry about rain or dirt, as it has an IP65 waterproof rating, and it has proven very durable while testing. They dont work too well for that purpose. The light is lightweight and super bright. The LD02 was near-identical in performance to our Runner-Up, the Fenix E12.
A favorite option for adding a bit of camp ambiance or brightening up the backyard. But if you plan to use it every weekend, a rechargeable or solar lantern is probably a better pick.
I then shuffled around camp doing usual camp chores such as cooking dinner, washing dishes, and checking for ticks while alternating between the flashlights to get a sense for how well they performed. However, in addition to being quite cheap it has a strobe mode and red light mode and can convert into a tiny camping lantern. Fenix flashlights are expensive relative to budget options. For occasional use, a brighter lantern with replaceable batteries will work well. This is because your eyes will have adjusted to the dark and a 0.2-lumen beam will be plenty for most camp chores. These two features the dim firefly mode and bright strobe mode were the defining ones, but I liked most things about this flashlight. If youd like a solar-powered lantern, check out our guide to the best solar camping lanterns. This little lantern is our top pick for hanging in the tent. I have a long list of gripes about this light: Bottom line: I dont recommend this light to anyone.
From next-gen tech to ingenious innovation, our weekly peek at emerging products examines the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Heres How to Un-Stick Them, 9 Best Mess Kits for Camping & Backpacking, Reading a book or looking at a map before going to bed, Looking for something in the tent without disturbing your tent mate with a bright light, The Fenix LD02 has a slightly higher MSRP for the same features, The Fenix E12 has a slightly recessed switch which prevents accidental activation and allows the flashlight to tail stand, while the Fenix LD02 does not, It has no dim brightness level which led to the same too-bright problem Ive explained, The metal handle is closed which means it cant be hung inside tents with closed hanging loops, The button switch clicks so loudly I was afraid Id wake my tent mate just by pushing it, Like the J5 Tactical V1 Pro, it has a single-button interface that includes the strobe mode in the brightness cycle, Unlike the V1 Pro, it doesnt default back to a particular brightness setting after being turned off, meaning every third time you turn it on it will activate in strobe mode. It weighs 3.2 ounces and collapses neatly to take up very little space in your pack. That said, its a solid lantern that will last for years. You could use the strobe mode on your light to signal for help if worst comes to worst. The main gripe I have with the E05 is the twist switch meaning you have to twist the flashlights head to turn on the light and toggle between brightness modes.
The MSRP for this light is listed as higher on the manufacturers site than the amount its usually available for according to CamelCamelCamels price history. It has no strobe or red light mode, no ability to change the focus.
It charges fully in about 8 hours via USB or 16 hours via solar. Our camping gear checklist has you covered. If youd like small, quality camping flashlight which you can clip to your belt or pocket, this is the one for you. Whether heading into the backcountry or lighting up the night while car camping, weve found the best camping lanterns for every use and budget. While there isnt a single best lantern for every camper, weve broken the list into handy categories to help you identify the best lantern for your use.
If you dont mind paying a bit more for a version that comes with a carrying case and an autostart piezo igniter, check out the Coleman Deluxe PerfectFlow with Carrying Case ($55). The design is clean despite the bells and whistles.
Its a staggeringly excessive amount of light when your eyes are adjusted to the dark. Weighing in at just 3 ounces and measuring 3 inches around, theres no reason not to bring it along just in case. The lower the better. A very dim low mode can also work, even if its emitting white light. If you take care of it, a lantern mantle can last years. A solar panel on the side lets you charge it in the sun. And the small size means you can quickly grab it to use as a flashlight when needed.
Per the manufacturer, it lasts up to 70 hours on low. But after multiple nights of testing, I concluded this flashlight is not worth using for camping. It weighs just 7.4 ounces and measures about 4.5 inches around. This allowed me to better assess each flashlights dim mode, since at night in a tent this is the mode youll be using most often.
Weve repeatedly dropped it and have seen no damage or loss in performance. Like a red light mode, it isnt necessary your camping flashlight have a strobe mode.
The 60-lumen max output isnt wildly bright, but it offers a pleasant, useful glow around your camp. The flood light and flashlight are bright and the red light mode is good for nighttime use. Whats more, it has no red light mode.
Check Price at BackcountryCheck Price at Amazon. To do this, I simply pitched my tent and waited until it got dark. I dont recommend any of these as a camping lantern, though. Whenever you turn the flashlight on after its been off for more than a few seconds, it activates at that mode. In that instance, this Maglite felt like more of a burden. As an Amazon Associate 99Boulders LLC earns from qualifying purchases. We used it for a week straight while renting camping gear and appreciated the easy light piezo ignition, warm light output, and easy packing design. The green propane cylinders run $43 for a pack of four. You can find our headlamp recommendations in our guide to the best backpacking headlamps. The 5 remaining flashlights included in our tests didnt win any awards, but that doesnt mean they arent the right choices for some people. Electric lamps under 60 lumens work well for use inside a tent. After all my testing, I found myself reaching for this flashlight every time and using the firefly mode almost exclusively. This is more than enough to light up most camping spaces. The brightness irritated my eyes and disturbed my tent mate. Flashlights are feature-heavy pieces of technology. Also, while camping, I conducted the following side-by-side tests. First, in lieu of light bulbs, it uses mantles that fill with fuel and burn brightly. A little bit of background on Fenix flashlights before I get into this review: Flashaholics appear to be big fans of Fenix flashlights. Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Walmart. With humanitarian roots and a utilitarian design, the XTorch ($56) is a unique illumination option for use at home or a campsite. That level of light is great for precise tasks, but generally, we use it at a much lower light level. The drawbacks to this flashlight are important to highlight, though.
The ML6 charges quickly via USB. Sharing in-depth conversations between the world's adventurers, athletes, and outdoorspeople, The GearJunkie Podcast is your inside look into the outdoors industry. Also, the Torch 250 is the only flashlight we tested with a hook that actually hangs from a closed tent hanging loop. Those who will just be using their flashlight for a few seconds or minutes at a time can get by with a shorter run time. And it can pump out a powerful 750 lumens. It pays to carry extra batteries on your trip if your lantern uses disposable batteries.
At 7.8 inches tall, it easily fits in the palm of your hand.
This means your battery will last much longer. We've tested the best hiking gear, packs, and footwear to outfit you for any adventure you choose. Your eyes will thank you when they arent blinded by your flashlight beam. I do understand things like pack weight, though. We recommend charging it up prior to camping and then using solar to keep it topped off throughout. If you prefer a more gentle glow, 50-75 lumens will be enough. With more than 5,600 reviews, its clear that this battery-powered lantern ($26) is a fan favorite. While this feature will be unnecessary most of the time, it means this flashlight can act as an emergency blinker in emergency situations where you need a highly visible signal. For car camping, weight and packed size are not going to be an issue. That rubber top loop can come undone, which is nice for easily hanging it on a branch or rope. What should you bring camping? Sure, you could just use a flashlight, but a lantern lights up the entire camp and makes two-handed tasks easier. Its a major help while cooking, is great for nightly camp games, and sets just the right outdoor ambiance. Thus, I mostly tested these flashlights the best way I knew how: in the field. This durability and longevity comes at a price, of course. If youre going with an electric lantern, battery life is a consideration, especially if youre going to be in the woods for a few days or more. If youre going backpacking, look for a small or collapsible lantern. Many backpacking lanterns are also lightweight, so you wont have a problem finding one that weighs under half a pound. In short, Fenix flashlights are for those who value durability and longevity as opposed to a low price. I dont understand the nuances of when its best to choose a 1-AA flashlight over a 1-AAA flashlight and vice versa. Copyright 2022 99Boulders LLC. I left a gap of 10 minutes between testing each flashlight as a tent light source to allow time for my eyes to readjust to the darkness. Its strobe mode is also the brightest of any flashlight we tested, making it the best to have in case of an emergency.
It will run for nearly 7 hours on high before needing a new fuel canister. We named the Fenix E05 our Best Value pick because it is one of the cheapest flashlights we tested, yet it sports the durability and longevity of the Fenix brand. These are the weights found in the comparison table at the top of the page. In addition to covering gear and the outdoor industry for GearJunkie, he enjoys writing about music, culture, and personal observations from time spent in the natural world.
However, alkaline batteries lose about half their capacity when temperatures drop below freezing, and rechargeable batteries may not last on multiday trips without a recharge. Lantern mantles are ceramic mesh sacks that encase the flame in gas-powered lanterns. We go "Off the Map" to find new roads and epic adventures.
They were too bright for basic camping. These two things make the flashlight not ideal for tent use or late-night campground use. The downside is it burns through batteries if used often.
Read through our favorite expert-compiled gear for thru-hiking, backpacking, ultralight backpacking and more. However, before you spend any of your hard-earned cash, I strongly urge you to ask yourself: Probably not. Id rather not be on my phone while camping and much prefer the simple button on the side of the light. You need to toggle between all the brightness modes to turn the beam on and off. Our Runner-Up doesnt have one. without batteries, with the exception of the Goal Zero Torch 250 because it has a built-in rechargeable battery. Trek, bike, and paddle with GearJunkie and USARA this season as we explore and compete in wilderness events around America. If youre totally in the dark about what youre looking for in a lantern, check out our buyers guide and FAQ section to better inform your decision. And it comes with a lanyard and belt clip. These are perks but arent real game-changers when choosing a lantern. At a little over 7 inches tall and about 3.5 inches wide, it wont take up much room in the car or tent. Consider how you will be using your lantern. With that out of the way, time for a brief review. I was hoping to be wowed by its cool techy features. At 100 bucks, its not the cheapest option around.
We recommend it only if you are on a tight budget. It ran anywhere from 10 to 14 hours during our testing before needing a fresh set of batteries. Another one, the Goal Zero Torch 250, has a flood light mode.
Scrolldowntoseeallofourtoppicks,orjumptothecategoryyourelookingfor: Do you need a pint-sized lantern that packs a big punch? You can easily charge your electronic devices with this device. Overall, there was nothing this flashlight could do that any of the other flashlights Ive already recommended could do better. (My favorite example is this Will It Crush? video of the Fenix T1 surviving up to 20,500 lbs of force.). This second budget flashlight we tested didnt perform any better than the first. While testing, we paid particular attention to light output, battery life, and ease of use. Im no flashaholic or flashlight expert. It was the smallest and lightest flashlight we tested. Also, an electric lantern should be able to give you several evenings of light without requiring a recharge. Let me simplify it for you. If you plan to use it infrequently or use rechargeable D batteries, its a great option. The solar panels work seamlessly. It is tiny and black and hard to locate in the depths of a backpack. Using all the flashlights in this real-world scenario allowed me to assess things like the user interface of each flashlight, how appropriate the brightness settings are once the sun goes down, and how easy the lights are to operate in the dark. A red light mode isnt necessary, though. The white light strobes we tested were all brighter.
Make sure to look at the run time for each mode and confirm that its adequate for your purposes. After I had tucked myself in, I waited until my eyes adjusted to the dark and then brought out my flashlights and one at a time used them as a tent light source. Red light, according to REI, does not cause our pupils to shrink the way white light can. Thus, it is good for nighttime use. Flashlight product pages like to tout max lumen outputs, but these higher brightness settings went unused in 99% of my testing. I mostly used the low mode while camping since the medium and high modes are too bright when your eyes adjust to the darkness. You can choose from a metal hook on the bottom base plate, or use the malleable rubber loop on top. XTorch lights are used around the world with nonprofits and other organizations involved in disaster relief, refugee aid, and humanitarian outreach. Look for a lantern thats bright enough to illuminate your camping space and one that is simple enough to use after a long day of hiking. To be honest, this flashlight is nothing special. Selfbuilt, a prolific flashlight reviewer, wrote about a consistency problem he encountered with budget flashlights. It takes a few tries at first to move through its dimming and other settings, but its easy enough once you get the hang of it. Your camp light source should also do a good job of illuminating your tent once youve gone inside for the night. Beyond the instances where I actually needed to go the bathroom, I also mimicked this act by literally getting out of my tent and walking a little ways into the woods.
GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. When you buy something through one of the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Two features quickly set this flashlight apart during my testing.
You can also switch between a strobe setting and a colored-light option. All in all, this is a feature-rich lantern in a small package thats great for car camping, van dwelling, or backyard hanging. They keep the flame small and contained inside the lamp. If searching for a flashlight with a strobe mode, I recommend choosing one that strobes white light as opposed to red light. Beyond these flaws, the J5 Tactical was simply okay relative to the other lights we tested. Its also a top pick for emergency preparedness. The main reasons for the fandom seem to be the durability and longevity of the brands flashlights.
There is nothing fancy about it. The build is durable.
The LED flashlight has multiple modes, including a 400-lumen high beam that cuts a path into the night. Choosing between an electric and a gas-powered lantern comes down to what features you prefer. After field testing, double checking product specs, and using the lights for over a month we think the ThruNite Archer 2A V3 is the way to go. The bungee cord makes it easy to hang in any location. Chances are a headlamp or lantern will serve you better for camping, so consider those options before buying a flashlight. It began raining while we were using this lantern, but it never went out or had any issues. Our team of experts is bringing you best camping gear reviews and buying guides. Its a handy light that does double duty as a lantern and a phone charger. It is smaller than a stick of lip balm and weighs only 0.4 oz without the battery in.
This tiny lantern packs a big punch, yet goes surprisingly easy on the wallet. The color is a pleasing, warm light yellow, and weve been impressed with how bright it gets on the highest setting. Weve used these string lights nearly every day for many months, and theyre still going strong. The E05s size will be a deal-breaker for some. It has 3 modes: low, medium, and high. The pocket clip makes it easier to keep track of, if clipping your flashlight to your belt or pocket is your thing. Gas-powered lanterns are bright, have a long burn time, and work well in sub-freezing temperatures (the runtime drops, but not as much as when using alkaline batteries). The nice thing about a battery-powered lantern is that you dont need to worry about charging it up. I couldnt forget the light I got from Fenix store and that made our camping trip convenient. Check out some of the bestselling gear at Backcountry this week and save on gear for your next adventure. It also lacks strobe and red light modes. The Ledlenser ML6 ($100) is just the thing you need. Of course, the built-in solar panels are a big plus if thats an important feature to you. A good camping flashlight is supposed to make camping easier. Support us! Ten individual light pods are spread across 18 feet of braided nylon cord, allowing you to light up a large area. Look for lanterns that are water- and dustproof, ones with multiple dimming settings and integrated solar chargers. Otherwise, go with any of the above recommendations. Lanterns need to be bright enough to light up an area, but not so striking that theyll temporarily blind you if you accidentally look at them. Ok, enough about the Fenix brand. Copyright 2022 GearJunkie, All Rights Reserved, IFSC World Cup Climbing Rules & Scoring Explained, Specialized GEN-S: Young MTB Crushers in Training, The Bestselling Gear at Backcountry This Week, Red Bull Athletes Swarm The Nines With Pops of Color, The 'Cadillac' of Trekking Poles, LEKI Unveils High-End Black Series FX Carbon, Meet the SUV Improv Group: 2022 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Review, Most Dialed 'SUP-Yak' Yet: ISLE Switch Review, Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Review: A Favorite for Fast, Long, Technical Trail Running, $60 Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds: Soundcore Life A3i Review, The POV of Fear Itself: A Scaredy Cat Goes Trail Riding, Learn This Life-Saving Firestarting Trick From a Survival Expert, Manx Enduro: A Crusty Duo Tackle the Isle of Man by Mountain Bike, Gear Bargains: Save on Mountain Hardwear, ALPS Mountaineering, Stoic, and More, Gear Deals From Rumpl, MSR, Toad&Co, and More, Gear Bargains: Save on prAna, SAXX, Columbia, and More, Gear Deals From ALPS Mountaineering, RTIC Coolers, Outerknown, and More. And it clocks in at just $40. Despite this rough handling, it still shines brightly and functions perfectly. Budget flashlights abound on Amazon, so, before offering my review, Id like to let you know about a potential risk you take when buying them. Our Top Pick, the ThruNite Archer 2A V3, doesnt have a red light mode and frankly I only missed it slightly.
Second, you cant change the beams focus in any way. The brighter the beam, the shorter the run time. I was certainly wowed for a moment. Of course, my testing would be incomplete without using the flashlights to take a nighttime trip to the loo. Once the sun goes down on your campground, youll need an alternative light source. If youd like a light source to evenly illuminate your tent or campground rather than produce a focused beam, a camping lantern would work much better. Collecting firewood or seeing what that rustle in the bushes was might call for a medium beam. It runs on three AAA batteries, and the dimming switch allows you to make quick adjustments. Gas-powered lanterns require a bit more work with applying the fuel canister and lighting the wick. Those prone to misplacing small pieces of camping gear should certainly not buy this light. This way you dont have to toggle through blindingly bright white light modes to arrive at the red light mode. Plus, it has four lighting settings, and you can remove the cap to make it smaller or shine a more directed beam of light. For most campers, 100 lumens or above is enough to light up many camp spaces.
This was the most expensive flashlight we tested as of this writing. Your source for comprehensive hunting reviews and buying guides. It isnt as user friendly as a button switch and requires two hands. First, look at the brightness levels of the flashlights youre interested in. The light has two minor downsides that arose during my testing. At just 20 bucks, its a great value. Thats because its dimmest setting, its firefly mode, is so dim that it doesnt hurt your eyes at night. The high mode could be used as a signal or when you simply need more light. Replaceable batteries are ideal for situations in which an external charging source is unavailable. Take into account where youll be going and if you need something extra bright for this reason. Look at the how many lumens the low mode emits. A single candle burns for nearly 9 hours, and the spring-loaded system keeps the flame at a consistent height. With a 100-lumen max, its not the brightest light on the list, but the Moji lantern ($25) gets the job done.
The Crush Light is a solid solar light and a great choice for backpacking. First, its a single-button interface that includes the strobe mode in the brightness cycle.
I ended up using the dimmer flashlight on my smartphone. But since it can become removed completely, beware of misplacing it. The included reflector clip directs the light where you need it most. I tested these flashlights exclusively in a 2-person tent. On the other hand, the Mini Maglite PRO LED has only one brightness setting a high mode that emits 272 lumens and has a run time of only 2.5 hours according to Maglite.
Its extremely easy to use just slide the glass down and light the candle for instant light.
First, it lacks a red light mode. If you simply need a light source while camping, a flashlight might not be the best tool for the job. Time to circle back to a claim I made in the intro. Second, its expensive. It takes about 5 hours to recharge, and we get a solid weekend of camping on a single charge. Looking for a packable solar light that wont break the bank? It runs on three D batteries and has a max output of 1,000 lumens. If youve never used a gas lantern, its important to make note of a few things. Consider this partial list of things you might do at night while camping: For many of these scenarios, youd probably hold your flashlight with your teeth to use as a makeshift headlamp or set it on a surface to use as a makeshift lantern. It packs down to 4.25 inches long and weighs just 7.2 ounces. My eyes had already started to adjust to the brightness, though, and the sudden lack of light made it hard to see. Similar to stoves, the run time decreases in colder weather. And for some reason its the red light that strobes, not the white light. The company, based in Minnesota, calls the product a tough, reliable, solar-powered flashlight, lantern, and back-up cell phone charger for off-grid and just-in-case emergency use. Thats a bit of a mouthful, but it sums up the hybrid products feature set. Manufacturers list run time on their product pages (but be aware theyre likely incorrect and take them with a large grain of salt). Feb 2020 Update: Fenix has released a new version of the LD02 the LD02 V2.0 and discontinued the previous version that we tested. Many lanterns will give you 5-10 hours on high, with longer times in the lower settings. Weve updated our links to point to the new version and are in the process of testing it. This palm-sized light has continually surprised and impressed us. The dual-mantle design pumps out 1,000 lumens on high.
Its lowest 4-lumen setting makes a good nightlight, too.
The fatal flaw of too many of the flashlights we tested was a low mode that wasnt dim enough. More than once I temporarily blinded myself with the strobe while cycling through brightness settings when using this flashlight in my tent. Quite a few in this list fit those categories. If you plan on packing your lantern into the woods, however, youre going to want something lighter that wont take up much pack space. Simply wrap the string lights into the solar base and twist closed. The hand crank is durable and easy to use and along with the USB cord it cleverly stores away when not needed. Weve splashed water on it without any issues, but we dont recommend letting it sit out in the rain or become submerged completely. My toddler is very fond of this light and has repeatedly dropped it. The best camping lantern is the one best designed for how you plan to use it. I came across references to the brand many times on flashlight sites and forums while doing research for this article. Then its time you met the Goal Zero Crush Light. You dont have to worry about rain or dirt, as it has an IP65 waterproof rating, and it has proven very durable while testing. They dont work too well for that purpose. The light is lightweight and super bright. The LD02 was near-identical in performance to our Runner-Up, the Fenix E12.
A favorite option for adding a bit of camp ambiance or brightening up the backyard. But if you plan to use it every weekend, a rechargeable or solar lantern is probably a better pick.
I then shuffled around camp doing usual camp chores such as cooking dinner, washing dishes, and checking for ticks while alternating between the flashlights to get a sense for how well they performed. However, in addition to being quite cheap it has a strobe mode and red light mode and can convert into a tiny camping lantern. Fenix flashlights are expensive relative to budget options. For occasional use, a brighter lantern with replaceable batteries will work well. This is because your eyes will have adjusted to the dark and a 0.2-lumen beam will be plenty for most camp chores. These two features the dim firefly mode and bright strobe mode were the defining ones, but I liked most things about this flashlight. If youd like a solar-powered lantern, check out our guide to the best solar camping lanterns. This little lantern is our top pick for hanging in the tent. I have a long list of gripes about this light: Bottom line: I dont recommend this light to anyone.
From next-gen tech to ingenious innovation, our weekly peek at emerging products examines the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Heres How to Un-Stick Them, 9 Best Mess Kits for Camping & Backpacking, Reading a book or looking at a map before going to bed, Looking for something in the tent without disturbing your tent mate with a bright light, The Fenix LD02 has a slightly higher MSRP for the same features, The Fenix E12 has a slightly recessed switch which prevents accidental activation and allows the flashlight to tail stand, while the Fenix LD02 does not, It has no dim brightness level which led to the same too-bright problem Ive explained, The metal handle is closed which means it cant be hung inside tents with closed hanging loops, The button switch clicks so loudly I was afraid Id wake my tent mate just by pushing it, Like the J5 Tactical V1 Pro, it has a single-button interface that includes the strobe mode in the brightness cycle, Unlike the V1 Pro, it doesnt default back to a particular brightness setting after being turned off, meaning every third time you turn it on it will activate in strobe mode. It weighs 3.2 ounces and collapses neatly to take up very little space in your pack. That said, its a solid lantern that will last for years. You could use the strobe mode on your light to signal for help if worst comes to worst. The main gripe I have with the E05 is the twist switch meaning you have to twist the flashlights head to turn on the light and toggle between brightness modes.
The MSRP for this light is listed as higher on the manufacturers site than the amount its usually available for according to CamelCamelCamels price history. It has no strobe or red light mode, no ability to change the focus.
It charges fully in about 8 hours via USB or 16 hours via solar. Our camping gear checklist has you covered. If youd like small, quality camping flashlight which you can clip to your belt or pocket, this is the one for you. Whether heading into the backcountry or lighting up the night while car camping, weve found the best camping lanterns for every use and budget. While there isnt a single best lantern for every camper, weve broken the list into handy categories to help you identify the best lantern for your use.
If you dont mind paying a bit more for a version that comes with a carrying case and an autostart piezo igniter, check out the Coleman Deluxe PerfectFlow with Carrying Case ($55). The design is clean despite the bells and whistles.
Its a staggeringly excessive amount of light when your eyes are adjusted to the dark. Weighing in at just 3 ounces and measuring 3 inches around, theres no reason not to bring it along just in case. The lower the better. A very dim low mode can also work, even if its emitting white light. If you take care of it, a lantern mantle can last years. A solar panel on the side lets you charge it in the sun. And the small size means you can quickly grab it to use as a flashlight when needed.
Per the manufacturer, it lasts up to 70 hours on low. But after multiple nights of testing, I concluded this flashlight is not worth using for camping. It weighs just 7.4 ounces and measures about 4.5 inches around. This allowed me to better assess each flashlights dim mode, since at night in a tent this is the mode youll be using most often.
Weve repeatedly dropped it and have seen no damage or loss in performance. Like a red light mode, it isnt necessary your camping flashlight have a strobe mode.
The 60-lumen max output isnt wildly bright, but it offers a pleasant, useful glow around your camp. The flood light and flashlight are bright and the red light mode is good for nighttime use. Whats more, it has no red light mode.
Check Price at BackcountryCheck Price at Amazon. To do this, I simply pitched my tent and waited until it got dark. I dont recommend any of these as a camping lantern, though. Whenever you turn the flashlight on after its been off for more than a few seconds, it activates at that mode. In that instance, this Maglite felt like more of a burden. As an Amazon Associate 99Boulders LLC earns from qualifying purchases. We used it for a week straight while renting camping gear and appreciated the easy light piezo ignition, warm light output, and easy packing design. The green propane cylinders run $43 for a pack of four. You can find our headlamp recommendations in our guide to the best backpacking headlamps. The 5 remaining flashlights included in our tests didnt win any awards, but that doesnt mean they arent the right choices for some people. Electric lamps under 60 lumens work well for use inside a tent. After all my testing, I found myself reaching for this flashlight every time and using the firefly mode almost exclusively. This is more than enough to light up most camping spaces. The brightness irritated my eyes and disturbed my tent mate. Flashlights are feature-heavy pieces of technology. Also, while camping, I conducted the following side-by-side tests. First, in lieu of light bulbs, it uses mantles that fill with fuel and burn brightly. A little bit of background on Fenix flashlights before I get into this review: Flashaholics appear to be big fans of Fenix flashlights. Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Walmart. With humanitarian roots and a utilitarian design, the XTorch ($56) is a unique illumination option for use at home or a campsite. That level of light is great for precise tasks, but generally, we use it at a much lower light level. The drawbacks to this flashlight are important to highlight, though.
The ML6 charges quickly via USB. Sharing in-depth conversations between the world's adventurers, athletes, and outdoorspeople, The GearJunkie Podcast is your inside look into the outdoors industry. Also, the Torch 250 is the only flashlight we tested with a hook that actually hangs from a closed tent hanging loop. Those who will just be using their flashlight for a few seconds or minutes at a time can get by with a shorter run time. And it can pump out a powerful 750 lumens. It pays to carry extra batteries on your trip if your lantern uses disposable batteries.
At 7.8 inches tall, it easily fits in the palm of your hand.
This means your battery will last much longer. We've tested the best hiking gear, packs, and footwear to outfit you for any adventure you choose. Your eyes will thank you when they arent blinded by your flashlight beam. I do understand things like pack weight, though. We recommend charging it up prior to camping and then using solar to keep it topped off throughout. If you prefer a more gentle glow, 50-75 lumens will be enough. With more than 5,600 reviews, its clear that this battery-powered lantern ($26) is a fan favorite. While this feature will be unnecessary most of the time, it means this flashlight can act as an emergency blinker in emergency situations where you need a highly visible signal. For car camping, weight and packed size are not going to be an issue. That rubber top loop can come undone, which is nice for easily hanging it on a branch or rope. What should you bring camping? Sure, you could just use a flashlight, but a lantern lights up the entire camp and makes two-handed tasks easier. Its a major help while cooking, is great for nightly camp games, and sets just the right outdoor ambiance. Thus, I mostly tested these flashlights the best way I knew how: in the field. This durability and longevity comes at a price, of course. If youre going with an electric lantern, battery life is a consideration, especially if youre going to be in the woods for a few days or more. If youre going backpacking, look for a small or collapsible lantern. Many backpacking lanterns are also lightweight, so you wont have a problem finding one that weighs under half a pound. In short, Fenix flashlights are for those who value durability and longevity as opposed to a low price. I dont understand the nuances of when its best to choose a 1-AA flashlight over a 1-AAA flashlight and vice versa. Copyright 2022 99Boulders LLC. I left a gap of 10 minutes between testing each flashlight as a tent light source to allow time for my eyes to readjust to the darkness. Its strobe mode is also the brightest of any flashlight we tested, making it the best to have in case of an emergency.
It will run for nearly 7 hours on high before needing a new fuel canister. We named the Fenix E05 our Best Value pick because it is one of the cheapest flashlights we tested, yet it sports the durability and longevity of the Fenix brand. These are the weights found in the comparison table at the top of the page. In addition to covering gear and the outdoor industry for GearJunkie, he enjoys writing about music, culture, and personal observations from time spent in the natural world.
However, alkaline batteries lose about half their capacity when temperatures drop below freezing, and rechargeable batteries may not last on multiday trips without a recharge. Lantern mantles are ceramic mesh sacks that encase the flame in gas-powered lanterns. We go "Off the Map" to find new roads and epic adventures.
They were too bright for basic camping. These two things make the flashlight not ideal for tent use or late-night campground use. The downside is it burns through batteries if used often.
Read through our favorite expert-compiled gear for thru-hiking, backpacking, ultralight backpacking and more. However, before you spend any of your hard-earned cash, I strongly urge you to ask yourself: Probably not. Id rather not be on my phone while camping and much prefer the simple button on the side of the light. You need to toggle between all the brightness modes to turn the beam on and off. Our Runner-Up doesnt have one. without batteries, with the exception of the Goal Zero Torch 250 because it has a built-in rechargeable battery. Trek, bike, and paddle with GearJunkie and USARA this season as we explore and compete in wilderness events around America. If youre totally in the dark about what youre looking for in a lantern, check out our buyers guide and FAQ section to better inform your decision. And it comes with a lanyard and belt clip. These are perks but arent real game-changers when choosing a lantern. At a little over 7 inches tall and about 3.5 inches wide, it wont take up much room in the car or tent. Consider how you will be using your lantern. With that out of the way, time for a brief review. I was hoping to be wowed by its cool techy features. At 100 bucks, its not the cheapest option around.
We recommend it only if you are on a tight budget. It ran anywhere from 10 to 14 hours during our testing before needing a fresh set of batteries. Another one, the Goal Zero Torch 250, has a flood light mode.
Scrolldowntoseeallofourtoppicks,orjumptothecategoryyourelookingfor: Do you need a pint-sized lantern that packs a big punch? You can easily charge your electronic devices with this device. Overall, there was nothing this flashlight could do that any of the other flashlights Ive already recommended could do better. (My favorite example is this Will It Crush? video of the Fenix T1 surviving up to 20,500 lbs of force.). This second budget flashlight we tested didnt perform any better than the first. While testing, we paid particular attention to light output, battery life, and ease of use. Im no flashaholic or flashlight expert. It was the smallest and lightest flashlight we tested. Also, an electric lantern should be able to give you several evenings of light without requiring a recharge. Let me simplify it for you. If you plan to use it infrequently or use rechargeable D batteries, its a great option. The solar panels work seamlessly. It is tiny and black and hard to locate in the depths of a backpack. Using all the flashlights in this real-world scenario allowed me to assess things like the user interface of each flashlight, how appropriate the brightness settings are once the sun goes down, and how easy the lights are to operate in the dark. A red light mode isnt necessary, though. The white light strobes we tested were all brighter.
Make sure to look at the run time for each mode and confirm that its adequate for your purposes. After I had tucked myself in, I waited until my eyes adjusted to the dark and then brought out my flashlights and one at a time used them as a tent light source. Red light, according to REI, does not cause our pupils to shrink the way white light can. Thus, it is good for nighttime use. Flashlight product pages like to tout max lumen outputs, but these higher brightness settings went unused in 99% of my testing. I mostly used the low mode while camping since the medium and high modes are too bright when your eyes adjust to the darkness. You can choose from a metal hook on the bottom base plate, or use the malleable rubber loop on top. XTorch lights are used around the world with nonprofits and other organizations involved in disaster relief, refugee aid, and humanitarian outreach. Look for a lantern thats bright enough to illuminate your camping space and one that is simple enough to use after a long day of hiking. To be honest, this flashlight is nothing special. Selfbuilt, a prolific flashlight reviewer, wrote about a consistency problem he encountered with budget flashlights. It takes a few tries at first to move through its dimming and other settings, but its easy enough once you get the hang of it. Your camp light source should also do a good job of illuminating your tent once youve gone inside for the night. Beyond the instances where I actually needed to go the bathroom, I also mimicked this act by literally getting out of my tent and walking a little ways into the woods.