When it comes to camping, there are a few essentials that you just can't go without. One of those is definitely a lantern. Not only does a lantern provide light in the darkness, but it also adds a touch of comfort and convenience to your outdoor experience. With all of the different lanterns on the market today, though, how do you know which one is right for you?
In this article, we will take go through some of the best camping lanterns and help you decide which one is right for your needs. We'll also provide some tips on how to choose the right camping lantern for your next outdoor adventure. So whether you're looking for something small and lightweight or something big and bright, we've got you covered!
9 Best Camping Lantern Options
We looked at several different camping lanterns and narrowed it down to the nine best options. We based our selections on a variety of factors, including brightness, battery life, weight, and durability. We also considered customer reviews when making our final decisions.
Here are the 9 best camping lanterns for camping trips:
1. Lighting EVER LED Camping Lantern
$29.99
$26.99
The Lighting EVER LED Camping Lantern is a great choice for anyone in need of a reliable and bright lantern. With a maximum brightness of 1000 lumens, it's perfect for reading or illuminating an entire space.
Like Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Camping Lantern, this lantern also features four different light modes – daylight white, warm white, full brightness, and flashing – so you can choose the right one for your needs. And if you're worried about the battery life, don't be – even at full brightness, the lightweight lantern will last for 12 hours on just three D rechargeable batteries.
Besides, it's water-resistant with an IPX4 rating, so it can handle rain or snow without issue. And if you need to hang it up, no problem—there's a hook on the bottom and metal handles on the top that makes hanging quick and easy.
Pros
- Very bright (1000 lumens)
- Four light modes
- Long battery life (up to 12 hours on three D batteries)
- Water-resistant (IPX4 rating)
- Hook and handles for easy hanging
Cons
- Too bright, not dimmable enough, battery eater
2. Etekcity LED Camping Lantern
The Etekcity LED Camping Lantern is a great choice for your next car camping trip. With 30 LED bulbs, it can get as bright as 140 lumens, making it perfect for keeping the darkness away during storms or power outages.
Furthermore, the collapsible design makes it portable and lightweight, so you can easily pack it in your backpack or emergency kit. Besides, it's durable and water-resistant, meaning it can withstand being dropped or getting wet. And with 3 AA batteries included, it provides up to 30 hours of light.
Pros
- 30 LED bulbs for bright light
- Collapsible and portable design
- Durable and water-resistant
- Comes with batteries (3 AA)
- Long rechargeable lithium-ion battery life (up to 30 hours)
Cons
- Only 3 in the package
3. LuminAI D Solar Inflatable Lanterns
LuminAI D Solar Inflatable Lanterns are a versatile and fun way to add light to any setting. Built in the USA, these lanterns feature 9 different color modes, including a white LED mode, seven distinct color modes, and a different -color rainbow mode.
They're ideal for outdoor or indoor lighting and great for hiking, camping, emergency preparedness, parties, garden/patio, picnics, and fun in the pool. LuminAI D Solar Inflatable Lanterns are completely powered by the sun, so no additional batteries are necessary. They have long battery life and will provide between 3-12 hours of colored LED light when fully charged.
They can be recharged in approximately 10 hours of direct outdoor sunlight or by micro USB input (cord included) in 1-2 hours. These lanterns are lightweight and collapsible, making them easy to take or store anywhere.
Pros
- White LED mode
- Multi-color rainbow fade mode
- Powered by the sun
- No batteries are necessary
- Long battery life
- Lightweight and collapsible
Cons
- Creamy texture
4. Vont Camping Lantern
If you're looking for a rechargeable camping lantern that is both bright and reliable, the Vont Camping Lantern is a great option. With 30 LEDs, it provides plenty of camping light to see, and it's also collapsible, so you can reduce the size of the lantern when you don't need as much light.
In addition, the Vont Camping Lantern is made with military-grade materials, so it can withstand being dropped or submerged in water. And if you're not satisfied with the lantern for any reason, it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- 30 LEDs for bright light
- Collapsible for easy storage
- Made with military-grade materials
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- One of them won’t turn off
5. Coleman Premium Powerhouse Dual Fuel Lantern
$114.99
$95.39
The gas-powered lanterns are durable and can easily be hung from a bail handle, making it perfect for camping trips. Additionally, the lantern features dual-fuel technology, meaning that it can run on either Coleman liquid fuel or unleaded gasoline.
Unlike electric lanterns, this makes it a great choice for those who like to be prepared for any situation. Finally, the lantern is equipped with All Season Strong technology, ensuring reliable operation in all weather conditions.
Pros
- Durable
- Hangable
- Dual fuel technology
- All Season Strong technology
Cons
- Smells bad when burning Coleman liquid fuel
6. MPOWERD Luci String Lights
$54.95
$44.95
Looking for a unique way to add some extra light to your life? Check out MPOWERD Luci string lights. These lights are built-in with a rechargeable 2000 mAh lithium-ion battery, so you can keep them going for up to 15 hours on a single charge. With 20 multi-color LEDs spread across an 18 ft cord, you can choose from 6 different colors of ambiance to create the perfect mood.
And if you ever need to recharge, these lights come with mobile charging capabilities so you can always stay powered up. Best of all, these solar panel lights are completely solar and never need batteries, making them a great eco-friendly option.
If you're planning a camping trip, you'll want to make sure you have the right gear to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. One essential item is a good set of string lights. MPOWERD's Luci String Lights are perfect for camping and hiking trips. They're lightweight and easy to carry, so you won't have to worry about them taking up too much space in your pack.
Moreover, they're durable and designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventure. And if you need a little extra light around your campsite, the Luci String Lights come with eight different modes, including a flashlight mode and six unique color settings.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Durable and designed for outdoor adventure
- 8 different modes, including a flashlight mode and 6 unique color settings
Cons
- Expensive
7. Black Diamond Equipment Moji + Lantern
$24.95
$23.70
Illuminate your campsite with the Black Diamond Equipment Moji + Lantern. This lantern is powered by one TriplePower LED that emits up to 100 max lumens of light. The frosted globe produces ambient, bright light, and the special dimming switch gives adaptable brightness.
The lantern includes a foldable, dual-hook hang loop and is equipped with 3 AAA alkaline batteries. It is also supported against water immersion. Whether you're camping in the backcountry or in your backyard, the Black Diamond Equipment Moji + Lantern will provide ample light for your needs.
Pros
- A unique dimming switch provides adjustable brightness
- Foldable, dual-hook hang loop
- Shielded against water immersion
Cons
- Maybe too bright for some campers
8. AYL Camping Lantern
$35.99
$32.95
If you're looking for a camping lantern that is both bright and rechargeable, the AYL Camping Lantern is a great option. This lantern is fitted with 46 LED light bulbs that deliver an extremely high 1800 lumens of light.
And since LED light bulbs are known for being energy-efficient and long-lasting, you won't have to worry about replacing them anytime soon. The AYL Camping Lantern also has a built-in 4400mAh rechargeable battery that can last up to 12 hours on a single charge.
Also, it can even be used as a power bank in case your phone or tablet runs out of juice. And since it's water-resistant, it's perfect for taking on camping or hiking trips. This LED lantern features four light modes – daylight, warm light, both, and flash mode. You can also dim the light to create the perfect ambiance.
Furthermore, the lantern has a slip-proof handle for easy hanging and a hand-free light source. So you can enjoy your camping trip without worrying about finding a place to put your light. Lastly, the AYL Camping Lantern is rechargeable, so you'll never have to worry about running out of batteries.
Pros
- Super bright with 46 LED light bulbs that deliver 1800 lumens of light
- Built-in 4400mAh rechargeable battery lasts up to 12 hours
- Can be used as a power bank in case your phone or tablet runs out of juice
- Water-resistant and perfect for camping or hiking trips
- Features four light modes – daylight, warm light, both, and flash mode
- Dimmable light to create the perfect ambiance
Cons
- A bit pricey
9. Lepro Camping Lantern
This LED light bulb is smaller than a regular A19 bulb, yet still provides plenty of light with its 80-lumen low beam. It also has a handy hanging hook so you can use it as a handheld flashlight or hanging camping tent light.
And if you need more light, simply switch to the high beam mode for 140 lumens of brightness (equivalent to a 15W incandescent bulb). Powered by 3 AAA batteries (included), this portable and wireless camping lantern is perfect for indoor or outdoor use.
Pros
- Smaller than a typical A19 bulbs
- Handy hanging hook
- High beam mode for 140 lumens of brightness
- Powered by 3 AAA batteries
Cons
- Simple design
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Camping Lantern
When choosing the best camping lantern for your needs, there are several factors you'll need to consider. Below, we've highlighted some of the most important considerations to keep in mind.
1. Lumens & Brightness
The first thing you'll want to consider is the brightness of the lantern. This is typically measured in lumens. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the light will be.
However, it's important to note that not all lanterns are created equal. Some lanterns may have a higher lumen output but produce dimmer light. So it's important to read reviews to get a better idea of the actual brightness of the lantern.
2. Battery Type
The most common types of batteries are AA and AAA. However, some lanterns may use larger or smaller batteries.
If you're planning on using the lantern regularly, it's important to choose one that uses batteries that are readily available and easy to find.
3. Battery Life
This will depend on the type of battery the lantern uses as well as the brightness of the light. The brighter the light, the shorter the battery life will be.
So if you're looking for a lantern that will last all night, it's important to choose one with a lower lumen output.
4. Light Mode
Some lanterns may have multiple light modes such as high, low, and flashing. This can be handy if you need different levels of light for different activities.
5. Weight
If you're planning on taking your lantern camping or hiking, it's important to consider the weight. The heavier the lantern, the more difficult it will be to carry.
So if weight is a major concern for you, it's important to choose a lighter lantern.
6. Water-Resistance
If you're planning on using your lantern in the rain or near water, it's important to choose one that is water-resistant. This will help to ensure that the lantern doesn't get damaged if it gets wet.
FAQ
How bright should a camping lantern be?
When it comes to camping lanterns, the question of how bright they should be is a matter of personal preference. Some campers prefer lanterns that produce a bright, intense light, while others prefer a softer, more subtle light. There are also some campers who like to have the option of changing the light intensity depending on the situation. For example, they may want a brighter light for reading or playing cards around the campfire, but a softer light for going to bed. Eventually, the decision of how bright a camping lantern should be is up to the individual camper.
How bright are 1000 lumens?
1000 lumens is very bright. In fact, it's so bright that it can be uncomfortable to look at for extended periods of time. To give you an idea of just how bright 1000 lumens is, consider that a standard 60-watt lightbulb emits about 700-800 lumens. That means that 1000 lumens are about 25-30% brighter than a standard lightbulb. It's also worth noting that the intensity of light decreases as you move away from the source. So, if you're standing close to a 1000-lumen light, it will seem much brighter than if you're standing further away. In general, though, 1000 lumens is very bright and should be used sparingly.
Conclusion
Now that you know more about camping lanterns, it's time to choose the best one for your needs. Remember to consider the factors we've listed above, such as lumens, battery type, weight, and water resistance. And don't forget to read reviews to get a better idea of the actual brightness and quality of the lantern. With this information, you'll be sure to find the perfect lantern for your next outdoor adventure.
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