There is something magical about camping outdoors and making memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors, embarking on an adventure with your family, or just enjoying the tranquility of nature for a weekend getaway, having reliable light at night is essential.
But how do you make sure you are getting the best campsite lighting for your needs? That’s where camping lanterns come in – they offer portable illumination that can be used indoors as well as out. But with so many different types available it can be hard to decide which one is right for you.
We’ve researched various types of camping lanterns to bring you the 6 best options on the market today! From solar-powered LED lights to battery operated models, we help narrow down your choices so that all you need to worry about is finding the perfect campsite and relaxing under the stars!
Our Top 3 Picks
Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Camping Lantern
Snow Peak’s Mini Hozuki Lantern
Reviews Of The The 6 Best Lantern’s For Camping
Camping lanterns are an essential item for any outdoor adventure, providing a source of light and warmth during the dark hours of the night. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the 7 best lanterns for camping, along with reviews for each one.
1. Black Diamond Moji Lantern
The Black Diamond Moji Lantern is an all-in-one camping lantern that stands out from the crowd. It’s lightweight and designed with dual fuel technology so it can be used with either a rechargeable Lithium Ion BD 1500 battery or Alkaline cells (not included). The 150 Lumen max output and frosted globe create even and bright usable light while the two button interface allows you to easily adjust brightness, full spectrum color, and campfire light modes for your desired illumination. You can also cycle through rainbow colors with strobe and solid color modes for light driven campsite entertainment. With its double-hook hang loop, suspending it in your tent has never been easier! And if you’re worried about getting caught in a storm, not to worry – the IPX 4 Stormproof feature ensures this lantern withstands rain and sleet from any angle. Plus, its dimmable light remembers your last setting so you don’t have to reset each time. All in all, if you’re looking for a reliable camping lantern that packs plenty of features into one convenient package then the Black Diamond Moji Lantern is certainly worth considering!
Features
Dual-Fuel: Can be used with a rechargeable Lithium Ion BD 1500 battery or Alkaline cells (not included)
150 Lumen max output
Frosted globe creates even and bright usable light
Two button interface with adjustable brightness, full spectrum color, and campfire light modes
Rainbow colors with strobe and solid color modes for light driven campsite entertainment
Double-hook hang loop for easy suspension in a tent
IPX 4 Stormproof: Withstands rain and sleet from any angle
Pros
Bright and lightweight
Can be used with rechargeable battery or alkaline cells
Adjustable brightness and color settings
Continuous cycle through rainbow colors with strobe and solid color modes for campsite entertainment
Double-hook hang loop makes it easy to suspend in a tent
Stormproof, resistant to rain and sleet from any angle
Dimmable light that saves your last setting for next use
Cons
Does not come with batteries
Small size may be deceiving to some customers
2. Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Camping Lantern, 600-Lumen Hand Crank LED Lantern
The 2nd product on our list is the Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Camping Lantern. This lantern packs an impressive punch with its up to 600-lumen output, providing plenty of light for your camp setup or early morning hikes. It has three ways to charge – hand crank, solar panel or USB charger. The collapsible legs make it easy to store and transport while the built-in handle allows you to hang it in your tent for a mix of ambient lighting and hands free convenience. Additionally, it includes a USB port so you can use its battery power to charge other devices like phones or tablets while camping.
Overall this is a great option if you’re looking for professional grade power that won’t weigh you down during your outdoor adventures. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry around while its battery life ensures that you have enough power throughout your trip. Additionally, its waterproof build stands up well against any weather conditions and the flexible charging options help ensure no matter where you are in the world, this lantern will provide reliable lighting when needed most.
Features
Adjustable up to 600 lumens
3 ways to charge
Collapsible legs for convenient storage
Built-in handle for easy carrying and hanging
USB output to power other devices
Pros
Professional-grade power
Lightweight and portable
Can charge other devices
Good battery life
Stands up to rain
Cons
Long charging time
Power switch may stop working
Unclear description regarding solar charging and USB output
3. Snow Peak’s Mini Hozuki Lantern, Snow, ES-041WH-US, Designed in Japan, Lifetime Product Guarantee, Lightweight, Compact for Camping or Backpacking, Camping Light
The Snow Peak Mini Hozuki Lantern is a great choice for your camping and backpacking needs. This compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry with you wherever you go, while its dimmable LED light allows for adjustable brightness, making it perfect for night time use. The lantern can be powered by AAA batteries or rechargeable ones, giving you the convenience of both options. It’s designed in Japan with attention to craftsmanship and durability, making it a reliable companion on any outdoor adventure – plus, it comes with a lifetime product guarantee! However, some customers have reported that the silicone mantle can come off accidentally when using the controls which can be annoying. Additionally, one customer noted that this lantern is heavier than others so keep an eye on the weight if that matters to you. All in all though, this is a great lantern option that will last season after season.
Features
Compact and lightweight design
Dimmable LED light with three different settings
Can be powered by either AAA batteries or rechargeable batteries
Pros
Provides good light for camping or backpacking activities
Designed in Japan with attention to craftsmanship and durability
Covered by a lifetime product guarantee
Dimmable feature allows for adjustable brightness
Can be powered by both alkaline and rechargeable batteries for convenience
Cons
Some customers have reported that the controls are clunky and the silicone mantle can come off accidentally
One customer reported that the lantern is a bit heavy compared to other camping lights
Not rechargeable, which can be inconvenient and costly in the long run, according to one customer review
4. Coleman Multi-Panel LED Lantern
The Coleman Multi-Panel LED Lantern is a great choice for campers and hikers who need light that will last through any adventure. This lantern can reach an impressive 800 lumens of brightness when the base is at full power—perfect for lighting up your campsite or helping you find your way around in the dark. The four rechargeable take-along light panels are perfect for illuminating your tent or providing targeted spot lighting, and they’re easy to remove and use individually with their magnetic backing. And if you ever find yourself without power, this lantern has up to a 20 hour runtime on the base unit with 4 D cell batteries, plus 3 hours of battery life on each individual panel with three AAA NiMH batteries. Plus, you can even charge mobile devices using the USB port built into it.
The overall design is rugged enough to withstand any outdoor environment thanks to its IPX4 water resistance rating. There are also multiple brightness levels and a pin-point flashlight feature available which makes it great for all kinds of activities such as camping, fishing, or hiking trips where versatility is key. All these features make it an ideal choice for anyone looking for high performance illumination without sacrificing portability or convenience!
Features
800 lumens for base; 100 for panels
Up to 20-hour runtime for base, 3 hours for panels
4 rechargeable take-along light panels
USB port for mobile device charging
IPX4 water resistance rating
Runs on 4 or 8 D-cell batteries (base) and 3 AAA NIMH batteries (panels)
3-year limited warranty
Pros
Versatile with removable panels that can be used individually
Strong magnetic backing to hold panels in place
Kickstand on back for easy placement
Multiple brightness levels and pin-point flashlight feature
Great for camping, emergencies, and power outages
Rechargeable panels reduce the need for disposable batteries
USB port provides a convenient charging option for mobile devices
Cons
Base can be heavy when loaded up with batteries
Charging/power contacts on the base can be easily damaged if care is not taken
NiMH batteries in the panels require maintenance to avoid premature death
5. Coast COAST EAL22 1250 Lumen Dual Color Stormproof LED Emergency Area Lantern
The Coast COAST EAL22 1250 Lumen Dual Color Stormproof LED Emergency Area Lantern is a great choice for any camping trip. This lantern offers dual color options with both white and red beams, giving you the perfect light no matter the situation. The versatile hanging options let you position the lantern perfectly, while its stormproof design ensures reliability in challenging weather conditions. It’s also rechargeable with Li-Ion ported batteries and includes an integrated USB-C port for easy charging. Plus, it can even charge external devices from its own battery! Some customers have reported issues with the size and positioning of cutouts on the console cover, but this shouldn’t be much of a concern as long as you use caution when handling it. All in all, this is a fantastic option for anyone looking for reliable lighting during their outdoor excursions.
Features
Dual-color beam with white and red options
Versatile hanging options with top and bottom carabiners
Stormproof with IPX7 weather rating
Li-Ion ported rechargeable batteries with integrated USB-C port
Built-in USB-C port for charging
External device charging for USB-enabled devices
Pros
Provides the right light for any occasion with dual-color options
Versatile hanging options for perfect positioning
Stormproof design ensures reliability during outages
Rechargeable batteries with USB-C port for convenient charging
Can charge external devices from the work light’s battery
Built-in USB-C port allows for easy charging
Cons
Some customers have reported issues with the cutouts for cables not being large enough or positioned correctly on the console cover.
6. ENERGIZER LED Camping Lantern X1000, Bright and Rugged Tent Light, Water Resistant Lantern for Camping, Hiking, Fishing, Emergency (USB Cable Included)
The ENERGIZER LED Camping Lantern X1000 is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a water-resistant and durable lantern that also offers bright lighting. It features an IPX4 water-resistant design, making it ideal for camping trips in wet or humid climates. The removable cap provides 360-degree area lighting while the built-in USB port allows for easy charging of devices like phones or tablets. It has three modes of light so you can adjust to your needs accordingly. Plus, its shatterproof lens ensures lasting protection against aerial impacts and rough handling.
This lantern has a maximum brightness of 1150 Lumen which means it can provide full size brightness even when compactly sized – great for packing away yet still getting plenty of light. Its long battery life ensures users won’t have to worry about running out of power during their outdoor adventures, plus its charge time isn’t too long either although slightly longer than listed on occasion but nothing to be concerned about. All in all, this is a rugged and reliable choice that will ensure you’ll never miss out on any nighttime adventures again!
Features
Removable cap and hanging hook for 360-degree area lighting
USB port for charging devices
Three modes of lighting
Shatterproof lens and durable design
IPX4 water-resistant
Pros
Brightness of up to 1150 Lumen
Compact size
Runs while plugged in using the cable provided
Perfect for camping, hiking, fishing, and emergencies
Full-size brightness for a compact light
Long-lasting battery life
Cons
Charge time is slightly longer than listed
Battery could be stronger
Buying Guide: camping lantern
Choosing a camping lantern can be a daunting task, especially with the vast array of options available in the market. To ensure that you get the best one for your needs, there are several factors that you must consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing the perfect camping lantern for your next outdoor adventure:
Battery Life
A camping lantern is a great tool, but it’s also a battery-powered device. That means you need to consider the battery life of whatever model you’re looking at.
The best way to determine how long a camping lantern will last is by looking for the manufacturer’s stated run time and then doing your own tests on each unit that you’re interested in. Many models offer up to 30 hours of bright light or more from a single set of batteries, so make sure that’s enough for your needs.
The battery type is important too – some lightweight models are equipped with cartridge-based solutions like AA or AAA batteries while others have built-in rechargeable lithium ion power cells. Weighing up these types can help you decide which one might be right for you based on weight vs convenience vs output vs cost/life cycle etc.
Also bear in mind that many lanterns come with low power options like night lights which can extend the lifespan of your units even further!
Price
Price is always an important consideration when purchasing any kind of gear, and this applies to camping lanterns as well! You should balance out what features are most important (e.g. brightness, run time, battery type) against your budget before making any decisions so that you can get the highest quality product possible at the lowest price point possible. Remember, there are plenty of excellent budget models on the market these days so don’t be scared off if something seems expensive right away – taking some extra time to do research and comparison shopping could result in big savings!
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
If you’re planning a camping trip, a reliable lantern is a must-have item. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about camping lanterns and their features.
What is a camping lantern?
A camping lantern is a portable light source that helps campers see in the dark. Camping lanterns often come with handles so they can be carried around conveniently. Most camping lanterns use either LED or gas as a source of light. Depending on your needs, you can choose one that suits you best.
How do camp lights work?
Camp lights work by using a battery-powered LED panel that emits light when turned on. This is usually done with the help of a button or switch and it’s super simple to use. Depending on your setup, you may have several different camp lights that all run off the same power source. Some even come with dimming capabilities, so you can control how much light your camp site has!
What type of batteries are used in camping lanterns?
Camping lanterns typically use either disposable batteries, such as AA and AAA size batteries, or rechargeable battery packs. LED camping lights often come with a built-in rechargeable lithium battery that can be charged using a USB cord. However, traditional gasoline lanterns may require liquid fuel to run.
Are LED lights better than regular bulbs for camping lamps?
LED lights are generally a better choice for camping lamps than regular bulbs. LED lights offer improved energy efficiency, brighter light output and longer life expectancy. They also generate less heat than regular bulbs, which can be a major advantage in certain situations. Plus they’re much more durable and are not prone to breakage like traditional incandescent bulbs. All these advantages make LED camping lamps an ideal choice!
Which materials are best for making durable and light weight camping lanterns ?
When looking for a light weight and durable camping lantern, aluminum and plastic are two of the best materials to look for. Aluminum is lightweight yet strong, while plastic is very durable and also light. Both materials will provide you with a lantern that you can take out on your next camping trip without having to worry about it breaking or wearing down easily.
Conclusion
No matter what type of camping you’re doing, having a good quality lantern is essential. We hope our list has helped you find the best camping lantern for your needs. Whether you need something rugged and durable, or lightweight and portable, there’s sure to be something on this list that fits your style and budget.
When buying your own camping lantern, always remember to consider how much light output is needed for the activities you plan on doing in the dark. You want to make sure that each member of your family has enough light while out in nature so everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience!