13 Best Lanterns for Camping

Well, nothing is more frustrating in the middle of travel than when something really important flakes out on you. For example, when the fuel runs out, the camper breaks down, or when the lights go out during a night’s stay. We experienced that a lot. However, we have been able to learn our lesson the hard way. We now keep extra fuel in store, a spare battery in the trunk, and camping lights – so that nothing can ruin our trips. In this article, we are exclusively going to share with you the best lanterns for camping, coming straight out of our first-hand experiences!

Before compiling this guide, however, we did a lot of research and field testing. We chose about fifty lanterns and then came down to just thirteen that we found the ultimate choices, backed by our personal experience with them! The options you see here are economic, efficient, and bring a lot of value to the table. So, let’s see how they can fit the bill for you!

BioLite Alpenglow Multicolor USB

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The BioLite LED Lantern is our no-brainer choice for outdoor adventures or backyard gatherings these days! Recently, this lantern provided us with about 500 lumens of nature-inspired lighting. Plus it created the perfectly snug ambiance for our campsites. Powered by efficient LED technology, when tested, we found the lighting both energy-efficient and economical. It usually works uninterrupted for around five hours – at high intensity. Impressive, right? Apart from that, it not only illuminates the surroundings but also keeps your devices powered with a USB-A charge-out port. So, that’s multifunctioning!

And, as far as portability is concerned, honestly, we easily carried the thing like a breeze and set it up wherever we needed it with its compact measurements. Also, the style is simple yet appeals to the eye. On the whole, it’s a high-value product, better than most of its counterparts!

Check out the official listing of this product on the brand website.

FENIX CL Series with Battery

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Best Value for Money. If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile solution, check out the FENIX CL Series! Well, if you ask us, this tiny little thing is a beast for sure! When put to test, it lit our basement as well as the camp area as if it were daytime. Moving on, it is a whole package with exquisitely compact dimensions that fits everywhere. Plus, the carriage is never an issue with this one. Furthermore, the quality’s more important – if you’re more into performance and durability. Well, the product comes from Fenix – a big name, right? – and backed by a manufacturer warranty. So, that’s a lot of upside there. Aside from that, the model comes in a sleek black color while offering lasting functionality with style. So, in a nutshell, for us, it was a compact yet substantial addition to our gear!

Here’s the official website of FENIX for so many more options!

LED Consciot Battery Camp Lantern

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A top-of-the-line option, the LED Consciot Battery Camp Lantern turned out to be a high-power, extremely efficient source of lighting! Constructed from top-quality plastic material, the lantern has a hard-wearing body. Plus, we loved the thoughtful levels of protection featured on this gizmo. For example, it is crafted with anti-slip rubber as well as shock-proof materials. Also, it can easily withstand stormy weather and harsh outdoor usage. Apart from that, we were astonished by the amazing capacity, staying lit for as long as 12 hours at a stretch. And you know at what power? 1000 lumens! Super cool, right? Furthermore, there are four lighting modes, and just on the press of a button, you can choose your favorite mode and personalize the lighting according to your wishes. Needless to say, the lantern is a high-quality product that offers more value than the money you invest in it!

P.S. In case you’re interested, here’s our guide on the best solar lanterns!

Snow Peak GigaPower Auto Lantern

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Best Sturdiness. We present a perfect lighting solution to illuminate dark nights at otherwise jet-black camping sites. We’re talking about the Snow Peak GigaPower Auto Lantern! The lantern is a large piece, and when we tested it, it gave out plenty of light for a warm and bright night’s stay. Further, we loved the compact and easy-to-carry design. It was a breeze to transport the thing with us. If we talk of construction, the top is a glass globe, whereas the base is stainless steel, which is what makes the lantern quite sturdy. The thoughtful and ergonomic design also features an auto-igniter with highly responsive controls. So, with these controls, we were better able to adjust the light to our preferences. Well, topping off user orientation, the lantern is powered by butane – which makes it a super-efficient option in the long term!

Also, see the original listing for real-time customer reviews!

Black Diamond Equipment Moji Lantern

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The Black Diamond Equipment Moji Lantern is a versatile lighting technology with dual-fuel capabilities. Powered by a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery or Alkaline cells, this single-piece lantern gave us as much as 150 lumens in one go, which is mighty considering the “littleness”! Moreover, the lantern came with maximum flexibility. How? Well, it has the power to withstand rain and sleet from any angle because of the amazing stormproof make with an IPX4 rating. Alright, so how did we like the usability? Well, it’s easy to use in simple words. For example, the settings include a dimming switch and strobe lighting by which we can easily adjust the brightness according to our preferences.

On top of that, the double-hook hang loop facilitates easy suspension in a tent, presenting us with lots of convenience during outdoor activities. Therefore, with the Black Diamond lantern, you can rest assured that your camp experience will be as bright as it can get in the darkest of nights!

Ledlenser Rechargeable Lantern

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We found the Ledlenser Rechargeable Lantern a solid option altogether! Constructed from heavy-duty aluminum, the lantern is reliable for use when we were at camp. We needed lots of lighting because, in the remote territory that we camped out on, there was no source of light in sight. However, to our surprise, the lantern alone was able to give an output of around 750 lumens – which was truly extraordinary. Furthermore, the burn time was as much as 70 hours back-to-back. After which it needed recharging. Also another revolutionary feature is that you can use it as a power bank. Well, that was something, considering that our cell phones were already running out of juice. So, it is a solid option (as we said), plus you will adore the portable and user-friendly construction!

P.S. You may also be interested in having a look at the best battery-operated lanterns!

Barebones Bronze Forest Lantern

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For a warm and cozy ambiance with lots of brightness, we recommend the Barebones Bronze Forest Lantern! The lantern became a perfect source of light in the woods for us. Plus, crafted from high-quality stamped steel, it proved the best choice for rough nights up in the hills. What initially attracted us, to be honest, was the lovely old-school design. It was something that caught our attention at once. Having said that, it’s battery-powered. And it’s definitely not as heavy and creaky as the old ones. In fact, the lantern is relatively lighter and has a great make that allows maximum portability and easy carriage.

Moreover, there’s a much-needed handle on top, which we used frequently to hang the lantern up on the trees when we needed scattered light from overhead. To say it all, it was an awesome experience using this high-value, trendy gizmo!

Goal Zero Light Solar Powered Lantern

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As a matter of fact, the small light, Goal Zero Light Solar Powered Lantern does wonders when it comes to work! The light is a lightweight and easy-to-carry option that we can easily stuff in our camping gear without trouble. Also, since you crush it down for portability, it’s pretty much a breeze to take anywhere – even in a small travel case. Besides that, we appreciate the efficient construction with a finished Lithium Ion battery that saves power and still works to perfection. Another awesome upside is that it is a member of the Crush Light family that comes with a push-button-switch style and a table-top mount installation.

What’s more, this lantern is equipped with an advanced LED bulb that makes our environment brighter in numerous settings, offering an additional element of elegance. In the ever-changing tapestry of outdoor experiences, this gadget emerges as a reliable companion, blending efficiency with style!

On a side thought, you may also want to have a look at the best lanterns for kids!

Lighthouse Multi-Functional Adjustable Light

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Best Quality. Engineered in the United States, the Lighthouse Multi-Functional Adjustable Light is a dope idea! This camping lantern was able to light our camp as well as the surrounding area with its 600 Lumens of powerful output. The power we loved! Aside from that, the lantern uses a lithium battery that can be charged with any USB port. Plus, it has a Goal Zero solar panel – so you can also let it charge from the sun! That’s not all. There’s a crank for powering the machine. We used the crank – just for the sake of testing – and, with a bit of arm work, it gave us about half an hour of lighting. Quite reliable, right? Well, besides that, the lantern has a lightweight and compact body. Therefore, it fit all too well with the rest of our camping gear and was a delight. All in all, it is a luxury option for the price!

Also, if you’re interested, here’s our exclusive guide to the best candle lanterns. Check it out!

UCO Original Candle Lantern

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Best Style. The UCO Original Candle Lantern is a must-have item for our backpacking, hiking, and outdoor adventures! We love the valuable kit that comes with three components. Namely, two nine-hour emergency candles, a light-reflecting sheet, and a protective cocoon case! The lantern’s adventure-ready style has foldable anodized aluminum tubes about 4.25 inches in height. Furthermore, we found the spring-loaded bottom thoughtful and well-advised because it guarantees safety and ensures that the flame stays lit during transportation or when you carry it around.

Besides that, there are some other far more promising features, for example, the hanging hook, heat shield, and carry handle – all of which go to make the lantern as user-centric as possible. Also, it was a delight for us to see the lighting unaffected during harsh weather – thanks to its windproof construction. So, what’s the final word? Well, this old-style yet high-performance lantern can be your top choice. This is especially if you’re after a cozy camping ambiance that is sufficiently lit up!

Check out the detailed review by Charles Artificer on YouTube!

BioLite Alpenglow Mini Lumen

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An ergonomically designed modernistic lighting solution, the BioLite Alpenglow Mini Lumen showed us light when needed it the most! Well, a month back, we got stuck in the middle of nowhere when it started raining cats and dogs. Usually, we rely on bonfires for lighting. However, due to the unexpected downpour, we found ourselves short of options that night. That’s when this mini powerhouse came to the rescue. It kept us lit for as long as five hours. We could see clearly, thanks to the built-in ChromaReal LED.

Plus, being water-resistant, it couldn’t be touched by the rain. Also, note that we used the high-power option. Had it been the low option, we could have had a reliable source of light for forty hours! Awesome, isn’t it? Apart from that, being mini-sized, the lantern is a breeze to carry. However, you may need more than one just to keep yourself sufficiently lit as long as you want. So, a high-value, low-energy stuff, the BioLite lantern does make a reliable choice!

Goal Zero Crush Solar Powered Lantern

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After passing our field tests, the Goal Zero Crush Solar Powered Lantern easily made its way into our top thirteen list! The lantern is one of a kind. First of all, the revolutionary design has us awe-struck. It’s collapsible and the size can be brought down to just half an inch. Plus, it’s lightweight and compact, so carrying it was a picnic. Moreover, it has the capacity to provide 60 lumens of light when used on high power. However, on low energy usage, it can give about 35 lumens without trouble. Good enough, isn’t it?

It’s an ideal pick for nights oudoors. We found the overall idea tremendously usable and meaningful. Also, it’s the best lantern for long trips when you want to pack extra light!

WOW Travel

Apart from that, the dynamic device has six different modes of lighting, and we had a great time choosing the mode that best suited our needs. Also, another thing worth mentioning is the soft candle flicker mode, that’s more than enough to give you a soothing ambiance and soft effect! So, what’s our verdict? It’s a great choice, honestly!

Vintage Lantern Outdoor Hanging Lantern

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Best Overall. The Vintage Lantern Outdoor Hanging Lantern tops our list without question! It won our hearts in terms of performance, longevity, and visual beauty! At first, we were a bit on the fence about whether to use this antique or vintage option. However, a friend convinced us that this was a good deal, so we tried it out. So, constructed from plastic, the lantern was quite solid and reliable for outdoor use. In addition to that, we found several important features quite interesting. For example, the lantern is a remote-operated machine. This allowed us to set the temperature from 30 feet away. Apart from that, the lantern has three lighting modes. So, the sophisticated feature lets us personalize the experience even better.

Not only that, but it’s a light spreader and reaches into places that are hardly touched by ordinary camping lights. Also, note that the material is waterproof and weather-resistant, so it was able to withstand the elements much better than our expectations. What’s the bottom line? Well, this lantern perfectly fits the bill for a bright and warm environment at an affordable price!

Our Verdict!

We rate the Vintage Lantern Outdoor Hanging Lantern as our top choice as the best on this list. Considering the benefits, it deserves the spot! However, there are other options that we believe top the list on the basis of some specific features. Let’s take a look at them below!

• Best value for money: FENIX CL Series with Battery
• Best quality: Lighthouse Multi-Functional Adjustable Light
• Best style: UCO Original Candle Lantern
• Best sturdiness: Snow Peak GigaPower Auto Lantern

How To Choose The Best Camping Lanterns

When we selected the best lanterns for this guide, we had three most important factors in mind. These factors helped us discard useless junk and set aside top-notch options with true value. So, what are the factors to be considered? Let’s take a good look at them below!

Burn time

When we were looking for the best options, one feature that we considered most seriously was the burn time of the lanterns. That’s important because you want the light to last as long as possible; just a few minutes or two is never good enough. So, make sure you buy a lantern with sufficient capacity.

Portability

Of course, the lantern needs to be portable and packable when we go camping. We only pick lanterns that are easy to carry and highly portable so that there’s less burden on us and we can move around with as little load as possible. So, think about that!

Power

Not all camping lights have the same power. Some illuminate the entire camping site, while others can only light up very limited surroundings. How much light you need is totally upon you. But, as far as we go, we usually seek the lanterns with the highest power. So that a lantern or two can give us enough light for the night.

How do I choose a lantern to camp?

The two things to keep in mind are the power source and the output of the device. If you’re focused on these features, you’ll find the right one.

How long do camping lanterns last?

Depending on the power of the battery and machine capacity, a lantern may last as long as 50 hours on a single charge. However, there are lanterns that only last a couple of hours.

How many lanterns do you need for camping?

Generally speaking, you’ll need at least one lantern to light up your tent and another one to illuminate your surroundings outside the tent.