It’s easy to lose track of just how dark it gets at night while living in brightly-lit cities. It’s only when you go camping in the great outdoors that you realize just how dark pitch black is, especially in the dead of the night. This is exactly why I always have bright LED lanterns for camping. They ensure that I’ll never trip and my food won’t end up being on the ground. Whether it’s sitting around the fire, digging into some good food, or cooking around a barbeque, these lanterns can light up a large area effortlessly. They’re able to provide bright and even light that I can always use for quite literally everything, from cooking to reading. However, with so many different options from different brands on the market, knowing which one to get can be a hassle. That’s why, today, we’ll take a look at some of the top options out there. I’ve used and tested the ones below, and they’re among my favorites.
Looking for some alternatives? Check out these candle lanterns for camping!
Table of contents
- Lighting EVER LED Camping Lantern
- Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini Core Lantern
- Black Diamond Apollo Lantern
- Etekcity Camping Lantern
- Ledlenser ML6
- BioLite Alpenglow
- Coleman 360 Sound and Light Lantern
- Streamlight Seige Outdoor Lantern
- Black Diamond Moji Lantern
- Consciot LED Camping Lantern
- Princeton Tec Helix Lantern
- Coleman LED Lantern
- ust60-DAY Duro LED Portable Lantern
- Our Verdict!
- How to Choose the Best LED Lanterns For Camping
- How many lumens do I need for a camping lantern?
- Are 1000 lumens bright for camping?
- Are lanterns better than flashlights?
Lighting EVER LED Camping Lantern
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Flooded by positive reviews from its users, it’s easy to know why the Lighting EVER LED Camping Lantern is considered on of the best LED camping lanterns. Aside from its affordable price tag, I also love how bright it is. Powered by three D batteries, this lantern has a maximum output of 1,000 lumens. For its price, I truly can’t ask for anything better. It was bright enough to let me read my novel clearly when I was in the woods. Plus, there are four lighting settings to choose from.
Another thing that I love is the fact that you can remove the cap whenever you want to make it smaller. You can also use it to direct the light in a specific direction. In addition to that, this lantern is water-resistant. It can survive a few splashes, but I never recommend submerging it completely. Also, its body is compact and won’t take up too much space inside your tent.
Features
- Weight: 0.88 lbs (0.40 kg)
- Maximum lumens: 1,000
Pros
- You’ll never have to charge the lantern.
- Though affordable, it’s really bright.
- It’s one of the most lightweight options on the market.
Cons
- The battery life isn’t that impressive.
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Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini Core Lantern
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Up next is the Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini Core Lantern. While it may have that traditional look, you shouldn’t underestimate it. At just 0.10 lbs, it provides a decent number of 210 lumens. Yes; it isn’t the brightest option out there. However, based on my experience, it was a good LED camping lantern to light up a small space. Plus, in a low setting, it can last for up to over 500 hours. Plus, it also comes with a USB port, which allows it to be a power bank.
I’m truly a huge fan of the design of this lantern. It’s compact, lightweight, and great for both indoors and outdoors. Not to mention, it comes with a hanger so you can carry it easily and hang it wherever you want. Also, most people find the warm white light to be very easy on the eyes. With everything it offers, it’s really hard not to love this lantern. Learn more about this product here!
Features
- Weight: 0.10 lbs (0.04 kg)
- Maximum lumens: 210
Pros
- It comes with a clear battery indicator.
- With strong, sturdy legs, this lantern can be placed on most surfaces.
- For the size, it has an amazing battery life.
Cons
- It may not be bright enough for some people.
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Black Diamond Apollo Lantern
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Every list has an all-rounder, and the Black Diamond Apollo is one of the all-rounders on this list. Whether it is power outages, camping, or backpacking, it’s poised to tackle anything that is thrown its way. While it doesn’t exactly earn high marks, its across-the-board consistency is what is admirable. This rocket-like lantern casts a slightly warm, even glow, which I really like. It’s not too bright but enough for camping. Plus, the quality is bettered by the opaque plastic cover.
Sometimes, it’s hard to find a smooth surface when you’re out in the woods. Luckily, this lantern comes with retractable tripod legs that allow it to be set up on any surface. And with rubberized footpads, you don’t have to worry about the lantern’s stability when the legs are folded. For me, I prefer to hang the lantern as it comes with a sturdy handle. Best of all, at a maximum setting, it can last for around six hours.
Features
- Weight: 0.83 lbs (0.38 kg)
- Maximum lumens: 225
Pros
- The power button doubles as a dimness switch.
- You can recharge the internal battery or use AA batteries as a backup.
- This lantern also doubles as a phone charger.
Cons
- The plastic body makes it feel like a toy.
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Etekcity Camping Lantern
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Durable and portable, the Etekcity Camping Lantern truly knocks it out of the park. First of all, this is one of the cheapest options available today. However, that doesn’t mean it’s bad! When I first received this item, I was impressed by the 30 LED lights, which are great for directional lighting. Powered by three AA batteries, it can last for up to 50 hours, which is awesome.
Furthermore, this lantern is super lightweight and portable. The ABS material plays a huge part in ensuring its portability, making it easy for you to pack it in your bag. Also, this item is super easy to use. You can throw the instruction manual and still be able to use it without any help. Best of all, it’s water-resistant. What more could you ask for?
Features
- Weight: 0.67 lbs (0.30 kg)
- Maximum lumens: 140
Pros
- There’s an extra compartment at the top for small items like keys.
- It’s one of the most affordable options on the market.
- It can be used as an emergency light as well.
Cons
- The build quality is good, but its durability isn’t on par with its competitors.
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Ledlenser ML6
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Another great addition to this list is the Ledlenser ML6. This is a beautifully-engineered, state-of-the-art lantern that doesn’t disappoint. With 750 lumens, this compact lantern is more than enough for most campers. But what I love the most is its ground-breaking lens technology, which promotes energy efficiency. Plus, there are a few modes to choose from according to your needs, from boost, blink, strobe, and SOS.
Like some of its competitors, this lantern also comes with a stand, allowing you to put it basically on any surface. Don’t worry, as the stand is removable. If you’re like me, you’ll appreciate the hook, which can be used to hang the lantern. During testing, this lantern received some splash. However, since it’s water-resistant, it could still work perfectly. Have a closer look at this lantern by watching its official YouTube introduction video!
Features
- Weight: 0.61 lbs (0.27 kg)
- Maximum lumens: 750
Pros
- This lantern also doubles as a power bank.
- It’s backed by a generous seven-year warranty.
- Once fully charged, it can be used for up to 70 hours.
Cons
- It’s not fully waterproof.
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BioLite Alpenglow
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Among all of the options available out there, the BioLite Alpenglow is one of my ultimate favorites. First of all, can we all take a moment to appreciate its speaker-like design? With beautiful multicolor LEDs, this has to be one of the most stunning options. This lamp offers you both cool and warm light. Adjusting the light is also a breeze. During testing, all I had to do was slide the brightness scale up or down. The one that I tested has a maximum lumen of 500, but there’s also a 250-lumen variant.
How long does this lantern last? Well, it depends. Based on the official website, this lantern can last for up to 200 hours on low and up to 5 hours on high setting. Want to save the battery life? Fret not, as you can light only half of the lantern. In addition to that, I think I should also mention the fact that it has an IPX4 water-resistant rating!
Features
- Weight: 0.46 lbs (0.20 kg)
- Maximum lumens: 500
Pros
- This lantern also doubles as a power bank.
- It’s backed by a generous seven-year warranty.
- Once fully charged, it can be used for up to 70 hours.
Cons
- It’s not fully waterproof.
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Coleman 360 Sound and Light Lantern
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Best Lantern/Speaker. Go off the grid in style with the Coleman 360 Sound and Light Lantern! Where else would you find a lantern that not only burns bright but also plays your playlist? Living up to its name, the nifty Coleman 360 is your private light and sound show. With a built-in Bluetooth speaker, it can blast tunes ad a decent sound level, so you can always jam to your favorite song wherever you are.
That’s not all, though! In addition to being a speaker, this lantern also passes the durability test with flying colors. For one, it’s water-resistant. During testing, it did survive a few splashes. On top of that, it has a shatterproof body that makes it super durable. Also, depending on the brightness setting, it can last for 7 to 40 hours. It’s truly a beast! By the way, did you know that Coleman also makes some amazing propane lanterns for camping?
Features
- Weight: 1.36 lbs (0.62 kg)
- Maximum lumens: 400
Pros
- There are three light modes to choose from.
- It can easily withstand rain and some impacts.
- The bail handle is comfortable to hold.
Cons
- Not everyone needs the speaker.
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Streamlight Seige Outdoor Lantern
6
Best Floating. Don’t underestimate the Streamlight Seige Outdoor Lantern just because of its petite size. After using this lantern, I think it’s safe to say that it’s one of the most versatile and durable options available right now. Whether it’s car camping or extended backcountry camping, you can always rely on this outdoor lantern. This sturdy little workhorse has a gamut of handy features. Some of my favorites include the double-ended hooks, magnets, as well as red and white modes.
Another thing that you should note is that this lantern can float on water! Yes; we’re not kidding. While its competitors are water-resistant, this lantern is waterproof for up to 3 ft deep. I’ve tested it before, and it was truly waterproof. This is a huge feature, especially if you often go fishing or boating. Adding to that is its ability to withstand impact from up to 6.5 feet.
Features
- Weight: 1.94 lbs (0.87 kg)
- Maximum lumens: 200
Pros
- There’s a flashing SOS mode for emergencies.
- Though small and compact, its durability is among the best.
- This lantern is surprisingly affordable.
Cons
- It may be a bit too small for some people.
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Black Diamond Moji Lantern
5
Best Budget. Small and adorable, the Black Diamond Moji Lantern is the perfect choice for budget-conscious campers. While it may not be as feature-packed as the rest, this cute lantern still does the basic tasks really well. Available at a bargain price, it offers a dimmable light that’s suitable for small spaces. I was camping by myself in a small tent during testing, and this lantern is enough for me. Plus, it can last for up to 70 hours!
Though small, this doesn’t mean it’s not tough at all. This compact lantern is splash-proof and can be stored easily inside your camping backpack. In addition to that, I also like the presence of the hook, which makes it easy for everyone to hang it wherever needed. Don’t want to hang it? It’s okay, as the lantern can also stand up on a flat surface.
Features
- Weight: 0.22 lbs (0.09 kg)
- Maximum lumens: 200
Pros
- Though small, this lantern doesn’t sacrifice durability.
- It can be kept in the backpack easily.
- Powered by three AAA batteries, you don’t have to recharge the lantern.
Cons
- It’s not exactly environmentally friendly.
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Consciot LED Camping Lantern
4
Best Value for Money. The 1000-lumen Consciot LED Camping Lantern is one of the brightest and most affordable options you can find today. Though I’ve only used it once, I can confidently say that it’s a nice lantern. it offers an even and steady light distribution. What’s more, the light is easy on the eyes. It’s not too harsh but still bright enough to illuminate your campsite.
As one of the most popular options, this lantern features four different lighting modes, which include cool white, warm white, combined white, and strobe mode. No matter what you need, you can find it in this lantern. Plus, you can adjust how bright you want the lantern to be. And at the highest setting, it can last for up to 12 hours.
Features
- Weight: 1.06 lbs (0.48 kg)
- Maximum lumens: 1000
Pros
- It’s one of the cheapest LED lanterns on the market.
- It’s bright and easy to use.
- The cap is removable.
Cons
- The batteries aren’t included.
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Princeton Tec Helix Lantern
3
Despite its affordable price tag, the Princeton Tec Helix Lantern offers some features that you can only find in more premium models. Small but mighty, this is a battery-powered lantern that everyone can rely on. For me, one of its biggest selling points is its tripod. The legs allow the lantern to stand on almost any surface. And if you want to hang it, you can use the top hook. Super convenient, right?
Aside from that, the light section can easily be folded down. Once I did that, it became as small as a coffee cup! For its size, I’d say it’s extremely bright. At max setting, it can emit a 300-lumen light, and you can easily dim the light whenever you want. In addition to that, this lantern is available in multiple different colors. However, I find the Gray variant to be the best-looking!
Features
- Weight: 0.61lbs (0.28 kg)
- Maximum lumens: 300
Pros
- It’s a versatile lantern that can be used for most outdoor activities.
- I love its compact design.
- For its size, it’s really bright.
Cons
- It’s surprisingly a bit heavy.
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Coleman LED Lantern
2
Though not the most lightweight, the Coleman LED Lantern sure is a nice choice for camping. Powered by eight D batteries, this lantern weighs 2.86 lbs. Though heavy, everything aside from that is likable. For instance, its 390-lumen light is bright enough for most conditions. Plus, in a high setting, this battery-operated outdoor lantern can run for up to 85 hours. This is exceptionally good compared to its competitors.
In addition, I also appreciate the addition of the loop. You can use it to hang the lantern on a sturdy object, and thanks to it, I was able to carry the lantern around comfortably. Yes; compared to the rest, it’s not as feature-packed. However, if you need a simple and reliable lantern from a reputable company, this lantern is certainly worth a look.
Features
- Weight: 2.86 lbs (1.29 kg)
- Maximum lumens: 390
Pros
- This is a simple and easy-to-use lantern.
- You can adjust the light as you like.
- It’s backed by a five-year warranty.
Cons
- It’s heavier than most.
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ust60-DAY Duro LED Portable Lantern
1
Best Overall. The ust60-DAY Duro LED Portable Lantern is my favorite option. I’ve used countless camping lanterns, and this one is by far the brightest LED camping lantern ever! This 1200-lumen lantern can effortlessly illuminate a wide area. When I first used this lantern, it reminded me of the bright light from a car headlight. Whenever you have to set up a tent or look for something in complete darkness, this lantern can always help you out.
“As the brightest LED lantern I’ve tested, it surely deserves the number one spot. It’s not only extremely bright but also easy to use and features amazing battery life.”
WOW Travel
As the name suggests, the lantern can last up to 60 days in the lowest setting. Considering its long-lasting battery life and brightness, it’s easy to see why many people use this as an emergency light as well. And when it comes to the design, this lantern comes complete with a sturdy handle that fits the hand comfortably. And though it’s heavy, its durability is second to none.
Features
- Weight: 3.10 lbs (1.40 kg)
- Maximum lumens: 1200
Pros
- This is the brightest lantern on this list.
- Its overall build quality is nothing short of impressive.
- It’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Though not heavy, it’s still heavier than many of its competitors.
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Our Verdict!
Being the brightest lantern on the list and with long-lasting battery life, the ust60-DAY Duro LED Portable Lantern is the best overall option. However, if that’s not what you want, you can still consider the rest. Below are some of the best models according to their respective criteria:
- Best Value for Money: Consciot LED Camping Lantern
- Best Budget: Black Diamond Moji Lantern
- Best Floating: Streamlight Seige Outdoor Lantern
- Best Lantern/Speaker: Coleman 360 Sound and Light Lantern
How to Choose the Best LED Lanterns For Camping
Choosing the right LED lantern based on your preferences isn’t enough. As an important camping accessory, there are some crucial features to consider, which include:
Brightness
The most important factor when it comes to choosing an LED camping lantern is, unsurprisingly, its brightness, which is measured by lumen. Usually, it’s good to pick ones with a minimum lumen count of 100-150, since the light needs to fall over a larger area. The ideal lantern would have a lumen count between 200 and 300. The size of the lens also needs to be taken into consideration, as a larger lens with lower lumens could be as effective as a regular-sized one with a higher lumen count. Another very important feature is any dimming or brightness control features that the lantern might have. Lights might have to be dimmed or increased in intensity as camping environments change, and the best lanterns feature this property.
Portability and packability
Space and weight are two important considerations, especially since requirements change with environments. For instance, ultra-lightweight models are perfect for backcountry camping where luggage space is premium. On the other hand, you’ll need something bulkier and chunkier for when you’re car camping or at base camp. The heft will help with any rough weather conditions that you might encounter.
Performance and runtime
LED lanterns can be either battery-powered or rechargeable. Choosing between them ideally comes down to the average duration of your trip. However, the presence of lithium batteries has vastly improved the runtimes of rechargeable lanterns. Amongst them, the most versatile LED lanterns are the ones that recharge via USB cables, while those with standard wall charging could prove to be a challenge. Another rather fetching feature of the USB cable-charging lanterns is that they can also be used to charge camera batteries and smartphones!
Additional features
Sometimes, it’s the most simple of features that make the better camping lanterns stand out amongst a sea of options. For instance, models with handles and on/off switches are more helpful than you might think. Also, try and choose a lantern that features an IP (ingress protection) rating which reads like this – IPXY. The number ‘X’ is the product’s ability to repel solid dirt/dust particles. The number ‘Y’ measures water resistance, which is rated on a scale of 0 to 8.
How many lumens do I need for a camping lantern?
For camping, you’ll want a lantern that has at least a 100-lumen setting.
Are 1000 lumens bright for camping?
Of course! In fact, a 1000-lumen lantern is bright enough for all camping tasks.
Are lanterns better than flashlights?
It depends. If you just want to focus on a specific area and need something lightweight, you can get a flashlight. However, if you want to light up your camping site, it’s better to go with a lantern.
