When you’re camping, the right lantern can make all the difference. Whether you’re setting up camp, cooking dinner, or sitting around the campfire, having good lighting can improve your experience. Outdoor lanterns are designed to provide bright, reliable light in the wilderness, and there are many types to choose from. In this article, we will explore the best outdoor lanterns for camping, looking at their features, pros, cons, and recommendations.
Types of Outdoor Lanterns for Camping
Before diving into specific models, it’s important to understand the different types of lanterns available. Lanterns for camping typically fall into three main categories: LED lanterns, gas-powered lanterns, and rechargeable lanterns.
LED Lanterns
LED lanterns are the most popular choice for camping today. They are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and typically more compact than other types of lanterns. LED lanterns can run for hours on low power, and many models feature multiple brightness settings. The light they produce is bright, clear, and doesn’t attract insects, which can be a significant benefit when camping in areas with bugs.
Gas-Powered Lanterns
Gas-powered lanterns use propane, butane, or other fuels to produce light. These lanterns offer powerful illumination and are great for those who need a lot of light, such as when cooking or setting up camp at night. However, they require fuel canisters, which need to be replaced regularly, and they may be heavier and bulkier compared to LED lanterns.
Rechargeable Lanterns
Rechargeable lanterns are a great option for those who prefer sustainability and want to avoid disposable batteries or fuel canisters. These lanterns can be recharged using USB ports or solar panels. While their light output might not be as high as gas-powered lanterns, many rechargeable models are bright enough for most camping needs. They are eco-friendly and convenient for people who want to reduce waste.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Camping Lantern
There are a few key factors to consider before buying a camping lantern. These factors will help you choose a lantern that best fits your needs.
Brightness
Brightness is one of the most important features of a camping lantern. The brightness of a lantern is measured in lumens. For most camping activities, a lantern with a brightness of 200-500 lumens should be sufficient. If you need bright light for tasks like cooking or reading, look for a lantern with higher lumens. On the other hand, if you just need a soft light for sitting around the campfire, a lower lumen count will suffice.
Battery Life
Long battery life is essential for camping. Depending on the type of lantern, battery life can range from a few hours to several days. LED lanterns typically have the longest battery life, lasting up to 100 hours on low power settings. Consider how long you will be out in the wilderness and choose a lantern with enough battery life to last your entire trip.
Weight and Size
Weight and size are important if you’re hiking to your campsite or trying to save space in your pack. Smaller lanterns are easy to carry but may not provide as much light. Larger lanterns are great for larger campsites or for more lighting power but can take up more space. Make sure to choose a lantern that matches your camping style.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Outdoor lanterns should be durable enough to handle rough conditions, including rain, wind, and drops. Look for lanterns made from weather-resistant materials like aluminum or high-quality plastic. Water resistance is particularly important if you camp in wet conditions.
Fuel or Power Source
If you’re choosing a gas-powered lantern, you’ll need to consider the type of fuel it uses and the availability of that fuel. LED and rechargeable lanterns are more convenient because you don’t need to worry about refueling during your trip. Rechargeable lanterns are especially convenient for long trips, as they can be recharged via a solar panel or USB charger.
Top Outdoor Lanterns for Camping
Now, let’s dive into some of the best outdoor lanterns available for camping. These options have been selected for their quality, performance, and value.
1. Coleman Battery Guard LED Lantern
The Coleman Battery Guard LED Lantern is an excellent choice for camping, offering reliable light without the hassle of fuel. It features a sturdy design, with an impact-resistant frame and a built-in battery guard system that prevents battery drain when the lantern is not in use. The Coleman lantern provides up to 700 lumens of brightness, making it perfect for lighting up a campsite or cooking area. It’s also lightweight and comes with a handle for easy carrying.
Pros:
- Bright 700 lumens
- Long battery life
- Lightweight and portable
- Battery guard system prevents battery drain
Cons:
- Requires batteries
- Not rechargeable
2. Black Diamond Moji Charging Lantern
The Black Diamond Moji Charging Lantern is a compact and lightweight rechargeable lantern, ideal for backpackers and those looking for a sustainable option. It features 200 lumens of brightness and has a dimming feature, allowing you to adjust the light intensity based on your needs. The Moji lantern is USB rechargeable, so you can easily charge it using a portable power bank or solar charger. Its small size makes it easy to pack in a backpack.
Pros:
- USB rechargeable
- Compact and lightweight
- Adjustable brightness
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Lower brightness compared to gas lanterns
- Not ideal for large campsites
3. Goal Zero Lighthouse 600
The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 is a powerful rechargeable lantern with 600 lumens of brightness, making it suitable for a variety of camping activities. It features a hand crank for emergency charging, and you can also charge it via USB or solar power. This lantern is rugged, water-resistant, and comes with a built-in USB port to charge your devices in a pinch. The adjustable brightness and lantern and flashlight modes provide versatility for different situations.
Pros:
- 600 lumens of brightness
- Rechargeable via USB, solar, or hand crank
- Water-resistant and durable
- Dual lantern and flashlight modes
Cons:
- Can be heavy for long hikes
- Takes time to recharge via solar
4. Streamlight 44931 Siege Lantern
The Streamlight 44931 Siege Lantern is a rugged, waterproof, and durable LED lantern that is perfect for tough camping conditions. With 340 lumens of brightness, this lantern is bright enough to illuminate a campsite. The Siege lantern has multiple lighting modes, including a red LED mode that helps preserve night vision. It runs on AA batteries and offers up to 30 hours of continuous light on a low setting.
Pros:
- Durable, waterproof, and impact-resistant
- 340 lumens with multiple modes
- Long battery life
- Red LED mode for preserving night vision
Cons:
- Battery-powered, so you’ll need to bring extra batteries
- A bit bulky for backpacking trips
5. LuminAid PackLite Max 2-in-1 Solar Lantern and Phone Charger
The LuminAid PackLite Max is a solar-powered lantern that doubles as a phone charger. It’s inflatable, making it ultra-portable and lightweight, perfect for backpacking or hiking trips. With 300 lumens of brightness, it provides enough light for small tasks, and its solar charging feature means you don’t have to worry about running out of batteries. This lantern is waterproof and packs down into a small, flat package when not in use.
Pros:
- Solar-powered with phone charging capabilities
- Lightweight and compact
- Waterproof and durable
- Collapsible design
Cons:
- Lower brightness compared to other lanterns
- Takes time to recharge via solar
6. Vont LED Camping Lantern
The Vont LED Camping Lantern is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on performance. It provides 360-degree illumination with 600 lumens of brightness, which is more than enough to light up your campsite. It’s lightweight, collapsible, and powered by AA batteries, making it easy to pack and transport. This lantern is also waterproof and shockproof, so it’s built to last in tough conditions.
Pros:
- Affordable and reliable
- 600 lumens of brightness
- Waterproof and shockproof
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Requires AA batteries
- Not rechargeable
Conclusion
Choosing the best outdoor lantern for camping depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for the most convenient and eco-friendly option, a rechargeable lantern like the Black Diamond Moji or Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 is an excellent choice. For those who need a brighter, more traditional option, the Coleman Battery Guard or Streamlight Siege Lantern may be more suitable. Consider factors like brightness, battery life, weight, and durability when making your decision.
Ultimately, the best lantern for you will be one that fits your camping style and provides the light you need for a safe and enjoyable outdoor adventure. Whether you prefer a gas-powered, LED, or rechargeable lantern, the options listed here are some of the top choices for camping enthusiasts.
Related topics:
- Best Camping Chairs for the Money
- What Is the Smallest 5th Wheel Camper?
- Best Camping Pad for a Heavy Person