The 7 Best Camping Lanterns for Overnight Outdoor Adventures
Go for some glow with these reliable and portable light sources.
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Sleeping outside—whether alone, or with friends or family—can be one of the most peaceful and satisfying experiences. And while the stars overhead provide a gorgeous atmosphere, they typically aren’t much help with seeing well in the dark. You’ll need a reliable light source to find that warm beanie buried in your backpack, slip out of your tent to answer the call of nature, or illuminate the camp stove as you’re fixing dinner. And that’s why you should always pack a good camping lantern.
Read on for important aspects of camping lanterns to consider, followed by our full reviews of the best.
The Best Camping Lanterns
- Best Overall: BioLite AlpenGlow 500
- Best for Charging Devices: Black Diamond Orbiter 650
- Best Budget: Coleman Rugged Rechargeable Lantern
- Best for Backpacking: Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma
- Best Hand-Crank Option: Goal Zero Lighthouse 600
What to Consider
Brightness
The light output of lanterns is quantified by lumens. Models around 100 lumens only provide enough light for personal use and ambient light; larger groups will want something in the 400 range. Almost all of the camping lanterns here have adjustable brightness, and we noted their max lumen output, which can be dimmed to a lower output.
Weight
The size and weight determine the portability of your camping lantern. A large, heavy model won’t suit a backpacker who’s trying to keep a light load and changing campsites every night. Our Best for Backpacking (the Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma) pick weighs only 3 ounces and collapses for easy packing or hooking onto your backpack. If you’re a car camper who has plenty of room for supplies, however, a hefty lantern is just fine.
Battery
Camping lanterns can run off of propane, disposable batteries, and rechargeable batteries. The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 even gives you the option to mechanically power it using a hand crank if you’re in an emergency. Battery life will depend on how bright you set the lantern, and we listed the maximum and minimum battery life depending on setting to help guide you.
Some models powered by rechargeable batteries can also power small electronics like a phone or earbuds. They aren’t powerful like dedicated power stations, but it’s a nice option to have in a pinch.
Features
Some people just want a two-setting lantern to keep it simple while others may opt for a color-changing model to add some fun to a group campout. Built-in hooks for hanging and fold-out legs add convenience, but backpackers looking to shave ounces may find this hindering.
How We Selected
We researched a range of camping lanterns and examined qualities like brightness, weight, battery, and design. We chose models that excelled past just providing some extra light and referenced reviews from casual campers and backpacking enthusiasts for insight into different priorities. Our list is pared down to camping lanterns that don’t go overkill on features, have functional designs, and will effectively illuminate your next adventure.
Danny Perez is a Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men's style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men's shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.
Paige Triola is a freelance writer based in Boulder, Colorado, who covers a range of topics in the athletic and outdoor recreation sphere. She spends much of her time cruising the trails on foot or by bike, testing out the newest gear designed for playing outside. Paige has written articles and product roundups for a variety of publications including Runner’s World, Bicycling Magazine, Gear Junkie, and Trail Runner Magazine.
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