Let there be light! When out camping, there’s nothing more frustrating than fumbling around for a light source when nature calls and you have to make your way out of the tent or you need to find something in a suitcase.
While small flashlights and headlamps are certainly helpful, some things require a light source that broadcasts more light over a larger area.
Playing cards out on the picnic table at night? Now that’s a job for a camping lantern!
Plus, many of the best camping lanterns we review here are equipped with lanyard loops for fast and easy hanging from a tent pole or tree branch. This can make life a whole lot easier by singing light around an entire area from above.
The best quality camping lanterns will have these features:
- A variety of light intensities for adjustable brightness levels;
- A solar charging option and/or USB recharge port;
- A compact design for easy transport;
- A handle or hook for hanging the lantern;
You should know that a camping lantern is the best friend for campers. It can be useful in every moment, not just for the nighttime. You may need it during the day too, to see better inside your bag when you can’t see something.
Camping lanterns have come a long way since the old, dangerous Coleman-style lanterns that were filled with fuel, pressurized with a hand pump, and lit with a match or lighter.
Lets take a look at some of our favourite solar and rechargeable camp lanterns.
The Best Camping Lanterns For Your Next Trip
1. Thorfire LED Camping Lantern
The Thorfire LED Camping Lantern is a great solution for camping lovers. Keep one in your bag at all times, and this product will never disappoint you. It offers two lightning mode options, low and high, and a specific type of usage for each of them.
You can use the high mode if you want the maximum output of light from the lantern. Such use cases are, searching around the campsite for logs, reading, preparing for the evening, etc. This device’s low mode is generally used as a standard light for the tent or even to leave it outside. It’s designed to stay on for a prolonged amount of time.
Its dimensions are not that big, and everyone can find space for this device in the camping backpack. No matter where you are, this lantern can be used for all your camping needs, such as a standard camping light, hiking light, reading light, night light, etc.
What makes me appreciate it and list it in this list is the possibility of charging it when you don’t have a power supply. You don’t need to buy new batteries because they can be charged via hand cranking or a USB charging cable. And this camping lantern charge your mobile device too. All these things make you appreciate this product even more.
2. SPAKTOY Rechargeable Lantern
This lantern is one of the best in the market and also recommended by Amazon, and it’s going to fulfill your camping light needs easily and provide some good quality brightness. It offers six light modes, Full Power Mode, Half Power Mode, Steady Red Light Mode, and Emergency Flashing Red Mode.
The SPAKTOY Rechargeable Lantern allows you to get a suitable light mode and match your environment. This product is excellent when you are in complete darkness, a power outage, and emergencies. It has many benefits, and what makes it special for me is that it can be used as a power bank to charge the phone or other smart devices.
It takes about four hours to be fully charged also it’s rain and water splash resistant. Overall a great product with cool features, so definitively worth considering to buy if it fits your camping needs.
3. Misby Camping Lantern Fan
The Misby Camping Fan is one of the most interesting products on this list since it is a multi-function tool. All its functions combined give it a unique design and multi-purpose. It is a perfect option for all of you that want to feel comfortable under the light when camping in the middle of the night.
It has three LED light panels that give adjustable brightness according to your needs. You can also switch red flashing mode for use as an emergency signal light. This product offers the possibility to hang it on the tents, branches, or inside the car since it has a hanging hook.
The Misby Camping Fan & Lantern Combo can make your camping tent very comfortable even in a hotter climate. This has a powerful motor and three wind speeds that allow you to enjoy a range, from a gentle breeze up to a sweat-stopping wind. It’s definitively a product that you should consider, especially if you plan on camping during the summer.
4. LE LED Camping Lantern
LE LED camping lantern comes with two hooks, one on the top and the other at the base. It can hang in the tent light upside down to get better light when lighting up a big area. The fact it is waterproof, and enough brightness makes it suitable for different activities.
It can be used 15 to 24 hours with no problem at maximum light output. A removable cap makes it useful upside down for camping, snowstorm, emergency usage, or other outdoor activities. It has a strange view, but its amazing features compensate for it.
5. EVERYDAY 360 LED Camping Lantern
The EVERYDAY 360 LED Camping Lantern is another great option for activities such as hiking, camping, or fishing. You don’t have to worry about use time since this lantern has a 100-hour battery usage time. The best part is that the bulb does not need to be replaced because of the power of the LED technology.
As you can see, this lantern is easily portable since it has a handle where you can hold it. Also, it has small dimensions that make it practical even in rugged and hard terrain. This water-resistant lantern can go with you anywhere without worrying about the conditions of the weather outside
LEDor Gas And Fuel Lanterns for Camping?
When you look for camping lanterns, you can find different options. So you should decide if you are looking for what new technology offers: the LED lanterns or using the ‘old’ methods like white gas and propane lanterns.
When comparing these two options, we can find a lot of differences. The main difference can be the light output. Propane lanterns have minimal light output comparing with LED lanterns. Also, you should be very careful when using gas or propane lanterns and keep a safe distance from flammable materials. They generate heat and can be hot to touch.
However, you need to take into consideration the environment you want to have around. Propane lanterns create a romantic and peaceful atmosphere since they provide soft and natural light. They must be the perfect option for dinner in the open sky.
If there a kids around it’s probably best to not even consider the propane or white fuel style lanterns. They just get too hot and can start a fire if tipped over and set near flammable material. Not ideal for young campers or pets at all.
Closing Thoughts
In this list of the best camping lanterns, you will definitely find what you are looking for. They are all unique from each other since having different appearances, dimensions, and characteristics.
They are all simple to use, easily transportable, and suitable for different activities. You will find differences in the duration of the light, recharging method, and price too.
Speaking of price. Most of the camping lanterns we suggest are not very expensive so it’s a good idea to buy a few if you can afford it. Light is a wonderful thing to have around at night, especially when you are out camping in an unfamiliar area.
And don’t forget how easy it is to lose and misplace things when out camping. Having a few camping lanterns at hand is a great way to spend less time trying to remember where you put the lantern and more time enjoying your camping trip with friends and family!
