Exploring the great outdoors and spending evenings under the starry sky is a beautiful experience. However, when the sun goes down, you need a reliable source of light to illuminate your campsite. That’s where camping lanterns come in. They are an essential piece of camping gear that provides a 360-degree light source, allowing you to carry out various activities in the wild even after sunset. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top brands in camp lighting, with a comprehensive review of their best products.
Camp lighting is essential not only for convenience but also for safety. It helps campers navigate their campsite without tripping, prepare meals, and even ward off wild animals. Moreover, a good camping lantern can create a cozy atmosphere around the campfire and make your outdoor experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
Key Features to Consider
Before we delve into the top brands for camp lighting, let’s understand the key features to consider when buying a camping lantern:
- Lumens: Lumens measure the brightness of the lantern. Depending on your needs, you may require a lantern with higher or lower lumens.
- Battery Life: The battery life of the lantern is crucial, especially for multi-day camping trips. Some lanterns also offer solar charging, which can be a great feature for extended outdoor stays.
- Weight & Size: For backpackers and thru-hikers, the weight and size of the lantern are vital factors. Compact and lightweight lanterns are easier to carry and take up less space in your backpack.
- Durability: The lantern should be sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Look for features like water-resistance and impact-resistance.
- Additional Features: Many camping lanterns come with extra features like emergency strobe lights, USB charging ports, and adjustable brightness settings, which can enhance your camping experience.
Now that we know what to look for in a camping lantern, let’s explore the top brands in the market.
1. Ultimate Survival Technologies
Ultimate Survival Technologies (UST) is a renowned brand known for its durable and reliable outdoor gear. Their 30-Day Duro Lantern is an excellent example of their commitment to quality.
UST 30-Day Duro Lantern
The UST 30-Day Duro Lantern scores high on brightness, durability, and battery life. It emits up to 1000 lumens, providing ample light for a large campsite or hiking trail. The lantern is powered by four DD batteries, offering up to 30 days of light on the lowest setting. It’s designed with a hardy, rubberized plastic housing, making it impact and water-resistant. A downside is that it’s not rechargeable, but the long battery life somewhat compensates for this.
2. MPOWERD
MPOWERD is a brand that emphasizes eco-friendly and sustainable products. Their solar-powered lanterns are a hit among campers.
MPOWERD Base Light
The MPOWERD Base Light is a solar-powered lantern ideal for backpackers who need to keep weight to a minimum. Despite its lightweight design, it’s surprisingly durable and can withstand strong winds. It offers four light modes and lasts up to 50 hours on the lowest setting. The lantern can also be charged using mains power and doubles as a power source for charging devices on the trail.
3. Goal Zero
Goal Zero specializes in portable power products, and their camping lanterns are no exception. They offer a blend of functionality and durability.
Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Camping Lantern
The Lighthouse 600 is a versatile lantern offering adjustable LED light. Despite weighing just over a pound, it provides up to 600 lumens of light, making it perfect for car camping. It also features a built-in crank handle, providing 10 minutes of light for every minute of cranking, adding to its versatility.
4. BioLite
BioLite is known for its innovative outdoor products. Their AlpenGlow 500 lantern stands out for its unique color modes and sleek design.
BioLite AlpenGlow 500
This lantern offers a maximum output of 500 lumens with two brightness settings. But what sets it apart are its colorful mood lighting settings, which replicate sunrise and sunset, providing a tranquil ambience in your campsite.
5. AlpsWolf
AlpsWolf is a brand that offers affordable, yet high-quality outdoor gear. Their Rechargeable Camping Lantern is a versatile and budget-friendly option.
AlpsWolf Rechargeable Camping Lantern
This lantern doubles as a flashlight, spotlight, and emergency red-light strobe, offering great value. It emits up to 800 lumens, ensuring your campsite is well-lit. It also serves as a backup charger for your mobile devices, making it a handy tool for camping.
6. Sofirn
Sofirn is known for its durable and high-performance outdoor lighting products. Their BLF LT1 Camping Lantern is a testament to their quality.
Sofirn BLF LT1 Camping Lantern
This lantern is incredibly durable with an IPX7 rating, meaning it can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. Despite its small size, it emits a bright light of 800 lumens, making it an excellent choice for car campers.
7. Black Diamond
Black Diamond is a household name in outdoor gear. Their Moji R+ lantern is a lightweight and compact option, ideal for hikers and backpackers.
Black Diamond Moji R+
Weighing just three ounces, the Moji R+ is the ultimate compact choice for campers. Despite its size, it emits up to 200 lumens of light, making it a reliable light source for your campsite.
8. Etekcity
Etekcity offers affordable and reliable outdoor gear. Their LED Camping Lanterns offer excellent value for money.
Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns
For a budget-friendly option, the Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns are a great choice. With a pack of four lanterns, each emitting up to 140 lumens, they are perfect for illuminating your campsite without breaking the bank.
9. Goal Zero (Mini Option)
Finally, if you’re looking for a mini camping lantern, Goal Zero has got you covered. Their Micro Charge Lantern is tiny but mighty.
Goal Zero Micro Charge Lantern
Designed for maximum portability, this lantern is small but packs a punch with two brightness settings and a built-in flashlight. It’s durable, water-resistant and perfect for backpackers who need to save space without sacrificing light.
Conclusion
Choosing the right camping lantern can make your outdoor experience more enjoyable and safe. Whether you’re going for a short weekend trip or a lengthy wilderness expedition, the brands listed above offer a variety of options to meet your needs. Remember to consider factors like brightness, battery life, size, durability, and additional features when choosing a camping lantern. Happy camping!