A camping lantern is essential for any outdoor camping adventures. Staying in the dark can be quite scary especially when you are in unknown places. The lantern provides the light that you need at night; both inside your tent and outdoors. You need to have the best camping lantern with you while planning to go camping; you might need it.

Different models of camping lanterns come with different features. When buying a camping lantern, make sure that you choose the best camping lantern.

Headlights Vs. Lanterns

There is a heated up discussion on which between lamps, headlights and handheld lights is the most important. Well, I always rub off such talks with one fundamental fact. And that is- that each item has its special use. Well, I understand that you can carry your lantern around the campsite to check if everyone is okay. But, it’s important to have the type of light that is designed for that purpose.

Now, headlights are lights mounted on a person’s head, literally. They look like a cap- actually they do have a helmet like a feature. Basically, it’s an electric torch mounted on a helmet. However, some headlights do not have the helmet. Instead, they have a strap that the user fastens round the head. An example of a headlight is GRDE Zoomable 3 Modes Super Bright LED Headlamp. Headlights are good for motorcycling, camping, repairs, and caving. Also, they are useful in repairing cars.

Then, the camping lanterns come in to provide light for the troupe. It is important to understand that the headlights have a spotlight.  The light doesn’t necessarily bulge out, but instead, it focuses on one point. But, the camping lantern disperses its light energy onto the area around it. This makes it able to provide light for a tent. Some lanterns are so bright that they can illuminate the entire compound. Well, this category has plenty of products, and we’ve reviewed them below.

Here’s a guide to help you buy the best camping lantern for you.

How to choose the best camping lantern

You have to be cautious when buying a camping lantern. It is the only way that you can find what you need when camping or backpacking. Use the following tips when choosing the best camping lantern.

 Durability

The first thing to consider when looking for the best camping lantern is durability. You need to find a durable camping lantern for yourself.  How well is it designed to withstand stormy conditions? You can test its durability by checking whether it has many fragile extraneous parts. You can also consider the material that has been used to make it. Is it strong or just another weak plastic? 

Is it easy to use?

It is always recommendable to buy models that are easy to use. You don’t need to fumble with buttons for hours whenever you want to light. Choose one that you can easily hang overhead. Some even have rubber-tipped legs. They enable you to balance them on rocks without a struggle. 

Weight

Does weight matter when looking for the best camping lantern? Weight is also an important factor to consider when buying a camping lantern. You don’t need a heavy lantern when backpacking. With all the other camping equipment that you have to carry, it can be tedious. 

The lumen rating

The camping lantern’s lumen rating determines the wideness of the area that it illuminates. If the rating is high, the lantern can cover a wider area. Choose a lantern that can cover a large area. However, its brightness should not be blinding. 

Hours of operation

For how many hours can the lantern operate? The runtime of one camping lantern varies from that of another. Battery-powered lanterns are known to run for the longest time. Hand-crank lanterns, as well as solar-powered ones, have shorter runtimes. Some lanterns have the adjusting settings that allow you to save energy.

You should choose that which can operate for a long time. It should also give you the energy-saving option.

Type of bulb

What emits the light? Well, traditional lanterns relied on filament and tube bulbs to provide light. But, the modern varieties have the LED. The light emitting diodes are far better than the previous versions. This is manifested in the energy consumption rates. The diodes are more efficient as they do not produce any unwanted heat energy. So, unless you need some heat, use the LED lanterns.

Source of energy

This is quite a broad topic. I’ve met veteran campers who want more of a traditional setting for their sites. Actually, they love to recreate the old way of camping. So, they do not have electric bulbs. They depend on nature and sometimes, petroleum products. Well, I am not a great fan of paraffin. So, I love the electric camping lanterns.

Now, lanterns come in several models. Some have rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Others have the replaceable AAA varieties. Solar powered lanterns are also available for use. So, choose the best camping lantern with the maintenance costs in mind.

Editor’s Choice

 

The Best Camping Lantern Review

The following are different options that you can consider when buying a quality camping lantern.

1. Ultra Bright LED Lantern

The Ultra Bright LED Lantern is multi-purpose. You can use it during camping, hiking, hurricanes and even storms. It is one of the brightest camping lanterns available on the market. It also has a long battery life. This ensures that it doesn’t fail you when you need it most. 

Durable camping lantern        

The Ultra Bright LED lantern is durable and will last for a long time. It is built with military-grade and water-resistant material that makes it long lasting. It is convenient for use, both indoors and outdoors. 

Maximum brightness

With the use of thirty different LEDs, The lantern has been designed for maximum brightness. It can, therefore, illuminate a wide area. 

Long battery life

The Ultra Bright LED lantern is compatible with rechargeable batteries. This gives it a long battery life. All you have to do is carry the batteries with you when camping. 

Lightweight and collapsible

This lantern is also lightweight, and you can easily hang it overhead. You can also collapse it, with a single simple push.

The Ultra Bright LED Lantern is one of the most convenient camping lanterns. It is durable and you can use for your camping adventures. It’s super-bright, and you can illuminate a large area, indoors and outdoors.

 

2. 2 Pack LED Camping Lantern, Portable

Great Addition to: Survival Kits for Hurricane, Emergency, Storm, Outages, Outdoor Portable Lantern, Black, Collapsible, Battery Powered – Vont

 

Vont is one of the most reputable manufacturers of the best camping lanterns. As the name suggests, this is a black battery-powered collapsible lamp. Well, it is multifunctional as you can use it for camping, lighting your nights as well as during emergencies.

The lamp has a military grade construction. This withstands the rigorous nature of outdoor excursions. The lanterns are also water-resistant, which makes them ideal for use in any weather.

Then, the light emitted by these lanterns is super bright and ideal for use in dark places. It has won accolades for having 30 individual LEDs. These provide 360 degrees super bright light.

The torch is ergonomic and easy to use. When you are not carrying it, you can fold it away and hang it on a tree branch or twig. Apart from the foldable handle, the amp has battery-saving modes.

 

3. Streamlight 44931, Siege 540 Lumen Ultra-Compact Work Lantern

The Streamlight 44931 Siege Work Lantern can be your perfect light source during camping. It produces powerful and brilliant light that you will need at night.   It is battery powered and has a long runtime. 

Easy to use

The Streamlight 44931 Siege Work Lantern is quite easy to use. On top and at the bottom of it, it has incorporated D-rings. They allow you to hang it in both inverted and upright positions. It also has an outer lantern globe that enables the light to float.

Extended runtime

This camping lantern has a more extended runtime. It can operate for 295 hours especially when less light is used. It makes use of three D-cell alkaline batteries that are sold separately.

Uses C4 Technology

The Streamlight 44931 Siege Work Lantern makes use of C4 Technology. With the Streamlight’s C4 LED, it produces maximum brightness that lightens up a large area. It has five of these C4 LEDs; four are white, one is red.

You can use the Streamlight 44931 Siege Work Lantern when camping at night. It is built for maximum brightness and has an extended runtime. You can use it for many nights during your backpacking adventures.

 

4. Suaoki Led Camping Lantern Lights Rechargeable Battery

The Suaoki Led Camping lantern is a collapsible mini flashlight suitable for camping and hiking. It is portable and durable, and you can always adjust it to suit your needs. 

Dual charging system

The Suaoki Led Camping lantern can be charged in two ways. You can either use a USB Port or a built-in solar panel.  What can be more interesting than using solar energy while camping? This also makes it environmentally friendly.

Three lighting modes

This lantern is designed to suit your personal needs. It has three lighting modes, designed to fit your wants. These are low, high as well as SOS blinking brightness.

Expandable and compressible

The Suaoki Led Camping Lantern has two forms. You can choose to expand it and use it as a traditional lantern. You can also compress it into a puck-like shape and use it as a flashlight.

Smart protection chip

This lantern also has a smart protection chip. It prevents it from over-charging and over-circuit. This guarantees safety during use.

The Suaoki Led Camping is perfect for any outdoor activities. With it, you can never stay in the darkness at night when camping.

 

5. AYL StarLight

The AYL StarLight is a lantern that caters to all your lighting needs while camping.  It is super-bright and has more than 600 lumens. It is waterproof hence suitable for use even during wet conditions. 

Three lighting modes

The AYL StarLight has three lighting modes. These are the low, high and flashing strobe mode. You can choose that which suits your needs.

Shock-proof and Water resistant

This camping lantern is water resistant and shock-proof. You can, therefore, use it during extreme conditions without damaging it.

Long battery life

The lantern comes with a battery life of up to six days. It uses fresh 3 D batteries.

The AYL StarLight is your convenient lighting tool for your camping nights. It is water and shock proof hence it is long-lasting. It is also lightweight.

 

6. LED Camping Lantern Flashlights Camping Equipment

The LED Camping Lantern Flashlights is a set of ultra-luminous flashlights ideal for illumination. They have a collapsible design that allows you to store them quickly. 

Multipurpose

The MalloMe LED camping lantern is a versatile lighting device. You can depend on it to provide working, reading, and car auto emergency light. You can also use it as a hurricane lantern and during emergency outages.

Durable and lightweight

The lantern is lightweight and designed to last long. It also has a longer runtime of more than 100,000 hours.

Maximum brightness

It is also designed for maximum brightness; with 146 lumens LED lanterns.

The MalloMe LED camping lantern is the lighting tool that you need during camping. It is collapsible and designed to last long. When you buy it, you also get a free Marshmallow Roasting guide with 10-recipes eBook.

 

7. Etekcity Portable LED Camping Lantern

The Etekcity Portable LED Camping Lantern is a collapsible device suitable for lighting. It is easy to use and has low power consumption. It has a 10 -year manufacturer warranty. 

Easy and convenient for use

The Etekcity Portable LED Camping Lantern is easy to use and operate. It is portable and collapsible hence you can comfortably carry it while backpacking. It is also lightweight.

Super Bright

It is super bright. It has 30 different LED bulbs that are low powered. It will provide the light that you need to illuminate your environment.

Durable

The lantern is made using military grade material. It promises long time durability hence you can use it for countless camping adventures.

The Etekcity Portable LED Camping Lantern is suitable for outdoor activities like camping. It is durable and designed to lighten up your surroundings maximally.

 

8. Gold Armor LED Lanterns with Batteries Included

You can get the Gold Armor LED Lantern for lighting during camping. It comes in a dependable build and superior design. 

Extra durable

The lantern is built with military grade plastic that is water resistant. This makes it extra durable. It can survive even the harshest conditions.

Superior collapsible design

The Gold Armor LED Lantern has an advanced, collapsible design. It is also lightweight. Therefore, it is easy to carry and store it.

Ultra Bright

It uses the latest Chip-On-Board (LED) technology for maximum brightness. It can illuminate a large area.

The Gold Armor LED Lantern is an ultra-bright and durable lighting device.  It is the perfect and the best camping lantern for you.

 

9. [6-Pack] Portable LED Camping Lantern

The 6 Pack Camping Lantern is compact and easy to use. It is ideal for both indoor and outdoor illumination while camping.

Super bright

The lantern is built for maximum brightness. It comes with thirty individual LED bulbs for illumination.

Durable and weather resistant

The 6 Pack Camping Lantern is durable and weather resistant. You can still use it during harsh climate without damaging it.

Convenient

It is also a convenient lighting device. It possesses a magnetic base as well as a hanging hook for easy use. You can use it anywhere and place it at an angle of your choice.

You can use the 6 Pack Camping Lantern for lighting at night while camping. It is weather resistant hence you can use it during all weather conditions. It is also ultra-bright for maximum illumination at night.

 

10. Camping Lantern – LED Lantern Lights

(6 COLORS: BLACK, GRAY, BLUE, RED, PURPLE, PINK) Camping Gear Equipment for Outdoor, Hiking, Emergencies, Hurricanes, Outages

 

Are you a fan of colors? Well, the love you have for beauty should not fade away just because you are sticking out. In fact, nature should help you explore more of its provisions. Now, this camping lantern comes in six colors. This should be your pick for the best camping lantern.

Besides being colorful, the lamp is multipurpose. So, you can still use it after the camping session is done. For instance, it is useful in fishing and a secondary source of light when the power goes off.

The sturdy military-grade construction is resistant enough to withstand shock and water. Well, this doesn’t mean that you are free to destroy it intentionally. The design allows the lantern to be super-light and compact. It is also easy to use the lantern.

 

11. 2 Pack/4 Pack E-TRENDS Portable LED Lantern

Tent Light Bulb for Camping Hiking Fishing Emergency Lights, Battery Powered Lamp with 6 AAA Batteries

 

Last on our review for the best camping lantern is the E-Trends Portable LED Lantern. Just as the name suggests, this lantern is portable, lightweight, and powerful. 6 AAA replaceable batteries power it. It’s the kind of lamp that you need for hiking, fishing, and any emergency activity.

If you’re a color enthusiast, you can choose any of the six colors that the lamp offers you. Oh, the construction is ergonomic and cute, so you don’t have to worry about that either. It is engineered for endurance, durability, and elegance.

 

 

And Winner of the Best Camping Lantern is…

When camping, you should always carry camping lanterns with you. They illuminate your environment at night and enhance safety. When buying a camping lantern, ensure that it has all the necessary features- I mean get the best camping lantern. Consider factors like weight, lumens, and durability. If they are battery-powered, ensure the battery-life is long to avoid inconveniences.

Let me be frank here. All the above camping lanterns deserve to be on the list. Choose from the list to get your best camping lantern for your next camping expedition.