Top 10 Brightest Camping Lanterns You Can Buy
One of the most basic camping equipment is the lantern. Although they provide relatively little illumination, they are a necessity for anyone who plans on hiking or camping in the dark. Additionally, as artificial lighting is becoming cheaper and more common, camping lanterns are becoming increasingly popular as a means of providing light on the trail.
Many different brands offer camping lanterns in different capacities and varying designs. Generally speaking, they range in price from about $40 to about $100. The price of lanterns can go up as their quality and features increase. In this guide, we will take a look at the top ten brightest camping lanterns you can buy. There are certainly other options you can purchase, but these are the best quality and most popular options.
GoLite Mini Halogen Solar Lantern, 3W, Black
The GoLite Mini Solar Lantern is one of the most popular camping lanterns available, as it costs less than $20 and has the same ability to last for a long time as much more expensive options. This unit has high brightness and has a single Lithium-Ion battery with a charge indicator that allows it to hold a charge for up to six months.
This can be a handy camping lantern for backpacking trips where you don’t expect to have access to power for the majority of the time. It is also a solid choice for day hiking trips when you don’t have access to power for most of the hike.
This portable light is small enough that you can even use it to read a book on the beach or under the stars. The battery life makes this ideal for hiking as well, as you won’t have to worry about running out of light at night.
Price: $16.99 (29 percent off MSRP)
Pros:
- High brightness
- Bright enough to be used outside, though the light is not very bright
- Three-hour battery life
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Battery life is poor compared to other brands
- Only one output
Petzl Axxon Portable Lithium Ion lantern with 1,000 Lumen
The Petzl Axxon is another popular camping lantern. It has a 3,000-lumen maximum output, making it an ideal portable light source for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. This lantern is compatible with the SmartCharge accessory and allows you to save your batteries when you don’t need them. Its durable design means that this lantern will last for many hours of use, and it has a foldable neck to make portability simple.
This lantern is great for use at night as well. It is extremely bright and has a long operating life. The lithium-ion batteries provide six hours of runtime per charge. You can also use it in the daytime to avoid the sun’s harmful rays. The neck is made from rubber, so it is comfortable to hold and light to carry.
Price: $29.95 (28 percent off MSRP)
Pros:
- 3,000 lumens
- Three-hour battery life
- Removable battery pack and SmartCharge accessory
Cons:
- Only one USB port for charging
- The solar beams can be harsh on the eyes
- Some reviewers note increased noise
Etekcity Solar USB Lantern
The Etekcity Solar USB Lantern has a reputation as one of the brightest lights available. It provides a 3,000-lumen output. This makes it perfect for use in the daytime or at night, as it is bright enough to provide the light that can be seen far down the trail.
This lantern has the standard two settings that most lanterns offer. The brightest setting is more powerful, but not for long. The middle setting is great for occasional use and also gives off a strong light. This lantern is small enough to easily fit in your pocket or backpack, making it a great choice for hiking.
The light is durable and is even used as a flashlight by some users. The lantern is rechargeable and comes with two LED indicators to show you the remaining battery life. It also comes with two USB charging ports for charging other devices.
It is recommended for use at least 80 feet from a power source. The light is certainly bright, but it can be harsh on the eyes. However, those that live in colder climates will appreciate the extra protection this lantern provides from wind and cold.
Price: $10.00
Pros:
- 3,000 lumens
- The two-prong plug makes it a good choice for any tent
- Best for camping in tents
Cons:
- Sharp light can burn the eyes
- Battery life can be limited
- Somewhat heavy for the size
12V Apollo 8 LED Lantern with Charging Port
The 12V Apollo 8 is an LED lantern with a huge 2,000-lumen output. The lantern provides roughly five hours of runtime per charge. If you plug in its included solar panel, it provides enough energy to last up to four hours. This lantern is good for use at night or in the daytime.
As a 12V lantern, it is less powerful than the Petzl Axxon, but it still provides a bright light for its size. The built-in flashlight provides extra illumination for use in the dark.
Price: $27.46
Pros:
- 2,000 lumens
- Built-in flashlight
- The solar panel provides extra battery power
Cons:
- Only one USB port for charging
- The solar beams can be harsh on the eyes
- You May need to carry an external battery pack to use at night
Rechargeable 4,000 Lumen LifeLight II Laser Lantern
This high-quality lantern provides 4,000 lumens. This is sufficient for most situations, but some users may still find it to be a bit too bright. This lantern features an integrated high-intensity, red laser beam. In the bright lantern mode, this beam shines as a full white light. This bright beam is perfect for illuminating trail markers or signs that are difficult to see at night.
This laser is particularly great for use in open fields or at night, as it allows you to see further down the trail. This lantern is rechargeable and comes with two USB charging ports. It also comes with an extra USB port that can be used to charge your phone.
The lantern has been tested to the US military standards. There is a 10-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. It is a great choice for campers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Price: $47.98
Pros:
- 4,000 lumens
- Integrated laser light
- Includes USB charging ports
Cons:
- Sturdy construction may not hold up over time
- The laser beam may damage the eyes
- Relatively expensive
RemoHero 6″ High Bright USB Rechargeable Lantern
This lantern has a powerful output and is suitable for use outdoors, as well as indoors. The 4,000-lumen output is enough to provide a bright light in most situations. The lantern has a long 200-watt-hour battery pack. If you plug in the included USB cable, it has a claimed two to three-hour runtime. If you choose to recharge it with the included micro USB cable, it provides about 2.5 hours of run time.
This lantern also includes a hook for hanging on a tree or hookup point. As a lantern for beginners, this lantern is a great choice. The lamp is available in three different colors: black, white, and lime green. If you opt for the black version, it comes with reflective trim and lens covers for extra light transmission.
Price: $11.35
Pros:
- Long 200 watt-hour battery pack
- Laser light provides extra light for low-light situations
- Guarantee
Cons:
- Pricey
- A solar panel may be too dim for outdoor use
- May heat up when charging
V-Ring LaserLite Laser LED Lantern
This lantern features a four-light configuration that provides approximately six hours of runtime per charge. The lantern has a built-in 1200 lumen flashlight that provides an additional 500 lumen of brightness.
This flashlight is particularly useful for illuminating trails or other areas that are difficult to see. This is also a handy item for use in the dark hours when you don’t want to carry a second lantern. This lantern is compact and lightweight. It has a bright lamp and a powerful flashlight, as well as a USB charging port.
The lamp is rechargeable, but it does not include a carrying bag or cords for charging. This lantern also includes a rain cover, which is handy for ensuring the light can get a good charge if it does rain.
Price: $14.95
Pros:
- Built-in flashlight
- Large 4,000 lumen LED lamp
- Compact and lightweight
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- No carrying case or cords included
- Not waterproof
RadioFlyer MegaLite Laser Light LED Lantern
This lantern has a 10,000-lumen LED lamp that produces a strong beam and can be used outdoors or in a variety of indoor applications. The lantern is high quality and easy to operate. It can be clipped to your backpack or coat pocket.
The design of the light is similar to that of an AA battery flashlight. This laser light has a wire to run to the battery and a micro USB cable for charging. It comes with a hanging loop and a carrying case. The lantern is made with zinc-coated zinc-alloy for durability.
Price: $28.95
Pros:
- 10,000 lumen LED lamp
- Very durable
- USB charging cable
- Comes with a hanging loop and carrying case
Cons:
- Not rechargeable
- Does not include a battery charger
- Not waterproof
Torchlight 2.0 Long-lasting Long-Hole CO2 Laserflux Lantern
This lantern has a long-lasting 2,000-lumen LED lamp that provides a powerful beam and up to five hours of runtime per charge. The battery can be easily removed to charge and replaced.
The Lantern is lightweight, durable, and durable. This LED lamp is made with a UV emitting material for long-lasting longevity. It is water-resistant.
This is a rechargeable flashlight and is rated for up to 50,000 hours of use on one set of batteries. The light is about the size of a quarter and comes with a carrying bag for easy portability.
Price: $16.99
Pros:
- 2,000-lumen flashlight
- Rechargeable
- 100,000-hour lifetime rating
Cons:
- Laser is harsh on the eyes
- Cannot be worn as a hat or as eyeglasses
- More expensive than other lanterns
Matchlight ELS-1 Plasma Thrower LED Light & Lamp
This flashlight has a powerful beam with remote control. The lamp provides enough light to illuminate a large area. The glow lasts for around two hours, depending on the brightness settings used. The lamp works with a wide variety of frequencies. This means it works well with high-intensity lights, such as a fluorescent.
This lantern can be used as a handy flashlight and night light. This device has been tested to withstand 60,000 hours of continuous use. The wiring is also contained within the unit and the battery is also removable. The casing is made from high-quality aluminum. Matchlight makes this lantern for outdoor use only and recommends its use with ear protection.
Price: $99.95
Pros:
- 200 lumens
- 200+ foot range
- Remote control
Cons:
- Large size
- High price tag
- Cannot be worn as a hat
Conclusion
There is a wide selection of lanterns for outdoor use that can help you find a light that will light your way safely through the woods, rivers, and backyards. If you have no idea what lantern you might want or need more details, visit the best portable LED lanterns. These 10 lanterns are best for outdoor camping. These lanterns are best for camping in a tent. These lanterns are best for hiking. If you are in the market for a lantern that will provide light for a night hike, then check out the best flashlights under $50.
You can buy a lantern for any purpose, and once you choose the best one for you, you can always change it out for a new one for other uses. There is something out there for everyone. It is easy to choose a lantern that will be a fixture in your life. Get an LED lantern for the best new purchase ever. This light is made to last. The lanterns are durable and look as good as the first day you bought them.
