The 6 Best Camping Lanterns of 2023
When we want to explore the wilderness in its intricate beauty, we prefer to go on camping to these natural locations. Though these sites unpack nature in its true sense, they do not have any modern comforts that we normally enjoy in our homely premises.
Even proper lighting becomes a question in these locations after it is dark. This is where Lanterns come for rescue. Some of the lantern variants are able to supply uninterrupted lighting for more than two days without recharging.
Some lanterns are of waterproofing material so as to withstand dew and droplet exposure. Lanterns that emit Red lights are indeed emergency signals for rescue. Modern-day Lanterns have LEDs that render bright white light with 360-degree surround illumination.
Their batteries are easily rechargeable and some even get their power with their solar panels. They are lightweight, compact and are easy to carry and use and are ideal camping gear for all occasions.
The 6 Best Camping Lanterns – [2023]
- Coleman Premium Dual Fuel Lantern
- Coleman Quad LED Lantern
- Streamlight Siege Compact Hand Lantern
- Etekcity Portable LED Camping Lantern
- Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 Lantern
- Tough Light LED Rechargeable Lantern
Best Camping Lanterns
Best Camping Lantern Reviews
#1. Coleman Premium Dual Fuel Lantern
Features:
- Measurements: 16 x 14 x 7 inches
- Weight: 12 pounds
- 700 lumen brightness
- Dual fuel technology
- 7 hours run time
- Brightness adjusting knob
- 3 years warranty.
Camping in tents is everyone’s fantasy to explore nature in its natural wildness. The Coleman Dual Fuel Lantern helps in excellent illumination of the tents. Not necessarily tents, they also find use both indoors and outdoors for reading, as décor, during dinner etc.
They are easy to carry and transport with their hard carry case. The lantern features dual fuel technology and can burn on either unleaded gasoline or liquid fuel from Coleman. The lantern is economical as it uses less fuel compared with propane-fueled lanterns. It is also durable and reliable and burns without hindrance even at colder conditions.
One tank of fuel can power the lantern for up to 7 hours on high mode at 700 lumens. There is an adjustable knob to alter the level of brightness depending on the need. Apart from camping its other applications are hunting, tailgating, camping and also at times of emergency. A three-year product warranty is available with the product.
#2. Coleman Quad LED Lantern
Features:
- Dimensions: 6.5×11.7 inches
- Weight: 6.15 pounds
- Lantern runtime: 75 hours
- Panel runtime: 1.5 hours
- Light range: 26 feet
- Resistant against rain and splashing
- Four light panels for single lantern
The Coleman Quad LED lantern renders the convenience of fours lights in a single LED Lantern. The lantern can shine for up to 75 hours nonstop with 190 lumens. One of the four lights can come handy as a personal flashlight at the times of emergencies.
They are rechargeable and the 24 LED bulbs in the lantern run for a lifetime without replacements. Even after hours of use, the lantern stays cool and safe to touch and is thus safe for kids and pets. They recharge on their base and gain their power from 8D cell batteries.
Each of the four panels has 5 mm white LEDs with a runtime of 1.5 hours with 47.5 lumens brightness each. The lantern offers resistance against splashing and rain and is perfect for outdoor use in all weather conditions. It is possible to remove any of the panels and use them independently.
Thus the lantern is perfect for group camping, especially at nights. There is an independent on and off switch for the lantern and a top handle for hanging or carrying. The lantern can throw a minimum light range of 26 feet and has a limited warranty for 5 years.
#3. Streamlight Siege Compact Hand Lantern
Features:
- Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 7.2 inches
- Weight: 15.2 ounces
- 2 meter impact resistance
- Unbreakable lenses
- Red LED light
- Waterproof
The Steamlight Compact hand lantern is cordless and attains its power from the C4LED technology. The lantern features red and white LEDs with a battery level indicator. There is a built-in on and off switch with five output modes. When the outer globe of the lantern exposes, the light can float in water.
Removing it makes the body hang upside down with the help of D rings and mimic LED bulbs we use at home. It is okay to use the lantern with or without this outer globe feature.
It based is of molded rubber to retain the stability even in uneven and slippery surfaces. The lens of the lantern is of unbreakable polycarbonate material. Users can handle the lantern both in the stowed and upright position, thanks to the ergonomic handle design.
50,000 hours of uninterrupted, brilliant and blinding lighting is what we get with the Steamlight lantern. Its reflectors help in creating an intense beam that can pierce through the darkness with blinding lights.
#4. Etekcity Portable LED Camping Lantern
Features:
- Measurements: 7 x 3.5 x 5 inches
- Weight: 5.6 ounces
- Brilliant energy efficiency
- Military grade technology
- Adjustable height
- 10 years of warranty
Etekcity Portable LED Camping Lantern features 30 energy saving LED Bulbs that render 360 degrees of surround light. The lantern has a long life span and is extremely energy saving. Its body is of military grade material and thus is durable and is extremely lightweight to carry and transport at ease.
It is possible to collapse the lantern to a smaller size when not in use, to store it easily even in small spaces. The lantern offers to light up to 12 hours continuously with optimal battery capacity. The product has a warranty of 10 years and lifetime support from Etekcity.
The Military grade lantern is run by 30 LED bulbs and it is a product of trust and reliability for thousands of people for their camping illumination. The LEDs emit high-intensity white light through their diodes and are Omnidirectional.
They illuminate in all direction for a minimum of one-meter distance. Its power consumption is very minimal and the durable bulbs never fail to save the battery life.
#5. Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 Lantern
Features:
- Measurements: 5 x 4 x 6 inches
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
- Run time: 24 hours in low mode
- Recharges mobiles and boosts tablets
- Rechargeable with solar power
- 400 lumen lantern with USB Output
- Adjustable LED light
- Lithium battery
The Lighthouse 400 Lantern offers the brightest of lights compared with other lanterns and is thus ideal for camping in any location. The lantern features 400 lumens LED bulbs with a USB output for other uses such as charging phones and tablets.
The internal battery of the lantern can gain its power from any USB port or from a Nomad solar panel. It is powered by an internal Lithium battery of 4,400 mAh and the power of the USB output of 1.5A good enough to charge gadgets.
There is a choice to either utilize the complete 360 degrees of bright LED light from the lantern or to illuminate only half of it and extend the power durability. When both sides of the lantern are lit, it could offer light for about 24 hours in low mode and 2.5 hours in high mode.
When there is a power outage or battery loss, the built-in hand crank of the lantern can charge the unit instantly. One minute of crank equals ten minutes of illumination at low settings.
#6. Tough Light LED Rechargeable Lantern
Features:
- Weght: 1.3 pounds
- 400 lumens of bright light
- Measurements: 5 x 3.5 x 7 inches
- USB power bank
- Water and drop resistant
- 2 years warranty
The Tough Light Rechargeable Lantern offers amazing power with its 400 super bright Lumens. Its 6000 mAh Lithium-ion battery offers amazing power and the unit is able to hold the charge for 9 months or more when not in use. Charging the unit twice a year makes it readily accessible even during emergencies. In low setting, the lantern can glow for up to 200 hours nonstop.
Some of the emergency features that the lantern offers are Red hazard flashing light for 526 hours and SOS beacon light for 265 hours. The unit is chargeable from any USB charger unit, including the 12 volt DC charger in vehicles.
Its USB Power bank is capable of charging cameras and cell phones at times of emergencies. The lantern is both water and drop resistant as its body is of rubber and plastic molds of military standards built with rubber O rings.
It can handle a drop from even 5 feet and comes back with absolutely no damage. It is water resistant and works pretty perfect in wet conditions. The product has 2 years warranty against defects and a 30-day money back warranty as well.
How to Choose the Best Camping Lantern
There are different types of camping lanterns with specific advantages and purposes, they are,
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- Battery powered lanterns
- Fuel Powered lanterns
- Solar Lanterns
- Wind Ups
- Electric Lanterns
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Battery Powered Lanterns:
Lanterns that operate with battery power are increasingly power owing to the LED technology it incorporates. They are the fastest and the most popular range of outdoor lanterns. These batteries are rechargeable and can be replaced. It is possible to taking help from any USB port to recharge them. Additionally, these lanterns come handy in charging mobiles and tablets at the times of emergency.
Fuel Powered Lanterns:
The different types of fuels that power lanterns are propane, kerosene, and Butane. Each of them has its own intricate properties, merits, and demerits.
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- Propane: Lanterns that use propane as its principal fuel has been popular in the past and also in the present, predominantly because of the fact that it is possible to control the amount of light that it emits. They can give immense and bright light when a need arises and can be dimmed to any desired light intensity.
- Butane: The Butane power lanterns are not quite popular as their performance is appreciable in cold weathers. But these lanterns are lighter and are easier to carry and have the property of self-igniting.
- Kerosene Lanterns: This type of lanterns dates back for many decades. Their body is of metal, with glass lens and gives light with the help of a wick. They are dependable, the user has control over the amount of light it emits but could be dangerous to use when kids are around.
- Advantages of fuel lanterns are that they do not require electric power and can still emit light that is equivalent to electric models. They run as long as their fuel exists and are aesthetically pleasing as well. They also act as a source of heat in a cold climate.
Solar Lanterns:
Using solar power seems to be the most sustainable way to power lanterns. They also interest environmentalists for their positive environmental effects. But they do have a drawback, their efficiency reduces in cloudy days.
Wind Ups:
The crank system helps in winding up lanterns, to charge the battery powering the LED lights. They never run out of power and are thus highly dependable for outdoor lighting. Some camping lanterns have this crank system has a secondary emergency tool for immediate charging.
Electric Lanterns:
Electric lanterns are durable and emit bright light owing to their extensive battery power. Some of them have built-in solar panels or are rechargeable. They are absolutely safe to use inside the tent even when kids are around. Their batteries may require replacements frequently depending on the quantum of their use.
What to Look for in the Camping Lanterns:
Lanterns are a must for all outdoor camping activities as they are the prime source of power and illumination in the otherwise dark outdoors. There are different types and varieties of lanterns as we have discussed already and we have also pointed out the best of them available in the market of late. But there are few important aspects to consider before leveraging on the best fit lantern that satisfies all camping needs. Let us discuss those points of Consideration here.
Size and Weight of the Lantern:
For campers who tent up at remote and adventurous destinations, the size and the weight of the lantern do matter. They prefer small and lightweight lanterns to carry and transport it at ease. Also, small sized lanterns take up less storage space and fit in their backpacks easily.
Run Time:
Run time is a measure of how long the lantern can be put to use without having to charge it. Some of the high-end lanterns are able to offer 48 hours of constant lighting in high mode. When they are put on low mode their light rendering capacity doubles. Solar models and LED lanterns that recharge have high functioning run time without having to get their recharge frequently.
Durability:
The camp lantern should be able to withstand the wear and tear of camping abuse. Their body should be of sturdy material, strong enough to withstand rough use. The lantern should be waterproof and dew proof as well to be used in all weather conditions. The ideal life span of a lantern is expected to be two years. For those cruisers who use the lanterns during canoeing, they have to look for a waterproof lantern that also floats in the water.
Light Efficiency:
The brightness of light that comes out of the lantern is measured in terms of lumens. For camping alone or with a pair lanterns with 100-200 lumens of light is enough. For a small camping group, 200-400 lumens is a must. More powerful lumens are also available, for bigger groups. These models have a large number of LED bulbs that render penetrating white light and are meant for larger groups.
Versatility:
Campers do have to carry gadgets and other electronic items such a mobile, GPS etc., which needs to be put on charge as well. A good number of lanterns have USB ports for boosting these portable electronics overnight. Lanterns that use solar recharging panels and pose larger batteries are ideal for such purposes.
Final Words:
Camping Lanterns are the best companion for all outdoor endeavors for the bright luminescence they render. They are also extremely durable, easy and convenient to use. They are available at a cost that is affordable for all. LEDs have taken over lanterns which were once operating with gas and other fuels.
These lanterns are rechargeable and thus hold a long shelf life. These bulbs emit deep penetrating lights capable of illuminating 360 degrees for a distance of about one meter. Hope this guide on Best Camping Lanterns is helpful in helping you choose the best fit lantern for your camping endeavors.
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