Lanterns are a must-have for every camper—making activities like cooking, eating, socializing and hiking possible once the sun sets. Camping lanterns come in many shapes and sizes, are made to either hang or sit on a flat surface, and also offer a variety of additional features to make your time spent outdoors easier.
When choosing the best lantern for you, it is important to consider how you will be using it and the features that are important to you. We recommend considering power and run-time, weight and size, lumen count (brightness) and any additional features you would like your lantern to have.
Looking for a starting point? Check out our list of the 7 best camping lanterns of 2022—you can’t go wrong with any of the following:
1. Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 Lantern & USB Power Hub
Light up your surroundings and charge your devices simultaneously with the Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 Lantern & USB Power Hub.
Read our review for the Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 Lantern & USB Power Hub
Best for: Going off the grid
Features include:
- Up to 400 lumens of light
- Dimmable and turbo settings
- 4,400mAh rechargeable lithium battery (via USB port or a Goal Zero Nomad solar panel, sold separately, or built-in hand crank)
- 5A USB output
- Collapsible legs for easy storage
- Built-in handle for convenient carrying and hanging
- Preserve power and extend runtime by illuminating half of the lantern
2. Black Diamond Moji Lantern
The Moji Lantern’s compact and durable design that projects 100 lumens of light is perfect for increasing your visibility at campsites.
Read our review for the Black Diamond Moji Lantern
Best for: Ambience
Features include:
- LED 100-lumen transmission in a frosted globe provides ambient light at campsites or on dark trails
- 3-ounce frame
- Up to 70 hours of run time on low
- Powered by 3 AAA batteries (not included)
- Dimming switch for adjustable brightness and battery savings
- Water damage resistant design
- Collapsible double-hook hang loop for positioning and storage
3. Coleman Dual-Fuel 2-Mantle Lantern
If convenient refills are important to you, check out this Coleman Dual-Fuel 2-Mantle Lantern, which runs on either unleaded or white gas.
Read our review for the Coleman Dual-Fuel 2-Mantle Lantern
Best for: Campsites
Features include:
- Adjustable light output
- 8 to 14-hour burn-time per tank of fuel, depending on the setting you use
- Included funnel to prevent fuel spillage while refilling
- Ease of use—simply pump, light, and adjust the control knob
- Heat-resistant glass globe
- Coated steel fuel tank
- Porcelainized steel ventilator
- Wire handle for carrying or hanging
- No-leak fuel tank cap
- Compatible with #21 Coleman mantles
4. BioLite PowerLight Mini Lantern
Go hands-free with the BioLite PowerLight Mini Lantern—a rechargeable lamp that offers a long battery life and a power boost for your phone! If you’re looking for a super-compact light, this is our top pick!
Read our review for the BioLite PowerLight Mini Lantern
Best for: Backpacking
Features include:
- 52-hour battery life
- 135 lumen lantern with five modes—white, bright white, red, white strobe, and red strobe
- Metal clip that attaches to a backpack or bicycle handlebar
- 1350mAh USB rechargeable li-ion battery
- Charges phone
- Lightweight
5. UST 30-Day Duro LED Portable 1000 Lumen Lantern
The versatile UST 30-Day Duro LED Portable 1000 Lumen Lantern is perfect for camping, RVs, emergency situations and more.
Read our review for the UST 30-Day Duro LED Portable 1000 Lumen Lantern
Best for: Emergencies
Features include:
- 1000 lumens of light
- 30-day run-time on low, 22 hours on high
- Flashing SOS mode for emergencies
- Lifetime LED bulb that will never burn out
- Impact and weather-resistant ABS plastic case
- Built-in, recessed hook for hanging
6. MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 Inflatable Solar Lantern
Get off the grid and take advantage of the sun’s energy with the MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 Inflatable Solar Lantern.
Read our review for the MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 Inflatable Solar Lantern
Best for: Water activities, tight packing
Features include:
- Solar panel charges in 7 hours of direct sunlight
- Up to 24 hours of charge
- Convenient indicator displays remaining battery life
- Inflatable design collapses down to 1 in. thickness
- Waterproof (IP67 rating), maintenance-free construction
- Floats
- Adjustable bottom strap allows you to set up the lantern anywhere without any extra hooks
- Illuminates 100 sq. ft. area with 10 high-efficiency LEDs
- 3-second quick shutoff
- Operating temperature of 32-113°F
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
7. LuminAID PackLite 2 in 1 Phone Charger
The eco-conscious LuminAID PackLite 2 in 1 Phone Charger is a solar-powered lantern perfect for your camping table or bedtime reading.
Read our review for the LuminAID PackLite 2 in 1 Phone Charger
Best for: Powering other devices
Features include:
- Up to 50 hours of runtime on low
- 150 lumen max light output
- Compact design
- Waterproof and durable
- Multiple lighting settings
- Rechargeable battery via solar power and USB
- Charges mobile devices
You can’t go wrong with any of the hi-tech camping lanterns above that are sure to meet the needs of every camper!
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