Unearth The Voyage
Whether you’re setting up camp under the stars or preparing for an unexpected power outage, the right lantern makes all the difference between fumbling in the dark and enjoying a well-lit evening. Modern camping lanterns have evolved far beyond the flickering gas models your grandparents used, now offering rechargeable batteries, solar power, and even smartphone charging capabilities. From ultralight backpacking trips to family car-camping adventures, there’s a perfect lantern waiting to brighten your next outdoor experience.
1. Best Overall: BioLite AlpenGlow 500
Imagine having a lantern that not only lights up your entire campsite but also keeps your phone charged when you’re miles from civilization. The AlpenGlow 500 delivers exactly that, packing 500 lumens of brightness into a compact design that fits easily in your gear bag.
What sets this lantern apart is its ChromaReal technology, which renders colors accurately instead of washing everything out in harsh white light. You’ll get up to 200 hours of runtime on low settings, making it ideal for extended trips. Plus, the 6,400 mAh battery doubles as a power bank.
Fun multicolor modes add ambiance without sacrificing practical utility, making this lantern shine at car camping trips, cabin weekends, and home power outages alike.
2. Best Budget: Duracell 2000-Lumen Tri-Power Lantern
Finding a lantern that doesn’t drain your wallet while still delivering professional-grade features feels like striking gold. This Duracell powerhouse offers three different charging methods—USB-C rechargeable pack, solar trickle charging, or traditional 4×D batteries—giving you backup options when you need them most.
At 2000 lumens, it pumps out enough light to illuminate large group campsites without breaking a sweat. The device-charging capability is surprisingly rare at this price point, making it a smart addition to emergency preparedness kits.
Value seekers will appreciate how this lantern punches well above its weight class, delivering premium features without the premium price tag that usually comes attached.
3. Best Mini / Backpacking: Black Diamond Moji R+
When every ounce counts on the trail, carrying a bulky lantern feels like hauling around unnecessary weight. The Moji R+ solves that problem by squeezing 200 lumens into a pocketable package that weighs less than your water bottle.
Its magnetic attachment means you can stick it to tent poles, car hoods, or any metal surface without fussing with hooks or cords. The rainbow and “campfire” modes add playful touches that kids absolutely love during evening storytelling sessions.
With a 1,500 mAh rechargeable battery built right in, you’ll skip the hassle of disposable batteries. Editors crowned it a top miniature lantern pick in early-2025 testing, praising its ultralight design and family-friendly features.
4. Best Car-Camping Brightness: Coleman Classic Recharge 800
Some camping situations demand serious illumination—think big family dinners around sprawling picnic tables or navigating storm-induced blackouts. Coleman’s Classic Recharge 800 tackles these challenges head-on with a powerful 800-lumen output that turns night into day.
The USB-rechargeable 4,800 mAh battery keeps the lights burning for impressively long stretches, earning it top scores in REI’s rigorous January 2025 testing. You won’t find yourself rationing light or scrambling for replacement batteries mid-trip.
Built with Coleman’s legendary durability, this lantern handles the bumps and tumbles of outdoor life without complaint, making it a dependable companion for car campers who refuse to compromise on visibility.
5. Most Rugged / Feature-Rich: Fenix CL27R
Gearheads and serious adventurers need equipment that can handle whatever nature throws their way. Enter the CL27R, a feature-packed beast that combines separate flood and spot beams—usable individually or together—for maximum lighting flexibility.
The stepless brightness control and adjustable color temperature (2700–6500K) let you dial in the perfect ambiance, whether you’re reading maps or cooking dinner. With a removable 5,000 mAh battery cell and USB-C charging, you’ll have power management options that simpler lanterns can’t match.
Rated at 1,600 lumens for area lighting, it delivers professional-grade illumination perfect for overland rigs, winter expeditions, and anyone who demands the absolute best from their camping gear.
6. Best for Emergencies: Goal Zero Lighthouse 600
When disaster strikes and the power grid goes dark, having multiple charging options isn’t just convenient—it’s potentially lifesaving. The Lighthouse 600 earns its emergency credentials by offering three distinct recharge methods: USB, compatible solar panels, or the built-in hand crank.
That hand crank means you’ll never be completely without light, even if your batteries die and clouds block the sun for days. The 600-lumen output and 5,200 mAh power hub provide enough juice to charge essential devices during extended outages.
REI editors awarded it their coveted Editors’ Choice designation in 2025, recognizing it as a long-standing benchmark in emergency preparedness. Keep one in your disaster kit and sleep easier knowing you’re ready.
7. Best Solar Inflatable: BioLite Luci Charge 360
Picture a lantern that deflates completely flat for packing, recharges itself using nothing but sunshine, and still manages to charge your phone. The Luci Charge 360 accomplishes all three tricks effortlessly, making it a favorite among minimalist travelers and river guides.
Solar and USB-C charging options mean you’re covered whether you’re basking in desert sun or dealing with cloudy weather. The inflatable design saves precious pack space while still delivering quality illumination when expanded.
MPOWERD’s Luci line joined the BioLite family in 2024, combining two innovative outdoor brands into one powerhouse product. Festival campers, lightweight travelers, and anyone heading off-grid will appreciate how this lantern disappears when stored but shines bright when needed.
8. Best String Lights: BioLite Luci 44′ Solar String Lights (Detachable Power Hub)
Who says camping has to mean sacrificing atmosphere? These 44 feet of warm, glowing string lights transform any campsite into an Instagram-worthy haven without requiring a single extension cord or outlet.
The detachable hub contains a 4,000 mAh battery that charges via solar panels or USB, giving you flexibility in how you power your ambiance. Drape them across awnings, wrap them around trees, or string them along your camper’s exterior for instant glamping vibes.
REI editors named these a 2025 favorite for car camping, praising how they elevate outdoor spaces from basic to beautiful. Perfect for anyone who believes that roughing it doesn’t mean giving up on style and comfort.
9. Best Candle Lantern (No Batteries): UCO Original Candle Lantern
Sometimes the simplest solutions prove the most reliable. When all your rechargeable gadgets have died and your batteries are frozen solid, a candle lantern keeps burning without complaint or fuss.
The windproof glass chimney protects the flame from gusts while still radiating gentle warmth—a welcome bonus on chilly mountain nights. Each candle delivers approximately 9-15 hours of light depending on the specific model and conditions, giving you dependable backup illumination.
There’s something deeply satisfying about technology-free light, especially when you’re trying to disconnect from the digital world. Keep this low-tech marvel in your gear collection as insurance against electronic failures, or simply enjoy its cozy, flickering presence in tents and remote huts.
10. Best Area Light for Overlanding / Basecamps: Goal Zero Skylight (6,000 lm)
This isn’t your typical table lantern—it’s a legitimate area lighting system that replaces entire strings of work lights at large campsites. The telescoping design extends from 4 to 12 feet, positioning powerful illumination exactly where you need it most.
At 6,000 lumens, the Skylight throws usable light up to roughly 300 feet, turning sprawling basecamps into well-lit outdoor living rooms. The IPX4 weather rating means rain won’t shut down your lighting, and it pairs beautifully with Goal Zero’s Yeti power stations for multi-day operations.
Vehicle-supported adventurers, overland enthusiasts, and anyone hosting group events will appreciate how this powerhouse eliminates dark corners and dangerous shadows, creating safe, functional spaces for driveway projects or remote gatherings alike.
