Image: MomJunction Design Team
While planning a camping trip, having one of the best lanterns for a power outage is essential. Likewise, during a sudden power outage, a lantern can come in handy and help you carry on with your activities.
The first few on the usual list of essential supplies for a camping expedition are food, clothing, medicines, ropes, mosquito repellants, candles, and torchlights. However, a heavy-duty lantern is of great importance at times, and a torchlight is not a replacement for it.
Matthew New, an adventurer, explorer, and founder of OffGridDestinations, says, “A reliable lantern can not only ensure safety but also enhance your overall camping experience. These lanterns blend functionality, durability, and convenience and are designed to be water-resistant. Some even offer multiple light modes.”
Here, we bring you a curated list of sturdy, durable, and portable lanterns for outdoor adventures that you may consider buying.
Top Picks
11 Best Lanterns For Camping And Trekking In 2024
1. Best Compact: Vont 2 Pack LED Camping Lantern
Image: Vont 
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 60,940 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
Considered to be the best lantern for power outages by many, this time-tested camping light is bright and long-lasting. Equipped with 30 LEDs, it can light up even the darkest of rooms. It is light and easy to carry and features a patented collapsible design. This high-performance, heavy-duty and portable LED lantern for outdoor adventures such as camping and trekking allows you to increase or reduce the light as you collapse or expand it. When you collapse it, it can easily fit on your palm.
Pros
- Lantern with long battery life—over 90 hours
- Compact design
- Water-proof
- Can withstand a 10-foot drop
- Made of military-grade materials
Cons
- The springs to hold the batteries in place are weak.
"I have used these lanterns for many of my camping trips, and they have never caused any flickering or fusing issues. They are also lightweight, and I was happy they came with batteries. Plus, its collapsible design has been a boon for storage."
Trivia2. Best With Night Vision Mode:Suboos Gen 2 Pro LED Rechargeable Camping Lantern
Image: Suboos Illuminate your camping tent with the Suboos rechargeable lantern featuring five lighting angles and three brightness settings. This lantern allows you to set the light to night vision mode and red strobe mode with the press of a single button. It delivers an output of 300 lumens and can cover a radius of 65ft. In addition, it includes two lithium batteries, which also double as a 5200mAh power bank. Moreover, this expertly crafted waterproof lantern for outdoor activities has a foldable S-shaped hook for easy suspension.
Pros
- Weather-resistant material
- Includes a diffused light cover
- Has a battery level indicator
- Includes a user manual
Cons
- Might be smaller than expected
- May not be easy to find the button
"I�m quite satisfied with its performance, offering customized illumination with three light settings. It can easily shift from a cozy dim glow to full light filling the whole tent. Its lightweight design makes it easier to carry for outdoor activities."
3. Best Lightweight:Lepro LED Camping Lantern
Image: Lepro Light up even the darkest spaces with the Lepro LED camping lantern. Its light bulb may be smaller than traditional models but is capable of producing 6000K white daylight, 3000K warm white light, and 5000K cool white light across three different modes. This four-pack emergency kit includes superior-quality lanterns, each offering a battery life of five to ten hours depending on the lighting mode, and can be used as a handheld flashlight or hanging lantern for camping.
Pros
- Easy accessible switch button
- Compact and lightweight
- Features a durable hook
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- May not be easy to insert the batteries
"Although dimmer than full-sized lanterns, these illuminate the dark trains and bushes quite well. They have also not posed any heating issues, allowing me to use them worry-free around children. Overall, they do their job well and are versatile too."
Vont 2 Pack LED Camping Lantern Best Compact | Suboos Gen 2 Pro LED Rechargeable Camping Lantern Best With Night Vision Mode | Lepro LED Camping Lantern Best Lightweight | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Items | 2 | - | - |
| Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) | Plastic |
| Color | Black | Black | 3000K Warm White, 5000K Cool White, 6000K Daylight |
| Weight | 7.6 Ounces | 8.2 ounces | 7.76 Ounces |
| Dimensions LxWxH | 3.4 x 3.4 x 4.8 inches | - | 2.01 x 2.01 x 4.13 inches |
| Batteries | - | 2 Lithium Polymer batteries required | - |
| Dimensions | - | 4.33 x 4.33 x 1.89 inches | - |
| Shade Material | - | Faux Porcelain Resin | - |
| Shade Color | - | white | - |
| Shape | - | Round | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 60,940 | 774 | 619 |
| Price | $17.97 | $19.97 | $14.99 |
4. Best Multi-Directional:Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern
Image: Goal Zero The Goal Zero lanterns offer 360-degree illumination and a unique option to switch on only 180 degrees for conserving battery life and extending the lantern’s run time. Additionally, this ultra-efficient lantern is equipped with a 5200mAH lithium ion rechargeable battery that can be charged via three methods: USB, solar energy, and hand cranking making it an ideal choice for extended power outages. Furthermore, the tried-and-trusted collapsible lantern for camping doubles as a power bank, allowing you to charge small devices in case of emergencies.
Pros
- Produce 600 lumens
- Collapsible leg design
- Built-in handle for portability
- Two brightness levels
Cons
- May need to purchase the solar panels separately
- USB cable may not be durable
"Thanks to the adjustable light output, this lantern suits various needs, be it camping or any emergencies. It is also handy with features like a built-in cord and hand crank charging."
5. Best Battery Backup: ENERGIZER LED Camping Lanterns
Image: Energizer When you are facing a power outage due to hurricanes or storms, or you need to replace your emergency light, you can consider this LED light. On the “High” mode, it can deliver 500 lumens, and when used on the “Low” mode, the batteries can last for 350 hours. You can also switch from High to Low to Night Light with this lantern. This expertly crafted emergency lantern also comes with an integrated handle, making it an ideal portable device for outdoor survival.
Pros
- 3 light modes
- Water-resistant
- 360° brightness
- Folds easily
- Compact design
Cons
- The batteries are not included.
6. Best Shock-Proof: AYL Starlight 700 Lantern
Image: Image: Shopayl Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 3,070 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
This quality-tested and durable lantern for rugged environments comes with four LED bulbs with an output of 1300 lumens. The innovative and lightweight camping lantern is compact and comes with a hook at the base, making it easy to set up anywhere. It provides 6 full days of battery power, and you can seamlessly switch this lantern with multiple lighting modes to low, high, or flashing strobe mode.
Pros
- Lifespan of 100,000 hours
- Weather-resistant
- Durable construction
- Shock-proof
Cons
- For some, the lantern may be too small.
"I always pull out this lantern when there is a power outage or if we plan an outdoor activity. Despite offering an illumination that brightens large areas, its batteries run it for multiple hours. Besides, its build has proven durable enough to sustain a few falls."
Point to consider7. Best Water-Resistant: Interrnova 1500 Monster Tri-Strip LED Lantern
Image: Intervine Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 1,218 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
Whether it is a bedroom, a backyard, or the thick of a forest, this lantern can illuminate any space with 1500 lumens. One of the brightest lanterns you can get your hands on, it features Tri-Strip LED lighting and comes with different modes like High Mode, Medium-High Mode, along with Medium and Low Modes. This high-performance camping lantern is essential and also has a retractable hook on the base for easy hanging.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Non-slip base
- Sturdy handle
- 4 brightness modes
Cons
- Runs for 5 hours only.
"It fills even the darkest corners with its powerful light. The setup is uncomplicated making it user-friendly, and the intuitive controls are a definite plus. I�m more impressed with the frosted glass design that offers bright light without annoying glare."
8. Best Eye Protection: Lichamp 4 Pack COB Camping Lantern
Image: Lichamp This camping lantern features COB technology known to increase lighting power by at least 10 times. It is equipped with 30 energy-saving LED lights and can illuminate an area as wide as 97 square feet. This high-performance lantern with built-in hooks or handles is also compact and easily collapsible.
Pros
- COB technology protects your eyes
- Portable
- Water-resistant
- Shock-proof
Cons
- The batteries aren’t included.
- The light is not dimmable.
"The highlight of these lamps is the different flame modes, which create a cozy ambiance whenever I use them. Assembling them, however, took some time. Still, their commendable battery life and long handles have made it a camping staple."
Remember9. Best For Power Outages: Blazin Bolt LED Rechargeable Lantern
Image: Blazin This sturdy lantern is perhaps the best emergency light for power outages. It offers 150% illumination to brighten up your room and can survive a 5-foot fall. With a 1000 lumen output, it provides 360° coverage and offers 6 brightness modes. The water-resistant design makes it the perfect outdoor lantern for rainy nights. This rechargeable lantern for camping and trekking offers 350 hours of run time. The built-in indicator lamp shows how much power is remaining.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Drop-proof up to 5 feet
- “D” hook for ease of carrying
- Removable top
- It also features a Red Light mode
- Battery level indicator
Cons
- The wall charger is not included.
"I was skeptical about getting this lamp due to the old-school design, but its versatility has won me over. Not only does it offer the right amount of brightness, but it also charges my smartphone. Moreover, the single-button operation allows me to operate it efficiently."
10. Best Rechargeable: Enbrighten LED Camping Lantern
Image: Enbrighten This high-quality lantern can withstand anything that may come its way; whether it is a power outage, a hurricane, a storm, or a tornado. With 800 lumens and 3 brightness levels, you can use it as an emergency lamp and as a handy light for camping excursions. This expertly crafted lantern runs on 6D batteries and emits a 60-foot omnidirectional light range, making it a great choice for indoor and outdoor lighting.
Pros
- Bright LED light
- 200 hours of battery life on minimum brightness
- Impact-resistant
- Water-resistant.
- It is also rechargeable.
Cons
- The batteries are not included.
- The batteries are difficult to insert.
"Impressed by its output and varied brightness settings, I have made this lantern a permanent part of my emergency kit. Although bulkier than expected, features such as the long battery life and USB charging port have been excellent for emergencies."
11. Best Drop-Resistant: Apluste Portable Lantern Flashlight
This rechargeable lantern is so lightweight and compact; you can even loop it on your backpack. It comes with super-bright T6 lamp beads that emit 800 lumens, illuminating an area of up to 300 meters. The main headlight and sidelights last for about 4 and 6 hours, respectively. This tried-and-tested and compact lantern for backpacking comes with two built-in 18650 lithium-ion batteries that can be charged more than 1000 times.
Pros
- Portable
- 2-way hooks
- Water-resistant
- Drop-resistant
Cons
- The adapter is not included.
How To Choose The Right Lantern For Camping And Trekking?
When purchasing lanterns for camping and trekking, here are a few useful features you should look for.
1. Battery: Check the battery type of the camping lanterns for easy and convenient use. Rechargeable lanterns are quickly becoming popular for the convenience of charging and not having to use batteries. It is a good idea to keep one at home, provided that it lasts for more than 15 hours. Nobody knows how long a power outage can last; that is why battery-powered lanterns are also an excellent choice. Most of them provide at least 10 hours of light. It is always wise to keep extra batteries at home. For outdoor trips, a battery-operated lantern is a better choice.
2. Brightness: To illuminate a room, you do not need a light with more than 250 lumens. However, if you are going to spend the night outdoors, look for lanterns with adjustable brightness or lanterns with an output of more than 800 lumens and 360° light coverage.
3. Adjustable light settings: Sometimes we don’t need the brightest lights, and keeping the lantern turned on to extremely high settings can quickly drain the batteries. Look for a lantern with adjustable and dimmable light settings.
4. Materials: The best lanterns are made of military-grade plastic. They are not only sturdy and reliable, but they can even survive a fall and are impact-resistant.
5. Water-resistance: Actively look for a water-resistant lantern. Spending time outdoors may mean that it could suddenly rain and wet all your belongings too. When faced with tornados and hurricanes, it is even more critical that your lantern is water-resistant.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many lumens should a good lantern have?
A good lantern can have an average lumen range of 200 to 500, and bright ones can go up to 3,000 lumens. For domestic purposes, a lantern with a lower range may suffice. However, for camping, you may require lanterns of higher lumen ranges.
2. How long does a lantern last?
A battery-powered camping lantern with LED lights can last for 30 to 40 hours on a single charge, while rechargeable lanterns can last for approximately 200 hours based on the frequency of use.
3. Should I charge a rechargeable lantern?
Yes, you should charge the batteries of lanterns frequently. Ensure you use appropriate chargers and outlets.
4. Is there a light that doesn’t need electricity?
Solar-powered lanterns for outdoor use and oil lamps give light without electricity. LED and chargeable lights, on the other hand, do not need a constant flow of electricity but require electricity to charge.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah, a professional writer and reviewer, loves recommending the best outdoor adventure products to his readers. He has done extensive research to bring you this curated list of the best lanterns for camping and trekking with exceptional user reviews and high ratings. The information given here is comprehensive to help you choose the right product as per your needs. Moreover, his tips on choosing the right lantern can come in handy for you.
The Bottom Line
Sudden power outages or lack of sufficient light while camping can be pretty inconvenient. However, a handy lantern can come to your rescue. With multiple options available, you need to consider factors like battery life, durability, and adjustable brightness to find one that suits your needs. Moreover, the lantern should be portable and water-resistant, like the Vont 2 Pack LED Camping Lantern, to support you during your adventures, like camping or trekking. We hope our list of the best lanterns for power outages which includes the adjustable Suboos Gen 2 Pro LED Camping Lantern and multifunctional Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern, can help you better understand your requirements and the various products.
Infographic: What Are The Different Types Of Camping Lanterns?
Lanterns can rescue you during a power cut or walking through a dark camping site. However, the different power-based mechanisms used in the camping lantern affect the kind and intensity of light they emit. So, check out the following infographic to learn about the features of different camping lanterns to make an informed choice when purchasing.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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