10 Best Camping Lanterns 2026 in the United States

The LuminAID Survivor Solar Lantern is a versatile and user-friendly option for camping and emergency use. It offers a good range of brightness settings from 15 to 600 lumens, meeting different lighting needs—from a soft night light to a powerful beam. Battery life varies accordingly, with the lowest setting providing an impressive 100+ hours and the brightest around 2.5 to 4 hours. This lantern is powered by both solar energy and USB, making it convenient for outdoor adventures, though solar charging can take about a full day in direct sunlight, which may be slow if you need quick power.

It weighs just over a pound and is inflatable, so it’s very portable and floats on water, adding safety and durability with waterproofing up to 1 meter depth. The plastic construction is sturdy but lightweight, and the lamp’s simple twist-to-inflate design makes it easy to use without any technical hassle. It also includes two USB ports to charge phones, a handy feature for emergencies.

While 600 lumens is decent, it may not be bright enough for some larger outdoor spaces or tasks needing intense light. Additionally, the inflatable design, while innovative, may require occasional maintenance to keep it airtight. For those seeking a durable, solar-powered, multi-use camping lantern that doubles as a phone charger, this is a solid pick, especially for hikers, campers, and emergency kit users looking for lightweight and waterproof lighting.

The LuminAID 2-in-1 Solar Camping Lantern is a versatile and lightweight option for camping, hiking, and emergency use. It offers a bright 300-lumen LED light with multiple modes, including red and turbo settings, which helps adjust lighting based on your needs. The built-in 4000mAh lithium-ion battery powers the lantern for up to 100 hours on low, and it can also recharge your phone 2-3 times, making it handy for longer trips or power outages. Recharging options include solar power, which takes about 16-20 hours of direct sunlight, or a faster 4-hour USB charge.

Weighing just 12.3 ounces and folding down to a slim 1 inch thick, it’s easy to carry without adding much bulk. Its inflatable design expands into a 6-inch cube, providing a soft, diffused light. The lantern’s construction uses durable, waterproof (IP67) TPU material, so it can handle rough outdoor conditions and even float on water. The twist-to-inflate feature makes it simple to set up and pack away quickly.

There are some limitations such as the relatively long solar charging time, which depends on sunlight availability, and the moderate brightness that might not fully light up large areas. While the phone charging feature adds extra value, it won't replace a full power bank for heavy device use. This lantern suits campers and outdoor enthusiasts who want a compact, reliable light that doubles as an emergency phone charger, especially for backpacking or casual camping where weight and space matter.

The Lichamp LED Lanterns are a versatile and practical choice for camping, hiking, and emergency situations. With 30 energy-efficient LEDs and COB technology, these lanterns provide bright, soft light at 350 lumens, covering an impressive 97 square feet. They are powered by 3 AA batteries (not included), ensuring safety with low-temperature operation, although the lack of included batteries might be inconvenient for some users.

The military-grade, water-resistant plastic construction ensures durability and resistance to external shocks, making them reliable for outdoor use in various weather conditions. Weighing in as lightweight and featuring a collapsible design with foldaway handles, these lanterns are highly portable and easy to store. The pull-up handles simplify operation, as they eliminate the need for switches, though this design may lack the fine-tuned adjustability some might prefer.

Additionally, the ergonomic handle design enhances comfort and ease of carrying. However, users looking for a lantern with multiple light modes might find this product limited. These lanterns are best suited for those seeking reliable, durable, and easy-to-use lighting solutions for outdoor activities and emergency preparedness.