10 Best Camping Lanterns 2025 in the United States

The XTAUTO Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lantern stands out as a versatile option for camping enthusiasts and those preparing for emergencies. Its main strength lies in the impressive 360° lighting coverage, with a brightness of 300 lumens that can easily illuminate a room or outdoor space. Its collapsible design makes it incredibly lightweight and portable—small enough to fit in your hand or bag when not in use. This is especially beneficial for families or younger campers who need access to dependable lighting without the bulk.

Durability is another highlight, as the lantern is made from high-quality ABS material, making it waterproof and resistant to various weather conditions. This durability, coupled with a long-lasting battery life of over 25 hours when fully charged, ensures it can handle outdoor adventures with ease.

A unique feature is the dual charging method: you can recharge it via solar power or USB, providing flexibility depending on your situation. Plus, it can function as a power bank for other devices, which is a handy addition for emergency situations. However, there are a few things to consider. While the lightweight design is an advantage, some users may find it less sturdy than heavier options. Additionally, despite the versatility in light modes, adjusting the brightness requires pulling the lantern up, which some might find cumbersome compared to traditional switches.

The LETMY 4 Pack Camping Lantern offers a versatile lighting solution perfect for camping, emergencies, and outdoor activities. Its standout feature is the patented triple power source system—solar charging, USB recharge, and the option to use AA batteries (sold separately). This flexibility means you're less likely to run out of power, which is a big plus for longer trips or unexpected outages. These lanterns provide a bright 600 lumens of light, enough to illuminate an entire room, using a modern COB LED design that gives 360-degree coverage. You can expect about 12 hours of continuous use on a full charge, which suits overnight needs well.

In terms of build, the lanterns are made from tough, military-grade ABS plastic, making them shockproof, heatproof, and water-resistant. This design can handle rough outdoor conditions like rain or accidental drops, so durability is well-covered. The collapsible size makes them easy to carry and store in your backpack or emergency kit, weighing just over a pound each. Turning the light on or adjusting brightness is as simple as extending or collapsing the lantern, which keeps operation straightforward.

These lanterns are well-suited for campers, homeowners needing emergency backup lights, and anyone wanting a reliable, easy-to-use lantern with flexible charging options. The water resistance is sufficient for rainy or damp conditions but is not designed for full submersion. With multiple brightness levels available, the lantern provides adaptable lighting to suit various needs. If you desire a lightweight, bright, and durable lamp that can adapt to different power sources, the LETMY lanterns are a solid choice.

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.