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10 Best Camping Lights 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lantern XTAUTO Lightweight Waterproof Solar USB Rechargeable LED Flashlight Survival Kits for Indoor Outdoor Home Emergency Light Power Outages Hiking Hurricane 4-Pack

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,219
Brightness (Lumens)
Power Source
Portability

Most important from
10069 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The lantern light is very bright and the flashlight is a really usable and convenient bonus feature.
Power Source
Rechargeable via USB or solar, these lanterns are far less expensive to run and pay for themselves after a charge or two.
Portability
Bright, lightweight, and fast charging, they are perfect for gifting.
Durability
Handles may pop off easily but can be reattached just as easily.

The Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lantern by XTAUTO offers a versatile lighting solution for both indoor and outdoor use. One of its key strengths is the 360° lighting coverage provided by 6+1 high-intensity LED chips, which can easily illuminate an entire room when fully opened. The lantern’s collapsible design makes it extremely portable; it’s as small as a phone when collapsed, and it includes a folding handle for easy hanging, making it convenient for various situations, including camping, hiking, and emergency power outages.

Weighing only 2.25 pounds, it’s lightweight enough for even children to handle comfortably. Durability is another strong point, as it’s made of high-quality ABS material, making it waterproof, heat-resistant, and freeze-resistant, suitable for tough environments. Additionally, the lantern boasts a long battery life of over 25 hours when fully charged. The dual charging options—solar and USB—provide added convenience, and it can also function as a power bank for Android devices during emergencies.

There are some limitations to consider. With a brightness of 300 lumens, it may not be the most powerful option available, particularly for users needing extremely high illumination. Furthermore, the use of lithium metal batteries, while effective, might require careful handling and disposal. This lantern is well-suited for general outdoor activities and emergency home use, but may fall short for those requiring exceptionally high brightness or specific light mode adjustments.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,219
Brightness (Lumens)
Power Source
Portability

Most important from
10069 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The lantern light is very bright and the flashlight is a really usable and convenient bonus feature.
Power Source
Rechargeable via USB or solar, these lanterns are far less expensive to run and pay for themselves after a charge or two.
Portability
Bright, lightweight, and fast charging, they are perfect for gifting.
Durability
Handles may pop off easily but can be reattached just as easily.
#2

OLIGHT I3T 2 EOS Pocket EDC Flashlight, 200 Lumens Compact Bright Handheld Flash Lights, Dual-Output Tail Switch with AAA Battery and Two-Way Pocket Clip for Camping and Hiking (Black)

Rating
9.1
Brightness (Lumens)
Power Source
Portability

Most important from
1784 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Despite its small size, it emits an impressive 180 lumens on the high setting, providing bright and reliable illumination whenever needed.
Power Source
Operates on a single AAA battery, which is both cost-effective and widely available.
Portability
The slim design and dual-direction pocket clip make it easy to carry in a pocket, attach to a hat for hands-free use, or secure to a bag strap.
Durability
The build quality is outstanding with a sleek aluminum body that feels durable yet lightweight.
Light Modes
Dual-mode operation with effortless switching between the 5-lumen low mode and the 180-lumen high mode.
Beam Distance
The beam pattern is smooth and well-balanced, perfect for general use.

The OLIGHT I3T 2 EOS Pocket EDC Flashlight is a compact and bright option suitable for camping and hiking. With a maximum brightness of 200 lumens, it offers a decent amount of light for its size. The flashlight features two light modes, allowing users to switch between low and high brightness based on their needs. Its beam distance reaches up to 62 meters, which is beneficial for outdoor activities.

Powered by a single AAA battery, the flashlight provides flexibility as it can also accommodate a rechargeable battery to boost its output to 300 lumens. The battery life is extended, lasting up to 19 minutes on high mode, and the flashlight maintains a surface temperature of less than 45°C even with prolonged use, ensuring it remains cool and safe to handle.

Portability is a strong point of this flashlight; it is lightweight at 2.08 ounces and compact with dimensions of 3.5 x 0.59 x 0.59 inches, making it easy to carry and store. The enhanced pocket clip allows for deeper carry and can be used hands-free by clipping it onto a hat brim. Durability is also ensured with its aluminum construction and IPX8 waterproof rating, making it suitable for various weather conditions. The relatively short runtime on high mode might be a drawback for extended use. This flashlight is ideal for users looking for a lightweight and versatile lighting solution for short-term outdoor activities.

Rating
9.1
Brightness (Lumens)
Power Source
Portability

Most important from
1784 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Despite its small size, it emits an impressive 180 lumens on the high setting, providing bright and reliable illumination whenever needed.
Power Source
Operates on a single AAA battery, which is both cost-effective and widely available.
Portability
The slim design and dual-direction pocket clip make it easy to carry in a pocket, attach to a hat for hands-free use, or secure to a bag strap.
Durability
The build quality is outstanding with a sleek aluminum body that feels durable yet lightweight.
Light Modes
Dual-mode operation with effortless switching between the 5-lumen low mode and the 180-lumen high mode.
Beam Distance
The beam pattern is smooth and well-balanced, perfect for general use.
#3

LuminAID Survivor Solar Lantern with Dual Phone Charger - Inflatable LED Lamp for Camping, Hiking and Travel - Emergency Light for Power Outages, Hurricane, Survival Kits

Rating
8.8
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Power Source

Most important from
1257 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The lantern delivers a pleasant, adjustable light that suits both practical and ambient needs effectively.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, especially on lower brightness settings, supporting extended use during outages or camping.
Power Source
The built-in solar panel is convenient but charges slowly, so pairing it with a larger solar panel significantly speeds up recharging.
Portability
Its compact, foldable design and well-crafted handle make it incredibly easy to carry and store.

The LuminAID Survivor Solar Lantern is a versatile camping light known for its solar charging capability and portability. It offers a range of brightness levels—from a bright 600 lumens on turbo mode down to a low 15 lumens setting that can last over 130 hours, catering to different needs like bright task lighting or long-lasting ambient light. Charging via direct sunlight takes about 24-30 hours, which is slower than USB charging but handy when you're off-grid. USB charging is much faster, around 2 to 2.5 hours.

Made of shatterproof plastic, the lantern inflates to provide a soft, diffused light, while also being waterproof up to 1 meter and able to float, making it durable and reliable in outdoor conditions. Its lightweight and inflatable design contribute to excellent portability, ideal for hiking or travel. A unique feature is its ability to charge two phones through USB ports, providing a useful backup in emergencies.

The turbo mode only lasts a few hours, so users might need to balance brightness with battery life on long trips. This product is a solid choice for campers wanting a multi-functional, eco-friendly light source that’s easy to carry and can support basic charging needs, while those seeking intense, long-distance illumination might want additional lighting options.

Rating
8.8
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Power Source

Most important from
1257 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The lantern delivers a pleasant, adjustable light that suits both practical and ambient needs effectively.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, especially on lower brightness settings, supporting extended use during outages or camping.
Power Source
The built-in solar panel is convenient but charges slowly, so pairing it with a larger solar panel significantly speeds up recharging.
Portability
Its compact, foldable design and well-crafted handle make it incredibly easy to carry and store.

Buying Guide for the Best Camping Lights

Choosing the right camping light can significantly enhance your outdoor experience, providing you with the necessary illumination for various activities such as cooking, reading, or navigating your campsite. When selecting a camping light, consider the type of camping you will be doing, the environment, and your specific needs. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.
Brightness (Lumens)Brightness, measured in lumens, indicates how much light a camping light emits. This is important because it determines how well you can see in the dark. For general campsite use, 100-200 lumens is usually sufficient. For tasks that require more light, such as cooking or reading, you might need 200-400 lumens. If you need to light up a larger area or for safety purposes, consider lights with 400 lumens or more. Choose the brightness level based on the activities you plan to do and the size of the area you need to illuminate.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the camping light will last on a single charge or set of batteries. This is crucial for ensuring you have light throughout your trip. Shorter trips or occasional use might be fine with a light that lasts 5-10 hours. For longer trips or frequent use, look for lights with 20 hours or more of battery life. Consider your trip duration and how often you will use the light to determine the appropriate battery life.
Power SourceCamping lights can be powered by various sources, including disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries, or solar power. Disposable batteries are convenient but can be costly and less environmentally friendly. Rechargeable batteries are more sustainable and cost-effective in the long run but require access to a power source for recharging. Solar-powered lights are eco-friendly and great for extended trips but depend on sunlight availability. Choose a power source based on your access to power and environmental considerations.
PortabilityPortability refers to the ease with which you can carry and transport the camping light. This is important for backpackers or those with limited space. Smaller, lightweight lights are ideal for backpacking and easy to pack. Larger lights may offer more features but can be bulkier and heavier. Consider the size and weight of the light in relation to your mode of travel and available space.
DurabilityDurability indicates how well the camping light can withstand outdoor conditions such as rain, dust, and impact. This is important for ensuring the light lasts through your camping trips. Look for lights with water-resistant or waterproof ratings (IPX4, IPX7, etc.) and robust construction materials. If you plan to camp in harsh conditions or rough terrain, prioritize durability to ensure reliability.
Light ModesLight modes refer to the different settings a camping light can offer, such as high, medium, low, strobe, or red light. These modes are important for adapting to various situations and conserving battery life. High mode is useful for maximum brightness, while low mode can extend battery life. Strobe mode can be used for emergency signaling, and red light mode helps preserve night vision. Choose a light with modes that match your activities and needs.
Beam DistanceBeam distance measures how far the light can project its beam. This is important for activities that require seeing further distances, such as hiking or navigating in the dark. Short beam distances (up to 50 meters) are suitable for close-up tasks and general campsite use. Medium beam distances (50-100 meters) are good for short hikes and broader area illumination. Long beam distances (over 100 meters) are ideal for long hikes and spotting distant objects. Select a beam distance based on the type of activities you will be doing.

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