Planning to go camping in the woods or the desert with your family or friends? You’ll need a camping light during the night to avoid getting stumbled on rocks and holes. After hours of meticulous catalog scrolling and research on user review pages, we have compiled a list of the best camping lights for 2021.
The Best Camping Lights to Get Now
| IMAGE | Brand | Details |
|---|---|---|
BEST OVERALL   | Lighting Ever | See Price |
PREMIUM PICK   | UCO | See Price |
BEST VALUE   | Streamlight | See Price |
  | Vont | See Price |
  | Odoland | See Price |
  | MPOWERD | See Price |
  | LuminAID | See Price |
  | Alpswolf | See Price |
  | MPOWERD | See Price |
  | UST | See Price |
1. Lighting Ever LED Camping Lantern
- IPX4 rating for protection against water splashes
- Removable cap that allows usage in various scenarios
- 360-degree brightness for even lighting
The IPX4 rating in Lighting Ever LED Camping Lantern means it will hold against any water splashes or even light rain. It can be used in various situations because of the removable cap. You can find another hook underneath it so you can use it upside down, it has four different brightness modes and can reach up to 1000 lumens. The functional features and the light weight of this lamp make it the best overall lamp in this best camping lights 2021 list.
- D size batteries last long and do not need to be recharged often.
- It weighs only 400g, very light to carry around.
- On the high brightness mode, this camping light can last up to 10 hours.
- The light is true white instead of yellowish or blue-ish.
- You can use it for emergency lighting at your house because of 1000 lumens.
- You cannot store it with batteries inserted because of the blinking buttons.
- Some users said that inserting the batteries and closing the lid will require some practice.
- The cap is not frosted, making it uncomfortable to directly look at the light.
2. UCO Sitka Camping Lantern
- USB power outlets for easy charging
- Infinity dial to tune the light output
- 12.5 to 26 inches extension arm
- Classic leather handle so you can carry it around
UCO Sitka became our premium pick in this best camping lights list for a reason. It has a great modern classy look and has a bunch of useful features. With 1800 grams, UCO Sitka is not exactly a light camping light for you to carry around. However, with its long-lasting performance and durability, it can be a great choice for your cabin. In addition, UCO Sitka has a northern light mode, which will make the light rotate between various colors.
- The expandable arm can suit different lighting needs for the user
- It has a frosted cover so the light doesn’t hurt the eyes
- The battery lasts up to 70 hours on a low setting, making it the best rechargeable camping lantern out there
- The USB ports are more than enough to charge your phone
- The infinity dial makes it very easy to adjust the brightness level of the lamp
- Charging cable and adaptor are not included inside the box
- A little bit big and quirky so it can be inconvenient to carry inside a backpack
- You have to make sure that the battery is always charged so you don’t end up with useless camping light during a power outage.
3. Streamlight The Siege
- Glare-reducing cap in this camping light
- Two light modes, white is for normal use, red is for SOS signaling
- A carabiner on the bottom side for overhead use
Stream light claimed that at its highest setting, The Siege can reach up to 540 lumens in brightness for 30 hours. That means you can go through a two or three-day camping trip without having to carry extra batteries. It is also equipped with a durable polycarbonate cover and a rubber base to prevent slipping. In addition, this lamp can float, so you don’t have to worry about it accidentally falling into a river or lake. Even if it submerges, it can hold up to 1m depth because it is IPX7 rated.
- Because of its design, the handle can also act as a hanger when required.
- The water and impact-resistant feature are what makes it the best value product.
- Long-lasting battery life makes it suitable for long trips.
- It’s very tough, it can survive a 7 feet drop test
- The glare-reducing cap reduces too much light from the lamp
- Some customers complained about receiving it without any boxes.
- When the cap is removed, the light hurts the eyes
4. Vont 4 Pack LED Camping Lantern
- Collapsible design makes it easy to fit it in your backpack
- Survives a 10-foot drop test
- A lifetime warranty for this product, including for loss, theft, and defect reasons
- Turns on by pulling up
This camping light might not have the fanciest design or the brightest light among its competitors in this best camping lights list. However, this little lantern from Vont gets the job done. It’s collapsible, lightweight, long-lasting, and durable. What more can you ask from a camping lantern at its price? In addition, it also comes with a lifetime warranty that covers not only defects but also loss and thievery.
- The batteries last long when you use it on a low setting.
- Works best for overhead use
- Very easy to operate with the pop up to turn on feature
- It only last for about 5 hours on the highest setting.
- The light is too bright for the eyes, hence it can be uncomfortable.
- Unfortunately, this lantern is not as waterproof as the manufacturer claimed
5. Odoland Portable Camping Lantern
- Functions as both a lantern and a fan, very useful to keep you cool during camping trips on summer days
- Needs two D size batteries
This product from Odoland is the only one that can act as a lantern and a fan among other products on this best camping lights list. You can use it in hanging up on a tent roof or standing up on a flat surface. It only weighs 540g, very light compared to other lanterns at its size. It has 18 low-powered LED lamps. Besides, the fan has two different speed settings, low and high.
- Ultra-low power consumption, one user claimed that on the high setting this product can last up to one day and a half.
- The noise level is very low.
- There are two hinges on this fan for the fan and the LED light, so you can point them in different directions.
- It is not waterproof at all, so it is not recommended to use it outside during rainy seasons.
- You cannot set the brightness level on this one.
- The material feels cheap.
6. MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0
- Solar-powered rechargeable Li-Ion battery
- 24 hours light duration
- Collapsible and very lightweight
This lamp shouts for modernity and simplicity when you look at it. The solar charging feature makes it a perfect choice for summer camping trips. You just need to hook it up outside your backpack and it will charge while you walk during the days. Don’t worry about rains, this one is rated with IP67. This one will always be on our best rechargeable camping lantern list because it is solar-powered, inflatable, and very light to carry.
- It is solar-powered, so you don’t have to worry about finding a power outlet
- The strap can function as a handle and a hook to a wall or a string
- It takes really little space in your backpack when compressed
- This lamp has an odd power button placement.
- It takes up to 7 hours for the battery to fully charge.
- Be careful with the seams, many users said if it leaks it will not hold air properly anymore
7. LuminAID Packlite Nova
- 4.75 x 4.75 x 1 inches of space, when compressed
- It can submerge up to 1m.
- 5 different brightness modes
We put this camping lantern in this best camping lights list because it is great for many different occasions. You can easily carry it in your backpack during camping trips, float it in your pool for a romantic dinner night, or hang it on tree branches for outdoor decoration. You can recharge it using both the USB port and the solar panel. It takes up to 10 hours to fully charge, so you can leave it outside in the morning to charge and then light it up during the night.
- This lantern takes up very little space when compressed.
- It can light up to 125 sq. ft. area.
- The five different settings are useful in different situations, making this light versatile.
- The solar charging option only works optimally outdoor
- The USB charging port does not perform very well when charging phones
- The light is kind of blue-ish, making it uncomfortable to use it as a reading lamp
8. Alpswolf Camping Flashlight
- Can act as a camping lantern, flashlight, and a power bank for your devices
- Equipped with rubber protector to protect the lens
- IPX4 rated, holds up against water splashes
This one is another good option for you who need the best rechargeable camping lantern. This camping flashlight has six different light modes, including red light and SOS signal. The battery capacity is big enough to last for days and charge your devices. It is made with high quality and sturdy materials so you don’t have to question its durability. It also has an indicator light that turns blue when fully charged.
- The size is very compact.
- It has the ability to fast charge your phone.
- It can survive heavy rain.
- The battery doesn’t last really long as the highest setting.
- Without any solar charging feature, it needs a power outlet to charge.
- The rubber materials might get brittle over time.
9. MPOWERD Luci String Light
- 2000 mAh Li-Ion Battery
- 20 LED bulbs that spread across an 18-foot-long string
- Very lightweight and durable
We cannot throwaway this product from the best camping lights list because it is unique, versatile, and can be a good conversation starter. MPOWERD Luci String Light is perfect for car camping situations where a lantern or a flashlight can be too bright to work with, you can also use it on your porch or tree branches to add a nice ambiance during BBQ night. The manufacturer claimed that if you charge it through the USB port it will only take 6 hours to fully charge. But, if you charge it using solar energy, it will take up to 16 hours.
- It is very lightweight, one of the lightest among other lights for camping on this list.
- Very effortless to pack up, you just need to wrap around the string.
- The yellow light is soft for the eyes, one of the most comfortable among best rechargeable lanterns
- The string is not suitable for every situation
- The string can get tangled up when stored
- It functions better as a decoration light rather than a camping light
10. UST Duro Glow
- Acts as a flashlight when the cap is removed and a lantern when the cap is on
- Can light up for 30 days continuously on the low setting
With this UST Duro Glow in your hand, you don’t have to worry about getting stuck in the darkness during night camping and power outage. This best camping lantern diffuses a warm white light that is comforting for the eyes. The material it is made of is also great. It looks sturdy and doesn’t look cheap at all. It is a bit bulky for a camping light, so it might be better to bring it during car camping.
- The battery life is unbelievably long.
- The warm white light doesn’t hurt your eyes at all.
- It is IPX4 rated so you don’t have to worry when using it outside during light rain.
- It is bulkier than other products in this best camping lights list, not suitable for backpacking trips.
- The glow in the dark button feature doesn’t perform very well.
- The lamp’s build quality is great but not with the hook, looks cheap and weak.
Best Camping Lights 2021: Buying Guide
One of the best experiences in life is spending a starry night in nature with our beloved family and friends. But, when it comes to navigating in the dark, not having a reliable light source can be a real pain. This is why a good camping light is crucial for your outdoor activity. Thus, we will tell you six important factors in choosing the best camping lights.
Durability
The best lights should be durable, so to determine this, you should always check the material quality and build quality first.
Check the material quality by looking at the compound, seams, and joints, conduct a drop test for the build quality and check out the general reviews by doing research online.
Power Source
Camping lights available on the market run on various power sources, so it would depend on which one you’d like to get.
Unless you are using a traditional lantern outdoors, you will need electricity to light it up. Three major electricity sources for lights, while you’re camping, are solar power, built-in rechargeable batteries, and external batteries.
You can opt for solar-powered, which is eco-friendlier but pricier, go the best rechargeable camping lantern with a high-quality battery, which is affordable but needs recharging from time to time, or one with external batteries, which does not need recharging.
Light Duration
The light duration is a key factor in choosing the best camping light for you. A good camping light should last long enough before it needs a recharge or battery change. A bigger battery capacity often indicates a longer light duration. Make sure you buy a camping light that suits your needs. If you only go camping for one or two days, then a camping light with 30 hours’ battery life is more than enough to give you light for two nights.
Brightness
The brightness level of a lamp is measured with lumens. The bigger the lumen number the brighter your camping light will be.
A 30-lumen lamp is enough for a smaller tent while a 1000 lumen lamp can light up an entire campsite.
Of course, if the lumen level is too high, it will become very uncomfortable for your eyes. A higher lumen level also means a higher energy consumption, which also means a shorter light duration.
Weight and Size
Weight and size will affect your convenience if you plan to carry your camping light inside your backpack. For a camping night that requires hiking, you will want a compact and lightweight camping light.
But if you want to do car camping, then don’t worry about getting the bigger one. Besides, a bigger lamp usually has a bigger battery capacity and a longer light duration.
Waterproof Ability
Having a reliable camping light with reliable waterproof ability is a must as rain may often come unpredictably. This waterproof ability is measured with Ingress Protection rating.
For a normal camping activity on a summer day, you will only need a camping light with an IP4 rating. But if you plan on camping during the rainy season, you will need a camping light with a higher IP rating to have assured protection against heavy rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are LEDs the best camping lights?
Yes, they absolutely are! LED lights are currently the longest-lasting, most energy-efficient, and most reliable lights you can find on the market. Besides, compared to other kinds of camping lights (butane lanterns, propane lanterns, kerosene lanterns, e.g.), LED light is the most hazard-free option.
Today’s LED lights also have many distinctive features. You won’t find features like inflatable ability and waterproof ability in other camping light types. Features like those are what make LEDs the best option for your camping light needs.
Is it safe to leave LED camping lights on all night?
It’s totally safe to leave them on all night. LEDs consume a very little amount of energy and produce a low temperature of heat., making it very safe to leave them in the “on” position for a long time.
However, the risks of fire hazards are still present if you have a low-quality LED camping light. It is possible that those low LED camping lights are not manufactured properly. So the LED lights might get too hot when you use them.
Is it possible for camping lights to start a fire?
Fire hazards are always present when we talk about any type of lights. Especially if you use kerosene-powered and gas-powered ones. It is because they need fire to operate.
The risks are lower for LED camping lights. However, they might still cause a fire if there’s any defect on them that can cause overheating. Therefore, it is important to place your camping light away from any flammable material and make sure you don’t leave them unattended.
How many years do camping lights usually last?
It will very much depend on the quality of the camping light your camping light is made from good material and is manufactured properly. Then, it might last for a really long time.
However, it will also depend on how you use it. If you often drop it on the ground or in the water, it might have a shorter lifespan.
Conclusion
Choosing the best camping lights for you can be difficult with so many options on the market. But with a detailed and thorough review, you just might find one in time to hit the road earlier than you thought. With the best camping lantern, you’ll be able to have the best time camping during the night. Keep in mind our recommendations and important features to look at in a camping light to find the right one for you.
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