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Bring the light to the outdoors with these expert-approved favorites.

A man holding the ultimate survival technologies 30 day duro in the snow filled woods

Credit:Travel + Leisure

Other, more specialized features to consider range from solar panels to colored mood lighting.

We wish it was rechargeable.

Scoring top marks across the board, the UST 30-Day Duro Lantern impressed us from the get go.

Ultimate Survival Technologies 30-Day Duro Lantern

Credit: Amazon

Instead, its ideal for illuminating campground pathways or hiking trails with a wide pool of light.

Our one slight niggle other than the fact that its not rechargeable?

Its not suitable for extreme cold, with a minimum operating temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ultimate Survival Technologies 30-Day Duro Lantern outside on snowy rock

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

We tested the first and found it the most portable lantern weve ever used.

Despite its lightness, it withstood strong winds and felt sturdy when placed on the ground.

Set up is as easy as pulling the two pieces apart and filling it orally with air.

a person holding Ultimate Survival Technologies 30-Day Duro Lantern outside

The lantern offers low, medium, high, and flashing modes.

We found that the brightest setting provided full illumination in total darkness.

On the lowest setting, the lantern lasts up to 50 hours.

Ultimate Survival Technologies 30-Day Duro Lantern

It also doubles as a power source for charging devices on the trail.

We found it deceptively durable, with no signs of wear and tear after testing.

It can withstand up to 150 pounds of pressure and has an IP67 waterproof rating.

Ultimate Survival Technologies 30-Day Duro Lantern outside on snowy rock

It can be solar powered, but only if you buy the compatible Goal Zero panel separately.

It offers directional, adjustable LED light and stands on collapsible legs for maximum dispersion.

Set up is simple: just flip the legs down and turn the lantern on.

a person holding Ultimate Survival Technologies 30-Day Duro Lantern outside

A built-in handle makes it easy to transport from car to campsite.

It offers up to 600 lumens of warm white light and high/low prefs.

you could also use the crank handle to provide 10 minutes of light for every minute of cranking.

Ultimate Survival Technologies 30-Day Duro Lantern

We think its a little too heavy for convenient backcountry camping or backpacking.

What makes it special is its colorful mood lighting controls.

These include single color, multicolor, candle flicker, and blended modes that replicate sunrise and sunset.

MPOWERD Luci Base Light

Credit: REI

The lantern requires zero setup other than charging it using the included micro USB cable.

We found it took two hours to charge fully after having just one bar of battery life left.

you’re able to use it to charge small USB devices, too.

A lit MPOWERD Luci Base Light sits in the grass at night

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Heather Adams

We love that it fits in one hand and is easily portable.

It includes a hanging hook and an anti-slip rubber base.

The maximum battery life isnt long enough to last for multi-day camping trips on a single charge.

A lit MPOWERD Luci Base Light sits in the grass in the dark

We love how light it is and how easily it tucks into a backpack pocket.

The lantern is IP65 water-resistant and survived when we dropped it onto a sidewalk from hip height during testing.

Performance is impressive, with a maximum output of 800 lumens and a range of 1,640 feet.

Hands hold the MPOWERD Luci Base Light

The battery is rechargeable with a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours.

Its not the lightest option for backpackers or thru-hikers.

Rated IPX7, it can be submerged in 3.3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes.

Top-down view of the MPOWERD Luci Base Light

Despite its weight, its ergonomically shaped for easy portability.

We dropped it during testing and were impressed that it survived without a single dent or mark.

It runs off four rechargeable batteries and lasts more than 24 hours in half-power mode.

A MPOWERD Luci Base Light hangs from a wire

you’re free to even use it as a backup charger for your mobile devices.

We wish that it was rechargeable, both from a cost and an environmental perspective.

It runs continuously for 41 hours on this setting.

A lit MPOWERD Luci Base Light sits in the grass at night

All emit a clean, white light.

The latter was not bright enough to read by.

The lantern uses six DD batteries (not included).

A lit MPOWERD Luci Base Light sits in the grass in the dark

Setup is as easy as charging the lithium ion battery using the included micro USB cable.

Ours went from completely dead to fully charged in under two hours.

In fact, we had to use the two-button interface to dim the light slightly to read comfortably.

Hands hold the MPOWERD Luci Base Light

A frosted globe ensures an even glow.

We particularly like the flickering orange campfire mode for creating a tranquil atmosphere.

We wish the batteries were rechargeable and would have liked the option of a warmer color setting.

Top-down view of the MPOWERD Luci Base Light

Its hard to beat the Etekcity Camping Lantern in terms of value.

The lantern uses 30 LEDs for a maximum output of 140 lumens.

The lanterns collapsible design is a highlight.

A MPOWERD Luci Base Light hangs from a wire

Integrated handles make it convenient to carry or hang from a hook, carabiner, or branch.

It also fits easily into a purse or glove compartment.

We found it sufficiently bright considering its tiny size.

Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Camping Lantern

Credit: Moosejaw

Its best for reading or finding things in a dark tent rather than lighting a wider outdoor space.

Depending on the brightness setting, the lantern can last for up to 170 hours.

you’re able to even use it to recharge your phone.

A Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Camping Lantern sitting on a picnic table outdoors

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Dylan Thompson

First, each one was assembled according to the manufacturers instructions.

Next, lanterns were tested at home for a period of at least four hours.

Lanterns were fully recharged (if applicable) and then taken on at least one overnight outdoor excursion.

A Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Camping Lantern sits on a red cooler

Check out the battery life and compare it with your needs.

This is really useful in either a remote camping or a blackout situation.

Some lanterns are even collapsible.

A Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Camping Lantern lying on a neutral colored cloth

Look for emergency features

Many camping lanterns come with emergency features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lumens measure the brightness of a light source.

The optimum number of lumens for a camping lantern depends on your needs.

Close-up of the lid and handle on a Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Camping Lantern

In the past, gas-powered lanterns were the standard.

Theyre also cost-efficient and long-lasting (ideal for extended trips without access to electricity).

An IP rating denotes ingress protection and indicates how well a machine is sealed against water and dust.

Top-down view of a Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Camping Lantern

Only Level 7 or above indicates protection from submersion, meaning that the lantern is fully waterproof.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Jessica Macdonaldhas been writing about outdoor gear for more than 10 years.

Close-up of the controls on a Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Camping Lantern

A Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Camping Lantern sitting on a picnic table outdoors

A Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Camping Lantern sits on a red cooler

A Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Camping Lantern lying on a neutral colored cloth

Close-up of the lid and handle on a Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Camping Lantern

Top-down view of a Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Camping Lantern

Close-up of the controls on a Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Camping Lantern

BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern

Credit: REI

BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern turned on in the dark

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Kristin Cleveland

BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern on a rock outside

A BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern sits on a red trunk

closeup of BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern charging port

Close-up of the handle on a BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern

Close-up of the USB port on a BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern

BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern turned on in the dark

BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern on a rock outside

A BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern sits on a red trunk

closeup of BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern charging port

Close-up of the handle on a BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern

Close-up of the USB port on a BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern

AlpsWolf Rechargeable Camping Lantern

Credit: Amazon

AlpsWolf Rechargeable Camping Lantern in a person’s hand

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Stephanie Hunter

AlpsWolf Rechargeable Camping Lantern turned on and shining on pile of cut wood

AlpsWolf Rechargeable Camping Lantern lighting up a bathroom

AlpsWolf Rechargeable Camping Lantern lighting up woods

closeup of AlpsWolf Rechargeable Camping Lantern charging area

AlpsWolf Rechargeable Camping Lantern in a person’s hand

AlpsWolf Rechargeable Camping Lantern turned on and shining on pile of cut wood

AlpsWolf Rechargeable Camping Lantern lighting up a bathroom

AlpsWolf Rechargeable Camping Lantern lighting up woods

closeup of AlpsWolf Rechargeable Camping Lantern charging area

Sofirn BLF LT1 Camping Lantern

Credit: Amazon

A lit Sofirn BLF LT1 Camping Lantern sits on the ground

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Hannah Berg

A Sofirn BLF LT1 Camping Lantern sitting on the ground outdoors

A Sofirn BLF LT1 Camping Lantern lying next to its packaging and components

A hand holds half of the Sofirn BLF LT1 Camping Lantern with a “Remove” sticker displayed

A lit Sofirn BLF LT1 Camping Lantern sits on the ground

A Sofirn BLF LT1 Camping Lantern sitting on the ground outdoors

A Sofirn BLF LT1 Camping Lantern lying next to its packaging and components

A hand holds half of the Sofirn BLF LT1 Camping Lantern with a “Remove” sticker displayed

UST 60-day Duro LED Lantern

Credit: Amazon

Ultimate Survival Technologies 60-Day Duro Lantern turned on at night

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Laurel Randolph

Ultimate Survival Technologies 60-Day Duro Lantern

closeup of Ultimate Survival Technologies 60-Day Duro Lantern battery compartment

Ultimate Survival Technologies 60-Day Duro Lantern turned on at night

Ultimate Survival Technologies 60-Day Duro Lantern

closeup of Ultimate Survival Technologies 60-Day Duro Lantern battery compartment

Black Diamond Moji R+ Lantern

Credit: REI

Black Diamond Moji R+ Lantern in the palm of a person’s hand

Credit: Travel + Leisure / John Somerall

Black Diamond Moji R+ Lantern opened on a wood table

Black Diamond Moji R+ Lantern opened on a wood table

Black Diamond Moji R+ Lantern closed on a wood table

Black Diamond Moji R+ Lantern in the palm of a person’s hand

Black Diamond Moji R+ Lantern opened on a wood table

Black Diamond Moji R+ Lantern opened on a wood table

Black Diamond Moji R+ Lantern closed on a wood table

Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns 4 Pack

Credit: Amazon

a person holding a lantern from the Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns 4 Pack outside turned on

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Brierley Horton

Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns 4 Pack lit up

Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns 4 Pack turned on outside at night

Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns 4 Pack laid on a table

a person holding a lantern from the Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns 4 Pack outside turned on

Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns 4 Pack lit up

Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns 4 Pack turned on outside at night

Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns 4 Pack laid on a table

Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge Lantern

Credit: REI

A lit Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge Lantern sitting on a counter in a dark room

Credit: Travel + Leisure / Jill DeForest Colvig

A Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge Lantern attached to a cell phone via a USB cable

A Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge Lantern lying on its side on a wooden table

A Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge Lantern sitting outdoors on a table

A lit Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge Lantern sitting on a counter in a dark room

A Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge Lantern attached to a cell phone via a USB cable

A Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge Lantern lying on its side on a wooden table

A Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge Lantern sitting outdoors on a table

Mpowerd Solar String Lights

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Coleman Powerhouse Dual Fuel Lantern hanging in a tree at night turned on

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A Fenix CL30R USB Rechargeable Camping Lantern sitting on a wooden floor

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A Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge Lantern attached to a cell phone via a USB cable

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Black Diamond Moji R+ Lantern in the palm of a person’s hand

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