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Bring the light to the outdoors with these expert-approved favorites.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All emit a clean, white light.
The latter was not bright enough to read by.
The lantern uses six DD batteries (not included).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Only Level 7 or above indicates protection from submersion, meaning that the lantern is fully waterproof.
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Jessica Macdonaldhas been writing about outdoor gear for more than 10 years.
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