Best Outdoor Lantern for Camping – Reviews & Buying Guide

Looking forward to beautifying your backyard oasis with a little extra lighting? Or, need some additional light to guide your outdoor adventures? In both cases, a lantern can turn out to be perfect for your need. The best lanterns for camping generally come in a variety of shapes and sizes. From old school kerosene lanterns to modern inflatable lanterns that are powered by the sun, lanterns features a lot of variety in features and characteristics.

The right camp lantern will help you to illuminate your campsite, navigate a dark trail, or read a book in your tent before you fall asleep. Whatever, all the lanterns do not have the same kind of features and characteristics. They differ in brightness, durability, size, weight, adjustability and a lot more other things. Some have unique features, like being waterproof pr shockproof, while the others do not show the same characteristics. That is why you should be very much careful while choosing the best lanterns for you.

Today, there are a huge number of lanterns available on the market, which makes it really tough to choose the best one. So, you need a bit of research and some expert opinion before investing your money in a lantern you would go for. We tried and proven to provide you with that so that you can find the best lanterns or Best camping lantern from our reviews, which can perfectly match your criteria and makes you delighted with an amazing performance.

Top 07 Best Outdoor Lantern for Camping

01 MalloMe LED Camping Lantern

Ever looked at a lantern and wondered, ‘Hmm… I wonder if a lantern could use an LED light with over 100,000 hours of LED bulb life’. That is what the MalloMe LED Camping Lantern is capable of. Among some of the best lanterns, this camping lantern uses an LED light for illumination, using 3 AA batteries. It is strong and robust- strong and robust enough to withstand unconventional weather conditions- and reliable.

More so, its portability and ease of storage are commendable. Simply slide the LED part down and secure the handles (using them as hooks) to make it shorter for storage, with a height of 4.8 inches tall when collapsed (as tall as an iPhone 6). Or slide up the part holding the LED light to bring it up and use the handles to carry the carry it around. It is also very light, weighing around 2.38 pounds. The LED lantern also uses an ultra-bright light, capable of glowing at impressive 146 lumens per second.

Specifications

Pros

• Robust
• Resistant to water and other weather conditions
• Much brighter than conventional wood/kerosene alternatives
• Can be collapsed to store in small spaces
• Long battery life

Cons

• 146 lumens is not much to brag about for objects 20 meters away

FAQ

Question : How tall are the lanterns?
Answer : 5 inches tall without counting the handles and 7.5 inches including the handles.

Question : Are they warm or cool/daylight lamps?
Answer : They are LEDs. They are warm lights

Our Remarks

If we were to use an adjective for this lantern, we would use ‘reliable.’ Though we cannot say that it is the best backpacking lantern you can buy, we can assure that it might be worth your money, given how long it can last using a single set of batteries and how much light it can give out. Plus it is highly portable and light. So it is easy to use as well.

02 DealBang Compact LED Camping Lantern

What would you use when you go out camping and set up your tent? Candles? A lantern? Well, how about you use a whole portable LED light bulb instead? That is what the DealBand Compact LED Camping Lantern is. This lantern of DealBang’s is basically an LED light bulb you can hang using a hook. With a very simple and compact design, this LED light can illuminate your tent, or wherever you want to hang it up, on three levels: High, Low and Strobe. You can change the levels as best fitted as you need it to be.

Moreover, the lantern uses a tough and reliable D- clip hook to ensure that the lantern does not fall off from the place it is hanging from. Additionally, the lantern also uses more conventional AAA batteries that are more readily found and cheaper to buy. Yet they emit up to 150 lumens of light, not to mention that the bulb does not get too hot either.

Specifications

Pros

• 3 modes of light emission
• The entire lantern is slightly larger than an LED light-bulb because of the hook
• Light covers a large area
• Super light
• Easy to attach and does not fall off easily

Cons

• Not suitable for use outside the tent, and the conical light it emits does not cover enough area as a conventional lantern

FAQ

Question : Does it work with other colored bulbs?
Answer : Only emits white light. The casing comes in different colors, however.

Question : Do they get hot?
Answer : No, they remain lukewarm at worst. You can handle it even after its use.

Our Remarks

We really wish we could call it ‘the best camping light,’ but it only falls short because of the absence of light in the upper area. However, because it gives out light downwards in a conical shape, the light can effectively spread long distances. So it works best as a tent light. Plus its ease of use is something you should definitely consider, along with the 3 levels of illumination. A smart buy for stationary use.

03 Gold Armour Camping Lantern

Jeremy Clarkson of Amazon’s ‘The Grand Tour’ loves saying, ‘The more power it has, the better it is’ about cars. If he were a camping lantern enthusiast, he would love this AA battery using the lantern. Why? That is because the Gold Armour Camping Lantern is packed with power. Bragging a powerful 350 lumens LED light that would light up a lot of the area you would be hiking in, this lantern is capable of being a great camping tool at night times, or in dark areas. The light also shines in a warmer color when compared to most other lanterns, making it easy on the eyes. It can also shine non-stop for 10 hours.

The light is not its only perk. The lantern is highly portable as well. The entire thing weighs around 9.6 ounces, and you can even collapse it when you are not using it so that you can stow it away in smaller spaces. The Gold Armour Lantern also comes with a super-tough casing that can withstand harsh weather conditions and is water resistant as well.

Specifications

Pros

• Easily portable
• Emits or lets out a lot of light, enough to light up a big chunk of an enclosed area
• The light it emits is easy to the eyes
• Strong and sturdy
• Built for extreme conditions

Cons

• The high-powered light makes it a drain on the batteries. Significantly shortens its battery life

FAQ

Question : Is an entire set enough to light up a 10×10 tent?
Answer : All four together, yes it is.

Question : Does it have a magnetic base?
Answer : No, it does not.

Our Remarks

If it was not for the short battery lifetime, we could have claimed it to be the best battery lantern. Alas, nothing is really perfect. However, it comes in a pack of 4. Even one of them is enough to give out a considerable amount of light for your ease. It is very light and simple to carry around, adding more to your convenience.

04 GearLight LED Camping Lantern

Ever wondered that there would be lanterns that would stick to metallic surfaces? Did you also expect that lantern to shine at 300 lumens? Well, the GearLight LED Camping Lantern does exactly those and more. This lantern of GearLight’s brags a strong LED light that can shine brightly at 300 lumens. But this is not its only selling point. It also comes with a magnetic base to stick itself to metallic surfaces. Don’t have a metallic surface to stick it to? Then use its D-clip hook to perch it to where you want to keep it. Want to keep it in your hands? Use its handles!

Apart from its powerful light, which requires 3 AA sized batteries to keep lit, the lantern is also easily portable. You can collapse it to fit it into small spaces to carry it around. Or even collapse it enough to get the amount of light you actually need from it. It is weather resistant and quite durable too. The light can also last for a non-stop usage of 12 hours.

Specifications

Pros

• Bright light
• Collapsible body lets you stow it easily, and adjust the light you need
• Light and easy to carry, and several methods to attach it
• Sturdy body that makes it long-lasting and water resistant

Cons

• While other products of GearLight are usable with rechargeable batteries, this lantern cannot be used that way

FAQ

Question : Does it work with rechargeable AA batteries?
Answer : No, it does not. Works great with disposable AA batteries

Question : What kind of lighting does it use?
Answer : It uses COB LED lighting. Could use a frosted lens to diffuse the strong light.

Our Remarks

Close to being the best lanterns according to us, this lantern can do most of the things other lanterns can do, only with the inability to use the rechargeable AA batteries. It is able to last an entire night using a single set of batteries, it shines brightly, and you have varied methods of keeping it perched to other things. Definitely worth your money for a one-night adventure. Or if you intend to stay out longer, then carry some more sets of batteries.

05 Streamlight 44931 Camping Lantern

Would you think that a camping light would be able to shine above 500 lumens while still holding an average battery life above 200 hours using D-type batteries? This would be proven that it is possible thanks to Streamlight 44931 Camping Lantern. With an ability to emit huge amounts of light (540 lumens), Streamlight’s 44931. Using 3 D-sized batteries, this can emit light in 5 different modes. The batteries are expected to last for an average of 295 hours. The 5 modes of lighting on this lantern are High (540 lumens), Medium (275 lumens), Low (55 Lumens), Red (10 Lumens), and Red SOS flashing mode.

With 360-degree coverage, the lantern is waterproof. It can float on water, allowing it to use the Red SOS flashing mode. The Lantern’s Red Light mode allows you to conserve energy for emergency situations. The Globe Cover is also removable, allowing you to spread undiffused light. It also comes with D-rings so that you can stow it away.

Specifications

Pros

• Great in emergency situations
• Can use a very bright light
• Easy to stow
• Globe Cover works as a diffuser
• Water resistant and buoyant, with Red SOS light for detectability in emergency situations
• C4 LED allows blindingly bright light and can be dimmed when necessary

Cons

• Costly to operate, D-sized batteries do not come in cheap

FAQ

Question : Is it suitable for outdoor dining?
Answer : Yes, it is. You may think it is too harsh, but you can dim the light to your need.

Question : Are rechargeable batteries compatible with this?
Answer : Yes. Rechargeable size D batteries also exist, so you can try to look those up.

Our Remarks

Although it brings a little bruise to your wallet, the Streamlight 44931 is great if you use it for extreme usage in very harsh environments. Also works great if you decide to go exploring dark areas. Plus, if you find it too harsh, simply dim it and leave it hanging using its D-ring hook.

06 AYL Water Resistant Camping Lantern

Looking for a low-budget LED lantern that can shine light over a 20-meter radius with harsh piercing lumens? Well the AYL Water Resistant Camping Lantern is for you! This LED lantern can shine at up to 600 lumens, casting bright lights across long distances (long for a lantern that is) for you to seek your way through wildernesses, or simply enjoy the great outdoors in the night. However, if you think 600 lumens is too bright for you, you can always switch the level of light into the 3 modes it offers High, Low, and Flashing Strobe. Simply cycle the switch button to swap between the modes

The lantern is also water resistant and brags a strongly built plastic and rubber body. The light uses a set of 3 D-sized batteries to keep shining and can last up to 6 days of non-stop usage. The lantern is very light, merely 14.6 ounces. It is also of a considerable small size: 7.2 inches in height.

Specifications

Pros

• Strong and sturdy
• Small and portable
• Rubber molding makes it easier to grip its body
• Sturdy body and water and shock resistance makes it suitable for harsh weather conditions
• Inexpensive, works great as a gift

Cons

• Does not collapse and it is not as easily stowed as most other lanterns with such a high amount of lumen ability

FAQ

Question : Is one enough to light up a 12 x 12 room?
Answer : Yes. It can most likely light up more than that much space.

Question : Is the bulb replaceable?
Answer : No. But it can last more than 100,000 hours of usage.

Our Remarks

Close to being the best LED lantern, this lantern by AYL is cheap and powerful. If you plan on trying to crack it open, you are definitely going to have a tough time trying to do that. This lantern is one tough nut to crack.

07 ENKEEO Portable Waterproof Camping Lantern

Bugs like mosquitos are probably one of the biggest nuisances when you go out camping. Getting rid of them is a tougher job to accomplish. Luckily, the ENKEEO Portable Waterproof Camping Lantern can relieve you of that trouble for you. The ENKEEO Portable Lantern is equipped with a bug zapper above the diodes. Pesky bugs that are attracted by the light can be zapped off with the mosquito zapper to rid you of their nuisance. The lantern can shine at 180 lumens at max. For its size, the lantern can last for quite a while. It comes with 4 lighting modes: High, Normal, Low and purple UV lighting.

The lantern comes with a plastic cage to protect you from touching the wires meant for zapping mosquitos. The lantern also comes with a rechargeable battery of 2000 mAh power. It also has a small hook at the top so that you can leave it hanging on a line, or a rope on your backpack.

Specifications

Pros

• Kills pesky mosquitos
• Enough lumens to light up a tent
• Plastic cage prevents accidental shock
• UV light is good at attracting mosquitos
• Battery is rechargeable and lasts for a considerable amount of time
• Very light and portable
• Water resistant

Cons

• Not very sturdy
• The build is a little flimsy

FAQ

Question : Does the lantern come with a charge indicator?
Answer : Yes. Red light means the lantern is still charging, and a green light means that it is fully charged.

Question : How do you clean the zapper?
Answer : Turn off the zapper and blow strong puffs of breath or spray water into the zapper to clean it. We recommend using a toothpick if bugs like big flies get into it.

Our Remarks

A lantern that can kill off pesky mosquitos when you go out camping, or even to kill off mosquitos in your home, would be a very handy material. The only downside being its flimsy body, this lantern would not be a waste of your money if you chose to buy it.

08 SUBOOS Ultimate Camping Lantern

Looking for an LED lantern with a rechargeable battery or are you directing the eyes for the best rechargeable lanterns? Do you need it to be low-budget? Does it need to have different light modes to make it last throughout the day? If so, the SUBOOS Ultimate Camping Lantern can fulfill all the things you wanted. The SUBOOS Camping Lantern comes with a 185 lumens LED light that can light up a radius of up to 65 ft and can last for 11 hours of non-stop usage. It comes with 4 light modes: Super Bright, Soft Bright, Red and Flashing Red (for easy detectability in emergencies). You can collapse the lantern to adjust the amount of light that will come out of the lantern.

The lantern also has a rechargeable battery that lasts long enough for a night session. The 2 rechargeable batteries are 5200 mAh (2600 each) Li-on batteries and come with charging cables. You can even use the batteries to charge your phone or tablet using the USB cables provided. It is also compact in size, as big as a small coffee cup. The lantern is also water resistant to withstand rainy days. AA batteries are also usable when the rechargeable battery lose out their power.

Specifications

Pros

• Rechargeable and long-lasting battery
• You can switch it up with disposable batteries if the rechargeable ones run out
• Good long-range reach
• 4 light modes
• Water resistant
• Strong build

Cons

• Given the battery power, the light could have been much stronger and could have packed up to 200 lumens at least

FAQ

Question : Can you use the light when you are charging it?
Answer : Yes, you can even use it on Super Bright if you need it.

Question : Is it weather resistant?
Answer : Yes, the body is quite tough, and the lamp is water resistant. So it is good to go.

Our Remarks

The overall good low-budget LED lantern that can work as an outdoor lantern even in unconventional weather conditions. You can attach a clip at the top of the lantern to allow hook hanging. The only complaint we could speak out is that the lantern could have given out more lumens with the batteries it uses.

09 Coleman northstar propane camping lantern

Tired of the ‘high-tech’ mumbo-jumbo that claims themselves to be superior to the old-fashioned lanterns? Well, the Coleman Northstar Propane Camping Lantern will silence the modern LED lanterns to shame. This dazzling lantern can emit lights up to a staggering 1500 lumens. The lights can reach a distance of 26 meters of the radius. There is no specific 3 or 4 point light modes. You can vague the light as much as you need until it turns off.

Modern technology made igniting the lantern easy, however. Simply push the button cum knob to ignite the lantern. In order to dim the lantern, turn the knob left or right to adjust the light. The lantern burns a consistent light even in huge variations of temperature thanks to it being pressure-regulated, and the InstaClip eliminates the need to tie knots. The Northstar has a 16.4-ounce cylinder, capable of burning Coleman propane for 5.5 hours at high brightness and 11 hours at low brightness. The globe is also protected with a metal guard, and it has foldable feet for convenience in portability.

Specifications

Pros

• Very bright
• Easy to operate
• Convenient stationary use
• Globe Guard to protect the globe

Cons

• Heavy and not entirely suitable for portable use

FAQ

Question : Can the lantern be hooked to a larger propane tank?
Answer : Yes. Make sure you hook it up with a Coleman Propane Tree.

Question : Does it emit enough light to read?
Answer : It provides more than enough light to read. Consider dimming the light for the purpose.

Our Remarks

A propane lantern that is best for stationary use. Best used when you leave it lit at a corner on its stand. It is heavy, so hanging it up would not be a safe choice. Additionally, It is very simple to use, and you cannot go wrong if you were to buy it to keep as a stationary lamp.

10 HeroBeam LED camping lantern

What is the HeroBeam LED Camping Lantern? Is it a lantern? Is it a powerful 300 lumens emitting flashlight? No, it is BOTH of them! The HeroBeam Camping Lantern is a 2-in-1 lighting tool that can be used as a lantern AND a large flashlight, boasting a powerful 300 lumens capability. The lantern mode allows you to diffuse light in a 360-degree area over a shorter distance with the flashlight mode will allow you to shine concentrated, long-distance light towards your intended target.

The lantern uses the cheap AA type batteries, 3 of them, to run. In order to activate the flashlight, simply lift the top of the lantern. To turn off the flashlight, bring down the lid, and the flashlight will be turned off, and you can use the lantern. The lantern is also collapsible, compact and light. Most important, it can withstand harsh weather conditions thanks to its sturdy and water-proof body.

Specifications

Pros

• Good for long-distance and short-distance spotting
• Strong and sturdy
• Weather resistant
• Easy to switch between modes
• Uses cheap AA batteries

Cons

• The flashlight is not as bright as the lantern, and it is awkward to hold in that position

FAQ

Question : Can you control the light emission?
Answer : This lantern cannot be dimmed. You can, however, collapse the lantern to emit less light.

Question : Does it include a magnetic bottom?
Answer : No. It has a strap that can be switched as you can with the light modes.

Our Remarks

Though it has a strong luminosity for the batteries it uses, and a strong and long-lasting build (despite its flimsy looks), it is an inconsistent lantern and might not be the best choice if you were to go spending your money behind this lamp.

Best Outdoor Lantern for Camping : Buying Guide

Lantern or Headlamp?

Depending on what you are attempting or trying to accomplish will determine which can be the best suit for your needs. If you are directing the eyes to set up your tent after dark, you should better go for a headlamp because the light will be directed exactly where you need it. On the other hand, you have a lantern you may have to continually move it around to bring or get enough light where you need it. Not to mention you would perfectly need to hang it up so as the light will better brighten your working space or area. If you need to light up a greater area such as a large tent or campsite, a lantern will be a better choice as a headlamp is usually suited to direct light in a narrow area.

Power Source

Does our product of choice use batteries or solar? Both are good sources of power. However, battery powered ones are better for responding to emergencies. You do not have to wait for hours for them to charge to light up your home or tent.

Adjustability

If you are put into service your lantern during different times of the day or need to put into service it for different purposes, such as reading and lighting up a whole tent, give certain properties to something and be sure you have a way to dim the light. An adjustable or customizable lantern is preferable, but some lanterns only come with an on/off switch.

Weight

If you are taking a lantern for camping, there is a high probability that you will have to convey it on your back at some point. Emphasizes something to be considered, different camping trips involve hiking or, at the least, carrying equipment from the car. For this reason, it just a recognizable kind of sense to keep your equipment lightweight. Avoid huge lanterns while possible as they’ll take up extra space or room in the trunk. If you’re hanging your lantern from the tent, you’ll want one that’s compact and lightweight anyways – so it doesn’t collapse the tent.

Brightness

Lanterns are determined by the measurements of something in lumens. The larger position or area you need to light up, the more lumens you will require. However, it’s not that unassuming, if you have a lantern that discloses or spreads out the light in a 360-degree pattern, you would need more power than if you have a lantern that you can lead to light into an area. Some lanterns have this prominent attribute or aspect of something of being able to maximum clarity or distinctness of an idea the light of spread it out evenly. If you are just trying to make free from confusion or illuminate a tent, 100-200 lumens will be sufficient. If you are directing the eyes to light up a campsite, look for at least 700 and maybe even a 1000 lumens. If you have a large campsite, you might need two or more lanterns.

Run time

If you’re heading out for an extended period, it’s a good idea to make certain the lantern you take can run for as long as you need. Yes, you could hold or keep spare fuel or batteries around just in instance or case. But for the majority of people, the best scenario is one in which the lantern will run for as long as required without adjustment. Amy expresses to us it’s a good idea to overestimate the time you’ll essential your lantern run; better secure and safe than sorry. Bear in mind, the brighter the light you end up using, the less time your battery or fuel will last.

Durability

Most camping gear is going to be subject to manipulation. It will be let fall, rained on, tossed into the back of your automobile. It will need to be able to confront with resistance a few knocks and bumps. Most camping lanterns have some degree of water resistance. If you think you might need to camp in the rain, you should better appearance for a waterproof lantern.

If you are not a person of a specified kind to carry your equipment, you will need to go with an LED lantern. These lanterns will confront with resistance more abuse than the older style lanterns that require a flammable liquid like the Coleman Dual fuel. If you are put into service it around freshwater or a lake or while canoeing, try to locate or discover a lantern that is not only waterproof but also floats if you happen to drop in the water.

Finally, while not related or linked to durability, perceive or think about in a particular way the battery life and how you will boost or recharge it. If you just move out for a night or two, you maybe will not need to boost or recharge your lantern. If you move out for an extended time, you will need to perceive or think about in a particular way how you will recharge it. Some lanterns have solar panels to recharge it during the day. While these lanterns cost more, the convenience will be worth it.

Shockproof or shock-resistant

For the rugged adventurer, clumsy outdoor-type, or child, a shockproof or shock-resistant lantern will ensure the lantern stays intact even if dropped, tossed, or otherwise mishandled.

User-friendly handle

Most lanterns originate with a top handle that lets you hang the maneuver from a tent or other hook. A simple-grip handle is particularly nice to have if you’ll be outdoors with it at any point. Some lanterns originate with tripod-like legs which carry out the lantern simply to set anywhere.

Design

The design of a lantern is essential, especially if you are looking for a model for day-to-day use. Check its structure. Can it withstand physical stress or abuse from environmental elements? A product that breaks down or short circuits easily will let you down over time. Portable lanterns with convenient onboard controls are also ideal.

Versatility

If you are bringing or taking your smartphone or other electronics with you such as GPS, you will need to boost or recharge them. Different lanterns on our list come with USB docks or ports that you can plug in your moveable or portable electronics and recharge them overnight. This is a handy feature. If you will be put into service it, try to locate or discover a lantern with a larger battery and one with solar panels to recharge the battery during the day.

How to Use and Maintain Outdoor Lantern for Camping?

If handled correctly, a lantern can be a perfectly safe lighting option for your camping and other outdoor activities. About using and maintaining a lantern, you need to keep some certain safety tips in mind:

• In case you are looking for a lantern which you can use indoors or inside a tent, opt for a battery-operated model.
• You should avoid using a fuel-powered lantern near flammable materials.
• Kids and fuel-powered lanterns do not mix.
• With any fuel-burning option, you should always be aware of the risk of fire. Use with proper caution.
• For battery-operated lanterns, make sure you’re using the right kind of battery for your device. Not all lanterns work with rechargeable batteries, and inserting the wrong kind of battery could damage or break your lantern.
• Fuel-powered lanterns create dangerous exhaust and should not be used indoors. Use these lanterns in well-ventilated areas only.

Final Verdict

We expect and wish that you are happy with the investigation of the component parts of a whole that we have provided in this overview. The products we have presented here are currently the best sets of lanterns that the market has to offer. Whatever there are more facts or points that we would like to show or present in front of you that we believe will be helpful for you to carry out your purchasing decision simply without any confusion. If you need to have a faultless touch in all of your woodworking, then you can Coleman Northstar propane camping lantern. Most perfectionist people use these best lanterns, and it is highly praised by the general people as well.

Looking for a cheap lantern? Then you should go for DealBang Compact LED Camping Lantern as it comes at the lowest price among all the models we have brought together in this review. Looking for the most luxurious and elegant model? Then, the best option for you can be Streamlight 44931 Camping Lantern because of the elegance it comes with.

Searching for the best quality but the price also matters? Then, the best decision for you should be going for HeroBeam LED camping lantern as it provides you a great quality at an affordable price. We are having finished or arrived at completion with our job, but the choice is still all yours to make. We believe that you will be able to find out the perfect lantern that you are directing your eyes with the help of our overview. Happy shopping!