Best Solar Camping Lights on the Market: Keep Your Nights Bright

Meet the solar-powered lights that are going to change your life

Camping under the stars is an experience like no other. But let’s face it, stumbling around in the dark is no one’s idea of a good time. Enter solar camping lights or camping torch—the eco-friendly, hassle-free solution to brightening up your campsite. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a weekend warrior, these backpacking lanterns can be a game-changer for your outdoor adventures.

What Are Solar Camping Lights?

Solar camping lights are portable lighting solutions that harness the power of the sun to illuminate your campsite. These nifty gadgets come with built-in solar panels that charge during the day, so you can enjoy hours of light without worrying about batteries or finding a power source. From lanterns to string lights, the options are as diverse as the trails you’ll be exploring.

How Do They Work?

It’s pretty simple, really. Solar lights for camping have photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity. This electricity is stored in rechargeable batteries within the light. When the sun goes down, you switch on the light and voila—instant illumination. It’s like having your little piece of the sun in your backpack.

Soft-Bodied Collapsible Solar Lanterns

Best Solar Lantern: MPOWERD Luci Pro Series: Rechargeable Solar Inflatable LED Lantern + Charger

Price at time of publish: $35.99

Features:

• Best for: Hikers/ campers
• Weight (Ounces): 6.1
• Unfolded dimensions (inches): 5 x 5 x 4.25
• Collapses down: 1.5 inches
• 1000 mAh Battery: Provides up to 50 hours of light on a single charge.
• Lumens: 150
• Rechargeable via Solar and USB: Dual charging options.
• IP67 Dust and water-resistant
• Four light modes: Low, medium, high, and flashing

Recharge Time:

• Solar Charging: Up to 14 hours for a full charge.
• USB Charging: Approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge.

Backpackers and campers love the Luci Pro for its portability and eco-friendly design. These lanterns are incredibly compact, making them perfect whether you’re hiking or car camping. They barely take up any space and can be easily stowed anywhere. When hiking, just attach one to the outside of your pack, so it doesn’t take up room inside while it charges. When driving, toss them on top of your gear in the back, and they’ll charge through the hatch window.

If you’re concerned about the durability of collapsible gear, these lanterns are well-made and don’t tear or puncture easily. You can use them for years, even with daily folding and expanding, exposure to all sorts of weather, and occasional scrapes. Given their benefits, you’d be willing to replace them if needed.

Lighting: You’ll rarely need to use the highest brightness level. The medium setting on these small solar lights is perfect for reading inside the tent or lighting your way to the bathroom. You’ll only need the highest level to illuminate a large area around the picnic table when cooking.

Run Time: While you might not time the exact run time, you’ll find these solar powered camping lights never dim or run out after hours of use at night. They charge as you hike or drive, so you won’t have to worry about them running down completely.

Do yourself a favor and get one. You’re not only investing in the best camp lights and renewable energy but also supporting a company that genuinely helps the communities it claims to support.

Best Solar Camping Light

BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lumen Multicolor USB Lantern

• 500 Lumen Output: Bright enough to guide your nocturnal escapades.
• Multicolor LED Modes: Choose from warm white, cool white, or vibrant colors.
• USB Rechargeable
• Charging Time: It takes around 3 hours to fully charge via USB.
• 360-Degree Light: Ensures consistent illumination.
• Water-resistant:

Get it on Amazon for $79.95

If you’re looking for a portable lantern that’s as versatile as your adventures, the Biolite AlpineGlow 500 Lumen Multicolor USB Lantern might just be your new best friend. This little powerhouse is here to light up your life—literally.

The Biolite AlpineGlow 500 led lantern is a camper’s delight with its 3-hour USB charge time, versatile multicolor LED modes, and handy features like a hanging hook and power bank functionality. It’s perfect for creating the right mood or illuminating your campsite.

While extending battery life and simplifying controls could improve it, this best led lantern already shines brightly in style and function.

Likes:

• Versatile Lighting: Perfect for setting the mood or lighting up a campsite.
• Portable: Easy to carry, and lightweight.
• Eco-friendly: USB rechargeable lantern, reducing battery waste.
• Durability: Sturdy enough for outdoor use.

Cons:

• Pricey: A bit on the higher side for some budgets.
• Battery Life: Could be longer for those extended trips.
• Controls: Might take a bit to get used to the button combinations.

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Coast EAL22 Lantern

Features:

• Charge Time: Varies depending on the battery type used.
• Weight: Approximately 1.2 pounds.
• Dimensions: 4.5 x 4.5 x 10 inches.
• Lumens: Up to 1250 lumens.
• Power Source: 3 D (not included) or ZX1010 ZITHION-X rechargeable battery (not included)
• Light Modes: White, red, and flashing red for emergency situations.Water-resistant: Designed to withstand outdoor conditions.

The COAST EAL22 Lantern is a sturdy, reliable option for campers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a versatile light source. Let’s dive into the details of this solar camping light and see what makes it a standout choice.

The COAST EAL22 could benefit from clearer instructions, especially for switching light modes and installing the rechargeable battery. Additionally, a built-in charging option for the rechargeable lantern would enhance convenience.

Now, let’s talk directions—or the lack thereof. Figuring out how to switch from red to white light was an adventure (hint: hold the power button). The rechargeable battery installation? Not exactly straightforward.

Just a heads-up: you have to remove the rechargeable battery to charge it. There’s a battery holder for the disposable ones, and you install the rechargeable one under the same door. Keep the contacts facing down (the lantern will be upside down), slide the battery in, close the holder, and then attach the bottom. Simple, right? Well, not at first.

So, while it’s a bit on the larger side and the instructions are more like a scavenger hunt, the COAST EAL22 is a reliable lantern with great light output. Plus, figuring out the battery situation adds a bit of fun to your camping trip—who doesn’t love a good puzzle?

Likes:

• Bright and Adjustable Light: Up to 1250 lumens to light up your campsite.
• Multiple Power Options: 3- D batteries or rechargeable
• Sturdy Build
• Versatile Lighting Modes: Includes white, red, and emergency flashing red.

Cons:

• Bulky Size: Larger than some other camping lanterns, serious campers only
• Non-Intuitive Rechargeable Battery Installation: Directions are minimal and the battery installation process can be confusing.
• No Built-in Charging: Rechargeable battery needs to be removed for charging, which can be inconvenient.

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Best Inflatable Camping Light

LuminAID Solar Inflatable Lantern

Features:

• Best for: Tent light source
• Weight (Ounces): 5
• Unfolded (inches): 4.8 x 4.8 x 4.8
• Folded (inches): 4.8 x 4.8 x 1
• Battery capacity (mAh): 1000
• Charging options: Solar and micro USB
• Lumens: 75
• IP67 Dust and water-resistant

We bring yet another solar light for backpacking. However, this time, we will be reviewing the LuminAID PackLite Nova. Thankfully this time, we get a reasonably decent adjustable handle.

The LuminAID construction looks like a box and folds down to 1 inch. You can leave it in your car, as an “in case you have an emergency” solar-powered lantern, or take it on your camping trip adventures.

The 1000 mAh battery offers up to 24 hours of operation in a low brightness setting. In order to get a complete charge, it takes about 10 hours under the sun. Compared to the 2 hours with charging with its micro USB fast charging port, it would be wise to charge this at home or in your car.

Next to the panel, you have the micro USB charging port, the on/off button, and a LED battery indicator. Additionally, you can adjust the brightness settings using the power switch.

Surprisingly, the micro USB does not charge phones. It only works for charging the camping lantern. However, you can upgrade to Max 2-in-1 or the Titan 2-in-1.

It offer phone charging capabilities, as well as higher lumens and longer battery life, but are also more expensive.

Likes:

• Solar and micro USB charging options
• Portable
• Water-resistant
• It offers a large light area for its size

Cons:

• You can use the micro USB port to charge your phone
• Battery drains very fast when the brightness settings are on turbo mode
• The solar panel takes more time to charge the battery than advertised

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Solight Design Outdoor Solar Light Source

Features:

• Best for: Campsite decoration
• Weight (Ounces): 2.6
• Unfolded (inches): 4.3 x 4.3 x 4.3
• Folded (inches): 3.4 x 3.4 x 0.25
• Battery capacity (mAh): 1000
• Lumens: 90
• Number of LEDs: 10
• LED type: Multicolor

Now it is time for something more stylish. The Solight Merlin Helix is an ideal choice for those looking for a solar power lantern for backyard decoration.

To clarify, these rechargeable camping lights has six light modes: Red, white, purple, blue, yellow, and green. In addition, it has both low and high brightness levels, that you can adjust as it gets darker.

The 1000 mAh battery has enough juice to keep the lamp running for 8 hours. Its solar panel, on the other hand, has a full charge time of 10 hours to power the lantern completely. So, it is not very reliable for emergencies. Nevertheless, the 10 LEDs emit a nice 90 lumen light that’s cozy enough for backyard decoration or outdoor night activities.

The Merlin Helix has a recyclable TPU plastic construction that collapses down to 0.5 inches! For example, you can keep several of these in your kitchen drawer and take them out for dinner parties under the night sky.

However, the low lumen rating and fragile body speak against Merlin Helix as a primary light source.

Best Compact Camping Light:

Goal Zero Crush Light Solar Lantern

Features:

• Best for: hikers
• Weight (Ounces): 3.2
• Unfolded (inches): 5 x 5 x 3.9
• Folded (inches): 5 x 5 x 0.6
• Battery capacity (mAh): 500
• Lumens: 60
• Number of LEDs: 1
• LED type: Warm white
• IPX4 waterproof

Small, easy to use, and enough juice to run for 35 hours, are the main advantages of Goal Zero Crush Light. Undoubtedly, it might not be able to light an entire campsite.

You’ll need to buy more powerful solar camping lights if that’s the goal.  However, it’s ideal for an emergency lamp or a camping lantern to light your path back to the camp.

As the name suggests, you can crush the lamp for better storage. It is relatively easy since the plastic body is flexible and already comes with a shape that favors the collapsing mechanism. This basically allows the the light comes from a single LED beneath the solar panel.

Additionally, can change the brightness settings using the power bottom. Despite the low power profile, it offers up to 35 hours of operation with a 6 lumens output. Although the lumens aren’t as bright, it is enough for emergency purposes.

You can use Goal Zero Crush Light’s built-in panel to charge the 500 mAh battery. However, it will take close to 20 hours to do it. Conversely, you can use the USB power input, which takes 2.5 hours to fully charge your camping light.

Best Value Solar Camping Light:

Kizen LED Camping Lanterns

Features:

• Best for: short hikes
• Weight (Ounces): 6.4
• Unfolded (inches): 3.4 x 3.4 x 4.7
• Folded (inches): 3.4 x 3.4 x 1.8
• Battery capacity (mAh): 800
• Lumens: 65

Let’s go back to the collapsible solar lanterns department and look at this product from Kizen. It has a 3.4 x 3.4 x 4.7 inches footprint that collapses down to 1.7 inches. Certainly, this can easily be tucked inside any pocket or hiking backpack.

Kizen LED Solar Camping Lights plastic frame houses a series of LEDs that produce up to 65 lumens at high brightness. Indeed, it’s pretty low. But keep in mind that this camping lantern retails for less than 20 bucks.

Battery life is nothing impressive either, given that, when fully charged, it only lasts about 15 minutes on the highest output. But you can increase the time up to 6 hours by sacrificing illumination.

Also, it takes 4 hours to charge this solar camping lights 800 mAh battery completely using the USB input. It takes much longer through the lamp’s solar panel top. Try your best to charge it before your trip.

You might be wondering, why would someone purchase this solar powered lantern? Well, it is a great tool to light your path back to the camp as the sun goes down. It can collapse and be used as a flashlight to find something in the dead of night. In short, it is an excellent secondary lamp to have around.

LuminAid Solar Beam Phone Charger

Price at time of publish: $54.99

Features:

• Charge Time: Solar charging can take a few days depending on sunlight; USB charging is quicker.
• Weight: 0.6 ounces
• Dimensions: Compact and portable, folds down to a small size when not in use.
• Lumens: Offers a decent light output, but not overly bright, making it suitable for most camping needs.
• Power Source: Solar and USB rechargeable.
• Light Modes: Four brightness settings and a flash mode; includes white and red light options.

f you’re looking for the ideal solar light for camping, the LuminAID Solar Beam with Phone Charger might just be your new best friend. This handy little gadget is packed with features that make it a versatile and practical addition to your outdoor gear.

You might be surprised at how much you’ll actually like this LuminAID light. At first, you might be skeptical about its usefulness, but it turns out to be incredibly handy. The compact size is a major plus—it folds down neatly and inflates in just a few puffs, so you won’t get lightheaded. The light output is decent, though not excessively bright, making it perfect for most camping scenarios.

When you first get it, charge it up and test the battery life. On the highest setting, it lasts several hours, though it starts to dim after about 3 to 4 hours. It continues to emit light for a couple more hours, which is pretty impressive. With four brightness settings and a flash mode, you can easily switch between white and red lights.

One quirk is that the charging light stays red, even when fully charged. You’ll need to check the status manually to see where it’s at. As for solar charging, it’s a bit slow, especially in winter. But once summer rolls around, you’ll likely get better results.

Hard-Bodied Solar Lanterns

JMADENQ Solar Camping Lantern

Features:

• Best for: tent lights
• Weight (Pound): 1.4
• Unfolded (inches): 3.1 x 3.1 x 7.6
• Folded (inches): 3.1 x 3.1 x 4.8
• Battery capacity (mAh): 2000
• Lumens: 60
• Number of LEDs: 2
• LED type: Cold white

It’s time for a little treat for our value lovers. The JMADENQ has a conventional camping lantern construction. Constructed from plastic ABS housing, it feels sturdy and is lighter than it looks.

This camping lantern is especially useful because it comes with two sets of stainless steel handles, one at the top and the other on the side. The first one comes in handy for hanging the lamp on a tree branch, while the other allows you to wear the lantern as a flashlight.

Just collapse it, turn it on, and point the base to direct the beacon. In the middle, you’ll find the only button to turn the solar-powered camping lantern on and off.

You can either charge the lamp through the solar panel or the USB port. It’s important to realize that this rechargeable led lantern takes around 10 hours using the sun and 3 hours by USB.

So, yes, it takes way less time if you use the USB port. The good news is that you can expect 6 hours of run time, which is plenty for most campers. In addition, you can use the 2000 mAh battery to charge your phone in case of an emergency.

Best Convenient Solar Camp Light:

LE LED Solar Camping Lantern Rechargeable

Features:

• Best for: long camping trips
• Weight (Pound): 10.6
• Dimensions: 5.31 x 3.94 x 3.9
• Battery capacity (mAh): 2400
• Lumens: 2400
• Number of LEDs: 12
• LED type: Warm white
• Remote control
• IP45 rating

Convenient and reliable would be the two words to describe the LE LED Solar Rechargeable Lantern Light. Use the remote control to turn it on within 22 meters or 7 feet. In other words, if you forget to turn off the camping lantern once you’re bundled in your hammock, this remote comes in handy.

Furthermore, the 360 light is a great light source during emergencies like tornados, hurricanes, and similar situations.

According to LE LED, the camp lamp offers up to 12 hours of continuous operations in the lowest brightness setting. In contrast, the high brightness provides 6 hours of running time and the strobe SOS is 8 hours.

Bumping the brightness up will reduce battery life, of course. So, it all depends on your needs. The important thing is that it will remain lit during use.

The ABS plastic housing protects the LED bulbs that emit 5 light modes. Low, High, Soft, Strobe, and SOS to cover all your campsite needs. Without a doubt, the IP45 rating means it will stay powered on even in the rain and bad weather days. Furthermore, you can use the foldable sturdy hook in your hand or hook it onto your tent or backpack.

You have two ways of charging these LED solar lanterns. Firstly, is through the solar panel at the top. However, this takes too long, as expected. Secondly, charge by USB port, which is the fastest way.

We like to point out that once the LED camping lantern has an indicator power level, so you know when to charge it.

Best Multi Charge Options Solar Lantern:

TANSOREN Portable LED Camping Lantern

Features:

• Best for: camping and car auto repair
• Weight (Ounces): 24
• Unfolded (inches): 3.5 x 3.5 x 7.3
• Folded (inches): 3.5 x 3.5 x 4.9
• Lumens: 60
• Number of LEDs: 1
• LED type: White

This lantern solar solar lamp is a reliable light source for camping, hiking, emergencies, or power outage with three charging methods.

It has a single LED bulb that emits 60 lumens of luminous flux. The folding handle slides upward for carrying or hanging, but also sits on a table. Additionally, you get two lanterns that to light different areas from your tent or at dusk walks back to the campsite.

The military-grade ABS plastic body collapses with ease and easily fits in any backpack, drawer, or shelf. Although TANSOREN claims that the lantern is water-resistant, there are no noticeable gaskets to prevent water from getting inside. So, keep it as far away from water as possible. 

According to the supplier, the lamp has enough juice to power the bulb for 8 continuous hours on low brightness. Since there are no buttons or switches, you adjust the brightness by pulling or collapsing the lantern.

You can either use the solar panel, three AA batteries, or the DC input to charge the lantern (DC charger included). Sadly, there is no way of telling when the battery is full because the charging LED doesn’t turn green. So you will have to play it by ear.

Old-Fashioned Solar Lanterns

Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Solar Lantern

Features:

• Best for: Camping on stranded locations
• Weight (Pound): 1.1
• Dimensions (inches): 4.5 x 5 x 6.5
• Battery capacity (mAh): 5200
• Lumens: 600
• Number of LEDs: 2
• LED type: Warm white

This is technically cheating, as this camping lantern doesn’t have a built-in solar panel. Still, you can use any compatible solar panel to power the rechargeable 5200 mAh battery.

What do you do when you run out of power? In this instance, you can use the crank to keep the light shining. The last one is for emergencies only, of course. Otherwise, you will be cranking the handle the whole trip.

All the light source comes from two 3W warm LED bulbs. Chiefly, the massive battery has enough juice to keep the camping lights running for 2.5 hours on high brightness. Use the yellow knob to change the brightness settings and increase battery life by up to 180 hours!

The Lighthouse camping lantern has an ace in its sleeve. Namely, it serves as a portable power bank! For this reason, you will never run out of juice on your next camping trip.

LETOUR LED Rechargeable Solar Lantern

Features:

• Best for: fishing and camping
• Weight (Ounces): 5.7
• Dimensions (inches): 3.5 x 3.5 x 4.7
• Battery capacity (mAh): 2400
• Lumens: 600
• Number of LEDs: 1
• LED type: White
• IPX45 dust and waterproof

With a huge, 24000 mAh battery, LeTour solar-powered camping lanterns offer 10 meters and 3 hours of 600 lumens output. If you want a camping lamp that can hang from a branch to light an area, or you can wear it to light your trail, this may fit the bill due to its ingenious handle design. 

Despite being small, it packs plenty of handy features. To begin with, it has a polysilicon solar panel, removable rechargeable batteries, a charging indicator, a micro USB charging port, and a USB power output for phones.

Additionally, it has a waterproof rating IPX45, which protects against rain.

The single bottom allows you to power up the solar lantern and change between the five lighting modes. These solar camping lights switch from low, medium, high, and strobe, and together with SOS modes, you’re covered for any situation.

We hope you never have to use the SOS mode, but you will be prepared should an emergency situation arise.

The lamp automatically changes the brightness settings when it is running out of batteries. Thus, boosting battery life when you need it the most. And, we forgot to mention this, you get no one but two lanterns for around 20 bucks!

AGPTEK Solar Camping Lantern

Features:

• Best for car camping and tent light source
• Weight (Pounds): 1.6
• Dimensions (inches): 4 x 4 x 10
• Lumens: 240
• Number of LEDs: 36
• LED type: Warm white
• Five charging options

If you like old-fashioned camping lamps, then make sure to check the AGPTEK solar lantern. It’s the only lamp with five charging methods: Solar, car adapter, AC adapter, hand crank, and 3 AA batteries. Altogether, there is no chance of running out of juice. And that’s its biggest perk.

The AGPTEK solar lantern doubles as a power bank for your phone. Still, the 5V/1A output is not the fastest. But something is better than nothing, right?

It takes around 7 hours to charge the camping lamp using sunlight. Still, the battery does drain quickly. We needed to use the hand crank more than we would have wanted, especially in super-bright mode.

That’s why we recommend using the lowest brightness settings. Besides, the 36 white LEDs give plenty of light to this profile. So, there is no point in using the other.

Despite looking sturdy, we feel that the plastic frame can’t cope with falls or hits. So, it might not be the best lantern for hikers, anglers, or anyone who moves a lot. The AGPTEK works best as a table lamp or camping lantern.

Best Lantern for Power Outage: FosPower Emergency Solar Lantern and Radio

Features:

• Best for: emergencies
• Weight (Ounces): 10.9
• Dimensions (inches): 6.2 x 2.9 x 2.1
• Number of LEDs: 4
• LED type: Warm white
• Three charging options
• IPX3 Water Resistant

A radio and light source are the top priorities during emergencies such as hurricanes, floods, or simply getting lost during a hiking trip at night. Here, the FosPower is the best emergency lantern and radio have your back, in event that you need several ways to charge the solar lantern.

This is the first of the solar lanterns with a built-in AM/FM radio on this list thus far. Light comes from two places: A 1W flashlight at the front and a reading lamp with 4 LEDs in the middle of the device. Without a doubt, it’s enough to keep you and your loved one out of the dark.

Basically, you have four ways to power your devices with the FosPower solar lanterns. Firstly, the hand crank lever provides full battery power. Secondly, via the solar panel. Thirdly, the built-in power bank, is charged by USB. And lastly, using three AAA batteries.

We felt that the crank handle was small, and it took lots of cranks to generate enough power for the lantern. But at least you have one. Even though it’s small, the solar panel and crank lever regenerate enough power to keep the radio, lights, and SOS alarm ready to go.

The FosPower has an IPX3 rating, which means that it can handle the occasional splash without dying. Another detail is the USB port at the back which allows you to charge your phone without interfering with the flashlight.

In short, the FosPower is one of the best solar lanterns for power outages that you can find.

Best Traditional Feel with Modern Features: Whetstone Solar Powered Camping Lantern

Features:

• Best for: camping and auto repair
• Weight (Ounces): 22.4
• Dimensions (inches): 10 x 4 x 5.25
• Lumens: 180
• Number of LEDs: 36
• LED type: Warm white
• Four charging options

With 36 cold LEDs and 180 lumens, the Whetstone solar lantern is our last contender today. It has a classic camping lamp design with a flat bottom so you can place it on the table. The solar panel is at the top beneath the handle with a built-in hook.

To point out, the solar panel takes around 7 hours to charge the lantern. But you can also use the AC adapter or hand crank to keep the light shining. Otherwise, you can rely on the three AAA batteries.

Together with the thick handle, these solar camping lights are ideal for walking with the lamp, while the hook comes in handy for hanging the lantern inside the tent.

It has a power button that allows you to turn the lantern on, and off, and change the brightness settings. Furthermore, you can choose between low, great for tent lighting medium, and high, which are suitable for illuminating large areas.

Types of Solar Camping Lights

Solar Lanterns

These are the quintessential camping lights. Solar lanterns are perfect for illuminating your tent or picnic table. They come in various sizes and brightness levels, so you can find the perfect one to suit your needs. Some even double as power banks, so you can charge your phone in a pinch.

Solar String Lights

Add a touch of magic to your campsite with solar string lights. These decorative tent lights are great for hanging around your tent, on trees, or anywhere you want to create a cozy atmosphere. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and provide a soft, ambient glow.

Solar Flashlights and Headlamps

When you need a focused beam of light for those midnight bathroom runs or navigating tricky trails, solar flashlights and headlamps are your best bet. They’re compact, powerful, and incredibly handy to have in your backpack.

Tips for Using Solar Camping Lights

Positioning for Optimal Charging

To get the most out of your solar camping lights, place them in direct sunlight during the day. Avoid shady spots or areas with heavy foliage that might block the sun. The more sunlight they get, the brighter they’ll shine at night.

Keeping Them Clean

Dirt and dust can reduce the efficiency of the solar panels. Give your lights a quick wipe with a damp cloth now and then to keep them charging at full capacity. A little maintenance goes a long way.

Choosing the Right Brightness

Different activities require different levels of brightness. Look for lights with adjustable settings so you can switch from a soft glow for dinner to a bright light for reading or playing cards. It’s all about creating the right ambiance.

Choosing Solar Camping Lights: Features to Look For

Lumens, battery capacity, waterproof rating, construction, and LED types are some of the features you need to look for when buying a solar camping lantern. They must carefully match your requirements to get the most out of your lantern.

So, yes. Choosing a suitable solar lantern takes some time.

But don’t worry. Indeed, you will find everything you need to know to make an educated decision. Altogether, we’ll cover battery life, charging options, portability, and much more!

Camping Lantern Brightness: A Question of Lumens

Shortly known as lm, lumens are the international unit of measurement for luminous flux. The more lumens, the more flux; thus, the higher the brightness gets, the farther the light travels.

One would think that the more lumens, the better, right? However, the lumens rating depends on the situation.

Decorative lights, for instance, should not exceed 10 lumens. You want dim lanterns, not a hot burning sun in your backyard. In contrast, if you’re going to light large areas, then seek something with 100 lumens, at least.

But don’t exaggerate either.  On the whole, a 600+ lumen light might be helpful on some occasions, like illuminating the whole camp. Overall, it can be too bright to use in small areas such as tents or camping tables.

In short, 600+ lumens solar camping lights are simply too bright and like looking straight at the sun.

Battery life depends on the brightness. Setting the brightness on high will drain the battery faster. Thankfully, you can adjust the brightness of most solar camping lights, especially those with a high lumen rating.

Battery Life and Capacity

As we said before, the battery life depends, among other things, on the brightness setting and battery capacity. We already discussed the first one, but what about the latter?

Battery capacity refers to how much mAh it can deliver. Think about two lamps. Both have the same brightness, but one has a 10000 mAh battery, while the other has a 25000 mAh battery.

The first one portable camp light will turn off quicker than the latter. In other words, the second camping lantern offers more running time.

Here, going big is crucial. Find the camping lantern with the biggest battery and that you can pay for, of course.

Camping Solar Lanterns LEDs: Warm or Cold?

The majority of camping lanterns use white LEDs. Some might offer colored bulbs, but they are not of use for camping. However, they come in handy for decorative purposes.

Now, you might notice that some camping lantern boxes show “Warm” or “Cold” white LEDs. It has to do with the shade of white that the bulb creates.

Yes, it sounds weird, we know. But when it comes to white LEDs, there are three tones: Warm, natural, and cool. The first leans to the yellowish side of the visible scale, while the last on the bluish.

Now, this has nothing to do with brightness. Remember that this comes from the lumens we talked about before. The color of the LED lamp depends on the amount of Kelvin degrees it generates. Thus, the way we perceive light.

For example:

• Warm LEDs: Around 3000K
• Natural LEDs: Between 4000 to 5000K
• Cold LEDs: Over 5000K

Each shade has its uses. Warm is a good tent light source as it is more relaxing. In contrast, you want to use warm white for active areas such as around camping tables or while hiking. 

Charging Options

Yes, solar lanterns use the sun to generate power. We all can tell that from the title. But it should also support other forms of charging, for example, USB input ports or a DC socket.

Some even offer hand crank handles to generate power when there are no other means of charging. It is not the most efficient way to power your lantern. But at least you have it.

Now, let’s talk a little about solar panels. All solar powered camping lights lights have a small panel on top. But because it is so tiny, it is not meant to be the primary charging option. It is more like a backup method.

In other words, you should charge your lamp through the USB or DC socket, provided it has one, before your trip. Then, use the sun to keep the lantern charged. It’s also wise to bring a solar power bank to charge it.

Shock, Dust, and Waterproof Capabilities

Camping often involves getting wet, a lot of dirt, and the occasional fall. Hence, having a lantern that copes with this all is crucial. Otherwise, you will be in the market for a new one sooner than expected.

Check the IP rating to see what kind of protection the camping lantern has against intrusion and water. The first number after the P indicates dust protection, while the last number refers to waterproofing capabilities. Shortly, the higher the number is, the more protection. Check here if you want to know more about this.

Lighting Modes

You can easily swap among different lighting modes on most camping lanterns. For example, you can change the brightness from low to high.

Some lamps even offer different light colors as well as strobe and SOS modes. The last two are ideal in emergencies when creating a visible distress signal is crucial.

While it is not mandatory to have one with that feature, we highly recommend it.

Solar Camping Lantern Construction

Durability largely depends on how well built the lamp is. Most camping lanterns nowadays have plastic housing. While, plastic isn’t as strong as metal, it’s way lighter.

Thus, favoring portability.

Portability

How portable do you want your camping solar lamp to be? It’s an often-overlooked question that you have to ask yourself. Are you planning to stay most of the night time at camp?

If so, then an old-fashioned non-collapsible lantern might be the best choice. However, suppose you love hiking or plan on fishing before dawn. In that case, a collapsible solar lantern is a better deal for you.

Best Solar Lantern Camping Lights: MPOWERD Luci Pro Series: Rechargeable Solar Inflatable LED Lantern + Charger

The MPOWERD Luci Pro Series is our undisputed champion today. Yes, there are cheaper solar-powered lanterns on this list.

But they are not of the same quality. Firstly, the price sits on the lower side. Secondly, the sturdy plastic frame and IP67 rating promise many years of operation, making it an ideal choice for campers, anglers, hikers, and pretty much everyone.

Only the collapsible camping solar lights from LuminAid and the MPOWERD Luci Base have such a rating.

Additionally, the 10000 mAh battery is big enough for the average user. You can adjust the brightness to increase battery life in those moments when you need it the most.

On top of that, the Luci Outdoor 2.0 is among the most portable solar-powered lanterns on this list. MPowerd inflatable solar camping lights collapse down to 1 inch. Basically, you can virtually store it anywhere.

So, what are you waiting to get yours?

FAQs

Happy camping!

Need More Advice on Gear and Footwear?

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