Top 12 Best Camping Lanterns – For People With Low Budgets

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We’ve selected the 12 best camping lanterns for your reference.

If you are planning to take advantage of the holiday and have a camping trip with friends, then it is vital to choose a reliable outdoor camping light. Because warm, bright lights not only give people a greater sense of security, but those who participate in activities together under the lights are also more likely to promote feelings.

For this reason, we have selected 12 of the best camping lanterns from hundreds of led lanterns that do not exceed the $100 budget to help backpackers spend those nights in the wild. They are not only cheap but contain a variety of impressive brightness as well as interesting features. Whether in the grass or the tent or as a backup lamp to cope with the night of the family power outage, can ensure that people are away from the dark.

For specific information about these camping lights, you can refer to the recommendation table below. If we are helpful to you, welcome to subscribe to the likes collection.

Recommendation Form

lanterns	Price	Weight	Max Light Output (Lumens)	Duration	USB port
Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern & USB Power Hub	$70	1 lb. 1.6 oz.	600	High: 2.5; low: 180 hours	Yes
LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1 Power Lantern	$49.95	8.6 ounces	150	Turbo: 3-5 hours; low: 44-50 hours	Yes
BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern	$80	13.8 ounces	500	High: 5 hours; low: 200 hours	Yes
Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge Lantern	$29.95	3 ounces	150	High: 7 hours; low: 170 hours	Yes
Coleman Gas Lantern 1000 Lumens Deluxe Propane Lantern	$34.72	3 pounds	1000	High: 7 hours; low: 14 hours	No
Coleman Classic 400 Lumens Recharge LED Lantern	$45	12.8 oz.	400	Average 30 hours	Yes
AYL LED Camping Lantern Rechargeable	$32.95	1.01 pounds	1800	Average 12 hours	Yes
Eveready LED Camping Lantern 360 PRO (2-Pack)	$31.97	700g	280	High: 9 hours; low: 16 hours	No
LE Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern	$37.99	29 oz (850g)	1000	Headlight:1000lm 2.2H,280lm, 4.6HSidelight:150lm, 6.3H,70lm, 12.7H	Yes
OMOR Camping Lantern Retro Rechargeable Lantern	$29.99	1.25 pounds	500	High: 5 hours; low:130hours	Yes
MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0: Solar Inflatable Light	$20.02	4.4 oz (125 g)	75	Average 24 hours	No
IODOO Flashlight Portable LED Camping Lantern	$ 19.99	9.8 oz	4000	High: 24 hours; low:300 hours	Yes

1. Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern & USB Power Hub ($70)

• Weight: 1 lb. 1.6 oz.
• Max lumens: 600
• Batteries: Rechargeable (USB, solar, and hand crank)
• What we like: Super luminous ability, can be used as mobile power.
• What we don’t: The range is not good.

Did you know? Combining the traditional camp lantern look with modern technology, the Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern has become one of the most popular camping lanterns on the market today for camping enthusiasts. After all, the super brightness of up to 600 lumens and 360° light is enough to illuminate all angles inside the tent.

Of course, if you think such a light is too strong, you can make it save half of your energy by turning the knob. In addition, when your phone or headlamp is low on power, you can also use the lantern’s USB port to renew them. It is worth mentioning that if you have one with a solar charging panel, it will save a lot of energy.

Some people were concerned about its high brightness mode with a runtime of only 2.5 hours. But the Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 clearly anticipates our concerns as well. Because just by turning the hand crank, you can exercise while also manually helping it charge and resume movement.

Although it seems a bit bulky, but it has a pair of foldable “legs”. When folded, it is about the size of a coffee cup and looks small and cute. Therefore, if you do not mind its weight, it can lie very quietly in your luggage bag without taking up too much volume.

2. LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1 Power Lantern ($49.95)

• Weight: 8.6 oz.
• Max lumens: 150
• Batteries: Rechargeable (USB and solar)
• What we like: Lightweight multifunctional emergency kit, absolutely waterproof and dustproof design.
• What we don’t: The brightness is not very sufficient.

For backpackers who are looking for a lightweight camping lantern with a two-in-one cell phone charger, the LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1 Power Lantern is friendly. This 8.6 oz. solar-powered first aid kit requires only 12 to 14 hours of direct outdoor sunlight or 1 to 2 hours of USB input to bring it to full power. Use it to support up to 5 hours of light for visitors on a night (in Turbo mode), or for the user’s phone or tablet, to boost power to 75%-100& in 2-4 hours.

For those who like to carry the lamps forward, the adjustable shoulder strap will make them feel easy and convenient. Of course, you can also choose to hang it high up in the tent. In addition, the lantern made of waterproof, shatterproof, and durable heavy-duty thermoplastic polyurethane has reached an IP67 rating to achieve absolute waterproof and dustproof, peace of mind, and reliability in unpredictable weather or unexpected conditions outdoors.

We have no reason to ask for such a multifunctional led lantern to improve its brightness. Because 150 lumens is also enough to illuminate the cheeks of people sitting around the light source and can support people playing or gathering at night. Of course, if you are looking forward to brighter devices, you can consider

3. BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern ($80)

• Weight: 13.8 oz.
• Max lumens: 500
• Batteries: Rechargeable (USB only)
• What we like: Multiple ambient lighting modes, short charge times, and long battery life.
• What we don’t: Can’t be solar or hand crank for charging.

With the romantic backpacker in mind, we’ve also got the BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern with multiple light modes (full and half Cool Light, half Warm Light, full Candle Flicker, color Light, Color Party, Fireworks, and more). BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern, a nature-inspired lantern that provides a dusk or daylight sensory light that provides up to 500 lumens of 360° illumination, enough to light up a backcountry campsite or backyard.

For most users, ChromaReal LED technology, which improves the color rendering of light and provides more accurate color accuracy, is the reason they are willing to pay for it. Because, whether it’s night cooking or photography, it meets their expectations. In addition, like most outdoor battery lanterns, the AlpenGlow 500’s 6400 mAh battery, can also be used as a mobile power source to charge other mobile devices. Finally, it only takes 3 hours to charge it and can support nearly 5 hours of high lighting.

Of course, its price of $80 is not cheap for those traveling on a budget. The main thing is that such a budget does not have solar charging or hand crank charging options, which will make people slightly disappointed.

4. Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge Lantern ($29.95)

• Weight: 3 oz
• Max lumens: 150
• Batteries: Rechargeable (USB and solar)
• What we like: Lightweight and inexpensive, versatile camping lights.
• What we don’t: The maximum brightness is not too bright.

The lightweight, versatile Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge Lantern is a boon to those backpackers on a budget. At only 3 ounces, the rechargeable camping lantern is not only easy to put in your backpack, but also very convenient to use either as a flashlight or a chandelier. Also, like the Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern, it supports energy from USB power or Goal Zero Nomad solar panels (not equipped). It can also be used as a charger when your phone runs out of power, and it supports simultaneous charging or discharging.

And the unexpected! For those careless riders, the battery indicator built into the top is a useful design to prevent accidental battery loss. To its credit, the Lighthouse Micro Charge has an IPX6 weatherproof rating, which means that if you’re out in the field on a stormy night, it will still light the way for you.

We think the Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge Lantern does it perfectly and impeccably. Even though some people may take its maximum lighting brightness of 150 lumens and feel that it is not bright enough to support a multi-person gathering. But when you think that it can run on a low lantern or a flashlight for more than 100 hours, there is nothing to complain about.

5. Coleman Gas Lantern 1000 Lumens Deluxe Propane Lantern ($34.72)

• Weight:3 Pounds
• Max lumens:1000
• Batteries: Propane
• What we like: The ability to challenge extreme weather and long run times.
• What we don’t: Not very affordable.

On those extremely cold days or at high altitudes, fuel lanterns may be more reliable than your average rechargeable lighting device. They do not pick the temperature, just Propane fuel, you can bring light to your night. With Pressure-control technology and a heat-resistant glass globe, it glows steadily under any conditions. Capable of up to 1000lumens, it may be so bright at night that it is difficult to sleep if it is just inside the tent. Of course, you can also control the size by adjusting the brightness switch and extending its 7.5 hours of high lighting conditions to 14 hours.

A word of caution though, while the price of the Coleman Gas Lantern won’t put people out of business, its glowing premise is Propane fuel. This means that backpackers not only have to bear the price of fuel but also carry an extra 16.4-ounce cylinder of Coleman propane. so the overall math doesn’t make them all that affordable and lightweight. Of course, safety issues should not be overlooked, and when people use these, they should be careful to maintain ventilation.

6. Coleman Classic 400 Lumens Recharge LED Lantern ($45)

• Weight:12.8 oz.
• Max lumens: 400
• Batteries: Rechargeable (USB only)
• What we like: Durable LED light head, three lighting modes with long life.
• What we don’t: The handheld design is not slip-resistant.

As its name suggests, the classic Coleman Classic 400 Lumens Recharge LED Lantern has, a similar interesting look to a traditional gas-powered lamp. Although it cannot be used as a tool for heating and lighting during the cold season, the modern design gives it a substantial 400 lumens output (maximum), which is enough to illuminate the entire tent, whether placed on a tabletop or hung.

The durable LED light has mastered the secret of longevity, and Coleman claims it never needs to be replaced. What’s more, it supports three lighting modes, including a high brightness mode of up to 400 lumens, a medium mode of 150 lumens, and an energy-saving mode of 50 lumens output, meeting the brightness requirements of different backpackers. In addition, support gives mobile devices renewed power built-in, lithium-ion battery is very strong, it can support at least 5 hours of lighting at high brightness, and up to 40 hours of low brightness life.

We need to remind users that they should make sure the Coleman Classic 400 is secured when hanging. Because its handheld design is not slip-resistant, it will occasionally slip off when the wind blows. Fortunately, the durable plastic design with IPX4 water resistance and impact resistance is very resistant to drops so that it doesn’t lose its shine the moment it hits the ground.

7. AYL LED Camping Lantern Rechargeable ($32.95)

• Weight:1.13oz
• Max lumens: 1800
• Batteries: Rechargeable (USB only)
• What we like: Up to 1800 lumens strong lighting conditions, four kinds of lights are enough to create the atmosphere.
• What we don’t: Weight is not an advantage.

Few travelers expecting more light would say no to the AYL LED Camping Lantern Rechargeable with its strong light output of up to 1800 lumens. 46 LED bulbs (including 4 soft white LED bulbs and 42 daylight LED bulbs) create four lighting modes, which is enough to support adjusting the light to create the perfect camping atmosphere.

Of course, for those expecting a more focused lighting effect, simply remove the removable shade to make the brightness clearer again. The extra-large capacity battery can provide up to 12 hours of illumination for a fully charged lantern. In addition, the ability to serve as a mobile power source to help tide phones and other mobile devices over is an advantage it cannot be ignored. What’s more, its IP44 waterproof performance and non-slip grip are appreciated.

However, the AYL LED Camping Lantern Rechargeable may not be considered friendly to those who are expecting a lightweight camp lantern. Because the weight of 1.01 pounds is not advantageous compared to other products on our list. But we understand this because the price of $32.95 is a good deal for such a multi-functional led camping lantern.

8. Eveready LED Camping Lantern 360 PRO (2-Pack) ($31.97)

• Weight:700g
• Max lumens:280
• Batteries: 3 AA batteries
• What we like: Two packages ready to use out of the box, long battery life.
• What we don’t: Does not support charging.

Eveready LED 360 PRO is more like a backup light for home use in case of power outages than a Camping Lantern. Because Eveready LED Camping Lantern 360 PRO (2-Pack) is ready to use right out of the box. And when both packs of LED lights are used at the same time, two 280 lumens of 360° light is enough to light up all corners of the tent.

It’s worth noting that they support four light modes, including a red flash for emergencies. I like their space-saving collapsible design because that means I can put at least one more can in my travel bag. Surprisingly, they provide up to 16 hours of continuous runtime in lantern mode, and up to 9 hours of continuous runtime even in flashlight mode.

Unlike those options that can renew the led lantern via USB, the Eveready LED 360 PRO does not support charging and does not support charging mobile devices. However, the option of using 3 AA batteries to renew has its benefits. At least for those campers who plan to spend long periods in the wilderness, simply buying the batteries brings light without the waiting process of recharging. Very convenient indeed!

9. LE Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern ($37.99)

• Weight:29 oz.(850g)
• Max lumens:1000
• Batteries: Rechargeable (USB only)
• What we like: Multifunctional camping light, can illuminate to a long distance.
• What we don’t: Not very professional.

Not quite unlike devices that are keen to provide 360° of dead-end lighting, the LE Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern is keen to conquer users with a high-intensity beam of Cree XML LEDs that illuminate distant means. The main beam of up to 1000 lumens is capable of extending light up to 500 meters away, enough for outdoor searches and emergencies.

Of course, this is not to show that it is just a searchlight. Because the LED light on the side of the main body, with a sufficient and diffuse light source (maximum 150 lumens, full-brightness white light), will not make people dizzy but also be in line with the lighting needs of the tent. It is commendable that both lights (rear and side), both support the user to adjust the brightness to suit their needs. Of course, you can also use it as a mobile power source if you need it.

As a multi-functional outdoor camping light, LE Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern is used as a searchlight, Headlight – LED Flashlight’s full brightness mode, only two hours of running time is slightly short. And when used as a tent light, sidelight’s maximum 150lm full-brightness white light, and seems not bright enough. But think the other way around, you only need to buy a LE Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern, you can cope with outdoor activities as much as possible demand activities.

10. DOMOR Camping Lantern Retro Rechargeable Lantern ($29.99)

• Weight:1.25 Ibs
• Max lumens:500
• Batteries: Rechargeable (USB only)
• What we like: Exquisite vintage styling, gentle light.
• What we don’t: 1.25 pounds is not lightweight.

If you try to open the Amazon product purchase page of this OMOR Camping Lantern, you will see clear five-star reviews, which is the power of mass recognition. At first glance, many people may mistake it for a fuel lamp because the vintage kerosene lamp is beautifully shaped and can be used as both a home decorative item and as a guiding light for outdoor travel.

With 3 lighting modes (white light/warm light/mixed light), this camping light is easy to use with step-less adjustment. With a maximum light intensity of 500 lumens, it keeps the tent lit and doesn’t make backpackers feel harsh. Whether you want to charge the light or plan to use it to “keep your phone alive”, it can be fast-charged through the Type-C port, taking only 3h-5h to fully charge. 4400mAh high-capacity is very reliable and can provide 5h (highest gear) to 130h (lowest gear) of lighting time outdoors. of lighting hours. The small and portable hanging design supports hanging it high to provide 360° lighting.

The OMOR Camping Lantern, like a host of vintage-inspired fixtures, was never in the camp of lightweight fixtures. Its 1.25-pound weight does lack some competitiveness.

11. MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0: Solar Inflatable Light ($20.02)

• Weight:4.4 oz.(125g)
• Max lumens: 75
• Batteries: Wireless Charging (solar only)
• What we like: Cheap and lightweight solar lights, rain and dust-proof design for outdoor use.
• What we don’t: Can’t charge.

If you plan to be alone for a long time away from the city and go to the untouched wilderness to enjoy the kindness of nature, then this solar-powered MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 is not to be missed. Whether it is its $20.02 price or its weight of only 4.4 ounces, it is not enough to be disliked.

Most of all, Luci’s built-in high-efficiency solar panel means it never needs batteries. Just leave it outside for seven hours during the day when the sun’s out to keep it bright all night long. Even if it rains and you forget to take it back, it doesn’t matter, because it’s IP67 waterproof and supports an extra-long 24-hour battery life. In addition, this light with four light modes (low, medium, high, and flashing), mainly through 10 cool white LED lights, to provide illumination. Up to 75 lumens of light, enough to maintain a person’s recreational activities throughout the night.

Of course, its shortcomings are also obvious. The lack of a battery plate makes it tough on days when there is no sunlight. Also, the inability to renew the battery for your phone will make many backpackers feel helpless. But if you’re going to use it as a night light in your home, it makes sense.

12. IODOO Flashlight Portable LED Camping Lantern ($19.99)

• Weight:9.8 oz
• Max lumens:4000
• Batteries: Rechargeable (USB only)
• What we like: Super high lumens to light up everything, powerful power storage capacity.
• What we don’t: The magnet base is not very attractive.

First IODOO Flashlight Portable LED Camping Lantern came to our attention due to its cheap price and large capacity of power storage, but when we tested it we were all attracted by its ability to create light. After all, with high lumens of 4000 lumens, it can help everyone to keep a clear view in the dark. If it is hung on the patio, it is enough to support illuminating everything people do in the backyard at night. Or when the power goes out, having an IODOO Flashlight Portable LED, the house will be lit up immediately.

Considering wilderness camping, not all the time need such a strong light, just short press the switch, and you can adjust the brightness. And 10000mAh high-capacity battery can not only support people’s reliance on the highest brightness LED for 24 hours continuously but also with the lowest level of light for more than 100 hours of continuous use. And it can charge the user’s phone at least twice to guarantee sufficient power.

Although the IODOO Flashlight Portable LED Camping Lantern is equipped with a magnet base, we found that its small size resulted in a not very strong magnetic attraction. As a result, it doesn’t stabilize the light on top of the shed during real use. Fortunately, IODOO also equipped it with a portable hook, users can still hang it upside down to fix it.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Brightness selection
• Running time
• Charging method
• Lighting modes and functions
• Weight and Carrying
• Other Functions

Brightness Selection

I believe that every user who buys lanterns for camping has considered the question of how bright a light is more suitable for them. In general, we use lumens as the unit of measurement to describe their range of application.

If your requirement for camp lighting is only to illuminate a smaller area within the tent or camping table, then around 150 lumens of LuminAID PackLite, Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge Lantern, and MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 lantern is sufficient to meet your needs.

Of course, if you want your camping light to meet the lighting of the entire camp, brighter around 500lumens Goal Zero Lighthouse, BioLite AlpenGlow, Coleman Classic, and other medium brightness lights will not let you down.

Those highly bright options (Coleman Gas Lantern, AYL LED Camping Lantern, LE Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern, IODOO Flashlight Portable LED, etc.) are the ones that will make your camping position brighter and safer options. Because they are designed with light regulation or other light options, they do not make you feel dizzy on a clear night.

Running Time

There’s no denying that almost every backpacker looks forward to camping lanterns that can keep the light on for as long as possible because then they don’t have to worry about energy (charging). These lanterns that we have selected from our test have a good range, however, this does not mean that they are at their highest brightness. Because whether battery or fuel and solar panel power, their energy is limited, it is difficult to continuously support the maximum power output.

Of course, if you need it, you can also consider Goal Zero Lighthouse, Coleman Gas Lantern, IODOO Flashlight Portable, and other camping lights that have a long life. The life span of these lights will be affected by temperature and altitude.

Charging Method

When choosing camping tools, we should not only consider their performance and service life but how to refill battery lanterns is also a concern for most travelers.

For the vast majority of users, the option of being able to charge through a USB port is the best choice. This is because the cost of electricity for a camping light is not so high as to put a strain on their wallets. So those purely rechargeable devices such as BioLite AlpenGlow, Coleman Classic 400, AYL LED Camping Lantern, etc., do not cause them any resentment.

Of course, for backpackers who have to spend most of their time in the backcountry, finding a place to recharge isn’t easy. That’s why the Coleman Propane Lantern, which uses fuel for lighting, the Eveready LED Camping Lantern, which glows with just AA batteries, and the MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0, which relies on the sun’s rays to replenish its strength, are the best equipment.

Of course, the Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern, which is not equipped with solar electric panels but also supports hand crank power generation, is also a good choice.

Lighting modes and functions

While many times people may prefer to choose their preferred brightness or light mode to maintain lighting, those camping lights with multiple light modes also give users more options.

For those who look forward to the camp atmosphere and like to take photos to share on Instagram, both the BioLite AlpenGlow 500 and the AYL LED Camping Lantern with romantic overtones will brighten up their photos.

And those Everready LEDs and LE Rechargeable LEDs that support strobe function as well as red emergency lights are devices that can give you a sense of security. Because they allow travelers who are in danger to pass on information.

Weight and Carrying

We can’t deny that these camping lights we’ve selected have a good deal of variation in weight due to differences in exterior design and function. From 3 ounces to 3 pounds are covered, but this is all a reasonable weight range for camping equipment.

For those who like to pack light, the lightweight Goal Zero Lighthouse or MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 will not burden their backpacks. Because they are the lightest and smallest in existence, both in terms of volume and weight.

Of course, those foldable lamps are doing their best to make more available space for you. As the LuminAID PackLite Max, Everready LED, and the above-mentioned MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0, are all great for carrying.

Of course, if you are a tourist traveling by car, those seemingly bulky camping lights won’t stress you out.

Other Functions

Of course, our carefully selected led lanterns have a more user-friendly design.

For example, most of our battery-operated lanterns can cell phone backup batteries that will make people feel secure at all times.

Then again, those with advanced waterproof IP-rated options such as LuminAID PackLite Max, Goal Zero Lighthouse 600, and MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 light camping light, for those who like to spend long hours outdoors participating in open-air activities for visitors. It is durable.

In addition, those with hook or handheld and magnetic design of the lamps, such as Coleman Classic 400, and OMOR Camping Lantern IODOO Flashlight Portable LED, are very convenient to carry or hang.

Of course, those luminaires that include multiple charging options, such as the Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern and Lighthouse Micro Charge Lantern, as well as the LuminAID PackLite Max, are also part of their user-friendly design. Because it gives users more choices.

Conclusion

Perhaps our selection of these lanterns for camping is not for everyone, but they are very attractive to most camping enthusiasts. Because this is the result of our selection of hundreds of camping lights on major websites that have received a lot of praise and bought back for review. They are not sold at high prices and will not embarrass any user’s wallet, but they are not worse than more expensive camping lanterns in terms of glowing, creating atmosphere, and providing security.

Of course, when selecting these camping lights, we also take into account the pursuit of appearance for those value-oriented users. They may not care about the real performance of the equipment but are easily attracted by its beautiful appearance. Therefore, we have also specially selected the Coleman Classic 400 and Coleman Gas Lantern, OMOR Camping Lantern, LuminAID PackLite Max, and MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 camping lights that have both performance and good looks to meet their needs.

I hope every backpacker can find the best camping lantern in this article.

Learn More: Top 10 Best Rechargeable Headlamps

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