Top Camping Lanterns
The BioLite AlpenGlow 500 stands out as the best overall camping lantern for its versatile lighting modes, long battery life, and durability across car camping and backpacking scenarios. The UST 60-Day DURO excels in brightness and runtime, ideal for large campsites or emergencies with up to 1,200 lumens and 60 days on low. Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 offers warm light and USB power bank functionality, earning top marks for car camping reliability.
Key Recommendations
- BioLite AlpenGlow 500 : 500 lumens, 6,400 mAh rechargeable battery (up to 200 hours low), multiple colors, IPX4 water resistance, around $80.
- UST 60-Day DURO : 1,200 lumens max, 4 D batteries for 60-day low runtime, rugged build at 29 oz, best for survival use.
- Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 : 600 lumens, 5,200 mAh battery (3+ hours high), very warm light, 1 lb weight.
- luminAID Nova : Budget solar option at $30, 75 lumens, IP67 waterproof, packs flat for backpacking.
- Black Diamond Moji R+ : Lightweight at 2.8 oz, 200 lumens, rechargeable for portability.
Buying Considerations
Prioritize lumens (300+ for groups), battery type (rechargeable for convenience, D-cells for longevity), and IP rating for weather resistance. Solar models like Luci series suit off-grid trips but charge slower. Test runtime matches claims, as real-world use varies with settings. Prices range $30-$100; check for sales on durable picks.
