LED Camping Lanterns – Top Picks for Adventure

This complete guide will teach you everything you need to know about LED camping lanterns and why they are so useful.

What is an LED Camping Lantern?

An LED camping lantern is a portable lighting device that is designed for use in outdoor activities such as camping, backpacking, and hiking. It typically features a number of LED (light-emitting diode) lights that provide a bright, energy-efficient source of light.

LED camping lanterns are designed to be lightweight, compact, and durable, making them easy to pack and carry on camping trips.

LED camping lanterns come in a variety of designs, with different features and capabilities.

Common Features of LED Camping Lanterns

Some common features of LED camping lanterns include:

Adjustable brightness levels: Most LED camping lanterns have adjustable brightness levels, allowing you to choose the level of light that best suits your needs.

Long battery life: LED camping lanterns generally have a longer battery life than traditional incandescent camping lanterns, allowing you to use them for extended periods of time without needing to replace the batteries.

Durable construction: LED camping lanterns are typically made from rugged materials that can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.

Water resistance: Many LED camping lanterns are water-resistant, which allows them to be used in wet conditions.

Additional features: Some LED camping lanterns come with additional features such as built-in flashlights, USB charging ports, or solar panels.

Overall, LED camping lanterns are a convenient and efficient option for outdoor activities and camping trips, they are energy-efficient, provide a bright light and have a long battery life.

Popular Choices for LED Camping Lanterns

There are several high-quality LED camping lanterns on the market. Some popular options include:

Black Diamond Apollo Lantern: This lantern has a dimmable LED light, a frosted globe for diffused light, and a battery life of up to 150 hours.

Coleman Quad LED Lantern: This lantern has four panels with LED lights, a battery life of up to 75 hours, and a built-in handle for easy carrying.

Goal Zero Torch 250: This lantern has a built-in flashlight, a USB port for charging devices, and a battery life of up to 48 hours.

BioLite SiteLight XL: This lantern has a string of LED lights, can be hung or placed on a flat surface, and has a battery life of up to 72 hours.

Streamlight 44931 Siege Compact: This lantern has a dimmable LED light, a battery life of up to 90 hours and can be operated by hand-crank or battery.

Ultimately, the best LED camping lantern for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Consider factors such as battery life, brightness, size, and durability when making your decision.

Black Diamond Apollo Lantern

The Black Diamond Apollo Lantern is a popular choice for camping and backpacking. It features a dimmable LED light that can be adjusted to different brightness levels, a frosted globe for diffused light, and a battery life of up to 150 hours on low setting.

The lantern is lightweight and compact, making it easy to pack and carry. It also has a built-in handle for hanging or carrying, as well as a collapsible double-hook design that allows it to stand upright on a flat surface.

The Apollo Lantern is powered by 4AA batteries, which are easy to find and replace. It also has a built-in power meter that indicates the remaining battery life.

It’s also waterproof and dustproof, with an IPX8 rating which means it can be submerged in water up to a meter.

In terms of downsides, some users have reported that the battery life isn’t as long as they expected, especially on the high setting.

Overall, the Black Diamond Apollo Lantern is a reliable and versatile option for camping and backpacking, with a great balance of features, performance and value.

Coleman Quad LED Lantern

The Coleman Quad LED Lantern is a versatile and convenient option for camping, backpacking, and other outdoor activities.

It features four panels, each with an LED light that can be adjusted to different brightness levels. The lantern can be used in four different modes: high, medium, low and nightlight. The high setting provides 350 lumens and can last for up to 13 hours, while the nightlight mode provides 5 lumens and can last up to 75 hours.

The lantern is also designed to be portable and easy to carry, with a built-in handle and a compact, lightweight design. It is also durable with a rugged construction and designed to be water resistant.

The Coleman Quad LED Lantern is powered by eight D-cell batteries, which are easy to find and replace. It also has a built-in power meter that indicates the remaining battery life.

One downside of this lantern is that it is quite heavy compared to other camping lanterns, which may make it less suitable for backpacking. Additionally, some users have reported that the battery life is not as long as they expected, especially on the high setting.

Overall, the Coleman Quad LED Lantern is a reliable and versatile option for camping and other outdoor activities, with a good balance of features, performance and value.

Goal Zero Torch 250 Lantern

The Goal Zero Torch 250 Lantern is a multi-functional lantern that is ideal for camping, backpacking, and other outdoor activities. It features a built-in flashlight, a USB port for charging devices, and a battery life of up to 48 hours on low setting.

The lantern has a powerful 250-lumen LED light that can be adjusted to different brightness levels. It also has a built-in solar panel that allows it to be recharged by the sun, which is a great feature for camping or backpacking trips where access to power outlets may be limited. It also has a hand-crank for manual charging.

The Goal Zero Torch 250 is lightweight and compact, making it easy to pack and carry. It has a built-in handle for hanging or carrying, and a durable construction that is designed to be water-resistant.

It’s also has a built-in battery indicator, which shows how much battery is left. It also has a USB port that can be used to charge other devices.

A downside of the Goal Zero Torch 250 Lantern is that it is more expensive than some other camping lanterns, and some users have reported that the battery life is not as long as they expected, especially when using the USB charging feature.

Check out the best of British camping equipment

Overall, the Goal Zero Torch 250 Lantern is a versatile and reliable option for camping, backpacking, and other outdoor activities, with a great balance of features, performance, and value for the price.

BioLite SiteLight XL Lantern

The BioLite SiteLight XL Lantern is a convenient and versatile option for camping, backpacking, and other outdoor activities. It features a string of LED lights that can be hung or placed on a flat surface, and has a battery life of up to 72 hours on low setting.

The lantern has a powerful 100-lumen LED light that can be adjusted to different brightness levels. It is also designed to be portable and easy to carry, with a built-in handle and a compact, lightweight design. The light string can be hung or placed on a flat surface, which makes it very versatile.

The BioLite SiteLight XL is powered by an internal rechargeable battery, which can be charged via USB cable. It also has a built-in battery indicator, which shows how much battery is left.

The SiteLight XL is also designed to be durable and waterproof, with an IPX4 rating, meaning it can withstand water splashes from any direction.

A downside of the BioLite SiteLight XL Lantern is that it is not as bright as some other camping lanterns and the battery life is not as long as they expected, especially on the high setting.

Overall, the BioLite SiteLight XL Lantern is a reliable and versatile option for camping, backpacking, and other outdoor activities, with a great balance of features, performance, and value for the price. It’s also great for situations where a versatile lighting solution is needed.

Streamlight 44931 Siege Compact Lantern

The Streamlight 44931 Siege Compact Lantern is a reliable and durable option for camping, backpacking, and other outdoor activities. It features a dimmable LED light that can be adjusted to different brightness levels, a battery life of up to 90 hours on low setting, and can be operated by hand-crank or battery.

The lantern has a powerful 300-lumen LED light that can be adjusted to different brightness levels. It also has a built-in hand-crank that can be used to power the lantern, which is a great feature for emergency situations or when access to power outlets is limited. The lantern can also be powered by 3 D-cell batteries.

The Streamlight 44931 Siege Compact Lantern is designed to be durable and waterproof, with an IPX7 rating, meaning it can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

It also has a built-in battery indicator, which shows how much battery is left.

The lantern is lightweight and compact, making it easy to pack and carry. It also has a built-in handle for hanging or carrying.

A downside of the Streamlight 44931 Siege Compact Lantern is that it is quite heavy compared to other camping lanterns, which may make it less suitable for backpacking. Additionally, some users have reported that the battery life is not as long as they expected, especially on the high setting.

Overall, the Streamlight 44931 Siege Compact Lantern is a reliable and durable option for camping, backpacking, and other outdoor activities, with a great balance of features, performance, and value for the price. Its hand-crank feature and waterproof rating make it a great option for emergency situations or for outdoor activities in wet environments.

What Should You Consider When Buying an LED Camping Lantern?

When buying an LED camping lantern, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get a product that suits your needs and preferences. Some important things to consider include:

Brightness

Consider how much light you will need for your camping trip and look for a lantern with an appropriate level of brightness.

Battery Life

Consider how long you will need the lantern to last between charges and look for a product with a battery life that meets your needs.

Size and Weight

If you plan to pack the lantern for a camping or backpacking trip, look for a compact and lightweight option.

Durability

Look for a lantern that is made from rugged materials and has a durable construction to withstand the rigors of outdoor use.

Water Resistance

If you plan to use the lantern in wet conditions, look for a product that is water-resistant.

Additional Features

Consider whether you need any additional features such as a built-in flashlight, USB charging ports, or solar panels.

Price

LED camping lanterns come in a range of prices. Decide on your budget and look for a lantern that offers the best value for your money.

Brand Reputation

Research the brand and read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the quality of the product and the brand’s customer service.

By considering these factors, you can be sure to find an LED camping lantern that meets your needs and preferences, and that you can rely on for your next camping trip.

What Materials are LED Camping Lanterns Made Out Of?

LED camping lanterns are typically made from a combination of different materials. Some of the most common materials used in the construction of LED camping lanterns include:

Plastic: Many LED camping lanterns are made from plastic, which is lightweight, durable, and cost-effective.

Aluminum: Some lanterns have aluminum frames which are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor use.

Glass or Plastic lens: The lens of the lantern can be made out of either glass or plastic. Glass lenses are more durable and scratch-resistant, but they are also heavier than plastic lenses. Plastic lenses are lightweight and more impact-resistant than glass lenses.

Rubber: Some lanterns have a rubber coating on the exterior, which provides a non-slip grip and helps protect the lantern from impact.

Stainless steel: Some lanterns have stainless steel components which are corrosion-resistant and durable.

Silicone: Some lanterns have silicone seals that help make them waterproof and dustproof.

All these materials together make a lantern durable and suitable for outdoor activities, it also helps to withstand the different weather conditions, and provide a good grip while using it.

Are LED Camping Lanterns Rechargeable?

Yes, many LED camping lanterns are rechargeable, which means they can be charged using an external power source such as a USB cable or solar panel. Rechargeable LED camping lanterns typically have a built-in battery that can be recharged, which eliminates the need to constantly replace batteries.

Rechargeable LED camping lanterns have several advantages over non-rechargeable lanterns. They are typically more energy-efficient, as they do not require the constant replacement of batteries. They are also more environmentally friendly, as they generate less waste.

They can also be more convenient, as they can be charged using a USB cable, solar panel, or hand-crank, which is especially useful when you are out camping and don’t have access to power outlets.

However, some LED camping lanterns are not rechargeable, they are powered by disposable batteries such as AAA, AA, or D-cell batteries.

These lanterns are generally less expensive than rechargeable lanterns, and they are also a good option if you are planning a camping trip where access to a power source is limited.

When buying an LED camping lantern, it’s important to consider whether you want a rechargeable or non-rechargeable lantern.

Rechargeable lanterns are more convenient and environmentally friendly, but they also tend to be more expensive and may have shorter battery life. Non-rechargeable lanterns are generally less expensive and can be used in remote locations, but they require the constant replacement of batteries.

How Much Do LED Camping Lanterns Cost?

The cost of LED camping lanterns can vary widely depending on the brand, features, and quality of the product.

You can find some basic LED camping lanterns for as low as $10 to $15, but these lanterns typically have fewer features and lower quality than more expensive models.

Mid-range LED camping lanterns typically cost between $20 to $50. These lanterns often have more features, such as adjustable brightness levels, longer battery life, and durable construction.

High-end LED camping lanterns can cost $50 or more, these lanterns typically have advanced features such as built-in flashlights, USB charging ports, solar panels, and more durable construction.

Rechargeable LED camping lanterns tend to be more expensive than non-rechargeable lanterns, due to the cost of the rechargeable battery and charging mechanism.

It’s important to keep in mind that the most expensive LED camping lanterns are not always the best value for your money, and the cheapest lanterns may not have the features or quality you need. It’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences, and to look for a lantern that offers the best value for your money.

Are LED Camping Lanterns Durable and Tough?

Many LED camping lanterns are designed to be durable and tough, able to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. They are typically made from rugged materials such as plastic, aluminum, and rubber, which can withstand impact, water, dust, and other environmental factors.

Most of the LED camping lanterns have an IPX rating, IP stands for Ingress Protection, it’s a standard that measures a device’s resistance to dust and water. The higher the IP rating, the more resistant the device is to dust and water.

Many LED camping lanterns have an IPX4 rating, meaning they can withstand water splashes from any direction. Some of them have an IPX7 rating, meaning they can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

In addition to being durable, many LED camping lanterns are also designed to be lightweight and compact, making them easy to pack and carry on camping trips. They also have a handle that allows them to be hung or carried easily.

However, it’s important to note that not all LED camping lanterns are equally durable and tough. Some cheaper models may be less durable and may not be able to withstand the rigors of outdoor use as well as more expensive models.

It’s important to consider the quality and durability of the product when making your purchase.

In summary, many LED camping lanterns are designed to be durable and tough, able to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, but quality and durability can vary between different models and brands. It’s important to consider the quality and durability of the product when making your purchase and to look for a lantern that offers the best value for your money.

Other Useful Outdoors Equipment

Binoculars

Scandinavian Tent Companies

US Tent Brands

Knives for Camping