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A great lantern can light up the campsite or even your backyard hangout spot. It's also a great backup to have on hand for power outages. However, there are several different styles of lanterns to choose from, so it's important to determine your specific needs and choose wisely.
We've been testing lanterns since 2012, and our experts have lit up the night with over 50 different lanterns in that time. We've camped at state and national parks, hiked deep into the backcountry throughout the US and around the world. We've even sat through some power outages at home with these lanterns. We evaluated brightness, battery life, features, weight, and more to determine which lanterns take home awards.
For this review, we purchased 25 top models to test side-by-side. In our opinion, the best overall lantern is the Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 for its great durability, lumens, battery life, and price. When it comes to offering just fun features at a great price, the Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma is lightweight, fun, and super easy to use.
Editor's Note: Our lantern review was updated on October 13, 2025, after testing two new products from Black Diamond and BioLite and naming one new award winner to our list.
The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 is the most consistent of all the lanterns we tested. It's powerful, compact, and versatile for a range of activities. Its 600-lumen output is exceptionally bright and provides plenty of range to illuminate an entire picnic table for those late-night dinners when you return to the campsite after dark.
The Lighthouse 600 eschews disposable batteries for a rechargeable battery, which can be charged via USB or hand crank. “When it comes to power outages, the crank feature is a tremendous asset,” said one of our key testers. “It's comforting to know that you can have light during an emergency, no matter what.” Since it is USB-charged, it can also serve as a power bank for your small electronics — a value-adding feature we really liked.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight (with Batteries)
19.8 oz
Measured Runtime (Highest Setting)
3.2 hrs
Lumens
600
Rechargeable
Yes
Battery Type
Rechargable
The outer light cover of the Lighthouse 600 is relatively brittle compared to other models tested. “I worry that it might crack if dropped or knocked too hard,” our head tester noted. Although this hand-cranked lantern is excellent for emergencies, the emergency-specific red lights are weak, especially compared to the output power of the white light.
A key feature of the Goal Zero is the red SOS LEDs.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
We'll also note that the price is high compared to its competitors. But considering its feature set and its versatile charging capabilities, this is the lantern we will reach for in most situations. However, it's too bulky and heavy to consider carrying on a backpacking trip. For a lightweight, compact model that won't take up too much pack space, we love the Black Diamond Moji R+.
The Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma weighs as much as a deck of playing cards, expands to the size of a grapefruit, and packs down as flat as a pancake. It's also one of the most affordable lanterns we tested, along with the similar Goal Zero Crush Light, which is a few dollars cheaper but with a shorter runtime and without the fun colors. “It doesn't produce a ton of light, but it runs forever, and it's super easy to use,” noted one tester.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight (with Batteries)
3.2 oz
Measured Runtime (Highest Setting)
7.1 hrs
Lumens
60
Rechargeable
Yes
Battery Type
Rechargeable
This pint-sized torch uses five LED lights to pump out 60 lumens of light on its highest setting. It certainly isn't the brightest burner we tested (that honor goes to the Goal Zero Skylight), but it glows well enough to liven up things when night falls on a high wilderness camp. “It's a good enough deal that I bought one for each of my kids for a recent camping trip,” said our lead tester, Jason Wanlass. “They had a great time with them and loved the color options.” Far more impressive is the Chroma's run time. It beamed steady (at its highest setting) for more than 7 hours, one of the longest burn times we've documented. It's water-resistant, has the option of solar-charging, and it can go disco. It's also durable, and it has a built-in hanging arm.
As mentioned above, the Chroma isn't the brightest kid on the block. In fact, its lowest level produces a mere six lumens. For a well-priced alternative, we like the brighter, battery-operated Lighting Ever Camping, which is great for car camping or power outages. The Chroma also lacks a flashing SOS setting, and we found in our tests that there's a slight learning curve to its one-button operation. Even so, these issues are relatively minor and easily excused when considering the benefits of this well-priced pack buddy. The Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge and UCO Leschi are two other inexpensive models we liked.
The Ultimate Survival Technologies 30-Day Duro is a real marathon runner. While the manufacturer advertises 30 days of power, the lantern we tested ran for 33 days. Even on its brightest setting, it lasted nine hours – one of the best models in our assessment. It has a sturdy, heavy, rubberized, impact-resistant base. “I like the frosted plastic cover — it softens the light and makes it easier to look at, yet it's removable when you need a brighter glow,” noted our tester.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight (with Batteries)
29.3 oz
Measured Runtime (Highest Setting)
9.0 hrs
Lumens
1000
Rechargeable
No
Battery Type
D
This model weighs just under two pounds with three D batteries, making it a great choice for your picnic table lantern. We found the battery compartment can be challenging to access, but ideally, you won't need to access it very often.
We didn't find the glow-in-the-dark feature to be very bright, and the plastic handle is not the best quality. Minor drawbacks aside, this is the light we recommend if your priority is runtime over anything else. It is best for extended car camping, RVing, or those living in areas with frequent power outages. You may also want to consider a solar-powered option for power outages, like the Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma, which offers an impressive battery life but isn't nearly as bright. If you want to go big with your emergency preparations, the Goal Zero Skylight is super bright, and it doubles nicely as an emergency lighting system.
Let there be light. When it comes to piercing even the darkest night with brilliant light, the Goal Zero Skylight does it easily and does it best. This massive lighting system is super powerful and offers four brightness settings (400 to 6000 lumens) that can drench any basecamp in 300 radial feet of soft 3250K light. “This thing is bigger and heavier than any lantern I've tested, but wow, when it comes to lighting up camp, nothing does it better, and more conveniently,” said lead tester Jason Wanlass.
The Skylight's 168 LEDs rest atop a steel mast that can be extended up to 12 feet in the air, so the light showers downward instead of directly into the eyes. The thing we really liked is that it stays pretty steady, even when extended to its highest height. It even has built-in ground stakes that offer a great defense against wind or the occasional bump. This monster lantern is a perfect accessory for any basecamp environment, including campsites, emergency hubs, nighttime events, and small work sites.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight (with Batteries)
14.1 lbs
Measured Runtime (Highest Setting)
3.1 hrs (powered by external battery bank)
Lumens
6000
Rechargeable
Yes
Battery Type
Rechargeable
When not in use, it makes for a comforting accessory to have resting on the shelf at home as a backup light source for unforeseen power outages or natural disasters. This unit is larger and heavier than the rest of the models in our lineup, but is surprisingly easy to carry and deploy, making it a viable option for more remote areas. It can even be powered from your car's auxiliary power source.
The Skylight sports its own built-in battery system that will allow it to produce 8 hours of light on its lowest setting; however, for true portability and optimal performance, you'll need to shell out extra cash for a compatible power station — or keep it plugged into your car. The Skylight's internal battery cannot be charged by a wall outlet, so your recharging options are limited.
This unit is also bigger and heavier than your basic tabletop lantern, so it requires a little more oomph to lug it around. If you're shopping for a lantern that produces bright light but is much more portable, we suggest the Coleman Deluxe Propane, Lighting Ever Camping, or the Ultimate Survival Technologies 30-Day Duro. All three models can produce 1000 lumens of light. Nevertheless, the Skylight is one of our favorites, and we think it's a solid performer that's built to last.
Listen up. If you spend time summiting peaks, shooting rapids, hanging on big walls, or trudging through the backcountry, the Black Diamond Moji R+ is the ideal mini-lantern for toting along with you. This bulb-shaped light is small, lightweight, and it can pump out 200 lumens of light (its highest setting) for more than five hours in one go. It attaches using fold-out metal hooks or magnets and produces enough light to fill a tent or create ambiance at camp come nightfall. “I hauled mine all over the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal,” said our lead tester. “During the entire expedition, it held up very well in all types of weather and temps. It's the real deal.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight (with Batteries)
5.8 oz
Measured Runtime (Highest Setting)
5.3 hrs
Lumens
200
Rechargeable
Yes
Battery Type
Rechargeable
The Moji R+ weighs about 2 ounces more than the BioLite AlpenGlow Mini, but it's much more compact, burns brighter, and we feel it's tougher. Both models offer a multi-color option, and they run about the same run time on their brightest settings, but the Biolite can go longer than the Moji R+* on its lowest setting. Additionally, the Biolite is less bright on its max setting of 150 lumens. All spec comparisons aside, we tested both models side by side on several adventures, and we felt the Moji R+ was better built and tougher. It simply offers more oomph at a smaller size.
Using the Moji R+'s low setting to bring a little light to the kitchen hut at basecamp high in the mountains of Nepal.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
There are a few other mini models in our lineup that perform well at a lower cost; however, we don't feel they match the overall quality of the Moji R+. The Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma is a decent lightweight option, but it's not as sturdy nor as bright. The UCO Leschi is worth looking at as well.
The Moji R+ is our favorite lantern for serious off-grid adventures (like climbing Mera Peak in Nepal) because it's compact, weatherproof, easy to use, and well-built.
If you like the idea of using backpacking fuel canisters for your outdoor lighting at night, go with the Primus Micron. Weighing a mere four ounces, you'll hardly notice this model is on your back, and you can clip it to the outside of your pack with its softshell case.
For shorter excursions, you can use the same canister for your stove, so you won't be bringing anything extra to keep it burning. “I found that if you keep the Micron burning on low, it can last up to 24 hours on one can of fuel,” said one of our testers. Unlike many fuel-powered lanterns, you don't need a lighter or matches to fire up the Micron, thanks to its Piezoelectric starter. “One way that this differs from your typical portable lantern is that it emits heat,” our tester remarked. “I loved warming my hands around it on cold backcountry nights.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight (with Batteries)
4.0 oz
Measured Runtime (Highest Setting)
1.5 hrs w/ 4 oz canister
Lumens
235
Rechargeable
No
Battery Type
N/A
The Micron isn't perfect. Fuel-powered models are limited to outdoor use and should never be used indoors or in tents. If you want a light to hang from the roof of your tent at night, consider a lantern like the Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge, which is compatible with tent/indoor use. It's also lightweight, compact, waterproof, and rechargeable, too.
Igniting the Micron is pretty easy, but it still requires more steps than simply pushing the button on an electric model. Also, this lantern is not waterproof. The hardware can certainly get soaked, dry out, and still function, but the mantle must be dry to ignite. Also, the mantles have a limited lifespan. If you choose this lantern, we'd recommend buying an extra mantle or two before heading out on a multi-day trip. Despite the downsides, the Micron is your best bet if you want a super lightweight and super compact fuel canister lantern. If you'd rather have the option of solar power, the LuminAID PackLite Titan 2-in-1, Goal Zero Torch 500, and Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma offer this option. They can also be charged normally.
The Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge is a mini marvel. It functions as a flashlight and can also beam light down the mirrored shaft to emit 360 degrees of light as a lantern. It charges using an integrated USB plug, so there is no need to carry disposable batteries. We also love that it can charge other small devices in a pinch. “I liked that it's the size of your average power bank, so you could potentially bring it along and use it for both,” said one of our testers. It is an excellent option for car camping and weekend backcountry trips and is a great size for children.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight (with Batteries)
3.1 oz
Measured Runtime (Highest Setting)
3.75
Lumens
Lantern: 150
Flashlight: 120
Rechargeable
Yes
Battery Type
Rechargeable
If we are getting down to the nitty-gritty details, the metal hanging loop really requires an additional carabiner to be truly functional. This model has a waterproof rating of IPX6, but the USB port and plug are fully exposed to the elements and prone to getting crammed with dirt and debris. Also, our tests revealed this device doesn't have the longest-lasting battery at its highest setting, so keep it dimmed if you need it to last for several nights. Even with those minor inconveniences, the Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge is an excellent option when you need a compact light that punches above its weight class.
The MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights are great for any festive occasion outdoors. If setting the ambiance is your thing, this product should be in your camper or backyard for your next cookout. If you need to charge up the string in a hurry, it comes with a USB plug that can get the job done.
The attached carrying case makes the lights easy to transport, store, and manage when not in use. The light also has a USB port that can charge other devices as well. Most importantly, the ten-node, 20-LED string is bright and brings plenty of light to a deck or campsite. “I've used these numerous times while camping and in my own backyard. I've even used them indoors to create ambiance,” said one of our staff members, who has owned a set of these for years.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight (with Batteries)
11.4 oz
Measured Runtime (Highest Setting)
5.0 hrs
Lumens
100
Rechargeable
Yes
Battery Type
Rechargeable
Unfortunately, there's not always a good spot to hang the string lights or rest the carrying case when the lights are strung up. In our tests, we found the string itself is also sometimes hard to manage (because, after all, they are string lights). Fortunately, they have a case to keep them in order when not in use. Overall, there's so much to like about this set that it takes top honors as an excellent addition to a summer outdoor setup. Another fun and festive option we love is the rechargeable BioLite Alpenglow 500, which has multiple color options and is dimmable.
1 (with the option of an external battery bank for purchase)
1
1
3
1
3
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
N/A
1
N/A
1
1
1
1
1
Basecamp at 19,000 feet: using one of our lanterns during the early hours of summit day in the Himalayan Mountains.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
How We Tested
For this review, we researched dozens of contenders and selected the most popular models to put to the test. We took them on camping trips, backpacking, and other outdoor adventures, assessing how each performed for solo use and small groups of two to three people, and more. We spent nights through simulated (and a couple of real) power outages, seeing how we fared with just the light of these luminaries. Brightness is the most important metric, accounting for the majority of each lantern's overall score – each lantern underwent eight specific tests to assess the brightness score alone. We measured battery life by timing how long each model could run on its highest setting. We weighed each model and also considered any bonus features or elements that add to its overall functionality. Finally, after a myriad of tests, we consulted with a panel of professional gear testers to judge how intuitive each one is to use. We then compiled and synthesized our data in order to score each of the lanterns in our lineup.
Our overall score is based on five rating metrics:
Brightness (45% of overall score weighting)
Battery Life (20% weighting)
Features (15% weighting)
Ease of Use (10% weighting)
Weight (10% weighting)
See more info on our lantern testing process in our How We Test article.
Why Trust GearLab
We've tested dozens upon dozens of lanterns over the last decade. Our expert panel of testers is led by Jason Wanlass, who has spent the last 25 years of his life exploring the outdoors. He's an avid trail-seeker who has hiked and backpacked hundreds of miles of routes in Iceland, Nepal, France, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, and the Patagonia region of Argentina and Chile. It's safe to say he's tested some of our lanterns around the world. Closer to home, he hikes weekly in the foothills above his home in Utah and has camped in and backpacked countless miles in nearly every Western state. Whether wandering vast U.S. mountain ranges like the Sierras, Tetons, and the Cascades or catching a plane headed for one of the remote corners of the world, Jason knows a thing or two about gear and the value a little bit of light can provide when you're far from home.
We test our lanterns at home and then push them to the limit all over the world in a wide variety of terrain and climates.
Review author Ben Applebaum-Bauch started his outdoor career as a guide, leading multi-week backpacking, canoeing, and cycling adventures throughout New England and maritime Canada. Over his 20 years of backcountry experience – and a decade of power outages that go hand-in-hand with winter storms in rural New England – he has grown to appreciate a good lantern. Whether it is thru-hiking the PCT or Vermont's Long Trail or paddling down New Hampshire's Androscoggin River, he is grateful for the warm glow of a lantern on a cold, rainy night (and a little power boost for his phone).
We found that battery-powered lanterns are the perfect tool for illuminating a job site that does not yet have electricity.
Credit: Ross Patton
Ross Patton was born in Salt Lake City and spent his youth in the alpine of the Wasatch Mountains and frequently visited Southern Utah – he completed his first loop of the White Rim Trail at just ten years old. Ross has lived and camped across Montana, Colorado, Nevada, and California. Ross has reviewed an array of outdoor products for GearLab over the years, ranging from rooftop tents to backcountry ski poles. Born with a sense of adventure and backed by a formal education in Environmental Science, you can trust that he is putting these products to the ultimate test.
Doing a little spelunking in Switzerland. We found that rechargeable lanterns with internally sealed battery systems, like the LuminAid Packlite Titan, are generally the most water-resistant.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Analysis and Test Results
Every model we tested offers a slightly different set of features and very different designs. How much you want to spend on a new lantern will also largely depend on what purpose it will serve. If you don't expect to use it in the rain, then there's no reason to pay extra for waterproofing. But if you need a lightweight, durable, compact model for backpacking, it might cost you a few extra bucks. Consider how you plan to use your lantern, including common uses like camping and as an emergency backup.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Whether or not one of these lights makes it into your camping kit or emergency supplies may come down to the price tag. In order to better understand value, we compare a product's overall score against its price – the higher the score and the lower the price, the greater the overall value.
The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 is bright, easy to use, features a backup hand crank, and includes a USB outlet for charging other devices. This model may be high-end, but we think it's worth the investment. If you're looking for a battery-powered model to keep in the closet for a power outage or other emergency, the price of the Ultimate Survival Technologies 30-Day Duro is totally reasonable, and the Lighting Ever Camping is even more affordable while still offering good performance. On the smaller side, we feel the Black Diamond Moji R+ and the Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma also bring a lot of value to the table.
The Moji R+ is tiny, but still manages to output a lot of light for its size.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Brightness
The brightness a lantern can provide was a key marker in our assessment of each product. After all, the purpose of any lantern is to provide light. We weighted this metric the heaviest. However, we didn't just consider power; we also considered efficiency and the comfort of the light on our eyes. For example, the beam from a standard flashlight can be extremely powerful, but it also tends to be a very harsh light that is concentrated and directional. Generally, lantern light should be omnidirectional and soft, diffused light that is powerful yet still easy on the eyes. During our adventures, we used these lights across a variety of locations and settings, rating them according to how well and how broadly they illuminated a space. We consider that certain models are solely designed to be used in different applications.
We also took into account a lantern's dimmability. Not every model has this feature, but we love lanterns that offer the ability to adjust light intensity based on the group size and setting.
Heading back to camp. The Goal Zero Torch 500 allows you to control brightness settings on two separate lighting features. It easily switches from flashlight to lantern with a click of a button. It also can burn both light features at the same time.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
When it comes to pure power, the Goal Zero Skylight received the highest scores in our brightness metric. When fully equipped, this massive lighting system can produce 6000 lumens for several hours. Even better, its 168 LEDs project a softer, warmer 3250K light, which is easier on the eyes. Additionally, the Skylight's light source sits atop a sturdy tripod system that can be extended to 12 feet above the ground, allowing the light to cascade downward.
Using our Skylight's 6000 lumens to light up the dark as we make camp in the middle of some of Utah's remote sand dunes.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Heavy hitters above 200 lumens, like the 600-lumen Goal Zero Lighthouse 600, can really light up a room, and hanging options like the 360-lumen Power Practical Luminoodle can be strung up around a railing to liven up a deck or back porch. Models with outputs in the 200-lumen range are sufficient for both personal and small-group use, while the 100-lumen output of lanterns like the UCO Leschi, Goal Zero Crush Light, and Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma are best for personal use only.
A Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma combined with a water bottle makes for an instant table lamp with plenty of ambient light.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
During testing, we also learned that there is such a thing as too bright for certain situations. Light diffusion, which is primarily affected by the globe or light cover, is critical. The opaque plastic used by the Black Diamond Apollo creates a lovely quality light that is non-invasive. We also loved the LuminAID PackLite Titan 2-in-1 for its ability to produce a soft, diffused light that is pleasant but still brilliant enough for reading or nighttime card games.
The LuminAID emits powerful, soft light that is super bright but also easy on the eyes.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The BioLite AlpenGlow 500 and Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma offer a candle flicker mode that keeps the vibe extra mellow. The Alpenglow allows you to choose between warm white and cool white (along with multiple colors). The Coleman Rugged Rechargeable has a low and a high setting, the higher of which puts out a mellow yet sufficient 400 lumens.
The Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini gives you the option to light up both sides of the lamp (left) or conserve battery by only illuminating half (right).
At 750 lumens, the Ledlenser ML6 is the brightest compact model that we've seen to date. If you need a lantern bright enough to light up a room in the event of a power outage or to brighten up the whole campsite, the Lighting Ever Camping and Ultimate Survival Technologies 30-Day Duro both put off 1000 lumens, making them the two brightest models in our review.
The Ultimate Survival Technologies 30-Day Duro is ridiculously bright at its highest setting.
Credit: Ross Patton
For fans of fuel canister-style lanterns, we tested the Coleman Deluxe Propane and the Primus Micron. The Coleman lantern is certainly bright enough to illuminate a family-sized campsite with its dual mantles and tall construction. Designed to be ultra-light and portable, the Primus model produces plenty enough light for cooking or playing card games while you're backpacking.
The Primus Micron illuminates a relatively large area considering its size and weight.
Credit: Ross Patton
Lastly, when considering its size (2 x 1.5 inches), we feel the Black Diamond Moji R+ really packs a punch. The manufacturer's specs list it at 200 lumens, and we found this little guy to be very effective when we were deep in the backcountry.
The Black Diamond Moji R+ perched on a log as the sun sets in the high mountains of Nepal.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Battery Life
Some lanterns in our lineup boast a really impressive battery life, but the manufacturers generally refer to the amount of time the lanterns can last in their lowest settings. In our tests, we've found that sometimes the lowest setting is practically worthless, so we clocked how long each lantern can last on its highest setting. For models requiring disposable batteries, we used standard Duracell brand batteries, and for lanterns requiring fuel, we used the most commonly used canisters.
Disposable Batteries
It comes as no surprise that the models that dedicated the most area to large disposable battery compartments for D-sized batteries have the longest life. The Lighting Ever Camping is the longest-lasting model in our review, with a life of 10.5 hours. Not far behind is the Ultimate Survival Technologies 30-Day Duro. While this model didn't last anywhere near its month-long low-setting life, when set to high, it lasted nine hours.
The Ultimate Survival Technologies 30-Day Duro uses three D-size batteries.
Credit: Ross Patton
Internal Rechargeable Batteries
Lanterns with internal lithium-ion batteries were once primarily geared toward avid backpackers and campers, and their battery life and brightness were not much to speak of. As the technology improves and more manufacturers jump into rechargeables, these versions are quickly becoming the norm for both experts and weekend warriors alike. The top battery life performer for this lantern type is the Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma, lasting over 7 hours during our assessment — impressive, considering its small size.
We never worried about whether our Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma had enough juice. It was always ready for go time.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Both BioLite AlpenGlow 500 scored well during this experiment, lasting 5.1 hours. The MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights died right around five hours, and the Ledenser ML6 and Goal Zero Torch 500 were the only other models to break the four-hour barrier.
Wrapping up the third hour of our battery-life testing, and our Goal Zero Torch 500 is still burning bright.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Fuel Versions
Fuel lanterns used to be the norm, but with the leaps and bounds in rechargeable technology, they're going the way of the dinosaur. If you're keen on a fuel lantern, we tested two. Using a standard size 16-ounce propane canister, the Coleman Deluxe Propane lasted three hours while turned up to its highest setting. Our favorite isobutane model, the Primus Micron, lasted 1.5 hours with a backpacking-sized, four-ounce canister.
Consider Your Fuel Options
Unlike battery-powered versions that are limited to their size of disposable batteries or integrated power banks, gas-powered models can be used with larger canisters. By purchasing the proper adapters, you can hook many types of propane lanterns to full-sized tanks rather than the smaller camping canisters.
Ease of Use
A good lantern should be intuitive to use. We found most of these lanterns to be quite user-friendly, but there are a few different features to look out for that we found to be a value add. Considering that every lantern will require some sort of energy source before it can operate, we first considered how easy they are to power up.
We found that accessing the battery compartment of many models is more challenging than we would want or expect it to be. Some effort is required to install the batteries on waterproof models like Streamlight The Siege. In contrast, lanterns installed with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, like the Coleman Rugged Rechargeable, can be much easier to use.
String lights are just one of the many ways that you can light up the night on your next camping adventure. Here we have the Power Practical Luminoodle (left) side-by-side with the MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights (right).
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Collapsible, solar-powered lights like the MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0, LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1, and Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma don't require any batteries at all. However, these can take a while to fully charge, even in full sun.
We particularly liked the LuminAID PackLite Titan 2-in-1 for its unique box design that expands from a thickness of 1 inch to a height of 6 inches by way of movement and air. Pop, twist, whoosh, snap, and you're ready to go.
We kept the volume on this video so you could get the full effect. Expanding the LuminAID Packlite Titan 2-in-1 is fun -- even a little addicting.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 uses an internal battery and a permanently attached USB cord for charging, but it also includes a hand crank in case you run completely out of juice.
If you find yourself without a way to charge the Goal Zero Lighthouse 600, simply start twisting the hand crank.
Credit: Ross Patton
Once fully powered up, we considered how easy they were to turn on, the intuitiveness of switching between different light modes, and whether we needed instructions or time to learn the device. The models that are the easiest to illuminate are the ones with big, obvious knobs and buttons, like the Coleman Rugged Rechargeable and the Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini.
The Coleman Rugged Rechargeable is about as easy to operate as lanterns get.
Credit: Ross Patton
After much comparison testing, we realize the importance of being able to hang our lights overhead easily. Heavier models proved to be much more difficult to suspend, and we were confined to setting them on rocks, picnic tables, cars, or on the ground in treeless campsites. Small bases make it hard to stand some of them on uneven surfaces, while models like the Black Diamond Apollo use tripod-style legs with rubber, non-slip feet, making them easy to position. The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 and Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini also have wide stands but are slightly less adaptable to uneven surfaces.
Streamlight The Siege's illuminated power button is easy to find and adjust.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Comparing battery-powered models to fuel-canister models can get a little messy, but considering that many gas-powered models require a lighter or matches to start, we gave the Primus Micron bonus points for its Piezoelectric igniter.
The Piezo lever on the Primus Micron ignites the fuel without a lighter or matches.
Credit: Ross Patton
Two of our more pint-sized models, the Black Diamond Moji R+ and the BioLite AlpenGlow Mini, are extremely easy to hang and use. Both come to life with the touch of a button, and they can be hung quickly with hooks (Black Diamond) or bungee cord (BioLite).
A bungee clip makes the BioLite AlpenGlow Mini easy to hang.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Features
In most situations, a lantern with an on/off switch and a handle is sufficient, but we appreciate models offering a little more thoughtfulness and versatility. We rate each product based on how many features it has beyond the basics and whether they genuinely improve its overall quality. Some lanterns we tested offer minimal features, while others include several that set them apart and increase versatility. We give lower scores to models with features that are unnecessary or aren't highly functional, while the ones with practical and useful features receive higher marks.
Many of the lanterns we tested – even small ones like Kizen Solar Collapsible – are able to charge a smartphone (or other small electronic devices). The Coleman Rugged Rechargeable lantern is one of the most user-friendly options we tested. It even features a compartment on the bottom of the lantern for storing the charger cube and cord, which we found particularly useful for a rechargeable model.
The Coleman Rugged Rechargeable has storage space for the charger cube and cord in the base of the lantern.
Credit: Ross Patton
Built-in ground stakes are one of our favorite features of the Goal Zero Skylight. These stakes tuck firmly onto the sidewalls of each of the Skylight's three tripod legs. We also love that each of the legs has an independent height adjustment for steadying the Skylight on uneven ground.
Testing our Skylight's ground stakes and adjustable feet. Both features are key to keeping this unit stable when its mast is extended to 12 feet above the ground.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
We appreciate products with simple yet practical features. We love it when a lantern is dimmable, has a great hook for hanging to illuminate from above, and has a sturdy base for improved stability on uneven terrain. The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 is unique in that when it runs out of juice, there is a hand crank that generates electricity to recharge the light. One minute of cranking provides roughly 10 minutes of illumination.
We like that the charge indicator lights on the Black Diamond Apollo tell us how much juice we have left. This model has a built-in, rechargeable battery and the option for back-up, traditional batteries for the best of both worlds.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Fun features that brighten up camp are few and far between in the lantern world; however, the Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma literally “crushes” it when it comes to providing a little levity. Although quite small, this pint-sized expandable offers a rainbow of six fun colors. The colors can be selected individually or placed on rotation, where they slowly fade from one to the other. Both the BioLite AlpenGlow lanterns and the Black Diamond Moji R+ offer this function, too.
A durable rubberized housing pops open in seconds, allowing the Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma to go from being super compact to lighting up your tent in just seconds.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The features on the Streamlight The Siege increase its versatility and value. For example, it's waterproof and floats, making it one of our favorites for boating or fishing trips. We also like this one for looking under the hood of a vehicle, where its magnetic base comes in handy to adhere to and hang from the underside. It has hooks on both ends of the lantern and has white and red light modes.
As they say, safety first. Lanterns that go beyond the basics of providing light are of particular interest to us. Specifically, we appreciate models that can be switched to a dedicated SOS mode. The LuminAID PackLite Titan 2-in-1 is an absolute standout in this function. When switched to this mode, the lantern repeatedly flashes SOS in Morse code. The user can beam their distress signal in white or red light, and the manufacturer states that a fully charged Packlight Titan can continue in this mode for 100 hours.
The LuminAID's SOS setting was our favorite feature. It's easy to turn on and it flashes continually for a very long time.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
We especially like the products with dimmable power outputs (as opposed to fixed settings like low, medium, and high). Many of the lanterns we tested have this feature, but the Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 and Lighthouse Mini can also adjust to cast 180 or 360 degrees of light.
The BioLite AlpenGlow 500 has several light colors, a candle flicker mode, and a color cycle mode that is activated by physically shaking the lantern. This model also boasts an IPX4 water-resistance rating, meaning that it can withstand rain and splashing.
The BioLite AlpenGlow 500 has a party mode that adds an element of fun to your campsite.
Credit: Ross Patton
The Primus Micron and Coleman Deluxe Propane both have dials for adjusting the fuel flow and brightness. The Primus has a steel cable for suspending the lantern from above without the risk of it burning or igniting something by accident.
The Primus Micron's steel cable provides ample room between the open flame and whatever you choose to hang it from.
Credit: Ross Patton
Durability is a less flashy but equally important feature. One aspect of durability involves the ability to repel water. After all, lanterns are generally meant to be used in the great outdoors, and Mother Nature isn't always predictable. The Goal Zero Torch 500 is one of the more durable and water-tight lanterns on our list. The manufacturer states its IP67 rating resists dust, debris, and sand and also allows it to be submerged in 3 feet of water for at least 30 minutes.
Water, snow, dirt, mud... simply child's play for the super durable Goal Zero Torch 500.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Weight
A lantern's weight helps determine its uses. If you're looking for a model to take camping in the backcountry, then lightweight is the name of the game. You may also end up saving a little more weight in total if you opt for a version that also includes a USB charge port (assuming you are otherwise going to bring a supplemental battery pack).
On the other hand, if you are staying at base camp or car camping, you may actually want a little more heft in your lantern. The Ultimate Survival Technologies 30-Day Duro is the heaviest battery-powered contender. We really wouldn't consider taking it too far away from camp. The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 is pretty hefty, but considering it has a large internal battery and a hand-crank, we think its weight is reasonable. Among our heavy hitters (lanterns with our highest lumens ratings), we were impressed with the Goal Zero Torch 500's ability to pack 500 lumens into 13.1 ounces.
Just hanging out. The Goal Zero Torch 500 isn't the lightest of our entire selection, but it's one of the lightest of the brightest.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
For gas-powered models, the Coleman Deluxe Propane weighs a whopping 38 ounces without a canister attached. This model is really not designed to wander too far from your vehicle.
Gettin' some sun: Making use of a bright day to recharge our LuminAid along the trail. It doesn't weigh the least, but it packs down tight and is easy to carry.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
If you like the idea of using the same fuel canisters for nighttime illumination as you use for your backpacking stove, the Primus Micron will only add 5.4 ounces to your setup (or a mere 4 ounces if you ditch the case).
Weighing the Micron with its case (left) and without (right). It's quite lightweight either way.
The lightweights we would take a bit deeper into the backcountry include the Black Diamond Moji R+, BioLite AlpenGlow Mini, Ledlenser ML6 and the Black Diamond Apollo. Also worth considering is the BioLite PowerLite Mini, which fits easily into almost any pocket and is competitively lightweight.
Our favorite backpacking model, the Black Diamond Moji R+. It's a few ounces heavier than our lightest models, but it's super small and provides excellent lighting.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Two other excellent lightweight options are the Goal Zero Crush Light and its colorful cousin, the Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma. Both are collapsible and can be solar charged. Neither takes up a ton of pack space, but on the same note, neither produces a lot of light.
The Biolite is lightweight (3.5 oz) but hearty enough to tag along on for a 23-day Himalayan expedition in Nepal.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Things to Consider Before Purchasing Your Lantern
Buying the perfect lantern for your needs isn't rocket science, so it shouldn't be a difficult task. That said, there are a few things to consider before spending your hard-earned money. The biggest factors to contemplate are how it will be used, what kind of light it provides, and what kind of power source it requires.
If you're a weekend camping buff who loves to hit the local campgrounds, a larger tabletop model may be the best option for you, since space and weight aren't as much of an issue. If you need lighting for outdoor adventures where you may find yourself on a river, cliffside, or deep in the backcountry, smaller lanterns should be your only consideration. Another use to consider is emergency preparedness. For this purpose, you want to look for long battery life, easy portability, and a decent size.
Lighting power is measured in lumens. The dimmest lanterns in our lineup produce about 60 lumens. Most backpacking lanterns produce about 100 to 200 lumens, while many car-camping models can produce 450 to 6000 lumens. Another lighting feature to consider is the type of light your lantern will produce. Some light can be harsher and more directional than others. Generally, the most comfortable lantern light is diffused light produced by frosted coverings. This light is softer and tends to cast a more uniform circle of ambient light. However, if you need lighting that is more concentrated (like that produced by a headlamp or flashlight), check the specs of the lantern before buying.
Some lanterns are powered by fuel canisters (like white gas or butane). Others hold onto old school technology, like D batteries (sold separately!). Still, other models are powered by rechargeable lithium batteries. Many of the rechargeable lanterns have built-in solar panels as well. Each of these technologies has benefits, for instance, run time. An example of this is that some gas-based lanterns can run upwards of 24 hours on a single can of fuel. Their downside is that they require more safety precautions. Rechargeable models are self-contained, more convenient, produce less waste, and are slightly better for the environment. However, their downside is that they require available electricity to be recharged. Lastly, old-school lanterns are great for emergencies because they don't require a power outlet to recharge, giving them endless run time (provided that you have enough spare batteries on hand).
Conclusion
The outdoor gear market doesn't lack for lantern options. There are more out there than we could ever test. However, we went above and beyond to research some of the most popular versions available, and then we bought them, tested them, and directly compared their quality, function, and performance against each other. In the end, we feel our lineup represents one of the best mixes of lanterns for you to consider. Different lights excel in different settings, so be sure to consider where and how you intend to use your lantern to maximize the value of your purchase. Throughout our testing, we were pleasantly surprised by how useful these products proved to be beyond their primary function as light sources. In some cases, we came to like them more than our beloved headlamps (gasp).
—Jason Wanlass, Ross Patton, and Ben Applebaum-Bauch
