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A good lantern is one of the more useful gear purchases you can make. It serves as the cozy centerpiece for your campsite—especially when campfires aren't allowed—and acts as a reliable backup during home power outages or backyard hangs.
After months of side-by-side testing of 20 models, our clear favorite is the Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 for its bright output, folding legs, built-in power bank, and reliable hand-crank backup.
For reliability when the power goes out, get the Ultimate Survival Technologies 30-Day Duro. It provides an incredible month-long runtime on durable D-cell batteries when extended peace of mind matters most.
If space is limited, get the Black Diamond Moji R+. It packs super-useful dual-hook mounting and a magnetic base into a rugged, pocket-sized footprint.
The Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma is not only the best value, but it is also ultra-packable, solar-powered, and multi-color.
Since 2012, our gear experts have field-tested over 50 models. We've hauled them deep into the backcountry, illuminated base camps in national parks worldwide, and relied on them during real-world blackouts at home. By rigorously measuring true brightness, battery run-time, features, and weight, we eliminated the duds and chose the lanterns that deserve our top awards.
Editor's Note: We updated our lantern review on October 13, 2025, after testing two new products from Black Diamond and BioLite and naming one new award winner.
The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 is the most consistent lantern 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
Lumens
600
Power Source & Charging
Integrated USB Cable, Hand Crank
Weight (with Batteries)
19.8 oz
Measured Runtime (Highest Setting)
3.2 hrs
Suspension / Mounting Hardware
Top handle, folding tabletop legs
The Lighthouse 600's outer light cover 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 with the white light's output.
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 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,” our tester noted.
SPECIFICATIONS
Lumens
1000
Power Source & Charging
N/A (3 D-Cell Batteries)
Weight (with Batteries)
29.3 oz
Measured Runtime (Highest Setting)
9.0 hrs
Suspension / Mounting Hardware
Top handle, recessed bottom hook
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 hard to access, but ideally, you won't need to open it often.
We didn't find the glow-in-the-dark feature very bright, and the plastic handle isn't the best quality. Minor drawbacks aside, we recommend this light if runtime is your top priority. 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.
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 to take with you. This bulb-shaped light is small and lightweight, and it can pump out 200 lumens (its highest setting) for more than five hours on a single charge. 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
Lumens
200
Power Source & Charging
USB-C
Weight (with Batteries)
5.8 oz
Measured Runtime (Highest Setting)
5.3 hrs
Suspension / Mounting Hardware
Double hook, magnetic base
The Moji R+ weighs about 2 ounces more than the BioLite AlpenGlow Mini, but it's much more compact, burns brighter, and feels tougher. Both models offer a multi-color option, and they run about the same runtime 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 offers more oomph in a smaller package.
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 or as bright.
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. Credit: Jason Wanlass
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 has a shorter runtime and no fun colors. “It doesn't produce a ton of light, but it runs forever, and it's super easy to use,” one tester noted.
SPECIFICATIONS
Lumens
60
Power Source & Charging
Solar, Micro-USB
Weight (with Batteries)
3.2 oz
Measured Runtime (Highest Setting)
7.1 hrs
Suspension / Mounting Hardware
Top handle
This pint-sized torch uses five LEDs to pump out 60 lumens 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 things up when night falls at 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, offers solar charging, and 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 in our tests we found a slight learning curve to its one-button operation. Even so, these issues are minor and easy to forgive given the benefits of this well-priced pack buddy.
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 sit atop a steel mast that extends up to 12 feet, 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
Lumens
6000
Power Source & Charging
12V / 120V Proprietary
Weight (with Batteries)
14.1 lbs
Measured Runtime (Highest Setting)
3.1 hrs (powered by external battery bank)
Suspension / Mounting Hardware
Telescoping tripod stand
When not in use, it makes a comforting accessory to keep 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 other models in our lineup, but it's surprisingly easy to carry and deploy, making it a viable option for more remote areas. It can even run off 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.
It's bigger and heavier than your standard lantern, but the Skylight is several times brighter, and its setup is easy peasy. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Product Comparison Table
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 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 to score each lantern 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 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. 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 to a remote corner of the world, Jason knows a thing or two about gear and the value a little light can provide when you're far from home.
We test our lanterns at home, then push them to the limit around the world across 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 a wide range of outdoor products for GearLab over the years, from rooftop tents to backcountry ski poles. Born with a sense of adventure and backed by a formal education in Environmental Science, he puts 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
Each model we tested offers a slightly different set of features and a very different design. How much you want to spend on a new lantern also depends largely 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 offer a lot of value.
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, a lantern's purpose 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, a standard flashlight beam can be extremely powerful, but it's also often harsh, 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 in a variety of locations and settings, rating them by how well and how broadly they illuminated a space. We also considered that certain models are designed for specific applications.
We also considered a lantern's dimmability. Not every model has this feature, but we love lanterns that let you adjust light intensity based on 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
For pure power, the Goal Zero Skylight earned 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 that's easier on the eyes. Additionally, the Skylight's light source sits atop a sturdy tripod system that extends 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. 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 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 some light istoo bright for certain situations. Light diffusion, mainly affected by the globe or light cover, is critical. The opaque plastic used by the Black Diamond Apollo creates a lovely, non-invasive light quality. We also loved the LuminAID PackLite Titan 2-in-1 for its soft, diffused light that is pleasant but still bright 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 lets you choose between warm white and cool white (along with multiple colors). The Coleman Rugged Rechargeable has low and high settings, with the higher setting putting out a mellow yet sufficient 400 lumens.
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 really impressive battery life, but manufacturers generally refer to how long they last on their lowest settings. In our tests, we found that the lowest setting is sometimes practically worthless, so we clocked how long each lantern lasts on its highest setting. For models requiring disposable batteries, we used standard Duracell batteries, and for lanterns requiring fuel, we used the most common canisters.
Disposable Batteries
It comes as no surprise that the models with the largest disposable battery compartments for D-sized batteries last the longest. The Lighting Ever Camping is the longest-lasting model in our review, lasting 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, it lasted nine hours on high.
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 enter the rechargeable market, these versions are quickly becoming the norm for both experts and weekend warriors alike. The top battery-life performer in this category 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 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 leaps and bounds in rechargeable technology, they're becoming a thing of the past. If you're keen on a fuel lantern, we tested two. Using a standard 16-ounce propane canister, the Coleman Deluxe Propane lasted three hours at 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, which are limited by disposable batteries or integrated power banks, gas-powered models can use larger canisters. With the right adapters, you can connect many types of propane lanterns to full-sized tanks instead of 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 a few features are worth noting. Since every lantern needs an energy source, we first considered how easy they are to power up.
We found that accessing the battery compartment on many models is more challenging than we would want or expect. Installing batteries in waterproof models takes some effort. In contrast, lanterns with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, like the Coleman Rugged Rechargeable, are much easier to use.
Collapsible, solar-powered lights like 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 1 inch thick to 6 inches high with 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, how intuitive it was to switch between light modes, and whether we needed instructions or time to learn the device. The easiest models to illuminate have big, obvious knobs and buttons, like the Coleman Rugged Rechargeable.
The Coleman Rugged Rechargeable is about as easy to operate as lanterns get. Credit: Ross Patton
After much comparison testing, we realized how important it is to hang our lights overhead easily. Heavier models proved much harder to suspend, and we were limited to setting them on rocks, picnic tables, cars, or 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 also has wide stands but is slightly less adaptable to uneven surfaces.
Comparing battery-powered models to fuel-canister models can get messy, but since 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 at the touch of a button, and you can hang them quickly with hooks (Black Diamond) or a 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 enough, but we appreciate models that offer 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 score models lower for unnecessary or low-utility features, while those with practical, useful features receive higher marks.
Many of the lanterns we tested can 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 leg has an independent height adjustment to steady 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 because, when it runs out of juice, a hand crank 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. You can select the colors individually or set them to rotate, slowly fading 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
As they say, safety first. We're especially interested in lanterns that go beyond basic light. Specifically, we appreciate models that can be switched to a dedicated SOS mode. The LuminAID PackLite Titan 2-in-1 stands out for this function. In this mode, the lantern repeatedly flashes SOS in Morse code. Users can beam their distress signal in white or red light, and the manufacturer says a fully charged PackLite Titan can run 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 can also adjust to cast light in 180 or 360 degrees.
The BioLite AlpenGlow 500 offers several light colors, a candle flicker mode, and a color cycle mode 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 to adjust fuel flow and brightness. The Primus has a steel cable for hanging the lantern overhead, reducing the risk of accidental burns or ignitions.
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 less flashy but equally important. 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 watertight lanterns on our list. The manufacturer says its IP67 rating resists dust, debris, and sand, and 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 save a little weight overall if you opt for a version with a USB charge port (assuming you are otherwise bringing 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 take it too far from camp. The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 is pretty hefty, but with 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 isn't really designed to wander 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 do for your backpacking stove, the Primus Micron adds only 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 lightweight options 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 charged by solar power. Neither takes up much pack space, but they also don't produce much 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 hard. That said, consider a few things before spending your hard-earned money. The biggest factors to consider are how you'll use it, what kind of light it provides, and what kind of power source it requires.
If you're a weekend camping buff who loves hitting local campgrounds, a larger tabletop model may be the best option, 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, 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 more concentrated light (like that produced by a headlamp or flashlight), check the lantern's specs before buying.
Some lanterns run on fuel canisters (like white gas or butane). Others hold onto old-school technology, like D batteries (sold separately!). Other models run on rechargeable lithium batteries. Many rechargeable lanterns also have built-in solar panels. Each technology has benefits, such as runtime. For example, some gas-based lanterns can run for up to 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, they require access to electricity to recharge. Lastly, old-school lanterns are great for emergencies because they don't require a power outlet to recharge, giving them endless run time (as long as 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 offers one of the best mixes of lanterns to consider. Different lights excel in different settings, so 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
