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When discussing essential camping gear, we typically stick to shelter, sleep systems, and nourishment. But, only so much of time at camp is spent while the sun is in the sky. So what about lighting? Headlamps are wildly convenient, but not great for group settings (who among us hasn’t had to bashfully ask a friend to turn their headlamp off after being beamed in the face one too many times). A quick solve to illuminating our little slice of the Earth is a classic camping lantern. And thanks to many industrious efforts, lantern options these days are anything but old and boring.
Assess the selection of camping lanterns at any outdoor gear shop IRL or online and you’ll find a lot going on. Some camp lanterns still run on gas, while others have integrated battery packs for charging small electronics. Keep it humble or go full-on 21st century; the choice is yours, camper.
What to Look for in a Camping Lantern
Beginning most simply, consider the camping lantern’s light qualities. Most brands will advertise a measure of the light’s brightness measured in lumens. The LED flashlights on the latest smartphones measure anywhere from 12-50 lumens. We suggest going for big lumen output numbers, but look for dimming and brightness settings, too, to increase runtime and control of the mood at camp.
It might seem picky, but we think the temperature of a lantern’s light is nearly as critical as the brightness. A cool fluorescent light (4,000 Kelvins or more) can look and feel quite out of place in nature; we prefer a warmer temperature below the 4,000 K mark.
The power (or fuel) source for your camping light should be another important aspect to consider. Batteries can be convenient (but wasteful), and USB power looks to be the most ubiquitous power source. We’re beginning to notice an increase in solar-charging options, too. Many of the same lanterns that recharge by USB also function as ancillary battery packs for charging other small devices around camp, which cuts out the need for dedicated power banks.
With all of the above in mind—plus overall design aesthetic and usability—we’ve sifted through the many variations currently available to the common camper and decided on the following picks. Dig in and have fun this season!
Top 10 Camping Lights and Lanterns for Backpacking and Life Outdoors
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