Best rechargeable camping lantern

Saturday, November 25, 2023 By marouane

Rechargeable lanterns can be a good alternative to traditional battery-powered ones. They offer a longer life cycle and eliminate the need to constantly replace batteries. These lanterns can be conveniently recharged via USB or solar energy, which is quite efficient. In my research, I’ve found a variety of designs and settings in rechargeable lanterns. Here’s my top pick that might interest you.

The BioLite AlpenGlow 500

★best overall rechargeable lantern

Pros

High brightness of up to 500 lumens
Long battery life, with 5 hours on high, and 200 hours on low
Can charge devices with its built-in battery
IPX4 rating for water resistance
offers variant color moods

Cons

More expensive than some alternatives
Heavier than ultra-light lanterns at 13.4 ounces
Has a bit of a learning curve for all features

Brightness: Up to 500 lumens

Runtime: 5 hours on high, 200 hours on low

Rechargeability: Via USB, 3 hours to full charge

Battery: Built-in 6400 mAh lithium-ion battery

Power Hub: USB port for charging small devices

Weight: 13.4 ounces (380 g)

Durability: IPX4 water resistance (splash-proof from all directions)

Dimensions: 5.4 inches tall, 3.8 inches wide

The BioLite AlpenGlow 500 is not only a source of light but also an enhancer of ambiance. With the ability to change colors by simply shaking it, you can instantly adjust the mood of your campsite or room. This feature includes a Fireworks mode that brings a celebratory energy to any setting. For a calmer environment, the warm white light mode provides a soft, relaxing glow ideal for unwinding.

In terms of brightness, the AlpenGlow 500 can light up a space with a strong 500-lumen beam lighting up large areas for around 5 hours, or offer a gentler 200-lumen light that can last an incredible 200 hours on a single charge. Charging the lantern is fairly quick, taking about 3 hours to reach full capacity.

While the lantern might be a bit heavy for some backpackers at 13.8 ounces and measuring 5.4 inches tall and 3.8 inches wide, it’s also a power bank, which can be handy when you need to charge electronic devices on the go.

It does take some learning to get the hang of this lantern. It has just one button on top that you use to switch it on and off and to cycle through the light modes. The first press gives you a cool white LED light that’s good for seeing true colors in the dark. Press it again, and you get a warm white light that’s cozy for relaxing. A third press starts the color modes, which have a blend of hues like a sunset.

The lantern’s waterproof rating of IPX4 means it’s resistant to water splashes from all directions, ensuring durability no matter the weather or if it gets wet.

Besides lighting, the lantern also works as a power bank for charging gadgets. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s durable and versatile. If you like camping or want a cool lantern that does more than just light up, it might be worth the price. Just give yourself a little time to get to know how to use all its features.

Lighthouse 600 Lantern & USB Power Hub

★ best solar rechargeable lantern

Pros

High brightness level of up to 600 lumens
Portable design with collapsible legs and handle for easy transport
Versatile charging options including USB, solar, and hand crank
Multiple lighting modes for adjustable brightness and direction
Long low brightness battery life

Cons

Heavier than some models
Short runtime on high setting
Complex features for some users

Brightness: Maximum 600 lumens

Runtime: 320 hours (one side, low power) / 180 hours (both sides, low power)

Rechargeability: Via USB, solar, and hand crank

Battery: Built-in 5200 mAh lithium-ion battery

Power Hub: USB port for charging small devices

Weight: 1.1 lbs (498 g)

Durability: Constructed from ABS plastic and aluminum

Dimensions: 4.5 x 5 x 6.5 in (11.4 x 12.7 x 16.5 cm)

The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 is a versatile lantern designed for the great outdoors. Its brightness is adjustable up to 600 lumens, making it perfect for illuminating anything from a cozy campsite to a dark hiking trail.

On its lower setting, the battery life is impressive, lasting up to 320 hours. But when you need maximum brightness, the battery will run for about 2.5 hours.

This lantern also offers diverse charging options, including USB, solar, and hand crank, and it has the capability to recharge small devices like smartphones. The hand crank feature allows you to generate 10 minutes of light for every 1 minute of cranking.

However, it’s worth noting for backpackers, the lantern’s weight is over a pound, and its size is larger than some might prefer. Additionally, while it’s quite sturdy, some users have reported it may not be completely waterproof, which could be a concern in wet weather.

LE LED Detachable Flashlight 600LM

★ Best All-in-One Rechargeable Lantern

Pros

Cons

Heavier than some models
Short battery life
Not ideal for backpacking

Brightness: Up to 600 lumens

Runtime: 2 hours on full brightness, 4 hours on partial brightness

Rechargeability: Via USB, 4-5 hours to charge

Battery: Can be charged with USB cable or powered by 3 D batteries (not included)

Detachable Flashlights: Powered by 3 AAA batteries each (included)

Durability: Made from strong plastic,IPX4, protects against weather conditions

Weight: 25.3 oz (720 grams)

Dimensions: 4.53 x 4.53 x 8.07 inches

I recently explored Lepro’s range of specialized lighting devices and was impressed by their outdoor offerings, particularly a rechargeable lantern with innovative features. At first glance, it appears to be a standard lantern, but it includes lantern lights on two sides and two detachable flashlights on the other sides. These flashlights can be removed for exploration and double as lanterns when reattached, another cool feature is a built-in compass on top.

The lantern offers up to 600 lumens, with a full brightness duration of 2 hours and 4 hours on partial brightness, taking 4-5 hours to recharge. It can be charged via USB or 3 D batteries (not included), while the detachable flashlights run on 3 AAA batteries, included in the package along with a USB cable and car charger.

Rated IPX4 for water resistance and made of durable plastic, it’s well-suited for outdoor conditions. However, its weight 25.3 oz (720 grams) and size (4.53 x 4.53 x 8.07 inches) it’s not ideal for backpackers. Despite this, Lepro’s lantern is reasonably priced, with a current 19% discount, making it an attractive option for those who value innovative, versatile lighting solutions.

KIZEN Collapsible LED Lantern

★ Best Portable Rechargeable Lantern

Pros

Lightweight and collapsible
Power bank feature
Easy to carry and store
Water-resistant and weatherproof

Cons

low brightness level
Water-resistant but not fully waterproof

Brightness: reviews indicate 25 lumens low – 63 lumens high

Runtime: Up to 10 hours

Rechargeability: Via solar power or USB port, (Charges fully in 4 hours)

Battery: Not specified, but rechargeable

Power Hub: USB port for charging smartphones

Weight: 9.6oz (272 grams)

Durability: Water-resistant and weatherproof design

Dimensions:‎ 3.2 x 1.5 x 3.2 inches

After looking around for the best portable rechargeable lantern for backpacking, I decided on the Kizen Solar Lantern. It’s really handy because it’s light and can collapse down to the size of a hockey puck. This is great for backpackers who don’t want to carry a lot of weight.

It has three settings for light: Low, SOS, and High. The Low setting is nice and soft, perfect for hanging out at the campsite. If you’re in trouble, the SOS can signal for help, and the High setting is really bright for its size.

Another big plus is that you can charge it two ways: with solar power or a USB port. This means you’re less likely to run out of light, and it can last up to 10 hours when it’s fully charged, which takes about 4 hours.

Even though it’s small, it can also charge your phone, which could be really important if you’re far from a power source.

The lantern is also made to last. It’s water-resistant and weatherproof, so it can take on tough outdoor conditions.

But there’s something missing in the details about the product. They don’t tell you how bright the light is, which is pretty important. I found out from another review that it’s 25 lumens on low and 63 lumens on the highest setting. That’s okay for lighting up the area right around you, but it might not be enough if you need to light up a bigger space or need really bright light.

The Lighting EVER 1000LM

★ Best Bright Rechargeable Lantern

Pros

1000-lumen brightness
Versatile light modes
Can charge devices
IPX4 water-resistant

Cons

8-hour charge time
Heavy and large for backpacking
Short dim mode duration

Brightness: Up to 1000 lumens

Runtime: Up to 12 hours

Rechargeability: Via USB, (Charges fully in 8 hours, per reviews)

Battery: Not specified, but rechargeable

Power Hub: USB port for charging smartphones

Weight: 19.4oz (550 grams)

Durability: Water Resistant, IP44 rating, suitable for outdoor activities

Dimensions: 3.74 x 3.46 x 7.24 inches

The Lighting EVER 1000LM lantern delivers exceptional brightness with a 1000-lumen output, It has multiple light modes: crisp white light for 8 hours, warm yellow light for 12 hours, and a combined mode offering 6.5 hours of use, However, a downside noted in reviews is the lengthy 8-hour charging time.

The lantern is sturdily constructed with durable plastic and an IPX4 water resistance rating, providing confidence in its use under various outdoor conditions. It includes a convenient hanging hook and a removable cover for directional lighting, similar to a flashlight. Additionally, it serves as a power bank, ready to charge smartphones.

However, backpackers might find the lantern’s weight of 550 grams and measurements of 3.74 x 3.46 x 7.24 inches a bit too bulky for lightweight travel. Despite this, the lantern’s current 29% discount offers an affordable price point, adding to its appeal for those who need a strong lighting option.

Where I Find the Best Camping Gear:

As someone who loves to scour the internet for the latest and greatest, I’ve done some deep diving to bring you cool camping gear that’ll make your trips unforgettable. I’ve found these gems through Pinterest boards, detailed blogs, and YouTube channels where campers share their personal recommendations.

These are affiliate links, so if you decide to gear up through these, you’ll be supporting my research at no extra cost to you