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A lantern lights the whole campsite, where a headlamp lights one person’s task. A good one makes cooking, card games and getting into the tent easy, without the glare of a torch.
How we pick: this guide compares products using manufacturer specifications and published reviews. It is not based on our own hands-on testing. Prices and availability change, so check the current listing before you buy.
Quick picks
| Lantern | Power | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| BioLite AlpenGlow 500 | Rechargeable | Warm, dimmable ambience |
| Black Diamond Apollo | Rechargeable and AAA | Backpacking and car camping |
| Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 | Rechargeable, crank, solar | Power outages and base camps |
| MPOWERD Luci | Solar | Light, inflatable, cheap |
| Propane lantern | Propane | Bright light for big groups |
What to look for
Lumens. 100 to 300 is comfortable for a tent or picnic table. For a larger camp area, 500 or more.
Power source. Rechargeable lanterns are convenient. Solar and crank options keep working when the power bank is flat. Propane gives the most light but is bulkier and more fragile.
Light colour. Warm tones feel more natural at camp than a stark white.
Runtime. Check hours on high and on low. Low is what you’ll use most.
Weight and packing. Collapsible and inflatable lanterns suit backpacking.
Water resistance. Look for an IP rating if you camp in the rain.
Our picks
BioLite AlpenGlow 500
Best for: a warm, adjustable glow.
A rechargeable lantern that offers a range of colours and a diffused light, and can charge a phone in a pinch.
- 500 lumens
- Warm, even light
- A little heavy for backpacking
Black Diamond Apollo
Best for: backpackers who need a lantern.
A collapsible lantern with legs that fold flat. It runs on a rechargeable battery or AAA batteries.
- 250 lumens
- Folds small
- Runs on AAAs as a backup
Goal Zero Lighthouse 600
Best for: long trips and emergencies.
A big lantern with a built-in battery, hand crank and a small solar panel option, plus a USB port to charge devices.
- 600 lumens
- Multiple ways to recharge
- Bulky
MPOWERD Luci
Best for: very light, low-cost lighting.
An inflatable solar lantern that packs flat. It is dim compared with the others, but it costs little and weighs almost nothing.
- Charges in sunlight
- Floats and packs flat
- Lower brightness
Propane lantern
Best for: big groups and base camps.
A classic propane lantern gives lots of light for a large campsite. Never use one inside a tent because of carbon monoxide and fire risk.
Frequently asked questions
How bright should a camping lantern be? 200 to 300 lumens for one table or tent. More for a group.
Are lanterns safe inside tents? LED lanterns are. Gas and propane lanterns aren’t.
