solar lanterns for camping

6 Best Solar Lanterns for Camping

Camping is a great way to enjoy beautiful evenings and bond with your family and friends. But to do this, you need a portable solar lanterns for camping in your backpack.

Solar lanterns are better than flashlights because they don’t need replacing batteries. Besides, new solar lanterns are compact and provide hours of ambient light.

All you have to do is charge it during the day and use it to light up a dark spot or tent at night.

This guide will show you the best solar powered lanterns for camping and backpacking. We have done the research part and compiled the best solar lanterns for camping to help you make an informed decision on which one to buy.


Compare Best Solar Lanterns for Camping

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS PRICE
LuminAid Solar Inflatable Lantern
  • Dimensions:‎ 4.72 x 4.72 x 4.72 inches
  • Batteries: ‎1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included)
  • Special Features: ‎Waterproof
  • d.light S500 Solar Lantern
  • Dimensions:‎ 5 x 5 x 5.12 inches
  • Batteries: ‎1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) + Solar
  • Special Features: ‎N/A
  • AGPTEK Solar Lantern
  • Dimensions:‎ ‎5.5 x 4.9 x 10.5 inches
  • Batteries: ‎AC Adapter or 3 x AAA Battery + Solar
  • Special Features: ‎Ultra bright LED light:36 high brightness LED lights£¬low power consumption
  • Goal Zero Crush Light
  • Dimensions:‎ ‎‎7.01 x 0.98 x 7.99 inches
  • Batteries: ‎1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included)
  • Special Features: ‎N/A
  • MPowered Luci Outdoor 2.0
  • Dimensions:‎ ‎‎4.25 x 4.25 x 5 inches inches
  • Batteries: ‎Luci's built-in high efficiency solar panel means that no batteries are needed - ever
  • Special Features: ‎Luci Outdoor 2.0 is built to last and can withstand up to 150 lbs of pressure!
  • Suaoki Led Camping Lantern
  • Dimensions:‎ ‎‎3.35 x 3.35 x 1.77 inches
  • Batteries: ‎800mAh, Lithium
  • Special Features: ‎Portable, Foldable and Durable

  • Our Recommendation on Buying Best Solar Lantern

    To determine the best option among these solar lanterns, we should consider various factors such as durability, brightness, battery life, charging options, and additional features. Here’s a quick comparison:

    1. LuminAID Solar Inflatable Lantern: Known for its unique inflatable design, this lantern is lightweight and highly portable. It’s waterproof and floats, making it ideal for water-related activities. However, its light output may not be as strong as some more traditional, solid lanterns.
    2. d.light S500 Solar Lantern: This lantern stands out for its multi-functionality. It not only provides light but also has a mobile charging feature. Its robust build makes it suitable for rugged outdoor use. The light output is good, but the charging feature may add to the cost.
    3. AGPTEK Solar Lantern: This lantern is versatile, with the ability to charge via solar power or USB. It’s also designed as an FM radio and a power bank. While it offers multiple functions, its primary function as a light source might not be as advanced as others solely focused on illumination.
    4. Goal Zero Crush Light: Compact and collapsible, this lantern is perfect for those who prioritize space-saving. It offers good brightness settings and a long-lasting battery, but the solar charging can be slower compared to others.
    5. MPowered Luci Outdoor 2.0: This inflatable lantern is known for its durability and waterproof capabilities. It’s simple, effective, and offers decent lighting for most camping needs. However, it lacks additional features like mobile charging.
    6. Suaoki Led Camping Lantern: This model is praised for its foldable design and dual charging options (solar and USB). It’s a reliable choice for general camping needs but might not offer the same level of durability as some of the other options.

    In conclusion, the best lantern depends on your specific needs. For overall functionality and robustness, the d.light S500 Solar Lantern is a strong contender. If portability and weight are your primary concerns, the LuminAID Solar Inflatable Lantern or the MPowered Luci Outdoor 2.0 might be more suitable. For those needing a lantern with multiple charging options, the AGPTEK Solar Lantern and Suaoki Led Camping Lantern are excellent choices. The Goal Zero Crush Light stands out for its space-saving design. Each of these lanterns has unique features that cater to different camping styles and preferences.


    6 Best Solar Powered Lanterns for Camping

    1. LuminAid Solar Inflatable Lantern

    Pros:
    • It offers 5 lighting modes.
    • Affordable and stylish.
    • It’s floatable and waterproof.
    • It folds flat.
    Cons:
    • Slow charging.

    Your next camping evening can be as stylish as the Luminaid solar lantern that has piqued the interest of many campers for many good reasons. The solar lantern features a stylish white color structure and gives you up to 5 brightness options for different situations.

    The battery life is impressive at 24 hours, but the runtime depends on the brightness mode used: Turbo lasts up to 5 hours, High mode up to 7 hours, medium up to 13 hours, Low up to 24 hours, and flashing lasts up to 48 hours.

    There are two ways to charge the LuminAid Solar Inflatable lantern. You can expose it to direct sunlight for approximately 10 hours or connect it to a USB for about 2 hours. The manufacturer includes a cord for quick charging.

    This US-made inflatable lantern feels well-built and durable and the snaps on the straps are easy to adjust. This is among the best outdoor solar lanterns 100% waterproof and can even float on water when you want to fish, paddleboard, and more.


    2. d.light S500 Solar Lantern for Camping

    Pros:
    • It offers a flexible design.
    • Has an indicator to show how much battery is left.
    • Offers numerous settings.
    • It’s durably built.
    Cons:
    • Can only be charged by the sun.

    The d.Light S500 is a portable LED lantern ideal for any outdoor activities such as climbing, hiking, or camping. The stylish lantern resembles a water bottle and comes with 4 brightness settings, including bed light low, medium, and high.

    The rugged and durable design makes it ideal for tough conditions and offers flexibility in various environments. If you need large outdoor solar lanterns, this is an excellent addition to your at-home emergency kit, thanks to its long battery life and USB charging capability. You can even use it to charge your phone and other small appliances.

    The d.light solar lantern for camping has an open-face design, which illuminates through all corners of the room through its wide lens. Depending on the lighting, the S500 can offer up to 100 hours of lighting depending on the setting. There’s also an automatic mode to adjust the brightness level when the battery is low to prolong its life.


    3. AGPTEK Outdoor Solar Lantern

    Pros:
    • It’s ultra-bright.
    • Has a durable ABS plastic built.
    • Has 5 charging modes.
    • Comes with a battery indicator.
    Cons:
    • Not collapsible.

    Here is an innovative solar camping lantern designed with 5 charging modes to power 36 LED lights. It can be charged using solar energy through the solar panel located on top of the lantern. Alternatively, you can use a USB cable or car adapter charger.

    It’s among the few solar lanterns that can be charged using a hand crank dynamo that you spin using a hand lever. Finally, you can also use a set of 3 AAA to store generated renewable energy.

    There are two brightness modes; the bright mode for normal activity and the super bright mode. Brighter red lights show the outdoor solar lantern has charge, while a red light shows a low charge. The lantern can charge in approximately 7 hours which is faster than other camping lanterns. You can hang the lantern using the hook swings or use the string holes to tie it in a place.


    4. Goal Zero Crush Light

    Pros:
    • It offers multiple lighting modes.
    • Can last up to 35 hours.
    • Allows USB charging.
    • It’s waterproof.
    Cons:
    • Solar charging takes longer.

    The Goal Zero Crush light is among the most stylish and bright outdoors solar camping lantern that offers up to 60 lumens which can last for over 35 hours. The solar lantern has multiple lighting modes, including high, medium, low, soft, and even candle flicker for a relaxing ambiance.

    The small solar lantern comes with a small solar panel that takes up to 20 hours to charge. Luckily, you can still charge this solar camping lantern with a USB which takes a shorter time. A nifty feature of this lantern is it’s collapsible so you can just fit it anywhere in your backpack and weighs 91 grams which is nothing. The device is IPX4 waterproof rated, so you can just go with it to activities that involve water, like fishing.


    5. MPowered Luci Outdoor 2.0 Small Solar Lantern

    Pros:
    • It’s bright.
    • Can last for 24 hours.
    • Efficient solar panel.
    • It’s lightweight and waterproof.
    Cons:
    • A little heavy at 4.4 oz.

    The MPowered Luci Outdoor 2.0 is the mother of the Luci Series among the brightest solar lantern that you can find in the market today. It’s waterproof, making it perfect for camping, emergency preparedness, BBQ, patio, deck lighting, or backyard.

    It can charge fully in 7 hours of direct exposure to sunlight and can last up to 24 hours on a single charge. This solar rechargeable camping lantern also comes with a built-in lithium-ion battery with 75 lumens that can power up to 10 cool white LEDs.

    Luci Outdoor 2.0 can withstand up to 150 lbs of pressure and has a waterproof rating of IP67. It comes with 4 lighting modes, including low, medium, high, and flashing. There’s a battery level indicator to ensure you never get left in the dark.


    6. Suaoki Led Camping Lantern

    Pros:
    • It’s compact and lightweight.
    • Gives bright light.
    • Can be charged via USB or solar.
    • Can double up as a power bank.
    Cons:
    • Not waterproof.

    If you are looking for a space-saving camping lantern, the Suaoki Led Camping Lantern is a worthy pick because it’s portable and lightweight. One of its highlight features is the collapsible design that packs down into a compact size of just 1.77 inches.

    This solar camping lantern with USB is also highly versatile as it can work as a regular flashlight or a power bank to juice up your small devices.

    The Suaoki camping lantern offers three lighting modes, including high, low, and SOS flashing, making it a convenient light source for any outdoor event. There are two ways to charge the lantern: either via Solar or USB. A fully charged lantern lasts up to 10 hours on low setting and 5 hours on high mode.


    Conclusion

    Now that you have options for the outdoor solar lanterns to buy right now, it’s time to decide on one. Solar lanterns for camping are an excellent addition to your backpack for an off-grid experience.

    Most of the options in this guide are affordable so you have no excuse not to put one on your must-have items for camping.


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    Hi! I'm Edmundas, a devoted minimalist and expert in making the most out of small spaces. Through years of experience in interior design and innovative space-saving solutions, I've mastered the art of transforming compact areas into functional, stylish havens. Here at GotinySpace, I share my insights and tips to help you embrace a simpler, more organized lifestyle. Join me on this journey to discover how less can indeed be more.

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