From lighting up those late-night, roadside pull-ups, to long-lasting illumination on those midnight loo runs – a camping lantern is your light at the end of the tunnel for any after-dark outdoor endeavour.
At the very least, a lantern offers light to function after sundown. Over time, LED technology has developed, launching the humble camping lantern further into the tech-savvy sphere (amid many other gadgets and gizmos in line for an upgrade)! Now, we embrace the benefits of high-impact lighting flooding from more compact packages. Be it campsite party planning or outback battery powering – some lanterns are now equipped with features such as dappling disco light modes, and the ability to charge smartphones.
So, fellow trailblazers – what’s the glow?
To shed some light, we’ve collated our top ten sellers in the camping lantern category – from your late-night toilet run chums and high-beam henchmen, to the ultimate lights of the party! Starting at number ten…
At the very least, a lantern offers light to function after sundown. Image: BioLite
10. Coleman Swagger Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Lantern
Shed light in the darkest times with the Swagger Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Lantern.
Its compact size and lightweight construction has this lantern following you from the beaten track to base camp by sunset. Compatible with both small and large tents or simply an accessory to your outdoor apparatus, the lantern serves as both a nightlight or an emergency light when your torch dims at the darkest point of the day!
Enjoy long-lasting illumination with multiple brightness settings, while a D-clip hook allows secure hanging and a magnetic backing enables attachment to steel surfaces.
Light up every late-night pull-up with the Coleman Swagger Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Lantern.
9. OZtrail Lumos 700 Lithium Rechargeable Hanger Lantern
For the brighter campers feeling in the dark about outdoor lighting, this is your light at the end of the tunnel.
With two light modes and a maximum of 700 lumens, enjoy the best of both beams with easily adjustable buttons for high and low modes. Its heavy-duty crank strap allows hanging from anywhere in your awning, so you can disperse light to a full 360-degree scope. Beat the dead batteries out bush thanks to its rechargeable lithium-ion battery, battery indicator, and USB 1A output with a built-in charging cable. Drop-tested to one metre, the lantern’s impact resistance offers rugged durability from the comfort of your campsite. Take your campsite to the next lumen with the OZtrail Lumos Hanger 700 Lantern.
8. Black Diamond Moji+ and Moji R+ Lanterns
From toasting campfire marshies to hosting campsite magic – lights up those late-night pull-ups with the Moji+ and R+, fresh to the rank for 2024!
Featuring a frosted globe for even lighting, and a two-button interface for easy brightness adjustability – they’re your mobile magic makers. For the ultimate outdoor disco under the awning, a double-hook hanging loop offers simple suspension and a bold 200-lumen output across full-spectrum colour and campfire modes. Strobe and solid colour modes take you from dappled party lights to iridescent undertones, while the USB port allows for recharging when the campfire festivities fall flat!
The Black Diamond Moji+ and R+ Lanterns are your on-the-go globe for bespoke outback adventures.
7. Ledlender ML6 Rechargeable Lantern & ML4 Mini Rechargeable Lantern
Light up the night with the ML6 Rechargeable and ML4 Mini Rechargeable Lanterns by Ledlenser.
With 750 lumens from the ML6 and superior lens technology for energy efficiency, the micro-prism mechanism has the ML4 Mini beaming a maximum of 300. Boasting light modes from ‘boost’ to ‘blink’, and ‘strobe’ to ‘SOS’ – your ML6 lantern can be applied to multiple scenarios, doubling as a power bank to boost the charge of your USB devices.
While the ML6 provides mounting options via the hook, magnet, and removable stand – the ML4 Mini features a carabiner snap hook for suspending overhead or attaching to the back of a pack. Their IP ratings protect from dust and water damage. resisting the rough and tumble of the temperamental outdoors.
From the blackened paddocks to campsite dynamics – the Ledlenser ML6 and ML4 Mini Rechargeable Lanterns are for the off-grid glow-getters!
6. Zempire Capsule Light
Aptly named, as it shares the same shape (albeit much larger) as a vitamin capsule! The Zempire Capsule Light is a ridiculously affordable tent light, ideal for smaller tents or emergencies. It runs from 3 x AA batteries – and while not the brightest light in our range at 25 lumens, it’s such an affordable price that you can have more than one in your kit.
The base is flat for standing on a table, while the hanging hook feature makes for easy suspension inside a tent or under a shelter.
5. BioLite AlpenGlow
For adventurers on the glow, the BioLite AlpenGlow is your mobile magic maker.
Providing mesmerising colour for campsite ambience, or white lighting for task-based needs around basecamp – this light is available in two sizes, beaming a maximum output of 250 or 500 lumens. With ChromaReal LEDs offering true tones for night-time antics, and an IPX4 water resistance – match the natural beauty of sunshine on a rainy day, with warm white light against an evening shower.
From toasting campfire marshies to hosting campfire magic, simply shake the globe to activate special lighting modes such as candle flicker, cycling colour, multicolour, and single-colour – offering either blended or bold, stand-alone colour. Boasting a rechargeable 6400mAh battery and USB out-charging abilities for other electronic devices (such as the separately available BioLite SiteLights) – the BioLite AlpenGlow is the on-the-go globe for bespoke outback adventures.
4. Zempire Hangdome and Megadome V2 USB Rechargeable Light
Superior campsite lighting is now out of your hands, thanks to the Hangdome Lantern by Zempire offering hands-free convenience at the campsite.
Even the sharpest individuals have a soft side to them – and the Hangdome is no different, offering a soft-touch light diffuser for a homey comfort that contrasts to the daytime dynamics of the outdoors. Achieve your most ideal illumination level across three light modes, while the ergonomic design allows for positioning on a flat surface during dinnertime banter, or campsite card games. Recharged via a USB outlet too, enjoy easy powering of the light’s lithium-ion supply.
From backyard power outlets to outback battery power – the Megadome V2 USB Rechargeable light by Zempire takes the trusty tent light up a notch! It hosts a lithium-ion battery that’s rechargeable via the USB cable and doubles as a battery pack for topping up your phone too. Your tailored adventure awaits with low, medium, and high modes, and a maximum output of 500 lumens for those high-powered, low-light affairs. A warm amber glow averts the bothersome bugs, while a soft-touch, glow-in-the-dark diffuser aids in wayfinding during lowlight conditions.
For the versatile venturers yet to see the light – the Zempire Hangdome and Megadome V2 USB Rechargeable Light are the lanterns that like to hang about after lights out!
3. MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights
Embellish your setup with the radiant tendrils of Luci Solar String Lights by MPOWERD!
Charge via the power of the sun, or a traditional outlet for convenience – pus, the USB port can boost the charge of your mobile phone too. Thanks to the unique clips, attaching and suspending the lights is simple, while the dual directional LEDs offer a warm, enchanting glow. Be it a star-speckled constellation at your campsite, or pizzazz to your backyard barbecue – the Luci Solar String Lights offer no-fuss lighting with a touch of elegance in any setting.
2. MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0, Luci Outdoor 2.0 Pro, Luci Lux, and Luci Lux Pro Lanterns
We’re not usually one to share the limelight – but this flash four take the bronze medal together!
A dynamic duo of durable and lightweight – the Luci lanterns bundle all of MPOWERD’s lightbulb moments together to deliver kick-butt, striking lighting.For a little guy, the Luci Outdoor Light 2.0 is big on outback durability – boasting waterproof and shatterproof features. Like the Outdoor Light 2.0 Pro, Lux Lantern, and Lux Lantern Pro – this dark-defying gadget collapses for easy storage too. Each of the four models are chargeable in sunlight, giving a maximum of 24 hours runtime on the low setting – so you keep the campsite dynamics kicking after dark. With low, medium, high, and one-second flashing modes available, take the trusty torchlight up a notch from the darkest patches beyond the canvas, to campsite magic amid your set-up.
The Outdoor Light 2.0 Pro and Lux Lantern Pro offer USB charging facilities too – providing you with your perfect Plan B for beating the dead batteries. Owing to their IP67 rating, both the Lux Lantern and Lux Lantern Pro also withstand the sour weather – having them your brightest sparks even in dank, damp darkness.
Crossing elegance with endurance, like two intercepting torchlights navigating the after-dark paths – the Luci Lantern varieties are for those feeling in the dark about campsite lighting.
1. Hardkorr U-Lite Dual Colour Universal LED Lantern with Lithium Battery
At Number 1 for yet another year, the U-Lite Dual Colour Universal LED Lantern with Lithium Battery by Hardkorr is one of the most versatile lights in our range – firmly positioned in our bestsellers list.
From the toolshed to the tent, enjoy more brightness and an inbuilt rechargeable lithium battery for convenience. Packing a blinding punch with an output of 155 lumens for up to 6 hours on high and over 90 hours on low, alternate effortlessly between high, medium, and low white light. Plus, the orange hue option keeps the bugs at bay.
For robust resilience in brutal outback conditions, the IP66 rating and sturdy construction work together to guarantee a blend of dynamism and durability. Attach it easily to your wheel wells, awning, tent poles, camper trailers, fences and more – plus, an elastic strap and an inbuilt magnet helps for mounting.
This compact and durable light is useful to have on hand at home, and at camp!
The ML6 lantern can be applied to multiple scenarios, doubling as a power bank to boost the charge of your USB devices. Image: Led Lenser
What to Watch:
Darche Mini Multi LED Camp Lights
These boys are the beacons worth packing with the camp kit!
Boasting a rechargeable 1200mAh lithium battery, benefit from four light modes across Low, Medium, High, and Turbo, plus red and flashing red technologies for emergencies. A magnetic stand allows for convenient mounting and an IPX5 rating resists the wetter weather, so you can brave wet and wintery conditions after dark. Pack with its USB-C charging cable into the convenient carry case too, with included carbiners to keep your lit bit of kit tidy and together.
BioLite SiteLight String
Designed to create a mini camp light constellation for true campsite magic!
Hang inside or over your tent for illumination, or from a tree branch for overhead lighting. Featuring four lights that provide 150 lumens of total ambient glow, the SiteLight String is also daisy-chainable along 10 feet of cord, offering the perfect mix-and-match set up. Plus – enjoy ultimate campsite compatibility by powering via the separately available lanterns from Biolite or any USB power source, thanks to the included adaptor.
Make magic with the charming and functional SiteLight String from BioLite.
The BioLite SiteLight String creates a mini camp light constellation for true campsite magic! Image: BioLite
Need to upgrade your camping lantern?
When it comes to camping, hiking, travel and adventure – the Snowys team have all the expert advice, guides, and tips on everything outdoors.
We’ve found a few Luci lanterns and a headtorcheach is all the lighting needed, whether car camping or hiking. Did I tell you how great Luci lanterns are? They are very great indeed.
You definitely can’t go wrong with a couple of Luci lanterns, Peter! 🙂
Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 – game over.
We were surprised the Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 didn’t make it onto the bestseller list actually, the three recharging options really sets it apart from all the other lanterns in our range JF – cheers.
I have the Goal Zero lighthouse mini and have found it to be lightweight and reliable. The light options are great too as I find it useful to be able to dim the light right down.
That model is definitely a Snowys favourite Feathers, and just missed out on the top 10 this year, but is nonetheless a fantastic product – cheers.
So what is the best 10 or 1
Number one is the best, Paul, we started from the bottom up.
Love to see some of the Fenix light lanterns at snowys.
I’ll mention this to our purchasing team, Josh, I’m not sure if they have looked at Fenix before. There are so many lighting brands on the market! ~ Ben
thank share so many useful camping lantern information.
I have been travelling and camping in Africa, Europe and Australia for some sixty years and always find your information useful and informative. Keep up the good work! Brendan McGuire, Adelaide.
I would like to thank Snowys for the valuable and useful info you supply on your website. I have been travelling and camping in the great outdoors in Australia, Africa and Europe, for some sixty years and always find something interesting in your blogs. Keep up the good work! Brendan McGuire.