Best battery-powered camp lanterns 2023

Best battery-powered camp lanterns 2023

Camping is a great way to enjoy nature and have fun with your friends and family. But when the sun goes down, you need a reliable source of light to keep your campsite safe and cozy. That’s why you need a good battery-powered camp lantern that can illuminate your tent, table, or trail.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a camp lantern, such as brightness, runtime, durability, water resistance, portability, and extra features. To help you find the best one for your needs, we have compared five of the most popular and highly rated battery-powered camp lanterns on Amazon.com. Here is a table that summarizes their main specifications and prices:

Product Brightness (lumens) Runtime (hours) Water Resistance (IPX rating) Power Source Weight (pounds) Price
Etekcity Lantern Camping Lantern 4 Pack 140 12-30 4 3 AA batteries (included) 0.57 $33.99
LE LED Camping Lantern Rechargeable 1000 5-12.5 4 Built-in 4400mAh power bank (USB cable included) 1.59 $29.99
Consciot LED Camping Lantern Flashlight Rechargeable 350/500 10-30/6-20 4 Built-in 3600mAh power bank (USB Type C cable included) 0.76 $16.35
Energizer LED Camping Lantern with BatteryGuard Technology 500/600/1000 150/200/400 4 4 D-cell batteries (not included) or rechargeable power cartridge (included) 1.65/1.76/2.2 $17.98/$21.58/$29.39
Coleman LED Lantern with BatteryGuard Technology 400/700/1000 30/60/200 4 4 D-cell batteries (not included) or rechargeable power cartridge (included) 1.65/1.76/2.2 $16.97/$21.95/$44.99

As you can see, each lantern has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some more details about each product:

Etekcity CL10 Portable LED Camping Lantern Flashlights with AA Batteries.

A compact lighting solution designed to provide ample brightness with adjustable lighting capabilities, suitable for both indoor and outdoor usage.

Pros:

  1. Compact Size: Several reviews highlighted its smaller-than-expected size, which makes it convenient for various uses.
  2. Brightness: Despite its small size, many users appreciated its surprising brightness, mentioning its ability to light up large rooms and spaces.
  3. Longevity: Not only in terms of battery life, which was mentioned to last during long power outages, but also the overall lifespan as some have owned them for years.
  4. Versatility: Suitable for multiple scenarios from camping to power outages, and even as an alternative home light.
  5. Ease of Use: The lanterns are user-friendly, with a simple pull-up mechanism to turn them on and adjust the brightness.

Cons:

  1. Size Mismatch: A few users had expected the lanterns to be larger than they actually are. Though it didn’t take away from the product’s effectiveness, it’s worth noting for potential buyers.

What People Say:

  • The product has been described as “tiny but mighty” with great emphasis on its surprising brightness given its size.
  • Many users found them invaluable during power outages, with one testimonial pointing out its use during a natural disaster in Springfield IL.
  • They’re deemed perfect for camping, with a family noting their utility during their first camping trip.
  • Some users found them useful as an alternative lighting source in their homes due to maintenance issues.
  • The unique design, where the light turns on when pulled open, was appreciated by users for its novelty and functionality.

Based on the provided reviews, the Etekcity Portable LED Camping Lanterns are a reliable and highly recommended product for those seeking a versatile and efficient lighting solution.

 

 

Lighting EVER 3300002


Lighting Ever’s camping lantern provides an emergency light source with separate settings for blue/white light, warm white light, and a combination of both. It is powered by 3 type D batteries and is noted for its high luminance.

Pros:

  1. Extremely bright – the brightest emergency light some users have owned.
  2. Multiple settings: blue/white light, warm white light, and combination.
  3. Powered by 3 type D batteries, which should last longer than AA batteries.
  4. Sturdy design.
  5. Can be easily hanged.
  6. Provides warm light setting which is preferable for some users because it attracts fewer bugs.
  7. The manufacturer offers clear instructions and seems to have a good reputation.
  8. Good for emergency situations like power outages.

Cons:

  1. A bit on the pricier side compared to some alternatives.
  2. Installing batteries can be tricky and may require multiple attempts.
  3. Requires 3 type D batteries, which some users might not always have on hand.
  4. Must cycle through each setting before turning it off.
  5. It relies only on batteries with no rechargeable option.
  6. Some users wish it was a bit bigger or had a wider light spread.

What People Say:

  1. Most users praise the lantern for its brightness and multiple settings.
  2. Several users have commented on its usefulness during power outages or while camping.
  3. The warm light setting is popular among users for creating a cozier atmosphere and reducing attraction to bugs.
  4. Some users experienced challenges when inserting batteries, but there are resources available (like videos) to aid in this process.
  5. A few users wished for a rechargeable option and found it slightly inconvenient that it only runs on batteries.
  6. Users have noted that it provides good value for its price, with a few mentioning its slightly higher cost than some alternatives.

In summary, the Lighting Ever lantern is a top choice for those in need of a bright and reliable emergency light source. While it does have its quirks, such as the battery installation process, its pros far outweigh its cons.

 

 

Consciot CL-CL12

Consciot LED Camping Lantern is a battery-powered camping light that claims to offer 1,000 lumens of brightness. It features various light settings, providing versatility in different lighting conditions. Its design includes a hook for hanging, offering an upside-down illumination option.

Pros:

  1. High brightness: Most reviewers have lauded the lantern’s brightness, with some even suggesting it could truly be around the 1,000 lumens mark.
  2. Versatile lighting options: The lantern provides different light settings, catering to diverse lighting needs.
  3. Standard battery use: The lantern uses D-sized batteries, providing longevity in power.
  4. Portable: It is light and easy to carry, making it ideal for various uses, from camping to power outages.
  5. Upside-down illumination: Features the ability to hang it upside down, thus illuminating an entire room.
  6. Visible power button: The power button stays illuminated when on and doesn’t flash, avoiding potential annoyance.
  7. Added features: Comes with a secured spring latch hook for hanging and protective design features against incidental openings.

Cons:

  1. Battery installation: Some users found the battery installation process not intuitive.
  2. Power consumption: The lantern, when set to its brightest, might deplete batteries within a few hours, requiring frequent replacements or setting adjustments.
  3. Design flaws: A few users mentioned issues with opening the lantern base or figuring out the battery directions. However, others did not find this problematic.

What People Say:

  • The Consciot LED Camping Lantern delivers impressive brightness and light settings. Many have found its brightness to surpass or match its advertised lumens.
  • It’s versatile and ideal for various scenarios – from camping trips to home power outages. Several users appreciated its ability to illuminate entire rooms effectively.
  • Some users had initial challenges with the battery installation, but they felt the overall performance outweighed this drawback.
  • While the use of D-sized batteries added weight to the lantern, it also ensured extended battery life, and most users appreciated this trade-off for longevity.
  • A couple of reviewers highlighted the design, including the hook feature and the fact that the power button doesn’t flash annoyingly.
  • There’s a consensus that the product offers great value for its price.

 

 

Energizer LED Camping Lantern with BatteryGuard Technology

Energizer Rechargeable Lantern: A compact, rechargeable lighting solution with multiple brightness settings, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It offers the convenience of USB charging and has the added feature of charging other devices, like mobile phones.

Pros:

  1. Multiple lighting modes with adjustable brightness.
  2. Rechargeable and offers a good battery life.
  3. Can charge mobile phones.
  4. Compact and sturdy design.
  5. Features both white and warmer white light settings.
  6. Hanging hooks on both ends offer versatility in usage.
  7. Provides ample light, suitable for camping and under canopies.

Cons:

  1. No State of Charge (SOC) indicator.
  2. Included charging cable mismatch: Comes with a USB-C cable, while the lantern has a micro-USB port.
  3. Absence of clear instructions on usage and features, making it a bit challenging for users to navigate through its settings.
  4. Some users found it smaller than expected.
  5. The hook is considered too small by some users.
  6. Battery takes a while to charge and has variable lasting power according to some users.

What People Say:

  • The lantern offers bright light and is useful for various scenarios, from camping to home use.
  • Users appreciate its versatility, especially with the warm light feature and hanging options.
  • Many have pointed out the lack of instructions as a downside, as they had to resort to online reviews to understand some functionalities.
  • The battery life and charging time receive mixed feedback.
  • Despite its compact size, the lantern effectively lights up larger areas.
  • Some users found the lack of an SOC indicator and the inclusion of the wrong charging cable a significant oversight, especially given the reputation of the Energizer brand.

 

Coleman LED Lantern with BatteryGuard Technology

Coleman Carabineer Classic Personal Lantern: A reliable and bright light source designed for camping, outdoor adventures, and emergency situations. It boasts a sturdy build, powered by 4 D batteries and has a capacity to last up to 70 hours on its low setting.

Pros:

  1. Bright light output suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.
  2. Easy to operate.
  3. Sturdy and rugged build – ideal for various weather conditions.
  4. Long battery life – can last up to 70 hours on a low setting.
  5. Provides a warm/white light, which is non-harsh and comforting.
  6. Not very heavy, making it relatively easy to carry around campsites.
  7. Great value for money.

Cons:

  1. Not as bright as some other lanterns available in the market.
  2. Requires 4 D batteries, which can make it heavier compared to other lantern models.
  3. Battery orientation needs careful attention during installation.

What People Say:

  • Many users consider the lantern as a dependable source of light during power outages.
  • Its brightness is appreciated by most, especially for its price point.
  • While it is considered a bit heavier due to the 4 D batteries, its longevity and durability seem to offset this for most users.
  • The warm/white light is highlighted as a comforting and non-harsh feature by users.
  • The Coleman brand carries a good reputation, leading to trust in the product.
  • Some users emphasize the need to be cautious during battery installation.
  • Overall, users recommend it as a good purchase, especially for emergency situations.

 

How to Choose Battery-Powered Camp Lanterns

There are many factors to consider when choosing a battery-powered camp lantern, such as:

  • Brightness: The brightness of a lantern is measured in lumens, which indicate how much light it emits. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light. However, higher lumens also mean higher energy consumption and shorter battery life. You may not need a very bright lantern for general camping use, but you may want a brighter one for emergency situations or specific tasks. Some lanterns have adjustable brightness settings or modes that let you choose how much light you need.
  • Battery life: The battery life of a lantern depends on the type and size of the batteries, the brightness setting, and the frequency of use. You want a lantern that can last long enough for your camping trip without needing frequent battery changes or recharges. Some lanterns have indicators that show the remaining battery level or warn you when the batteries are low. Some lanterns also have rechargeable batteries that can be charged via USB or solar panels, which can save you money and reduce waste in the long run.
  • Features: Some lanterns have additional features that can enhance your camping experience, such as:
    • USB port: A USB port allows you to charge your phone or other devices from the lantern’s battery, which can be very handy in case of emergencies or when you need to use your phone as a flashlight or a GPS.
    • Red light mode: A red light mode emits a red-colored light that preserves your night vision and reduces glare, which can be useful for stargazing, reading, or signaling.
    • Flashlight mode: A flashlight mode turns the lantern into a handheld flashlight that can be used for directional lighting or searching.
    • SOS mode: An SOS mode flashes a distress signal in Morse code that can be seen from a distance, which can be useful for attracting attention or calling for help in case of emergencies.
    • Hook or handle: A hook or handle allows you to hang the lantern from a tent pole, a tree branch, or a backpack strap, which can free up your hands and provide overhead lighting.
  • Durability: You want a lantern that can withstand the outdoor elements and rough handling, such as rain, dust, wind, heat, cold, and impact. Look for a lantern that has water resistance, shock resistance, and corrosion resistance ratings. Some lanterns also have rubberized or metal casings that protect them from damage.

FAQ about Battery-Powered Camp Lanterns

Here are some common questions and answers about battery-powered camp lanterns:

  • What is the best battery operated lantern?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as different lanterns may suit different needs and preferences. However, based on our research and testing, we recommend the following models as some of the best battery operated lanterns on the market:

  • Goal Zero Lighthouse 600: This powerful lantern has a rechargeable battery that can be charged via electricity or a hand crank. It also has a USB port that can charge your devices. It has an adjustable brightness of up to 600 lumens and multiple modes, including red light and SOS. It has a collapsible design that makes it easy to store and carry.
  • Ultimate Survival Technologies 30-Day Duro: This durable lantern has a long battery life of up to 30 days on low mode. It uses three D-cell batteries that are easy to find and replace. It has a brightness of up to 700 lumens and four modes, including SOS. It has a glow-in-the-dark feature that makes it easy to locate in the dark.
  • Coleman Rugged Rechargeable: This rechargeable lantern has a built-in lithium-ion battery that can be charged via electricity or USB. It also has a USB port that can charge your devices. It has a brightness of up to 400 lumens and two modes: high and low. It has a rugged design that can withstand drops and impacts.
  • Are rechargeable lanterns worth it?

Rechargeable lanterns have some advantages over disposable battery-powered lanterns, such as:

  • They save you money and reduce waste in the long run by eliminating the need to buy and dispose of batteries.
  • They are more convenient and eco-friendly to charge via USB or solar panels than to replace batteries.
  • They have a more consistent brightness and performance than disposable batteries, which can lose power over time.

However, rechargeable lanterns also have some drawbacks, such as:

  • They may not last as long as disposable batteries on a single charge, depending on the battery capacity and the brightness setting.
  • They may not be compatible with all types of USB chargers or solar panels, which can limit your charging options.
  • They may not be readily available or affordable in some areas or countries, which can make them hard to replace or repair.

Therefore, whether rechargeable lanterns are worth it or not depends on your personal preference, budget, and camping situation. You may want to have both types of lanterns for different scenarios, or choose a hybrid model that can use both rechargeable and disposable batteries.

  • How long do batteries last in a lantern?

The battery life of a lantern depends on several factors, such as:

  • The type and size of the batteries: Different types of batteries have different capacities and discharge rates. For example, lithium batteries tend to last longer and perform better than alkaline batteries. Larger batteries also tend to last longer than smaller ones.
  • The brightness setting: The higher the brightness, the more energy the lantern consumes and the shorter the battery life. Some lanterns have adjustable brightness settings or modes that let you choose how much light you need and conserve battery power.
  • The frequency of use: The more often you use the lantern, the faster the batteries drain. Some lanterns have indicators that show the remaining battery level or warn you when the batteries are low.

To estimate how long the batteries will last in a lantern, you can check the manufacturer’s specifications or reviews from other users. However, these are only approximate values that may vary depending on the actual conditions and usage. It is always a good idea to bring extra batteries or a backup light source for your camping trip.

  • How long does a Coleman battery lantern last?

Coleman is a well-known brand that produces various types of camping lanterns, including battery-powered ones. The battery life of a Coleman battery lantern depends on the model, the type and size of the batteries, the brightness setting, and the frequency of use. For example, according to Coleman’s website:

  • The Coleman 390L Twin LED Lantern uses eight D-cell batteries and has a brightness of up to 390 lumens. It has a battery life of up to 299 hours on low mode and 85 hours on high mode.
  • The Coleman Divide+ Push 425L LED Lantern uses three D-cell batteries and has a brightness of up to 425 lumens. It has a battery life of up to 300 hours on low mode and 40 hours on high mode.
  • The Coleman Rugged Rechargeable has a built-in lithium-ion battery that can be charged via electricity or USB. It has a brightness of up to 400 lumens and two modes: high and low. It has a battery life of up to 5 hours on high mode and 20 hours on low mode.

These are some examples of Coleman battery lanterns and their battery life. You can check other models and their specifications on Coleman’s website or online retailers. However, keep in mind that these are only approximate values that may vary depending on the actual conditions and usage. It is always a good idea to bring extra batteries or a backup light source for your camping trip.

 

 

About the author

Vu Tuan Tran is a passionate camping enthusiast with over 20 years of experience. He has camped in all kinds of terrain and is an expert in setting up tents, cooking over campfires, and finding the best spots to stargaze. He is also a skilled photographer who loves capturing the beauty of the natural world. If you are looking for a camping partner who is knowledgeable, experienced, and fun-loving, then Vu is your guy.

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