Best Solar Lanterns for Camping

The world of camping lanterns has witnessed a revolution, with solar-powered luminaires taking center stage in modern times. These ingenious creations not only harness the boundless energy of the sun but also embody sustainability, portability, and cutting-edge technology in a way that was once unimaginable.

Beginning on a journey, we aim to reveal the best and brightest solar lanterns closely designed for the modern-day adventurer. From compact and ultra-portable designs that slip effortlessly into a backpack to robust, multi-functional models that redefine the boundaries of versatility, our selection is designed to serve a diverse range of camping preferences.

Whether you seek peaceful moments on quiet trails, enjoy lively campsite gatherings, or simply long for serene moments beneath the starry night, these solar lanterns are ready to be your trusted friends.

Best Solar Lanterns for Camping

Comparison table of the top 10 best camping solar lanterns in 2023.

Image	Name	Lumens	Weight	Price
	MPOWERD Luci Pro	150	6.1 oz	Check
	MPOWERD Luci Base Camp	360	10.1 oz	Check
	Coleman Solar Lantern	200	10.9 oz	Check
	Antique Solar Lantern	42	10.6 oz	Check
	Goal Zero Crush	60	3.2 oz	Check
	MPOWERD Luci String 18′	100	11.3 oz	Check
	JMADENQ Upgrade 2023	600	5.83 lbs	Check
	Raynic Camping Lantern	650	13.3 oz	Check
	LuminAID PackLite	150	8.6 oz	Check
	MPOWERD Luci Lux	65	4.4 oz	Check

Best Overall – MPOWERD Luci Pro Outdoor 2.0

Best Ultralight & Compact Camping Solar Lantern – Goal Zero Crush

Best Value for the Money – Coleman Solar Camping Lantern

1. MPOWERD Luci Pro Outdoor 2.0

After extensive testing, the Luci Pro Outdoor 2.0 from MPOWERD has proven itself to be an indispensable companion for any adventure. Shining brightly with 150 lumens from its 10 cool white bulbs, it provides a clear and consistent light source for camping.

It offers four modes (low, medium, high, flashing), a quick two-second shut-off feature, and a battery level indicator, so you’ll never be caught off guard in the dark. This lantern can illuminate your surroundings for up to an impressive 50 hours on a single charge, so your activities can extend long into the night.

Thanks to its highly efficient built-in solar panel, it can be fully recharged either by soaking up the sun or through a swift USB charge, taking just 14 hours via solar or 2-3 hours through USB.

Despite its compact size, this versatile solar light can effortlessly accompany you on any adventure. It is equipped with an adjustable base strap and a secure top strap, which easily attaches to your backpack or can be suspended from above.

The Luci Pro Outdoor 2.0 is built to withstand up to 150 pounds of pressure, a testament to its robust design. Its IP67 waterproof rating guarantees resilience in wet conditions, even submersible up to 1 meter. When not in use, it collapses down to a mere 1.5 inches and weighs just 6.1 ounces. So it won’t weigh you down during your travels.

Check on Amazon

2. MPOWERD Luci Base Camp

The Luci Base Camp light is new and improved for 2023, and if you are thinking about getting a solar lantern for lighting a large area, this is the one you should get. It is a versatile and dependable companion for all your lighting needs. With a maximum output of 360 lumens, the Luci Base Light far surpasses typical walkway illumination (around 100 lumens). It provides more than sufficient brightness for navigating trails, rocky paths, or cabin walkways with clarity and ease.

At its highest setting of 360 lumens, the lamp offers approximately 2.5 hours of continuous use. Yet, considering this level of illumination is often more than ample, there are three lower settings to select from. When dialed down to the lowest 20-lumen setting, a single battery charge can power the Luci for up to an impressive 50 hours. This versatile range of settings allows for various applications, from lighting up an entire campsite when hung on a tree to serving as a discreet personal lamp inside your tent.

An outstanding feature of the Luci Base Camp is its inflatable design. This not only makes it incredibly compact and easy to pack, but it also substantially reduces the risk of damage while in transit within your backpack.

The inclusion of a USB-C port ensures that you can charge your light swiftly, so you’re adventure-ready even if you’re pressed for time and unable to rely on the built-in high-efficiency solar panel.

The Luci Base Camp light proves its worth beyond camping. It’s exceptionally handy as a personal light in various accommodations such as hostels, hotels, or bed & breakfasts. So if you require a personal reading light or need to grab something from your backpack during the night, this offers the ideal solution without bothering others.

Check on Amazon

3. Coleman Solar Camping Lantern

Coleman Solar Camping Lantern, boasting an impressive 200 lumens, proves to be an essential companion for both week-long excursions and overnight hangouts. Its ingenious pack-flat design allows for easy storage in camp totes without hogging precious space.

With just ten hours of exposure to sunlight, the lantern’s solar-rechargeable battery is fully charged. However, for those urgent situations, the included charging cable steps in to expedite the process. This model offers four versatile light modes and an array of color options, which enable you to create the perfect ambiance at your campsite.

It features a convenient handle for hanging and collapses down to a compact size for seamless storage in any nook or cranny. Its durable plastic construction renders it IPX7 water-resistant and capable of withstanding impacts up to one meter. This ensures it endures the rigors of outdoor adventures.

This lantern admirably illuminates a medium-sized tent and provides adequate visibility without overwhelming brightness. While it may not single-handedly light up an entire campsite, its functionality shines when compressed during hikes and utilized as a practical table lamp at night.

Coleman collapsible solar camping lantern is not only recommended for avid outdoorsmen but also for families seeking a bit of extra illumination during their outdoor ventures. Overall, its top-notch quality ensures it will remain a reliable companion for years to come.

Check on Amazon

4. Redson Antique Solar Lantern

Redson Hurricane lantern has a classic antique look, which adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor space. The black color gives it a timeless and versatile appeal. It is designed for both hanging and placing on tables to provide flexibility in how you want to use it.

This classic solar light is built to withstand various weather conditions. It won’t be damaged by rain or other outdoor elements. This makes them reliable for long-term outdoor use. The solar panel is added on the top.

With seven LED bulbs, the Antique lantern emits a good amount of light, making it suitable for creating a cozy ambiance in gardens, patios, or under umbrellas. Although they may not provide as bright as some other outdoor lights, they offer a warm and inviting glow.

For installation, you don’t need wires, simply place it anywhere you like. It can also be hung from trees, making it versatile in how and where it can be used. It’s an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to illuminate your small outdoor spaces.

Check on Amazon

5. Goal Zero Crush Solar Lantern

Looking for an affordable, portable lantern for your upcoming camping adventure? The Goal Zero Crush Light fits the bill perfectly, and its budget-friendly price is a definite plus. In our testing, the Crush lived up to its promises, impressing us with its durability and earning a well-deserved spot in our rankings.

It’s an effortless and reliable companion for camping trips and can also come in handy for illuminating smaller tents or dealing with nighttime power outages at home. Although it doesn’t come loaded with extra features like some other lanterns on the market, it delivers exactly what you need.

The built-in solar cells work exceptionally efficiently, ensuring your lantern is charged and ready to go during the day. With an intensity of 60 Lumens, it provides huge illumination for personal use or setting the right ambiance during evenings in the outdoors.

This lantern offers four different brightness modes, which provide versatility for various situations. The added USB port even includes an extra stopper for convenience.

You’ll be impressed with its compact size. So if portability is a top priority for you, your search ends here. Goal Zero Crushcollapsible solar lantern boasts an IPX4 rating, making it fully waterproof and capable of handling water splashes without a hitch.

Check on Amazon

6. MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights – 18′

The Luci Solar String Lights feature 20 warm white LEDs housed in 10 sturdy plastic bulbs, threaded along an 18-foot aqua blue cotton cable. Whether inside an RV or outside a tent, these string lights bring a cozy atmosphere that we adore.

The cable not only adds a vibrant touch but also safeguards the sensitive electrical wiring, which ensures longevity through multiple uses. For easy placement, two small black clips, one in the middle and one at the end, let you create loops to hang the lights virtually anywhere.

Impressively, they offer a substantial 20 hours of battery life. Considering they’re likely used for just a few hours each day, this is quite commendable. Plus, you can recharge them in the afternoon when they’re typically not in use.

The solar lights come with four settings: from a single, gentle glow on the top, to a dim setting (which is still surprisingly bright), a mid-level intensity, and finally, a brilliantly bright setting. It’s much more radiant than one might expect from a solar-powered device!

The USB charging port is conveniently located on the side of the solar base, so you can charge your phone, tablet, or other small devices effectively. All in all, it’s a versatile addition to this already impressive set of lights.

Check on REI.com

7. JMADENQ 2023 Upgrade Solar Lantern

JMADENQ presents upgraded camping lights, your reliable partners for outdoor adventures. These lights are designed with durability in mind, constructed from waterproof materials that excel in water-related activities. They are also dustproof, making them perfect for rugged environments such as deserts.

The solar-powered function is user-friendly and provides a hassle-free lighting solution for outdoor enthusiasts. Its collapsible design saves space and keeps it lightweight. With a convenient side switch, you can easily switch between using it as a lantern or flashlight.

It is made from durable matte ABS material, which guarantees high performance and longevity and ensures visibility and safety in any outdoor setting, regardless of terrain or weather conditions. The powerful LED light illuminates even the darkest areas to provide a clear view of your surroundings.

The handy integrated USB port can swiftly charge your devices, even in remote locations. These lights also boast advanced safety features to ensure a reliable and secure charging experience at all times.

Thanks to its lightweight and compact design, storing and carrying these lights is a breeze. You have the option to hang the lantern on your camping tent or carry it using the sturdy stainless steel handles.

Check on Amazon

8. Raynic 6000 LED Camping Lantern

The Raynic LED camping lantern has a big rechargeable battery that holds a lot of power. When it’s completely charged up, it can keep shining for 200 hours at a medium brightness of 50 lumens. You can see how much power it has by looking at the indicator light.

There’s a smooth twisty knob that lets you adjust how bright the light is, all the way from very dim to super bright at 650 lumens. As you turn it, the light changes from a warm yellowish color to a bright white color. You can set it to the level that’s just right for you.

It’s not heavy and easy to carry around. Raynic lantern also has a strong handle that makes it easy to hang or transport. When it’s really dark or there’s a storm, this lantern can light up a whole tent or room in all directions. It’s great for when the power goes out, camping, or using indoors.

You can charge this device mainly by plugging it into a special USB cord that gives it 5 volts of power. The solar panel and a hand crank you can use in case of an emergency. They won’t fully charge it, but they’ll keep it from running out of power completely.

If there’s a big snowstorm or hurricane, and you’re worried about not having power, the solar panel and hand crank can give you some extra power.

Check on Amazon

9. LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1

The LuminAID PackLite Max is a special solar-powered camping lantern that won’t get hot, so light can be used in tents and with kids. It’s unique because you can blow it up like a balloon. When you get it, it’s all squished in a box. To use it, just charge it up, blow it up by twisting, and turn it on.

What’s really cool about this lantern is that it’s good for the environment. Unlike other lanterns, it doesn’t have any PVC in it. Instead, it’s made from a tough material called TPU that can handle water and won’t break easily.

It’s super light and easy to collapse down. The total weight is only 8.5 ounces and can shrink down to just 1 inch tall. Just give it a twist, and it gets small. This means you can take it with you wherever you go, or keep it in your car, backpack, or a drawer at home just in case you need it.

This inflatable camping lantern is really handy in natural disasters. You can also use it when you go camping, or to add some nice light to your backyard.

It comes with a bright orange strap that you can adjust. This makes it easy to hang from a tree branch or a tent when you’re camping. You can also connect a bunch of these lights together for a nice glow in your backyard. And if you’re into water activities, it’s great because it can go underwater up to 1 meter.

Check on REI.com

10. MPOWERD Luci Lux: Solar Lantern

The Luci Lux features 10 circular LED lights positioned around the inside edge of the base, which provide uniform illumination from all sides except the bottom where the solar panel is located.

The low light setting is surprisingly bright, especially in a small space like a tent. In the low light setting, it can last an impressive 50 hours, making it a great choice for extended off-grid adventures, even without relying on solar recharging.

While achieving a full solar charge typically requires about 14 hours of direct sunlight, it’s worth noting that you don’t necessarily need a full charge to last through the night. Compared to other portable solar lights and lanterns, the charging time is notably efficient.

Just like the Luci Pro Outdoor 2.0, the Luci Lux Pro offers four modes (low, medium, high, and flashing), a convenient 2-second quick shut-off, and a battery level indicator to ensure you’re never left in the dark. It’s designed for durability, capable of withstanding up to 150 lbs of pressure, and boasts an IP67 waterproof rating.

What makes this lantern special is that you can blow it up when you need it, and then squish it down small when you’re done. This makes it super easy to pack. When collapsed, it measures only 5 inches in diameter and 1.5 inches in height, making it a practical addition to a backpacking trip. It can even be securely strapped to the outside of your pack!

Check on Amazon

How We Tested These Camping Solar Lanterns

In our research to discover the most high performance solar lanterns for camping in 2023, we began a rigorous testing process that delved deep into the heart of functionality, durability, and innovation. Our methodology was designed to ensure that every lantern featured in this guide not only met but exceeded the expectations of the modern-day camper.

Solar Efficiency Assessment

At the core of any solar-powered lantern is its ability to harness and store solar energy efficiently. We subjected each lantern to a battery of tests, ranging from exposure to various light conditions, including direct sunlight and shaded environments, to evaluate their performance.

Our focus was on lanterns that demonstrated swift and reliable charging capabilities, ensuring they would be ready to light up the night when needed.

Brightness and Light Quality

A key criterion for any solar lantern is its ability to provide ample illumination in a camping environment. We carefully measured the brightness levels at varying distances to gauge their practical effectiveness. Additionally, we assessed the quality of light emitted, taking into account factors like color temperature and dispersion to ensure a comfortable and inviting ambiance.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Campers often face unpredictable and challenging environmental conditions. We submitted each lantern to a series of stress tests, including exposure to rain, dust, and rough handling, to determine their robustness. Our goal was to identify lanterns that could withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures, promising reliability even in adverse weather.

Battery Life and Performance

A solar lantern’s battery life is paramount, especially for extended camping trips. We conducted comprehensive runtime tests at different brightness settings, evaluating the claimed battery capacities against real-world performance. This allowed us to provide accurate estimations of how long each lantern would continue to shine on a single charge.

Portability and Ease of Use

The best camping lanterns are those that seamlessly integrate into the camping experience. We assessed factors such as size, weight, and ease of setup. Lanterns that were compact, lightweight, and intuitive to operate received higher marks, as they promised convenience without sacrificing functionality.

Additional Features and Innovations

Beyond the basics, we explored any unique features or innovations that set each lantern apart. This included considerations like adjustable lighting modes, USB charging capabilities, and compatibility with accessories to enhance the overall camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to charge and how long does the charge typically last?

Charging times can vary depending on factors like sunlight intensity and the specific lantern model. On average, most solar lanterns in our guide require 6-10 hours of direct sunlight for a full charge.

The duration of the charge’s effectiveness depends on the lantern’s battery capacity and the chosen brightness setting. High-quality models can provide up to 12-24 hours of continuous illumination on a full charge.

Are solar lanterns suitable for all types of weather conditions?

The durability and weather resistance of solar lanterns can vary between models. Many high-quality options are designed to withstand exposure to rain, dust, and rough handling. We recommend you check the manufacturer’s specifications and guidelines to ensure the lantern is suitable for specific weather conditions.

Can I use a solar lantern to charge my electronic devices, like a smartphone?

Most solar lanterns in our list come with additional features, such as USB ports, that allow them to double as a power source for small electronic devices. This can be particularly useful in emergency situations. However, it’s important to note that using the lantern for charging purposes can reduce its overall battery life for illumination.

Are there any safety considerations when using a solar lantern in a camping environment?

When using a solar lantern, exercise caution to prevent fire hazards. Avoid placing the lantern near flammable materials and ensure it is placed on a stable surface. Additionally, do not attempt to disassemble or modify the lantern, and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions provided in the user manual.

What are some of the innovative features to look for in a solar lantern?

Modern solar lanterns often come equipped with a range of innovative features, including adjustable brightness settings, multiple lighting modes, built-in power banks, and compatibility with accessories like remote controls or mounting options. Consider which features align with your camping needs and preferences when making a selection.

How do I properly maintain and care for my solar lantern?

To ensure optimal performance, keep the solar panels clean and free from dirt, debris, and obstructions. Avoid exposing the lantern to extreme temperatures or harsh conditions that could damage its components. Regularly inspect the lantern for signs of wear and tear, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for storage and maintenance.

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration of the finest solar lanterns developed for the discerning camper in 2023, it is evident that a new era of outdoor illumination has dawned. These luminaires, fueled by the boundless power of the sun, stand as beacons of innovation, sustainability, and unwavering reliability.

In our rigorous testing, we witnessed the seamless convergence of cutting-edge technology and eco-conscious design. Each lantern showcased a commitment to efficiency, harnessing sunlight with remarkable precision and converting it into hours of brilliant, dependable light. From compact companions for minimalist backpackers to robust, multi-functional units for extended adventures, our selection covers a diverse spectrum of camping styles.

Happy adventuring!