A strong rechargeable lantern is one of the most essential camping gears while traveling. The questions that come to our mind while purchasing are many, and the answers are varied. So how do you know which LED camping light to buy that will suit all your needs?
We have created a list of everything that you need to know about a Best rechargeable LED camping lantern and also a personalized list of best camping lights available in the market at affordable prices.
Here’s all the information you need to know about a good camping light before you invest in one.
In A Hurry?? – Quick Overview of Best Rechargeable LED Camping Lanterns
9 Best Rechargeable LED Camping Lanterns
- Streamlight 44945 Super Siege
- Vont 4 Pack LED Camping Lantern
- Tough Light LED Rechargeable Lantern
- Coleman Multi-Panel LED Lantern
- Blazin’ USB Lantern
- LE Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern
- BioLite Base Lantern
- Goal Zero Lighthouse
- Etekcity Lantern LED Camping Lanterns
Quick Comparison Of Best Rechargeable LED Camping Lanterns
Product | Lumen | Battery Life | Price |
---|---|---|---|
1. Streamlight 44945 Super Siege | 1100 | 35 Hrs | Check Price |
2. Vont 4 Pack LED Camping Lantern | 140 | Up to 90 Hrs | Check Price |
3. Tough Light LED Rechargeable Lantern | 400 | Up to 200 Hrs | Check Price |
4. Coleman Multi-Panel LED Lantern | 800 | Up to 400 Hrs | Check Price |
5. Blazin’ USB Lantern | 1000 | Up to 350 Hrs | Check Price |
6. LE Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern | 1000 | Up to 12 Hrs | Check Price |
7. BioLite Base Lantern | 50 | Up to 55 Hrs | Check Price |
8. Goal Zero Lighthouse | 400 | Up to 48 Hours | Check Price |
9. Etekcity Lantern LED Camping Lanterns | 60 | Up to 30 Hours | Check Price |
What to look for in
Best Rechargeable LED Camping Lanterns
Buyer’s Guide
Battery
It might sound simple, but there are many things to consider when purchasing a battery-powered LED light.
What kind of battery does your Camping light require, is it a reusable bone, rechargeable lithium-ion, or solar-powered? How long does the battery last? Is it readily available and affordable?
Water Resistance
Before we go on treks or go camping, we always check the weather, but it is still fickle. You never know when it might start raining, so you must carry a camping light that can at least work in light rain, if not in a torrential downpour.
Brightness
This is a critical aspect of an emergency camping light that you must consider. If you are going for a trek, you need a light that has an impressive beam.
If you need to hang it in the tent, then you need to buy something that gives you enough visibility so that you don’t trip on something on the ground. Before you go ahead and buy a camping lantern, look at the LED’s lumens specification.
Sturdiness
When you are out in the woods, mountains, or a beach, there is always a possibility that you might drop the lantern. Hence, you need to purchase a camping light that can withstand a fall and does not break on the impact.
Make sure it is made of a shock-resistant material and not just plastic. You can look at a rubber or metal body LED light for your trip.
Size & Weight
If you are going backpacking, then you might not want to carry a weighty torch with you or a lantern that you would require to hold in your hand throughout the trek.
Look for something small yet useful so that you can easily fit it into your bag and hang it wherever you need.
Longevity
Always buy a LED lantern that lasts long. You don’t want to buy a light that you would have to replace every time you plan a trip.
Look at the reviews of the product. See what people have to say about it, someone would have mentioned how long they have been using the LED camping light.
Features
With new technologies and innovations come new features. Look for the features that your camping lantern has. And do not underestimate the power of a rechargeable camping light.
They come with many features, like handles and hooks, SOS, and power bank. Find out what best suits your need and then purchase the product.
Best Rechargeable LED Camping Lanterns – In Depth Review
1. Streamlight 44945 Super Siege
Best Overall Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern
Key Features
- Rechargeable 1,100 lumen scene lantern
- 10,400mAH lithium-ion battery capacity
- Durable polymer construction with a rubber base
- Multiple light modes
- Waterproof- IPX7 rating
Technical Specifications
LUMENS | 1100 |
Weight | 1.88 pounds |
Dimensions | 4 x 4 x 7.2 inches |
Battery Life | 35 Hrs |
Our Opinion
The Siege, even though it is a bit pricey, comes with great features. It has 3 white modes, 2 red, and an SOS mode. So if you are stuck in an emergency, this little light will act as a beacon to the helping party.
Here’s what they are:
- White Light: High for brightest light: runs 5.75 hours. Medium for bright light and better run time: runs 11.5 hours. Low for an extended run time when less light is needed: runs 36.25 hours.
- Red Light: High: runs 140 hours. Low: runs 348 hours.
- Flash SOS mode for emergency signaling: runs 320 hours.
The Siege on/off button lights up when in use and indicates the left battery life. There are various battery indicators in the switch (green, yellow, red, then flashing red). Changing batteries is also very easy.
The bottom battery cover has a locator, and you just push and turn until it clicks, though it needs some getting used to. There is a shroud to make the light focus on 180° area and not all around it. It is lightweight and waterproof.
It floats in water and can be retrieved without damage to the product. It also has air tight storage at the bottom where your stored essentials won’t get wet if there is a little rain.
It also acts as a power bank, and you can charge your phone or kindle if they run out of juice.
What We Like
- The Siege has strong top/bottom spring ‘D’ clips with retainers
- It has 5 light modes
- The power button shows battery life when in use
- It has rechargeable batteries
- It is sturdy and water-resistant
- The Siege comes with a glare shield
- It also works as a power bank
What We Don’t Like
- It’s a little expensive
2. Vont 4 Pack LED Camping Lantern
Great Value Best LED Camping Lantern
Key Features
- Super bright 360° light
- Collapsible for portability and adjusting brightness
- Button-free opening
- Foldaway handle
- Military-grade materials
- Weather Resistant
- Battery efficient- rechargeable 3 AA required
- 140 Lumens
- Battery life: up to 30 hours
Technical Specifications
LUMENS | 140 |
Weight | 10 oz |
Dimensions | 5.2 x 3.5 x 3.6 in |
Battery Life | Up to 90 Hours |
Our Opinion
Many people prefer the on and off button on any electrical or mechanical product, but what they provide is different. And different is good. So, the Vont had a ‘pull open to switch on and collapse to switch off’ feature that we liked. It’s easy and just needs some getting used to.
Now the most important thing is the brightness, and let me assure you that this LED lantern is super-bright. While in a camp, you don’t want to trip on different objects and sprain your leg. So this bright light will help you navigate through all the things lying on the ground.
Though, being so bright and with only 1 mode and no red night vision light, it is difficult to sleep with one in the tent. The 360° glare could blind you and your fellow camp mates. You can only close it to some degree to reduce the intensity of the light coming from the lamp.
Even though it is an excellent choice to light up a place, it gets a little tricky if you don’t need so much light. Without a mechanical switch to hold it close, it might open itself if you have hung it around for convenience. This can irritate you, and if you don’t notice it during the day, there will be no battery left for you to carry through the night. So it’s primary purpose will not be fulfilled.
What We Like
- It is super bright and has 360° light spillage.
- No on/off feature, you just have to pull it open to switch on and collapse to switch it off
- It is waterproof and sturdy, made of military-grade material
- It is lightweight and collapsible
- It has a rechargeable AA battery that lasts up to 30 hours
What We Don’t Like
- It has only one light mode
- One light mode means that there is no way to conserve light in case of a low battery
- There is no mechanical switch to hold the unit once it is closed
3. Tough Light LED Rechargeable Lantern
Most Popular Best Rechargeable Camping Lantern
Key Features
- The unit can be charged from any USB charger block.
- It can be charged in your car using any USB 12-volt DC charger or from your laptop’s USB port.
- 400 Lumens with a 6000mAh Li-ion battery
- Military-grade rubber and plastic molds with built-in rubber O-rings
- Provides IPX-6 water resistance to handle wet conditions
- Works as a power bank
Technical Specifications
LUMENS | 400 |
Weight | 10 oz |
Battery Life | Up to 200 Hours |
Our Opinion
This LED lantern makes it so that almost every corner in a decent-sized campsite will be visible to you. It is small in size but a little heavy, so it is not ideal if you like to go backpacking but if you use your vehicle then, stow it away in a corner.
You can just charge it twice a year, and it will always be ready for you in case of an emergency. You can also charge your phone and other accessories as it has a USB port and acts as a power bank in time of your need.
In an emergency, the first things you need are light and a charged mobile phone. You also need a USB block or a vehicle to recharge it, so if you don’t have a way to charge the LED lantern, you will be stuck without any light.
There is one thing that we didn’t like was the continuously blinking indicator. The theory behind this is so you can find the light in the darkness. However, this can be a little irritating as it will also drain some charge because of the continuous blinking. So, that is one negative thing about this LED lantern.
What We Like
- The same USB charger that you use for your smartphone, tablet, or digital camera will also work to charge the Tough Light
- It is waterproof and compact
- It operates as a power bank
- It is energy efficient
- It gives off a bright light
What We Don’t Like
- It does not take disposable batteries
- Blinking indicator light
4. Coleman Multi-Panel LED Lantern
Best Heavy duty LED Camping Lantern
Key Features
- 4 removable magnetic light panels – Recharge on base
- Built-in flashlight and individual controls on each light panel
- IPX4 water-resistant design
- USB charging port keeps your mobile devices powered
- Light runtime: up to 20 hours for the base, 3 hours for panels
Technical Specifications
LUMENS | 800 |
Battery Life | Up to 400 Hours |
Our Opinion
The Coleman LED light is a very efficient lantern. It has multiple panels that are detachable. They can be used as separate as separate flashlights, and once the panels are detached, the base unit also gives off some bright light. That is a lot of light in case you need to go somewhere but don’t want to leave the others in darkness.
You can also stick it to a metal surface as the panels are magnetized. They are strong enough so that the panel does not slip off of the surface. In case there is no metal surface, you can use the kickstand to prop it up on a flat surface.
It also has USB ports where you can plug in your phone or other accessories in case their battery is drained.
However, once you dock the panels to the base to recharge, you realize that only the panels get charged and not the battery.
What We Like
- The rechargeable panels are detachable and can be used as separate flashlights.
- The base unit remains lit even after all the panels are removed.
- The panels can be recharged when they are docked in the unit.
- It has a USB port which you can use to charge your phones, kindle, camera, etc
- They have magnetized panels with a kickstand.
- It is water-resistant, so a little water will not damage the camping lantern.
What We Don’t Like
- Only the light panels are rechargeable and not the battery itself.
5. Blazin’ USB Lantern
Best Lightweight Battery Operated Camping Lantern
Key Features
- 1000 Lumen
- 360° coverage
- 6 modes (white and red)
- Charge from wall, car, or computer
- The built-in indicator lamp shows the power level
- USB Power Bank
- 12,000mAh Li-ion battery (2×6000)
Technical Specifications
LUMENS | 1000 |
Weight | 1.2 pounds |
Dimensions | 3.5 x 3.5 x 7 in |
Battery Life | Up to 350 Hours |
Our Opinion
It is a sturdy camping lantern that you can hang on a branch, a pipe, or an awning. This is quite helpful when you are either in the forest or inside the tent.
It is quite bright and has different modes; 3 white, 2 red, and an SOS mode.
On high white light, the battery runs up to 35 hours, and on low, it runs up to 350 hours. So just turn it to low setting when you don’t need too much light.
The flashing red indicator is very distracting. Even if you don’t want to look for the lantern, the continuous blinking will draw your eyes. However, you can turn it around to face the wall, so the effect is minimized.
It also doubles up as a power bank, so you can charge your phone, camera, or the kindle and carry on with your activities. If you are driving to the campsite in your car, you don’t have to worry about the battery getting drained as you can charge it from your vehicle.
What We Like
- The removable top creates a focused light beam
- It is water-resistant and sturdy
- Easy to hang with the D-ring and carabiner hooks provided on the lantern
- It works as a power bank
What We Don’t Like
- The blinking red light indicator when the lantern is off
- The batteries are rechargeable but can not be removed
6. LE Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern
Budget Pick Rechargeable Camping Light
Key Features
- Provides you with 1000 lumens brightness
- Waterproof and Lightweight- IP44 certification
- Rechargeable & 3600mAh Power Bank
- Support USB cable and 5V DC charger adapter
- 5 Lighting Modes- With front spotlight mode (400-1000lm), left side mode (70-130lm), and right side red flashing mode
- 2 Lithium-ion batteries required
Technical Specifications
LUMENS | 1000 |
Weight | 1.87 Pounds |
Dimensions | 9.8 x 4.9 x 6.9 in |
Battery Life | Up to 12 Hours |
Our Opinion
It is one of the most useful camping lanterns that we used. It is bulky, so you cannot stash it in a bag and just go backpacking. However, it is very light and water-resistant.
It has various modes that are very strong. It can be used as a flashlight in a search party as it gives a very high beam. The white sidelight can be powered up to a ‘high mode’ or lowered to a ‘dim mode.’ The Red light, on the other side, acts as a strobe.
If you are someone who likes to camp in cold weather and on top of the mountains, then you must take this with you. Its high powered beam cuts through the fog easily and provides excellent visibility.
There was one fear while using it that it might break if it falls down. The body did not look very sturdy to us. But other than that, this is quite an impressive camping lantern. SO just be careful with it, and you are good to go.
What We Like
- It can be used in cold temperatures
- Can be charged using a USB
- It is very lightweight
- It has two light settings with front and side mode. High and dim, and has one side for red strobe
- Long throwing beam with good side spill
What We Don’t Like
- It is huge. So you cannot just stash it in a backpack as it will take a lot of space
- The material it is made of is not sturdy
7. BioLite Base Lantern
Best Features LED Camping Lights
Key Features
- 500-lumen edge
- Low Energy Bluetooth app connects with your BaseLantern for features like sleep timers, proximity activation, and real-time battery feedback
- 7800 mAh rechargeable power bank battery
- Stainless steel folding legs
- Smart technology with the free Bluetooth app. Compatible with Android (4.3 and up) and iOS (10.0 and up)
- Power Button – On/off/dim or press to cycle through modes
Technical Specifications
LUMENS | 50 |
Battery Life | Up to 55 Hours |
Our Opinion
This is by far, one of the sleekest looking LED lamps that we have used. It is flat-packed and does not take much space.
It is a little heavy, so it’s not ideal for backpacking, but if you don’t mind some extra weight, this is great for creating a beautiful ambiance.
The battery can be easily charged and also works as a power bank in times of need. It can be easily paired with your Android or iPhone through the Bluetooth app. The app gives various settings like proximity activation, fun RGB color features, and smart alarm/shutoff settings.
The lamp comes automatically to life the moment your phone is near it. This also lets you create your own string light grid to light up more space. However, the extended lighting can only be designed with a BioLite string light system. But if you are thinking of investing in it, it is worth it.
What We Like
- It is compact sized and flat in shape
- It creates a grid to connect other lights on the string.
- It has an impressive spectrum of colors
- It has proximity activation
- The Bluetooth app gives you various significant functions
- The battery is rechargeable, and it also works as a battery bank
- It will last between 5 hours on high to 55 hours on low
What We Don’t Like
- It is heavy
- You can only create extended lighting with BioLite string light system
8. Goal Zero Lighthouse
Most Versatile Rechargeable LED Lights for Camping
Key Features
- 400-lumen lantern
- USB output
- Directional and adjustable LED light
- Recharge the internal battery from any USB port or from a Solar Panel
- Use the built-in hand crank to charge up instantly
- Built-in handle for easy carrying and hanging
- 360° bright LED light
- Run Time (2. 5 – 48 hours)
- Collapsible
Technical Specifications
LUMENS | 400 |
Weight | 1.2 pounds |
Dimensions | 5 x 5 x 6. 5 in |
Battery Life | Up to 48 Hours |
Our Opinion
This Led lantern gives 360° bright light, but one half of the lamp can be switched off if you don’t need it. It is easy to carry as it has a collapsible stand and built-in handle, which can be used to hang the lantern for convenience.
This lantern gives you many alternate ways to recharge it. You can charge it using a USB cable; through the solar panel or using the hand crank system. The hand crank converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy. It thus charges your camp light in case it runs out of battery, and you have no other option to charge it.
There were a few issues that we faced with the lamp, like, after a few uses, the lamp would not turn off. This drains out the battery and leaves you in the darkness during the night.
Without this issue, this light is the one that will work in all situations and not leave you in the dark. But that is a defect we are sure GoalZero is working on correcting. So if you think that this is the camping LED lantern that you should have, make sure you are on the lookout for an update from the company so that you don’t miss out on a great opportunity.
What We Like
- You can use a high or low setting as per light requirement
- Half the lantern can be turned off
- It has an inbuilt power cable that you can use to recharge the unit
- Uses a solar panel as an alternative charging method
- It has a built-in hand crank to charge the lantern
What We Don’t Like
- After a few uses, it stays ‘on’ permanently
9. Etekcity Lantern LED Camping Lanterns
Most Affordable Rechargeable Camping Light
Key Features
- Includes 30 low individual consumption LED bulbs
- 360° of luminous light
- Button free
- Military-grade mold- FCC Certified, RoHS Compliant
- Some slight accidental collisions or water splashing are acceptable
Technical Specifications
LUMENS | 60 |
Weight | 10 oz |
Dimensions | 7.28″ X 3.46″ |
Battery Life | Up to 30 Hours |
Our Opinion
The camping light comes with a battery, so be sure to check before you test it. The battery has a tendency to corrode the metal if left without use for long.
However, once that is done, you can carry it with yourself wherever you want, for it is lightweight and compact and will fit nicely in your backpack.
Since the lantern has only one mode and high-intensity light, you will get spots in front of your eyes if you mistakenly look at the lamp directly.
Otherwise, this product is quite sturdy and does not break down if water splashes over it. Splashing water on camp light is not that unusual if you are camping with kids.
These lanterns also have a small airtight stashing place for you to keep a little emergency cash, an id, and keys. So that is definitely a plus point for people who either do not have pockets or don’t like to keep things in their pockets.
What We Like
- These are bright enough to light up a tent or room.
- They are compact and collapsible
- It is lightweight and waterproof
- It has a small storage space
- It is easy to use with the ‘turn it open to switching it on’ feature shield
- It also works as a power bank
What We Don’t Like
- It has no red light or SOS feature
- It comes with a single light mode
- The metal might corrode if the battery is left in it
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Final Verdict
An excellent camping light works efficiently in all scenarios, backpacking or an organized trip, woods or mountains, cold or hot weather, sun, or rain.
The Streamlight 44945 Super Siege and the Vont 4 Pack LED Camping Lantern are clearly a winner when it comes to investing in a camping light. These are sturdy and durable with military-grade and waterproof material used to make the body. So these don’t break even if they fall down on the ground or water.
They are easy to use Lanterns with Siege giving you the battery alert feature, and Vont is a button-free lamp where all you have to do is pull it open, and light comes to life.
The Siege uses Lithium-ion battery, whereas the Vont uses AA batteries, both rechargeable and easily available in stores. These are low maintenance and work well in all kinds of trips.
They are small enough to fit your bag and sturdy enough to tolerate a few bumps when carried in the back of a car. The airtight container at the bottom is handy if you like to bring little cash, id, keys, and candy in case of an emergency.
You can hang it anywhere as per your convenience, and it will provide you with bright light so that you don’t trip on anything scattered on the ground.
The Siege has added benefits of a shield to protect your eyes from direct glare, three white light modes, two red night vision modes, and SOS.
Even though the Streamlight Siege is a little pricey, it goes in the one-time investment bag. But if you want a more economical option, Vont Led camping lantern will meet your basic camping requirements.
They were a great addition to our camping gear and helped us through the darkest and foggiest of the nights.
We hope you liked our personalized list of Best LED camping lanterns, but if you have any other great suggestions, do let us know.
If you have a great camping experience that you would like to share with us, you can do that below in the comment section, we would love to hear from you.
Looks like a solid list to me. I came across a great rechargeable lantern on Tesla’s IG account of all places that hits on all these categories. If you were going to add one more example to “recharge” this list :/ …I’d say look at the Boulder from a company called Lander….Here it is: https://www.lander.com/boulder-lantern.html.