Are you confused about the things you should pack in your first camping bag? I have been going on camping trips for seven years now, and I still remember not packing rechargeable camping lanterns on my first camping adventure. I made a mistake but won’t let you do it. Read further as I help you to choose the best rechargeable camping lantern.
Top 5 Rechargeable Camping Lanterns
AYL Starlight
The moment I came across this lantern in one of the shops, I felt compelled to buy and try it out. The small and compact design makes this lantern worthy of taking on hiking trips. I have come across many much brighter and long-lasting lanterns, but AYL Starlight’s design, lightweight body, and perfect size win over them any day. For me, the ease of carrying a rechargeable lantern comes first, and then its brightness and workability. Below are some of the main features of AYL Starlight.
Features
- Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 7.2 inches
- Weight: 14.56 Ounces
- Body Material: Plastic
- Color: Green
- Output: 1000 lumens
- Lighting Modes: High, Low, Flashing
Once the size and design of a rechargeable lantern meet my needs, I move forward to its life and brightness. AYL Starlight completely stands true to its title. This lantern has LED bulbs that produce an output of 1000 lumens. It is more than enough to light up your camping tent at night. However, there is a flaw. The light produced can feel very harsh at times. LED lanterns emit strong and intense light, but they usually have a glass cover that diffuses the light and reduces its intensity. This glass covering isn’t present in Starlight, and hence the light it produces does end up hurting your eyes. To overcome this issue, Starlight has three adjustable brightness settings you can utilize. These are High, Low, and Flashing. You can adjust the brightness according to your needs.
In a nutshell, the AYL Starlight is one of the most waterproof, lightweight, and durable rechargeable camping lanterns ever made.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Waterproof
- Shockproof
- Produces 1000 lumens
- Portable
- Good battery
Cons
- Produces harsh light
Supernova Halo 180 Extreme Rechargeable LED Camping and Emergency Lantern
Supernova HALO is again a super lightweight rechargeable lantern. It weighs just 2.88 ounces. This weight is way below Starlight’s weight. Supernova Halo has some other remarkable features as well. Take a look!
Features
- Dimensions: 3 x 2 x 3 inches
- Weight: 2.88 ounces
- Body Material: Plastic
- Color: Orange
- Output: 180 Lumens
- Magnetic Base
- Five brightness settings
- Retractable hook
This rechargeable lantern has a lot of distinctive characteristics. Firstly, it has five settings to adjust brightness. I was shocked, in the right way, when I first came to know. The five settings are Maximum, Medium, Low, Sow Pulse, and Quick Flashing. Another great feature it has is a retractable hook. You can use this hook to carry this lantern anywhere and everywhere. You can also hang this lantern on a tree over your tent.
Supernova Halo has a magnetic base that keeps its surface safe and clean. You can mount this lantern anywhere, and it will balance itself. I love this feature, especially when it comes to camping. You can adjust your lantern on any surface without the tension of it tripping on the floor. With that said, I have a tiny issue with the USB port design. It is loose and comes out after a few uses. I found it hard to plug my USB cable into the port.
Supernova has an excellent battery life, but if I compare it to Starlight or other giant rechargeable lanterns, its battery needs improvements.
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Compact and portable
- Waterproof
- It has five comfortable and adjustable light settings
- The magnetic base adds versatility and sturdiness
Cons
- Lacks a competitive battery life
- USB-port not fixed well
KYNG Rechargeable LED Lantern
I can’t stress enough the importance of the durability of your camping lantern. The KYNG rechargeable lantern is one of the most durable lanterns I have seen and experienced. This lantern has a shock-resistant and durable rubber on its body, which reduces all chances of any damage to the lantern. There are a few other features to talk about as well.
Features
- Dimensions: 75 x 3.75 x 7.25 inches
- Weight: 22.08 ounces
- Body: Plastic and Rubber
- Color: Black
- Output: 400 lumens
- White and red light functions
- Three adjustable light modes
Besides its durability, this lantern has three adjustable modes and can emit both red and white lights. It has a useful output, and the maximum light emission is 400 lumens. However, there was one thing I noticed while trying this out in a shop. When on high mode, the lantern’s brightness gradually starts reducing. I am not sure if this is a designing error or the manufacturer consciously added this feature. But the solution to this problem is to turn off the lantern and switch it all over again.
Overall, in my opinion. KYNG rechargeable camping lantern is a multifunctional lantern. You can take it on your camping trips or simply use it at home in case of emergencies. It comes with a wall plug and a USB cable for charging. I like the battery time, but it can be improved. I expect a lantern this good to at least have a longer battery time than most basic lanterns. It is also a bit on a heavier side since it weighs more than most of the lanterns on the list.
Pros
- Highly-durable
- Water and shockproof
- Produces a bright light
- Can emit both red and white lights
- It comes with all essential accessories
Cons
- Battery life needs improvement
- The high light mode doesn’t work well
- It weighs more than the above two options
Lighting Ever LED Camping Rechargeable Lantern
When I first looked at the Lighting Ever LED rechargeable lantern, the only thing I noticed was its unique design. This lantern has a built-in rechargeable light and two additional detachable flashlights. The flashlight works on separate batteries. The whole design and layout speak out the purpose of this lantern. The Lighting Ever LED lantern is one of the handiest and well-equipped lanterns for emergencies such as hurricanes, floods, or power cuts.
Features
- Dimensions: 53 x 4.53 x 8.07 inches
- Weight: 25.44 ounces
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Green
- Output: 600 lumens
- Three brightness modes
- Two ways powered
Other than the design, this lantern offers a two-way powered system. You can run this lantern on disposable batteries if the charging runs out. It is quite a rare property found in rechargeable lanterns. It works excellent in circumstances when you aren’t in contact with a power source for long. However, the light emitted lacks focus. I felt this lantern emitted scattered light. There was no beam focus.
The battery run time varies in different modes. In the Low light mode, the battery can run for 5 hours at a stretch, while in High, the maximum it runs is for 2 hours. Many campers adjust lanterns on High mode and 2 hours is a very short duration like you and me. Lanterns built for emergencies must have a longer battery run time than this. Overall, there are not many complaints. The price and features justify each other, and hence this is a well-deserved lantern for this list.
Pros
- Unique design with detachable lights
- Dual options to provide power
- Water and shock-resistant
- Affordable
Cons
- Short battery life on High mode
- Produces scattered light
Blazin LED Rechargeable Lantern
Camping is all fun and games until you face the extreme face of nature. Not all lanterns are built to withstand extreme climatic surroundings, but Blazin LED Lantern can be your best and vital partner in crime.
Features
- Dimensions: 5 x 3.5 x 7 inches
- Weight: 16 ounces
- Body: Plastic
- Color: Green
- Output: 400 lumens
- Six light modes
This lantern emits 400 lumens of light that light up a room as soon as you switch it on. Blazin LED lantern has a built-in indicator that shows the power level. You can charge this lantern in your car or through a computer. It has one of the most extended battery lives. You don’t have to worry about any power cut with this lantern, long or short.
In addition to the features above, the Blazin LED lantern is highly durable. I dropped this lantern several times to prove this point. When it comes to the price, I feel I have seen much cheaper similar lantern options. I might be too blunt here, but his lantern doesn’t have an oomph factor. It has a basic design and a body. It is like any other rechargeable lantern with a good life, so why is it expensive? I have yet to find the answer.
To summarize, this is a very nice lantern. If your pocket can afford it, please get your hands on it.
Pros
- Highly-durable
- In-built power indicator
- Six different light modes
- Can withstand extreme conditions
- Waterproof
Cons
- Basic Design
- High Price
Looking for more Outdoor furniture? Check out these articles
- Soft camping cooler
- Heater for tents
- Battery powered lantern
- Folding camping table
- Chair with a canopy
- Heavy duty chairs
- Backpack chairs
- Chairs for the beach
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do you need a lantern on your camping trip?
Lanterns are a source of light on a dark camping night. Lanterns prevent all kinds of possible accidents in the dark and also keep the wildlife away.
On a camping trip, everything is unpredictable. I have had horrible experiences of long power cuts in my camping site with no torch or even a simple candle to produce light. In such incidents, a lantern comes as an angel in disguise. Lanterns produce enough light to brighten up your camping tent. Moreover, with a lantern, you can move around or see in the dark if required. Lanterns are all mostly budget-friendly and have a life of 5 to 10 years.
Besides, just a few years back, all lanterns had a glass body and were a hassle to carry around. But thanks to technology, today, lanterns are both rechargeable and portable. It implies they do not require external power sources such as batteries to charge them.
2. What is a rechargeable lantern?
A rechargeable lantern uses an internal battery to produce a significant amount of light. The LED bulb present inside these lanterns is energy efficient. This is why these lanterns stay charged for an extended period.
3. Why are mostly rechargeable lanterns preferred on camping trips?
On camping trips, one of the significant things you need is light. There are several lanterns available in the market, but for me, rechargeable lanterns are above all. I have reasons to prove, and here they are.
a. Rechargeable lanterns are lightweight
Have you ever carried a gas lantern? They are very heavy. If you compare a rechargeable lantern with a gas lantern, you will feel the difference. The rechargeable lanterns feel as light as a feather. It’s understandable that on a camping trip, the lighter you carry, the better.
b. Rechargeable lanterns are user-friendly
No lantern offers a more comfortable user- experience than a rechargeable lantern. You have to switch it on and witness the way it brightens your tent. You don’t have to carry anything extra such as matches or gas cylinders. Even your kids can safely carry the rechargeable lantern while you hike towards your camp.
c. Rechargeable lanterns are safe
You don’t want to take the risk of your tent catching fire through a gas or electric lantern, right? A rechargeable lantern is as safe as it gets. There is no kerosene or gas, or flames involved with this lantern. You can safely keep this lantern anywhere without risks or worries in mind.
d. Rechargeable lanterns are brighter than many
Yes, that is true. I have tried electric lanterns and gas lanterns as well. Both these types of lanterns fail to produce light as bright as a rechargeable lantern. With a rechargeable lantern in hand, no place seems dark at all. Moreover, almost all rechargeable camping lanterns have an adjustability feature. You can adjust the brightness of the light according to your need. This feature is rare in other kinds of lanterns.
e. Rechargeable lanterns save your money on batteries
Most lanterns operate through batteries that need replacement after a particular time. This replacement affects your budget. With rechargeable lanterns, nothing of this happens. Rechargeable lanterns do not require batteries to charge. You just have to plug them in with an adapter or USB.
f. With rechargeable lanterns, even one is enough
If you do not want to carry an extra load, a single rechargeable lantern can be your best partner on your long camping trip. As long as your lantern is durable, waterproof, and energy-efficient, you do not have to carry an extra even for emergencies.
What factors should you consider before you buy a rechargeable camping lantern?
Here is a list of some noteworthy factors to consider before you buy a rechargeable camping lantern:
1. Durability
Camping life is more challenging than your everyday life. So, anything you buy for a camping trip must be durable. The best rechargeable camping lantern is one that is durable, long-lasting, and sturdy. It must have a waterproof body. The best rechargeable lantern can stand all kinds of nature’s gifts such as rain and sand. It can stay steady on all kinds of slippery and rough surfaces.
2. Compact and Lightweight
Since you want a rechargeable lantern for a camping trip, make sure it is compact and lightweight. It must be convenient and not a burden to carry around. The design of a worthy camping lantern should have handles to support and carry.
3. Adjustability
Always look for a lantern with the light adjustability feature. Some rechargeable lanterns produce as much light as 1500 lumens. It is far more than you need to read a book. The light adjustable feature is a great help with saving energy.
4. Waterproof
Waterproof rechargeable lanterns are an asset. It is hard to find a completely waterproof lantern. However, as long as a lantern is safe and operative underwater, it is the best one.
5. Brightness
Always look for rechargeable lanterns with bright light. The brightness should be enough to light up the whole tent. Some lanterns have adjustable lighting systems, and those are the best ones. You can easily adjust the intensity of the light as required.
6. Energy Efficient
Best rechargeable camping lanterns take just an hour or two to charge fully. They then use less energy and produce more output. Always look for energy-efficient lanterns and also those that can easily charge. Most rechargeable lanterns use USB ports and solar panels to charge.
7. Pocket-friendly
I would never recommend you to overspend on a rechargeable lantern. Always purchase the one that meets your budget. You will find a variety of lanterns available in different price ranges. Look for the features and the output they produce. Only then decide whether that lantern is worth your money.
Final Thoughts
Most campers don’t bother to bring a lantern along, while some buy the least effective ones. I want you to have a good camping experience, and for that, I recommend you AYL Starlight. The entire team at Foot Sloggers love this lantern because of its energy-efficient characteristic and its durability. It is not the lightest lantern on the list, but it is also not the heaviest. From design to its portability, all the features tick the right boxes. Also, it is not very expensive. It is my choice, but you can choose any of the rechargeable lanterns on the above list. We have curated a clear picture for you. Analyze and make the right decision!