If you’re out camping, backpacking, or hiking after dark, you’ll need a source of light once the sun goes down. While head lamps are great for active pursuits, you should have the best solar lantern for camping on hand for hanging around the campsite so you can illuminate the area around you more effectively.
Solar lanterns have become increasingly popular in recent years as people are becoming more environmentally conscious. Not only do solar lanterns help reduce your carbon footprint, but they’re also perfect for use while camping. They can hook onto your backpack during the day to soak up the sun’s rays, then provide light whenever you need it. They’ve also seen great improvements in technology, including extended battery life, lighter weight, more efficient solar panels, and even power packs to charge your devices.
4 Best Solar Lanterns for Camping for 2022
MPOWERED leads the market in best solar lanterns for camping. Yes, there are other companies with lanterns on the market, but MPowered makes the perfect multi-use lantern and has a variety of products for different uses and desires. All their lanterns are extremely durable (can withstand up to 150 pounds of pressure), lightweight, waterproof (IP67), have a long battery life, and operate in a wide range of conditions and temperatures.
Plus, MPowered as a company provides clean energy to people around the world who need it most, and every purchase gives back to mother Earth. You can even donate a Luci light to a person in need for just $10. What a cool initiative!
These are our picks for the Best Solar Lanterns for Camping:
- Best Solar Lantern Overall – Luci Pro
- Brightest Solar Lantern – Luci Base
- Waterproof Solar Lantern – Luci Outdoor 2.0
- Affordable Solar Lantern – Luci Original
Best Solar Camping Lanterns Compared
Product
Weight
Power Bank
Waterproof
Lumens
Luci Pro
6.1 oz
Yes
Yes
150
Luci Base
10.1 oz
Yes
Yes
360
Luci Outdoor 2.0
4.4 oz
No
Yes
75
Luci Original
4.4 oz
No
Yes
65
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Best Solar Lantern Overall – Luci Pro
Luci Pro is our overall pick for the best solar lantern in 2022. This lantern is incredibly versatile, with a slew of features that make it perfect for any situation. Luci Pro is capable of lasting up to 50 hours on a single charge, making it ideal for extended camping trips or power outages. In addition, the Luci Pro can be used to charge mobile devices, meaning you’ll never be without a way to stay connected. And with 150 lumens of light output, Luci Pro is bright enough to light up any campsite or work area. Whether you’re looking for a reliable source of light or a way to stay charged on the go, Luci Pro is the perfect choice.
Specifications
- 150 Lumens
- Lightweight: 6.1 oz (173 g)
- Waterproof: IP67
- Built-in two-way USB port
- 4 modes: low, medium, high, flashing
- Low: 50 hours
- Medium: 24 hours
- High: 5 hours
- Flashing: 9 hours
- Rechargeable 2000 mAh Li-ion battery
- Recharge via direct sunlight or USB Port
- Diameter: 5 inches (12.7 cm)
Pros
- Available in different colors
- Can recharge via USB or sunlight
- Options for cool white or warm white LEDs with either 150 or 135 lumens
Cons
- Slightly heavier because of the larger battery
- Longer charge time required
Brightest Solar Lantern – Luci Base
Luci Base is the brightest solar lantern on this list, providing 360 lumens of light. It has a 4000 MaH battery for mobile charging, lasting up to 50 hours on a single charge. It’s also IP67 waterproof and is the perfect lantern for any outdoor activity, whether you’re camping, hiking, or just spending time in the backyard. Despite is long battery life and bright lumens, it’s only a few ounces heavier than the lightest lanterns on this list. Plus, with the higher lumen count, it’s especially great for illuminating larger areas such as campsites, campers, and kitchen areas.
Specifications
- 360 Lumens
- 10.1 oz (286 g)
- Waterproof: IP67
- Built-in two-way USB port
- 4 modes: low, medium, high, flashing
- Low: 50 hours
- Medium: 24 hours
- High: 5 hours
- Flashing: 9 hours
- Rechargeable 4000 mAh Li-ion battery
- Recharge via direct sunlight or USB Port
- Diameter: 6 inches (15.2 cm)
Pros
- Huge Charging Capacity, 4000MaH
- More lumens = much brighter
- Can charge via USB or sunlight
Cons
- Largest and heaviest lantern on our list
- Longer charge time
Waterproof Solar Lantern – Luci Outdoor 2.0
Luci Outdoor 2.0 is an extremely light yet durable lantern. At only 4.4oz, it is perfect for backpacking, hiking, or camping. It is IP67 waterproof and has a 1000 Mah rechargeable battery that can last up to 24 hours on a single charge. At 75 lumens, this lantern is perfect for lighting smaller areas such as a tent, or used as a reading light at camp.
Specifications
- 75 Lumens
- Lightweight: 4.4 oz (125 g)
- Waterproof: IP67
- 4 modes: low, medium, high, flashing
- Low: 24 hours
- Medium: 12 hours
- High: 6 hours
- Flashing: 12 hours
- Rechargeable 1000 mAh Li-ion battery
- Recharge via direct sunlight
- Diameter: 5 inches (12.7 cm)
Pros
- Very lightweight, perfect for backpacking
- Very affordable
- Shorter recharge time
Cons
- No USB Charging
- Only 75 lumens
- Smallest battery life
Affordable Solar Lantern – Luci Original
Luci Original is one of the lightest solar lanterns on our list. It has a 24 hour battery life and can be recharged completely from sunlight. At only 65 lumens, this is the least bright lantern on our list, but it’s also lightweight and simple enough to provide for basic needs at a very affordable price. It’s great for lighting small areas or being used as a reading light.
Specifications
- 65 Lumens
- Lightweight: 4.4 oz (125 g)
- Waterproof: IP67
- 4 modes: low, medium, high, flashing
- Low: 24 hours
- Medium: 12 hours
- High: 6 hours
- Flashing: 9 hours
- Rechargeable 1000 mAh Li-ion battery
- Recharge via direct sunlight
- Diameter: 5 inches (12.7 cm)
Pros
- Very lightweight, which is perfect for backpacking
- Quick recharge time
- Very affordable
Cons
- No USB Charging
- Least amount of lumens of this list
- Shorter battery life
What Makes the Best Solar Lantern for Camping?
As with everything, not all solar lanterns are created equal. There are a few things to keep in mind when you are deciding on which lantern is for you. Let’s dive into the finer details of what makes a good lantern for camping:
- Weight: One of the main things you’ll want to consider when choosing a solar lantern is weight. If you’re planning on hiking or backpacking with your lantern, then you’ll want to choose one that’s lightweight and easy to carry. Even if you don’t intent on carrying your lantern, it’s a good idea to have something lighter and more compact so it doesn’t take up your limited storage space in your vehicle or RV.
- Packability: The solar lanterns on this list are collapsible, which makes them easy to pack, lightweight, and helps save on space.
- Battery Capacity: The best solar lanterns will have a high battery capacity. This means that they’ll be able to stay lit for longer periods of time.
- Lumens: Lumens are a measurement is how bright the lantern is. The higher the lumens, the brighter the lantern will be. The best lumens for you depends on your intended use: do you need to light the entire campsite or just a small tent?
- Durability: Given that you’ll likely be using your solar lantern outdoors, it’s important to choose one that is durable and can withstand the elements.
- Other Features: Some lanterns have USB charging ports, others are waterproof and dust proof. All of these other features can play a major role in which solar lantern is right for you
- Price: Solar lanterns can vary in price, so it’s important to find one that fits within your budget.
Why You Should Use a Solar Lantern for Camping?
There are many reasons why you should consider using a solar lantern for camping:
- They’re environmentally friendly: Unlike traditional gas or propane lanterns, solar lanterns don’t produce any emissions or require that you pack fuel. This makes them a more environmentally friendly option.
- They’re lightweight and compact: Solar lanterns are typically lightweight and collapsible, making them easy to transport and store.
- They have a high battery capacity: Most solar lanterns have a high battery capacity, meaning they can stay lit for longer periods of time.
- They’re durable: Solar lanterns are designed to withstand the elements, making them perfect for camping trips, and they come with a variety of features.
Solar lanterns are an excellent choice for camping, backpacking, and hiking trips and should definitely be considered when making your next purchase. With their many features and benefits, solar lanterns are a great way to light up your campsite while reducing your environmental impact.
