Camping is supposed to be an enjoyable activity where you can be one with nature. However, there’s nothing enjoyable about being stranded in the dark because you forgot to charge your lantern or change its batteries. This problem can easily be fixed by purchasing a solar camping lantern – not only is it more convenient, but it will also ensure that you always have power on the go. Check out our top picks for the best solar camping lanterns below.
1. MPOWERD Luci Pro Outdoor 2.0
ASIN Number: B07PZYWRYL
This is one of the best solar lanterns on the market and brags convenience in every aspect. This collapsible lantern is compact and can be shrunk to 1.5 inches. It is also extremely lightweight and weighs only 173g. The product comes with an adjustable base strap as well as a fixed top strap so that it is easy to carry or attach to your backpack. If that isn’t enough, the Luci Pro Outdoor 2.0 also lets you charge your mobile phone.
It also doesn’t lack in the brightness department and boasts 150 lumens. In addition to this, it has 4 lighting modes that users can choose from – low, medium, high, and flashing. With battery levels clearly visible, there’s no risk of getting stuck in the dark. This is especially true when you consider that the lantern can be used for up to 50 hours on a single charge!
With the Luci Pro Outdoor 2.0, durability isn’t something you have to worry about – it is built to withstand wear and tear and can even withstand pressure up to 150 lbs. It also has an IP67 rating, which means that it is waterproof and can even survive submersion in water up to 1m.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight and portable
- 150 lumens
- 4 lighting modes
- Durable and waterproof (IP67)
- Up to 50 hours running time
- Mobile charging option
Cons:
- Long charging time at 14 hours
2. Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma
ASIN Number: B07HKR87DT
This collapsible solar camping lantern is excellent for those who want to save space since it can be crushed into a little over half an inch. It’s lightweight and easy to carry around, making it perfect for any camping trip.
The Crush Light Chroma isn’t just a source of lighting – it’s also a source of fun. With 6 different color modes, a multi-color fade option, and a candle flicker option, it has something for everyone. 60 lumens of light ensure that it is bright enough for camping and the 35-hour running time (on low) ensures that the battery is long-lasting. Charging can be solar or through a USB cable.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Compact and lightweight
- 6 different color modes
- Multiple lighting modes
- 60 lumens
- USB charging option
- IPX4 waterproof
Cons:
- Long charging time at 20 hours
- Only runs for 3 hours on high power
Features to Consider
In order to decide between the best solar camping lanterns, one must first consider the following features.
Type of Solar Lantern
Before looking at any other features, you should decide which type of solar camping lantern you want to invest in. The different types include compressible lanterns, fixed lanterns, and USB rechargeable lanterns.
Compressible Lanterns
This popular type of lantern saves you space and can compress to around ½ inch thick. There are different types of compressible lanterns available, including accordion-style lanterns, but all have one thing in common – they’re lightweight and portable.
Fixed Lanterns
These are non-compressible lanterns and take up more space than compressible lanterns. Fixed lanterns come in different styles including ones that emulate traditional lanterns and more modern and compact ones.
USB Rechargeable Lanterns
Solar charging is great, but these lanterns take it a step further – they provide users with a secondary charging option which can be especially useful in the winter and on cloudy days.
Design
The most important aspects of design to consider are weight, size, and portability. Of course, this depends on personal preference as well as the amount of space or weight you’re willing to sacrifice. Other design features directly contribute to these factors. For example, compressible lanterns are more portable and can be reduced in size.
You should also look out for hanging mechanisms – hooks, suction cups, and handles are the most common types of mechanisms used.
Lumens
Lumen output helps buyers decide which solar camping lantern is the brightest and should be kept in mind when making your selection. While 50 lumens are enough for a night light, they’re definitely not enough to light up your entire tent. This would require at least 100 lumens.
Lighting Modes
Different lighting modes can be useful for customization. They allow the user to switch from a dim glow to an extremely bright light. In addition to the convenience this provides, lighting modes can also help conserve energy. A lantern will last much longer on dim mode and will be drained more quickly on brighter modes.
Charging Options
Some lanterns don’t rely on solar energy alone and give users other charging options. Options include USB charging and car charging.
Charging Time
Even if a USB charges your lantern fairy quickly, this may not be the case under the sun. The best solar camping lanterns have low charging times and make the process much more efficient.
Running Time
This is arguably the most important factor to consider when looking to purchase a solar camping lantern. The lantern won’t be particularly useful if it only works for an hour. Make sure to choose a lantern that has a long running time.
Durability
In addition to lifespan and strength of the design, this also includes weatherproofing. Get a lantern with an IP65 rating so you can ensure that it’s waterproof.
Our Final Thoughts
Solar camping lanterns are more than just convenient – they’re affordable and are an easy way to go green. Invest in either one of our picks and make your next camping trip a hassle-free one. We hope this article on the best solar camping lanterns was helpful. If you found it interesting, do consider checking out our other guides on all things solar!
