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If you need to save some battery life, you can switch from illuminating the entire light to just one half. On low power mode when just half of the lamp is illuminated, the Lighthouse will run for 320 hours. On maximum power (600 lumens) with both sides lit, it'll run for 2.5 hours. Most camping lanterns, flashlights, or headlamps may vary anywhere from 20 to 200 lumens. Brighter spotlights or work lights are likely to be 1000+ lumens, but for camping, that amount of light tends to be unnecessary. A durable lantern with exceptional battery life for extended use that you can rely on when the lights go out Beyond looking at the lumens to determine brightness, when testing products, we also considered the quality of the light and the coverage area. We wanted to ensure that, no matter how bright the lantern is, it also illuminates a decent area. We were also looking at how consistent the light is, the color, and if there are any breaks in the stream of light. We needed to look beyond lumens because some lanterns emit an intense white light while others may be closer to yellow or blue light. Certain lanterns also offer a red light setting. Each setting and light color interact differently, and if the light is too fluorescent, it may be hard to use.
Durability: What is the projected lifespan of the product? Are the batteries rechargeable if they use batteries? Does the company offer a repair or recycling program? What is the product warranty? Does the lantern work in all weather conditions? The Lighthouse 600 is a powerful and versatile light and power bank all rolled into one. It can pump out 600 lumens of light when you need it, but can also charge your phone, tablet or headtorch via the front-facing USB port. Functional features like legs, hooks, mounting options and weatherproofing are also worth considering since lanterns are intended for outdoor use. If you’re using a lantern in a tent or RV or at the camping table, being able to hang it or stand it on its legs to elevate it above your working station is important. Internal lithium battery boasts 5200 mAh with a USB output, enough power to charge phones, headlamps, tablets, and more. Two collapsible legs provide a stable base for use on a table but it can also be hung from a small folding handle on top. A series of blue LED’s announces the battery charge status and a knob controls the light mode and output. An integrated charging cord wraps around the lantern and snaps securely into place where it remains out of the way until needed. A USB outlet next to the control knob can be used to charge small electronics and up top you’ll find two flashing red lights and a hand crank.
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We've tested more than four dozen lanterns over the last decade. For this review, we researched dozens of contenders and selected the most popular models to put to the test. We took them on camping trips, assessing how each performed for solo use, small groups of two to three people, and larger groups of more than four. We spent nights through simulated (and a couple of real) power outages, seeing how we fared with just the light of these luminaries. Brightness is the most important metric, accounting for the majority of each lantern's overall score – each lantern underwent eight specific tests to assess the brightness score alone. We measured battery life by timing how long each model could run on its highest setting. We weighed each model and also considered any bonus features or elements that add to their overall functionality. Finally, we consulted with a panel of professional gear testers to judge how intuitive each one is to use. By the end of our testing period, we have run 360 individual tests to assess our selection of the 24 best lanterns on the market.
Many camping lanterns either use rechargeable batteries or are solar-powered. However, some utilize disposable batteries (AA or AAA) or are open flame and powered using a fuel source like propane. How long the battery lasts depends on the type of battery (or fuel), and the setting. When using a lantern, the higher the setting, the faster the battery will deplete. The same applies when using an open flame lantern; the higher the setting, the faster fuel will be used. The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 is a versatile and practical lantern that works well for camping, working, or emergencies. As the best overall camping lantern, the light quality, brightness, and ease of use are ideal. The lantern illuminates a yellow light with a 360-degree light design similar to a traditional lantern. To save on power and increase runtime, there is also an option to only illuminate half the lantern. The runtime of this lantern is impressive, listed as capable of running up to 180 hours when on the lowest light setting when running the full lantern, but up to 320 hours when running one side of the lantern on low light. Since many campers run lanterns on high, it is important to note that when run on high, the battery only lasts around 2.5 hours. Collapsible legs provide a stand for maximum light dispersion and fold in for convenient storage. A built-in handle allows for easy carrying and hanging. The brightness is the most important spec to look at when shopping for the best camping lanterns. After all, a lantern’s entire purpose is to be bright enough to continue working in the dark while camping, so it needs to be bright enough to do its job.Run Time: How long does the battery last? Does the run time change according to the light mode or external temperatures? What is the lifespan of the battery? Is the battery rechargeable? If we are getting down to the nitty-gritty details, the metal hanging loop really requires an additional carabiner to be truly functional. This model has a waterproof rating of IPX6, but the USB port and plug are fully exposed to the elements and prone to getting crammed with dirt and debris. This model doesn't have the longest-lasting battery in its highest setting, so keep it dimmed if you need it to last for several nights. Even with those minor inconveniences, this model is an excellent option when you need a compact light that punches above its weight class. Ease of Use: What is the intended use, and does it function well for that purpose? Within the application of a variety of camping styles, how does the lantern function? Are the settings and modes straightforward enough to figure out without detailed instructions? Features a protective rubber sleeve and a waterproof plug that protects your ports against the elements when not in use
The Ultimate Survival Technologies 30-Day Duro is a real marathon runner. While the manufacturer advertises 30 days of power, the lantern we tested ran for 33 days. Even on its brightest setting, it lasted nine hours – one of the best models in our assessment. It has a sturdy, heavy, rubberized, impact-resistant base. A nice addition is the frosted plastic cover that softens the light and makes it easier to look at (and the cover is removable when you need an even brighter glow). This model weighs just under two pounds with three D-batteries, making it a great choice for your picnic table lantern. Similar to another of the best camping lanterns on our list, the MPOWERD Lumi Solar Lantern is an inflatable solar-powered light source. Unlike the LuminAID lantern, though, the Lumi lantern’s only power source is solar. In direct sunlight, it reaches a full charge within 7 hours. If the day is overcast or you are not in direct sunlight all day, the battery may only charge 1/3 – 1/2 the total charge, so you’ll run out of light partway through your night. It would be nice if there were a USB charging option to ensure you can reach a full charge when there isn’t enough sun.Your day doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down. Enjoy your camping experience well into the night with one of the best camping lanterns. While there are several light sources to choose from—including headlamps, string lights, a campfire, or the traditional flashlight—lanterns are an excellent option for campers who want a more reliable and stationary option. Weight: How portable is the lantern? What is the intended use, and does the weight and size of the lantern reflect that?
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