Camping is a popular activity for many people. Whether it’s just for one night or for an extended period of time, camping can be a fun experience.
One of the major concerns that campers have is how they will stay safe at night when they are miles away from populated areas. Camping lanterns are one solution to this problem! A solar camping lantern will keep your campsite lit all night long without ever having to worry about batteries dying out.
Here are some of the best solar camping lanterns available on the market today.
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COMPARISON CHART
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LEDLENSER ML6 LANTERN
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MPOWERD LUCI OUTDOOR 2.0 PRO
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MPOWERD LUCI BASE
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MESQOOL LED SOLAR CAMPING LANTERN
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LUMINID PACKLITE NOVA SOLAR INFLATABLE LANTERN
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Specification
| ITEM WEIGHT: | 15.2 OUNCES |
| PRODUCT DIMENSIONS: | 3.35 X 2.54 X 7.8 INCHES |
| BATTERIES: | 1 LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES REQUIRED |
| BATTERY CELL: | SOLAR |
| TYPE: | POWERED LITHIUM ION |
| BATTERIES INCLUDED? | YES |
| BATTERIES REQUIRED? | YES |
The Ledlenser ML6 camping lantern is an ideal and reliable camping lantern. The lantern has a powerful 3600 lumen maximum output, so you won’t have to worry about it being dim.
The ML6 is also relatively lightweight, weighing just 6 ounces. The lantern is also very easy to use and has a long rubber grip handle that will fit over the wrist easily. The lantern has a single 300 candle capacity.
It also has two different modes of operation, bright and dim. The lantern works with either A2 or D10 batteries. The Ledlenser ML6 is a recommended camping lantern.
WHAT WE LIKE
We liked the magnetic base quite a bit. It is also detachable, along with the swivel hook. The base keeps the lantern stable and is capable of mounting nearly anywhere you want.
The lithium battery that comes with the ML6 is removable, which we really like simply because we know if something goes wrong with it you can simply replace it. We find this a much better option than built-in batteries.
PROS
- Produces an amazing amount of light for its size
- Can act as a battery bank for charging other devices
- Very durable construction
CONS
- 5 hour recharge time seems a bit long
Specification
| ITEM WEIGHT: | 10.7 POUNDS |
| PRODUCT DIMENSIONS: | 5 X 5 X 4.25 INCHES |
| BATTERIES: | 2000 MAH LITHIUM-ION |
| BATTERY CELL: | BUILT-IN |
| TYPE: | SOLAR POWERED, BATTERY POWERED LITHIUM ION |
| BATTERIES INCLUDED? | YES |
| BATTERIES REQUIRED? | NO |
In the market for a solar camping lantern that offers so much? This lantern from MPOWERD is a pretty interesting option.
This camping lantern is capable of working both on or off-the-grid. It’s possible to use it with or without batteries.
WHAT WE LIKE
It uses a built-in 2000 mAh battery that can be recharged via a solar panel, USB charger, or AC outlet. The solar panel can also be charged through sunlight and can also be used to charge other devices.
You can charge laptops and phones via a solar powered solar charging base. The light from the lantern can be used for both illuminating your tent and looking for predators.
This lantern also has a very practical side to it. The light is bright and can last up to 50 hours on a single charge according to the manufacturer.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The only real downside to the lantern concerns the build quality. Several of our readers have received DOA units.
PROS
- Long lasting 50 hour operation on a single charge
- No batteries required
- Battery bank function to charge other devices
CONS
- Some users have reported receiving defective lanterns
- It is hit or miss with the units you receive, they either work or they don’t.
Specification
| ITEM WEIGHT: | 1.2 VOLTS |
| PRODUCT DIMENSIONS: | 7 X 7 X 3 INCHES |
| BATTERIES: | 4000 MAH LITHIUM-ION |
| BATTERY CELL: | BUILT-IN |
| TYPE: | SOLAR POWERED, BATTERY POWERED LITHIUM ION |
| BATTERIES INCLUDED? | YES |
| BATTERIES REQUIRED? | NO |
The MPOWERD Luci Base is also a great solar camping lantern option. It is a lantern that features a claimed 50 hour battery charge and is able to provide enough energy to charge smartphones and other small electronics.
WHAT WE LIKE
The modern design and industrial look make it one of the best lanterns out there. While the lantern does have a lot of added features, like the flashlight and USB port for example. The Luci Base lantern is ideal for its ability to provide plenty of light when needed.
It can even charge an iPad and Android tablet on its own!
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The only real downside to the lantern concerns the build quality. Several of our readers have received DOA units.
PROS
- Let’s you charge up mobile devices
- Collapsible design so you can store it out of the way when you don’t need it
- 2-way USB cable is included
CONS
- Some users have reported receiving defective lanterns
- It is hit or miss with the units you receive, they either work or they don’t.
Specification
| ITEM WEIGHT: | 1.2 VOLTS |
| PRODUCT DIMENSIONS: | 3.00 INCHES X 3.00 INCHES X 5.00 INCHES |
| BATTERIES: | 3000 MAH LITHIUM-ION |
| BATTERY CELL: | BUILT-IN |
| TYPE: | SOLAR POWERED, BATTERY POWERED LITHIUM ION |
| BATTERIES INCLUDED? | YES |
| BATTERIES REQUIRED? | NO |
Mesqool makes some great solar camping lanterns. The company offers a wide variety of different models, with the best being the series of Lanterns.
This solar camping lantern uses a 3000mAh power pack to charge a 5,500mAh battery pack. This combination will allow this lantern to offer up to 4 hours of max light, which will be even more reliable than that of the traditional rechargeable batteries.
WHAT WE LIKE
This model is built to last as well, as it is constructed from a strong, high-quality material that will ensure this lantern will last for many years to come.
We found the 3-Watt flashlight to be bright enough for just about any task. Anything powered by a micro USB cord can plug directly into the lantern thanks to its handy port. The hand crank is also a lifesaver when you don’t have enough sunlight to charge the device.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
We find it too small and that the battery really doesn’t last all that long at an average of 3-4 hours. It’s fine for an emergency light at home, but lacking as far as taking it camping with you.
PROS
- Extremely versatile lantern
- Built-in hand crank when needed
- Extreme brightness from the powerpack
CONS
- Powerful but too small to provide much use when camping
- Battery life isn’t all that great
- It’s a cute light that fails to impress
Specification
| ITEM WEIGHT: | 5 OUNCES |
| PRODUCT DIMENSIONS: | 7.52 INCHES X 6.299 INCHES X 1.85 INCHES |
| BATTERIES: | 1000 MAH LED |
| BATTERY CELL: | SOLAR LED |
| TYPE: | N/A |
| BATTERIES INCLUDED? | N/A |
| BATTERIES REQUIRED? | NO |
For the outdoors enthusiast, LuminAID is a great choice. This camping lantern is solar powered and is great for both dry camping and wet camping. This particular lantern has two lights – one light for the front and another light for the back.
WHAT WE LIKE
This means that there will always be a light in the front to make walking around your campsite safer. It has two different battery modes: normal mode and extreme mode.
With the extreme mode, the light on the back will only light up in an emergency. The light bulb in the front light will remain on for up to 14 days. It has over 2000 hours of light output and is durable and waterproof.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The lantern is not perfect: quality issues seemed to crop up after only a few uses for us. The build quality is a bit unpredictable, Some users have no problems while others have experienced underwhelming battery life.
PROS
- Has a very nice collapsible design
- Has IP67 rating
- Can also be charge via micro USB if needed
CONS
- The ultra bright blue light may be annoying while reading, etc.
- Seems to have trouble charging after a few months
What’s the Big Deal About Solar Camping Lanterns?
A lot of camping lanterns have a rechargeable battery inside of them which allows them to continue to light your campsite for hours. However, this type of camping lantern also causes a lot of safety concerns. Without having to constantly charge the battery, the lantern will become useless in a short amount of time.
Many of these lanterns also cost quite a bit more than most of the other types of camping lanterns available on the market. They usually come with a larger battery, though, which increases the overall value of the lantern.
Solar camping lanterns can save you money, time, and stress.
With a solar camping lantern, you can stay connected while camping in the great outdoors. Most lanterns double as power banks capable of charging other mobile devices, laptops, tablets and mobile phones with ease.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading our review article about the best solar camping lanterns. As you know, there are many options available today when you want to choose the perfect lantern. Our top pick for this purpose goes to the LEDLENSER ML6 LANTERN.
It has more than enough power and features that we feel you will need. The ML6 also provides ample light when you need it the most while allowing you to top up other devices as well.
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