From lighting up those late-night, roadside pull-ups, to long-lasting illumination on those midnight loo runs – a camping lantern is your light at the end of the tunnel for any after-dark outdoor endeavour.
At the very least, a lantern offers light to function after sundown. Over time, LED technology has developed, launching the humble camping lantern further into the tech-savvy sphere (amid many other gadgets and gizmos in line for an upgrade)! Now, we embrace the benefits of high-impact lighting flooding from more compact packages. Be it campsite party planning or outback battery powering – some lanterns are now equipped with features such as dappling disco light modes, and the ability to charge smartphones.
So, fellow trailblazers – what’s the glow?
To shed some light, we’ve collated our top ten sellers in the camping lantern category – from your late-night toilet run chums and high-beam henchmen, to the ultimate lights of the party! Starting at number ten…
At the very least, a lantern offers light to function after sundown. Image: BioLite
10. Gasmate Medium Gas Lantern
The Gasmate Medium Lantern casts a warm glow when power points are a pipe dream!
This robust apparatus features heat-resistant frosted glass, an epoxy powder-coated hood, and a chrome-plated steel frame to withstand outback brutality. Its camping valve connection (3/8″ BSP-LH) ensures effortless gas bottle hook-up, while an adjustable dimmer and multi-purpose carry handle offer versatile light control and placement for those deep, dusty discussions after dark.
Light up those late-night cuppa times with the Gasmate Medium Lantern!
9. BioLite AlpenGlow 250 and 500 Lanterns
For adventurers on the glow, the BioLite AlpenGlow is your mobile magic maker.
Providing mesmerising colour for campsite ambience, or white lighting for task-based needs around basecamp – this light is available in two sizes, beaming a maximum output of 250 or 500 lumens. With ChromaReal LEDs offering true tones for night-time antics, and an IPX4 water resistance – match the natural beauty of sunshine on a rainy day, with warm white light against an evening shower.
From toasting campfire marshies to hosting campfire magic, simply shake the globe to activate special lighting modes such as candle flicker, cycling colour, multicolour, and single-colour – offering either blended or bold, stand-alone colour. Boasting a rechargeable 6400mAh battery and USB out-charging abilities for other electronic devices (such as the separately available BioLite SiteLights) – the BioLite AlpenGlow is the on-the-go globe for bespoke outback adventures.
8. Ledlenser ML6 Rechargeable Lantern & ML4 Mini Rechargeable Lantern
Light up the night with the ML6 Rechargeable and ML4 Mini Rechargeable Lanterns by Ledlenser.
With 750 lumens from the ML6 and superior lens technology for energy efficiency, the micro-prism mechanism has the ML4 Mini beaming a maximum of 300. Boasting light modes from ‘boost’ to ‘blink’, and ‘strobe’ to ‘SOS’ – your ML6 lantern can be applied to multiple scenarios, doubling as a power bank to boost the charge of your USB devices.
While the ML6 provides mounting options via the hook, magnet, and removable stand – the ML4 Mini features a carabiner snap hook for suspending overhead or attaching to the back of a pack. Their IP ratings protect from dust and water damage. resisting the rough and tumble of the temperamental outdoors.
From the blackened paddocks to campsite dynamics – the Ledlenser ML6 and ML4 Mini Rechargeable Lanterns are for the off-grid glow-getters!
7. Zempire Capsule Light
Aptly named, as it shares the same shape (albeit much larger) as a vitamin capsule! The Zempire Capsule Light is a ridiculously affordable tent light, ideal for smaller tents or emergencies. It runs from 3 x AA batteries – and while not the brightest light in our range at 25 lumens, it’s such an affordable price that you can have more than one in your kit.
The base is flat for standing on a table, while the hanging hook feature makes for easy suspension inside a tent or under a shelter.
6. Coleman Swagger Lithium-Ion, Lithium-Ion LED Rugged, and Lithium-Ion LED Easy Hang Lanterns
Conquer campsite blackouts with Coleman’s rechargeable LED lanterns – the ultimate power-packed glowmakers!
From tent roofs to table tops, these versatile illuminators offer 300-400 lumens and USB device charging capability. The Easy Hang boasts a hook-and-loop strap for creative positioning, the Swagger features multiple brightness settings with a D-clip hook and magnetic backing, while the Rugged model delivers robust protection with a storage compartment for its charger. All sport battery indicators, impact-resistant housing, and dual lighting modes.
Illuminate those starlit brew breaks with Coleman’s clever, compact lantern lineup!
5. MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0, Luci Outdoor 2.0 Pro, Luci Lux, and Luci Lux Pro Lanterns
We’re not usually one to share the limelight – but this flash four take the bronze medal together!
A dynamic duo of durable and lightweight – the Luci lanterns bundle all of MPOWERD’s lightbulb moments together to deliver kick-butt, striking lighting.For a little guy, the Luci Outdoor Light 2.0 is big on outback durability – boasting waterproof and shatterproof features. Like the Outdoor Light 2.0 Pro, Lux Lantern, and Lux Lantern Pro – this dark-defying gadget collapses for easy storage too. Each of the four models are chargeable in sunlight, giving a maximum of 24 hours runtime on the low setting – so you keep the campsite dynamics kicking after dark. With low, medium, high, and one-second flashing modes available, take the trusty torchlight up a notch from the darkest patches beyond the canvas, to campsite magic amid your set-up.
The Outdoor Light 2.0 Pro and Lux Lantern Pro offer USB charging facilities too – providing you with your perfect Plan B for beating the dead batteries. Owing to their IP67 rating, both the Lux Lantern and Lux Lantern Pro also withstand the sour weather – having them your brightest sparks even in dank, damp darkness.
Crossing elegance with endurance, like two intercepting torchlights navigating the after-dark paths – the Luci Lantern varieties are for those feeling in the dark about campsite lighting.
4. Zempire Megadome 150, 300, 500, and 1000 Lanterns
From sunset solace to midnight manoeuvres, the Zempire Megadome Lantern series turns night into day beyond the ‘burbs!
This rechargeable lantern family delivers 360-degree illumination with unique dome designs across four models: the compact 150-lumen (27-hour runtime) for small tents, versatile 300-lumen (39-hour runtime) for general camping, powerful 500-lumen (38-hour runtime) with adjustable hanging cable, and the brilliant 1000-lumen (15-hour runtime) with natural bamboo base. All feature USB-C recharging, glow-in-the-dark diffusers, and sturdy handles for hanging.
Brighten those dusk-till-dawn billy boils – from compact adventures to full-blown bush bashes.
3. Dogbox Edison Vintage Rechargeable Festoon Light (Single)
Bring ye olde charm to your campsite clobber with the Edison Vintage Rechargeable Festoon Light by Dogbox!
From sunset picnics to midnight meat feasts, this vintage-style apparatus blends nostalgic aesthetics with modern innovation – housing a warm yellow incandescent LED filament that blazes up to 200 lumens of atmospheric glow. Illuminate those backroad banquets and rustic retreats with ease, thanks to a convenient hanging hook for creative campsite positioning and USB-C charging capability for fuss-free power maintenance on your outdoor exploits.
Cast a golden glow over those fireside yarns with a blast from the past – the Dogbox Edison Vintage Rechargeable Festoon Light!
2. Dogbox Lumoclip Mini Light
The Lumoclip Mini Light by Dogbox is the stand-up, clip-on solution to campsite darkness!
From tent poles to tailgates, this multi-talented illuminator blasts 400 lumens from its COB LED to banish the shadows on every outback escape. Attach it where the action is with its mini carabiner, prop it up with the rear kickstand for hands-free brilliance, or slap it onto any metal surface with its powerful built-in magnet. Plus, crack open a cold one when the day’s adventures wind down, thanks to the integrated bottle opener for sunset bevvies.
Banish those pitch-black pasta preps with the clever, compact Dogbox Lumoclip Mini Light.
1. Hardkorr U-Lite Dual Colour Universal LED Lantern with Lithium Battery
At Number 1 for yet another year, the U-Lite Dual Colour Universal LED Lantern with Lithium Battery by Hardkorr is one of the most versatile lights in our range – firmly positioned in our bestsellers list.
From the toolshed to the tent, enjoy more brightness and an inbuilt rechargeable lithium battery for convenience. Packing a blinding punch with an output of 155 lumens for up to 6 hours on high and over 90 hours on low, alternate effortlessly between high, medium, and low white light. Plus, the orange hue option keeps the bugs at bay.
For robust resilience in brutal outback conditions, the IP66 rating and sturdy construction work together to guarantee a blend of dynamism and durability. Attach it easily to your wheel wells, awning, tent poles, camper trailers, fences and more – plus, an elastic strap and an inbuilt magnet helps for mounting.
This compact and durable light is useful to have on hand at home, and at camp!
The ML6 lantern can be applied to multiple scenarios, doubling as a power bank to boost the charge of your USB devices. Image: Led Lenser
What to Watch:
Darche Mini Multi LED Camp Lights
These boys are the beacons worth packing with the camp kit!
Boasting a rechargeable 1200mAh lithium battery, benefit from four light modes across Low, Medium, High, and Turbo, plus red and flashing red technologies for emergencies. A magnetic stand allows for convenient mounting and an IPX5 rating resists the wetter weather, so you can brave wet and wintery conditions after dark. Pack with its USB-C charging cable into the convenient carry case too, with included carbiners to keep your lit bit of kit tidy and together.
BioLite SiteLight String
Designed to create a mini camp light constellation for true campsite magic!
Hang inside or over your tent for illumination, or from a tree branch for overhead lighting. Featuring four lights that provide 150 lumens of total ambient glow, the SiteLight String is also daisy-chainable along 10 feet of cord, offering the perfect mix-and-match set up. Plus – enjoy ultimate campsite compatibility by powering via the separately available lanterns from Biolite or any USB power source, thanks to the included adaptor.
Make magic with the charming and functional SiteLight String from BioLite.
The BioLite SiteLight String creates a mini camp light constellation for true campsite magic! Image: BioLite
Need to upgrade your camping lantern?
When it comes to camping, hiking, travel and adventure – the Snowys team have all the expert advice, guides, and tips on everything outdoors.
The Hardkorr LED “pillow” lights are a ripper. We bought the four pack and they’ve been 100% reliable over the past three years. It’s very handy they show a small red light when close to discharged, and are very easily recharged (either individually or as a group) with the included 4-plug USB charging cable. Great to attach to the top of wine bottles over dinner to improve spread of light over the table.
Great advice thanks, Jim.
We’ve been very pleased with a 4-lamp Hardkorr LED light kit for several years now, both tent camping and more recently in a T-Van. They’re perfect for illuminating a dinner table (when attached to the top of a wine bottle) as well as for quick trips to the loo at night. The magnetic base is perfect for attaching to the iron of the typical drop dunny.
We also like the fact that each light shows a red “pilot” light when running low on power, and being able to charge 1,2 or all 4 lamps with the included charger cable from any USB outlet.
10 out of 10 for function, utility, ease of use and longevity. (About the best $100 we’ve ever spent on a camping accessory).
Thanks for your feedback, Jim.
We’ve found a few Luci lanterns and a headtorcheach is all the lighting needed, whether car camping or hiking. Did I tell you how great Luci lanterns are? They are very great indeed.
You definitely can’t go wrong with a couple of Luci lanterns, Peter!
Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 – game over.
We were surprised the Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 didn’t make it onto the bestseller list actually, the three recharging options really sets it apart from all the other lanterns in our range JF – cheers.
I have the Goal Zero lighthouse mini and have found it to be lightweight and reliable. The light options are great too as I find it useful to be able to dim the light right down.
That model is definitely a Snowys favourite Feathers, and just missed out on the top 10 this year, but is nonetheless a fantastic product – cheers.
So what is the best 10 or 1
Number one is the best, Paul, we started from the bottom up.
Love to see some of the Fenix light lanterns at snowys.
I’ll mention this to our purchasing team, Josh, I’m not sure if they have looked at Fenix before. There are so many lighting brands on the market! ~ Ben
thank share so many useful camping lantern information.
I have been travelling and camping in Africa, Europe and Australia for some sixty years and always find your information useful and informative. Keep up the good work! Brendan McGuire, Adelaide.
I would like to thank Snowys for the valuable and useful info you supply on your website. I have been travelling and camping in the great outdoors in Australia, Africa and Europe, for some sixty years and always find something interesting in your blogs. Keep up the good work! Brendan McGuire.