Camping Lights: Top Picks for Your Outdoor Adventures

Camping is a fantastic way to reconnect with nature, providing a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. One essential item for any camping trip is a good camping light. Whether setting up a tent in the dark, cooking dinner after sunset, or simply wanting some light for evening activities, reliable camping lights can make all the difference.

When selecting a camping light, there are a few critical factors to keep in mind. Brightness, measured in lumens, is important for providing sufficient light for various activities. Battery life is another key consideration since you want the light to last throughout your trip. Additionally, the weight and size of the light can impact your overall camping gear load, especially if you’re hiking to your campsite.

We researched and tested various camping lights to determine which ones offer the best performance and convenience.

Best Camping Lights

I have researched and tested the top camping lights. Below is the list of the best options available.

Addlon Solar String Lights

These lights are a great, eco-friendly choice for any camping or outdoor setup, providing versatility and durability.

Pros

• Easy to control with remote
• Dual charging options
• Weatherproof and durable

Cons

• Solar sensor can be too sensitive
• Bulbs may arrive loose or broken
• Cord is thinner than others

I recently used the addlon solar string lights on my camping trip, and they were fantastic. The remote control made it simple to adjust brightness and modes without leaving my tent. With solar and USB charging, I was never worried about running out of light, even on cloudy days.

Setting up these lights was a breeze thanks to the included hooks. They stayed lit throughout the night, creating a cozy ambiance around our campsite. The durability of the shatterproof bulbs gave me peace of mind, especially with kids running around.

One minor issue I found is the solar sensor’s sensitivity. The lights only turned on when it was very dark, which might not be ideal for everyone. Despite this, the overall experience was positive, and these lights will be a staple in my outdoor gear.

MOSLIGHTING Camping Lantern

This lantern is a great pick for those who want customizable lighting options and portability.

Pros

• Versatile color options
• Smart app control
• Rechargeable battery

Cons

• Long charging time
• Can be too bright
• Sensitivity of music sync feature

Setting up the MOSLIGHTING Camping Lantern was straightforward. I downloaded the Tuya app and easily connected it to the lantern via Bluetooth. The 16 million color options are incredible. I enjoyed experimenting with different scenes and customizing the colors to fit my mood.

The rechargeable battery is a big plus. With the built-in 16500mAh battery, it lasted several nights without needing a recharge. I even used it to charge my phone, which is a handy feature when you’re out in the wild. The magnet base allowed me to attach it to the metal surface of my tent frame, keeping my hands free.

One downside is the long charging time. It does take a while to fully charge. The music sync feature is fun, though I noticed it works better when the charge port cover is open, making it a bit awkward to use sometimes. Despite these minor issues, I found the lantern bright and versatile enough for most camping scenarios.

MOSLIGHTING Foldable Camping Light

This camping light is a great choice for anyone who needs reliable lighting options while outdoors.

Pros

• Multiple functions including lantern and flashlight
• Long battery life with emergency charging
• Various lighting modes for different needs

Cons

• Bulbs can be difficult to unfold
• Slightly heavier than other options
• No red light feature

The MOSLIGHTING Foldable Camping Light quickly became one of my favorite pieces of gear. Its versatility impressed me the most. I could switch between using it as a lantern or a flashlight easily. This came in handy during my two-week national park trip. The three foldable light bars give a broad lighting area, making it perfect for tent use or as a work light.

The battery life is another standout feature. With a 10000mAh rechargeable battery, it lasted the whole weekend without needing a recharge. It even served as a power bank, saving my phone from dying while I was out hiking. The multiple lighting modes and dimming options also allowed me to adjust the light intensity based on my needs.

On the downside, unfolding the light bars is not as smooth as I would like, but it’s something I got used to. The light is slightly heavier than some other models, which might be a consideration for long backpacking trips. Also, a red light mode would have been a nice addition for night vision preservation. Despite these minor issues, the light’s overall performance makes it a solid choice.

Camping Lantern

This camping lantern is versatile and reliable for any outdoor adventure.

Pros

• Multiple charging options
• Sturdy and weather-resistant
• Adjustable brightness and color settings

Cons

• Small size
• Plastic build
• Cranking can be tiring

I took the CT CAPETRONIX Camping Lantern on a camping trip last weekend and found it very useful. The various charging methods, including solar and USB-C, make it incredibly convenient. Even the hand crank isn’t too difficult to use in a pinch.

Its retro design adds a nice touch, and the durability of the ABS material is impressive. I didn’t worry about it getting damaged despite some rough handling. The lantern performed well in rainy conditions, thanks to the IPX5 waterproof rating.

Adjusting the light temperature and brightness was simple with just a press of a button. This lantern’s battery life of up to 12 hours ensured I had light all night long. Although the cranking can get tiring if used frequently, overall, this is a dependable light source for camping or emergencies.

CT CAPETRONIX LED Camping Lanterns

If you need compact, bright, rechargeable lighting for camping or emergencies, consider the CT CAPETRONIX LED Camping Lanterns.

Pros

• Soft, anti-glare light
• Rechargeable and eco-friendly
• Multiple brightness settings with SOS mode

Cons

• Smaller size than expected
• Clicking through multiple modes can be tedious
• Charging port cover is fragile

These lanterns impressed me with their soft, even lighting—perfect for reducing eye strain during long evenings in camp. I found the anti-glare design did a great job of lighting up my tent without being harsh. Their compact size meant they were easy to pack and carry, though they don’t light a large area.

I really appreciated the rechargeable feature. After charging the lanterns via USB for about two hours, they lasted through a whole evening and beyond, which saved me the hassle and waste of replacing batteries. They also served as a handy emergency phone charger, which was a nice bonus.

Switching between the different light settings was straightforward, though it required cycling through each mode, which could be a bit annoying. A potential concern is the small rubber gasket on the charging port—be careful as it can come off easily. Overall, these lights offer great functionality in a small, efficient package.

Buying Guide

When choosing a camping light, there are a few key features to keep in mind.

Brightness

Consider the light’s brightness, measured in lumens. Higher lumens mean brighter light. For general camping, 100-200 lumens is often enough. For tasks like cooking or hiking, you might need 300 lumens or more.

Battery Life

Look at the battery life. It’s essential for long trips. Some lights use disposable batteries, while others are rechargeable. Make sure to pick one that suits your trip duration.

Weight and Size

The weight and size of the light can impact your packing. Compact and lightweight lights are easier to carry. Check the weight before making a decision.

Water Resistance

Camping often involves exposure to elements. Water-resistant lights can be a lifesaver in wet conditions. Look for lights with an IPX rating for water resistance.

Additional Features

Some camping lights come with extra features like:

• Dimmer Settings for adjustable brightness levels.
• SOS Mode for emergencies.
• Hanging Hooks or Magnets for easy placement.

Comparison Table

Focus on these features to find the best camping light for your needs.

FAQs About Camping Lights

Choosing the right camping light depends on factors like trip length, power sources, brightness levels, and specific needs like night vision.

1. What are the best types of camping lights for extended trips?

For longer trips, I recommend durable and reliable options such as lanterns with long battery life, solar-powered lights, and hand-crank lights. These types reduce the need for frequent recharging and ensure you have light when you need it.

2. How do you choose the right LED camping lights for your tent?

When picking LED lights for your tent, consider the size of your tent and the light’s brightness in lumens. Look for models that offer adjustable brightness settings and consider lightweight options to ensure they don’t add much to your pack.

3. What should you consider when purchasing solar-powered camping lights?

When buying solar-powered lights, ensure they have efficient solar panels and a decent battery capacity. Check if they can charge on cloudy days and how long they last on a single charge. A compact, foldable design can also be very useful.

4. What is the optimal brightness level for outdoor camping lights?

For most outdoor activities, a brightness level of 150-300 lumens is usually sufficient. For tasks that need more visibility, like cooking or setting up camp, opt for lights that offer around 300-600 lumens. Also, consider lights with adjustable brightness to suit different needs.

5. Why is red lighting recommended for nighttime camping?

Red lighting is recommended at night because it helps maintain night vision and reduces attraction to insects. It is useful for reading maps or doing close-up tasks without disturbing others or compromising your ability to see in the dark.