10 Best Rechargeable Camping Lanterns in 2021

Before packing your gear for your next trip, perhaps it’s time to think about packing one of the best rechargeable camping lantern to light the way and keep you safe.

Compared to battery-powered lanterns or gas lanterns, rechargeable lanterns can be much more efficient in terms of battery life, overall lifespan, light control, and luminosity level. It’s even possible to find lifetime battery lanterns, which are extremely convenient while camping.

Rechargeable lights are generally safer, less time-consuming to set up, and won’t break the bank over the long run. Camping Lanterns prove essential on all camping trips – they light your way for hours on end when you go on a midnight toilet break, need to assemble your tent in the darkness, or even brighten things up when it’s foggy during the day.

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There is such a wide variety to choose from, whether it’s different designs, luminosity time, weight, and portability. We’ve compiled a list of the best models for sale today, so you can find the right one to take on your next adventure. Let’s jump right in.

See also:

• Our top list of solar camping lanterns 

1. Streamlight Super Siege Rechargeable

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Lumens: 1100 max

Next is this mini model from Streamlight, which is just 7.5 inches in height and 1.14lbs. We can see this being used by backpackers, mountaineers, hikers, and trekkers who need a compact and lightweight alternative. It’s built to last in outdoor conditions, made from tough polymer with a rubber anti-slip base. This rubber also protects the USB ports from debris, and the LED chamber is shielded by durable polycarbonate.

This heavy-duty construction translates to a waterproof IPX7 rating, meaning it can be submerged up to a meter underwater. It can also be dropped from 6.56ft since it’s been impact resistance tested. The lithium ion battery takes 7 hours to charge.

You’ve got white and red colored lights, plus high, medium, and low brightness settings. For the white light, the highest mode runs for 5.75 hours at 1100 lumens, making it one of the brightest camping lanterns on our list. For the red tone, the bottom mode produces 1 lumen and can run for 348 hours. All lights have a 360° illumination, leaving fewer dark spots. Some other cool features include a removable cover, sunken power button, D-rings, and a storage compartment for the charger, money, and keys.

Features:

• Highly Robust Build with Rubber, Polycarbonate & Polymer
• White & Red-Light Modes & 348 Hour Runtime on Low
• Powerful 10,400mAh Lithium Ion Battery with 7 Hour Charge

 

2. Coleman Rugged Rechargeable Camping Lantern

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Lumens: 400 max

The Coleman Rugged Lantern is first on our list, with a classic lantern shape. Starting at the top, it’s got a chunky handle for carrying around leisurely, with an added grip so that your fingers won’t get sore. The LED bulb is protected by a plastic chamber, and is set to last a lifetime, meaning you don’t ever need to replace it.

400 lumens are generated through the bulb and reach over 39ft. We think this makes it an ideal option for hikers, hunters, and trekkers who may need to light up a far distance in front of them. These LED’s are also designed to lessen any glare that could hurt your eyes, which means the light beams are less streaky and more even.

There are only two basic settings to keep things simple – low and high. It operates for 5 hours on high, and 20 hours on low before it needs a recharge. You’re provided with a USB cable and 120V charger, so you can power up from any outlet.

Features:

• Built-In Lithium Ion Battery with 20 Hour Runtime on Low
• Light Beam Reach of 39ft+
• Lifetime LED Bulbs

 

3. Blazin’ LED Rechargeable Camping Lantern

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Lumens: 600 max

This unit from Blazin’ offers 600 lumens in a compact form. Choose from green, orange, red, or taupe for the outer design. There are 6 modes in total ranging between red and white lights. The white modes consist of 60 lumens at its lowest for 600 hours of operation, and the red only has 10 lumens for 600 hours of runtime.

To find your lamp when it’s dark there is a multicolored indicator light, which also shows you how much power is left to know when to recharge. The outer cap that protects the LED bulb can be removed. This allows you to achieve a more direct illumination rather than 360°.

The handle folds away when not in use, and you can use that to hang inside your tent or on a pole or branch. When the top section comes off, there is a half D-ring which also folds out, but this time from the bottom. It charges with a standard USB cable, which you’re given in the package. In addition to a micro USB port, there is also a regular port which allows you to charge other devices at the same time.

Features:

• 360° Illumination with 6 Modes
• Long 36 Runtime on Highest Brightness Mode
• Highly Powerful 12,000mAh Lithium Ion Battery

 

4. LE Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern

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Lumens: 1000 max

This model from LE acts as a torch and lantern hybrid. The front spotlight, which is the torch element, produces 1000 lumens of light on its highest mode, while the lowest setting gives 700 – this is still quite a bright level of light which is perfect for getting a clear view in pitch blackness.

By propping it up on its base, you can use the side lantern feature. Here you can adjust it from 130 lumens on high to 70 on low. This is best used as a nightlight or for situations where you’d like a gentler glow. You’ve also got a flashing red light on the other side, which is handy for instances where you need to give off an SOS signal.

The internal power bank is made of a 3600mAh battery, which charges in about 5 hours. While charging, there are 4 little indicator lights that flicker and let you know when it’s fully powered. For suck a hefty-looking device, it actually weighs next to nothing – 29.98 ounces to be exact. As well as camping, we think it’s perfect to use at home, in your car for flat tire emergencies, and even for studying.

Features:

• Lengthy Illumination Distance of 1640ft
• Front Torch, Side Lantern & Side SOS Red Light
• IPX4 Water Resistant & Lightweight Build

 

5. Tough Light LED Rechargeable Camping Lantern

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Lumens: 400 max

This model says it all in the name – it’s a tough little lantern that packs a punch. With an IPX6 water-resistance rating, it’s suitable to take on boats for fishing or kayaking, as well as in quite heavy rainfall. The cover of the LED pops off, letting you use it as a separate torch light, which you can hang using the bottom hook. A carabiner is also included in case you want to attach it to your gear.

2 USB cables are included, which you can plug into virtually any USB connection. One of the highlight features for us is that you can store the cables inside by screwing off the base. We think this is highly convenient because it means you won’t easily lose the cables.

From a single charge, you can achieve 200 hours of operation at 40 lumens. You’ll find 6 lighting modes in total – high medium, low, SOS, red, and a flashing red, which can last for 528 hours in one go. At its peak mode, it can last for a full 24 hours.

Features:

• Removable Top Cap for Cable Storage
• IPX6 Waterproof Rating & Durable Construction
• Compact 7”H x 2.5”W & Lightweight

 

6. UST 30-Day Duro LED Rechargeable Camping Lanterns

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Lumens: 700 max

This next model has lifetime LED’s, which are housed in an impact-resistant plastic cover that’s also rubberized. These LED’s consist of 3 1.4W Nichia white bulbs – with such a low wattage, it won’t heat up. With dimensions of 7.2 inches in height and 3.5 inches in width, it’s small enough to pack in your gear without taking up a monumental amount of space.

On low, it can run for 30 days on end, and you’ve got 3 other light settings, including an SOS strobe. The top 700 lumens mode runs for 22 hours, giving off a bright white luminous glow.

With a waterproof rating of IPX4, it can resist multiple moisture splashes and mild rain. In addition to the plastic rubberized housing, the rest of this model is made from robust ABS plastic. This makes it impact resistant, so if it gets dropped, the internal lights won’t lose their luminosity.

Features:

• Heavy-Duty ABS Rubberized Housing with Removable Cap
• 4 Brightness Modes Including SOS Flash
• IPX4 Water-Resistance & Impact-Resistance Tested

 

7. EZORKAS 2-Pack Rechargeable Camping Lanterns

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Lumens: 350 max

The EZORKAS lantern comes in a pack of 2 so you can have a backup or share one with someone else. We enjoy the high-tech look to it, with a shiny black exterior and clean lines. The built-in battery is an 1865mAh version and is fully rechargeable. You can also insert 3 AA batteries as a backup power source.

Using an internal COB LED, this model has double the brightness of regular LED’s, disperses chip heat dissipation, has a longer life expectancy, and won’t burn your eyes if you look directly in it. There are 4 luminosity modes to choose from, which include 2 red SOS lights.

The top section can collapse down, leaving you a flashlight when you hold it from the side. When opened, it measures 7.87 inches, and collapsed just 5.59 inches, so it will fit snugly in your gear. The cylindrical shape also means it won’t consume much space.  

Features:

• Dual Power Supply Options
• Hard-Wearing & Water-Resistant ABS Material
• 2-in-1 Lantern & Collapsible Torch

 

8. LUXPRO Rechargeable Camping Lantern

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Lumens: 1100 Lumens max

For those who are looking for a little extra power, this model from LUXPRO has an extended operating time of up to 151 hours, due to the option for C-cell batteries to be installed. When using the USB charge function, you can power your own device at the same time with the USB output. All ports are covered to prevent debris damage.

 A dial on the front keeps things uncomplicated, allowing you to switch the brightness in one gesture. It emits a 360° beam of light, ensuring a continuous glow that can light up a whole campsite. The 2000maH lithium ion battery is encased in a durable body made of military-grade rubber and tough plastic. Another part that is rubberized is the carry handle, which is done so for comfort.

Features:

• Sturdy Rubber Casing with IPX4 Waterproof Score
• Backup Power Option Using C Batteries
• Fast 4 Hour Charging Time with Micro USB Cable Included

 

9. Lighting EVER LED Rechargeable Camping Lantern

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Lumens: 600 max

Our next choice is another from Lighting EVER (LE) and is kind of like a mini kit. In addition to the lantern component, you get 2 detachable torches that require 3 AAA batteries. This gives you more lighting options in case one part runs out of power. You can also use them at the same time as the lantern – for example, if you’re reading in your tent and need a more direct light to see the pages.

As well as these torches, you also receive a USB cable, and a car charger. The main lighting part can be charged through a USB connection in 4 hours, or with 3 D batteries. It has various brightness modes, where the highest one lasts 2 hours. Some other notable qualities include an integrated compass at the top, dual handles with rubber grips, and a water-resistance rating of IPX4.

Features:

• Lightweight & Water-Resistant Construction
• Dual Charging Options Through USB or 3 D Batteries
• 2 Bonus Torches with Batteries Included

 

10. Lighting EVER Collapsible LED Camping Lantern

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Lumens: 120 max

Finally, we have the LE Collapsible model that is super unique in its design. It folds down to a tiny little lighting device, measuring 50mm in height and 77mm in width. It’s even got a little D-shaped hook for hanging or holding.

For such a small device, it emits a fair glow at its highest setting of 120 lumens. Choose from 3 different modes – low, high, and SOS flashing. At low it lasts 8 hours. A micro USB port lets you charge using a USB connection, plus it’s covered for protection. We like the addition of a mirror on the base, because you can use it to reflect light or check your appearance.

Features:

• 3 Luminosity Modes Including Strobe Light
• 90° Folding Hook
• Extremely Compact 50mmH x 77mmW When Collapsed

 

5 Benefits of Using a Rechargeable Lantern

1. Perfect for travel

These bad boys are generally lightweight and compact which make them some of the best lighting options for all kinds of travel. Whether you’re a backpacker, hiker, trekker, mountaineer, or anything in-between, these devices are specifically designed to save space and not add on much extra weight to your gear,

2. No batteries, no worries

User-friendly and convenient, you don’t need to continue purchasing batteries in order to keep using them. They also don’t need gas, unlike fuel lamps. Since some also have lifetime LED’s, you just need to keep charging them, which means less money overtime. Charging is much more seamless than constantly switching out batteries.  

3. Safer than some alternatives

While gas lanterns give you a high level of control over the level of flame and light, and don’t attract insects, they can be dangerous if used incorrectly.

Rechargeable models have virtually no risk of fires due the low wattage and voltage levels, and lack of a flame. This makes them a lot safer to use than gas-powered alternatives. You can use them inside your tent, unlike most gas devices which should be ideally used outside.

4. The environment will thank you

These types of lanterns don’t require you to throw away any batteries or other chemicals that can threaten the environment. Since they recharge, you can use them repeatedly, and internal components don’t need to be disposed of as often. They can also last quite a long time, so charging them up again won’t consume massive amounts of electricity.  

5. Save some coin

For battery-powered LED’s or other types of lanterns, you’ll typically be spending large amounts of money in the long run trying to keep up with running costs. Constantly buying new batteries or gas can put a dent in your wallet overtime, especially if you’re a regular camper who uses a lantern for most of the year. While some rechargeable units can cost a little more upfront than other types, they will save you lots of money in the long term.

 

What is a rechargeable lantern?

They are lamps that get their power through charging, typically through USB connections, rather than through batteries or another type of energy source. This means they last longer than other options, are more lightweight, and can have more compact designs since there’s no room needed for batteries.

Can I hang a rechargeable lantern inside my tent?

Yes, you can hang rechargeable lanterns inside your tent. They use a very low level of power, which is why LED’s are so popular across all kinds of lighting devices – they won’t overheat. That being said, you should always supervise lights inside your tent and turn them off before sleeping.

What is a lifetime battery in a lantern?

When you see “lifetime” mentioned in a description for a lantern, this will refer to the LED bulb, not the battery. A lifetime LED means it can last for years, rather than some hours or days. If it says “lifetime”, it generally means it lasts between 50,000 and 100,000 hours, which is 5-10 years.

Do I need to replace the batteries ever in a rechargeable lantern?

You can replace the cells inside rechargeable internal batteries, but this is usually only required if it stops charging. This will also depend on the brand, because not all models allow you to access, revive, or replace the built-in battery.

 

Conclusion on Rechargeable Camping Lantern

The days where you need to fuel your lanterns are long gone, thanks to these modernized versions which are much easier to use. Even changing out batteries constantly isn’t required anymore with these rechargeable camping lantern versions. The models included on our top 10 list are lightweight for hassle-free portability, compact, have fast charging times, unique designs, and a variation of lumen levels, to suit a range of needs.