#Camping lantern warm light portable#

“My wife hates having some bright orb in the middle of the table, and this one throws a decently soft light,” he continues. If I’m moving around or need to light up my tent, I use a headlamp,” he says. You just want to be able to light up your table area. I also like that I can use it to juice up my phone when the battery’s low.”įreelance writer and Outside gear reviewer Jakob Schiller likes the size and portability of the smaller 250-lumens version of the AlpenGlow: “What I’ve found is that you don’t need some huge lantern. The color-changing modes are fun, and the one-button design makes it easy to use, even for kids. It’s bright when it needs to be but fully dimmable, doubling as a reading light before bed that lasts for days without needing a recharge. “I take it camping and on road trips, and it’s also my go-to for backyard BBQs and entertaining friends.

#Camping lantern warm light portable#

“The Biolite AlpenGlow is the most versatile portable light I’ve ever owned, both outdoors and at home,” says writer and gear columnist Ebony Roberts. It’s a complete camping lantern that offers a handful of useful features, like multicolor modes (which you can change by shaking the lantern), “cool white” and “warm white” settings, a charging port, and the ability to dim brightness. The grapefruit-size BioLite AlpenGlow comes recommended by three of our experts, all of whom cited its versatility. Since we haven’t actually measured each model’s max run time, we’ve listed each model’s claimed run time.Ĭharging capabilities: Many of these models have built-in USB ports in their batteries, which allow you to charge other devices like your phone or headlamp.ĥ00 lumens | Rechargeable battery | 13.4 oz | 200 hours on lowest setting | 1 USB output for charging Run time: A lantern battery dying in the middle of a lively camp meal can be a total bummer.

Some models weigh over a pound and are better suited for car camping, while others are lightweight - almost always because they’re inflatable - and appropriate for backpacking. Weight: A lantern’s weight can also inform how portable it is. If you’re looking for a light source to use in closed spaces like a tent, use a lantern powered by electricity. But gas-powered lanterns create a flame and therefore heat.

If you’re using gas to cook at camp, then gas-powered lanterns can be efficient, as you can use up excess fuel that might otherwise get tossed. Power source: Most modern camping lanterns are powered by traditional batteries, rechargeable batteries (some of which are solar-powered), and gas. More ornamental lights, like string lights, which we’ve included in this list, emit around 60 to 100 lumens and are not meant to illuminate a big space. Brightness: A lantern’s brightness is measured in lumens, and any model that emits at least 100 to 200 lumens will provide enough light to let you see around camp.