I've stumbled around too many campsites in the dark trying to find my headlamp. A good lantern lights up the whole area so everyone can see what they're doing. Solar lanterns charge during the day and run all night without burning through batteries.
Some inflate, some collapse, and some double as power banks. I've used a bunch of these on family trips, and here's what worked when we needed reliable light after sunset.
1. Collapsible Portable Led Camping Lantern
The XTAUTO lanterns come in a 4-pack, which is perfect for family camping. I put one in the tent, one by the picnic table, one near the fire pit, and kept one as a spare. They collapse down to almost nothing, so they don't take up much pack space. The solar and USB charging options mean I can recharge them during the day or plug them in at home before the trip.
The waterproof build held up when we got caught in a rainstorm. The light is bright enough for cooking and camp chores but not blinding. At 2.25 pounds for the set, they're not ultralight, but the versatility makes up for the weight. The collapsible design is simple and doesn't have complicated parts that break.
Pros:
- 4-pack gives you multiple light sources around camp
- Collapsible design saves space in your pack
- Solar and USB charging for flexibility
- Waterproof build held up in rain
Cons:
- Not bright enough for very large campsites
- 2.25 pounds is heavier than ultralight options
- Solar charging depends on good sunlight
2. Luminaid Solar Camping Lantern
The LuminAID inflates like a beach ball and weighs almost nothing. I used it on a backpacking trip where every ounce mattered, and it was worth carrying. The solar panel charges it during the day, and the soft glow is easy on the eyes at night. It's not bright enough to cook by, but it's perfect for reading or hanging in the tent.
The inflatable design is durable, though I'm careful not to set it on sharp rocks. The compact size when deflated makes it easy to stash in a side pocket. The water-resistant build held up fine in damp conditions. For ultralight trips or emergency kits, this is a smart choice. It's not for large group camping, but for solo or small groups, it works well.
Pros:
- Ultralight at 0.33 pounds
- Inflatable design packs down to almost nothing
- Solar rechargeable, no batteries needed
- Soft ambient light is easy on the eyes
Cons:
- Not bright enough for large areas or cooking
- Charging depends on sunlight availability
- Inflatable design can puncture if not careful
3. Kizen Solar Camping Lantern
The Kizen lantern is a solid middle-ground option. It's lightweight at 0.4 pounds, collapsible, and charges via solar or plug. I used it on a weekend trip and appreciated the dual charging options. The solar panel topped it off during the day, and I plugged it in before the trip to start with a full charge. The bright LED is good for camp tasks without being harsh.
The blue color is easy to spot in gear, and the collapsible design saves space. It's not as ultralight as the LuminAID, but the brighter light and durability make up for the extra weight. The compact size fits in a backpack without taking much room. For weekend camping or emergency kits, it's a reliable choice.
Pros:
- Dual charging via solar or plug
- Lightweight and collapsible
- Bright LED for camp tasks
- Durable build holds up to outdoor use
Cons:
- Solar charging is slower in low light
- Only available in blue
- Smaller size limits light coverage
4. Lichamp Solar Camping Lantern
The Lichamp lanterns come in a 4-pack with three lighting modes, which is handy for adjusting brightness depending on what you're doing. I used the low mode for reading in the tent and the high mode for cooking. The pop-up design is simple and easy to use. The USB and solar charging options mean you can recharge them at home or in the field.
The dark gray color is subtle and doesn't show dirt as much as lighter colors. They're compact and lightweight, easy to pack in a camping bin or emergency kit. The battery-powered option gives you flexibility if the solar panel isn't getting enough sun. For families or groups, having four lanterns spreads the light around camp.
Pros:
- 4-pack for multiple light sources
- Three lighting modes for adjustable brightness
- USB and solar charging options
- Compact and easy to pack
Cons:
- Solar charging depends on sunlight
- Dark gray color can be hard to spot in low light
- Slightly larger than ultra-compact options
5. Led Camping Lantern
The iToncs lantern is the brightest option I tested at 1500 lumens. It lights up a large campsite without issue. The 7500mAh power bank feature is surprisingly useful for charging phones or other small devices. I used it to top off my phone after a day of taking photos. The eight light modes give you flexibility for different situations, from bright white to softer ambient light.
The waterproof build held up during a rainy camping trip. The solar panel charges slowly, but the large battery capacity means it lasts a long time on a full charge. The orange and black color is easy to spot in gear. It's bulkier than minimalist options, but the brightness and power bank feature justify the size.
Pros:
- 1500 lumens is bright enough for large campsites
- 7500mAh power bank charges devices
- Eight light modes for different needs
- Waterproof and durable
Cons:
- Solar charging is slow in low light
- Bulkier than minimalist lanterns
- Orange and black color might not appeal to everyone
6. Xynover Solar Camping Lanterns
The Xynover lanterns have a magnetic base, which is a feature I didn't know I needed until I used it. I stuck one to the inside of my truck bed while organizing gear, and it stayed put. The hanging hook and collapsible design make them versatile for different setups. The triple power source options (USB, solar, AA batteries) mean you always have a backup.
The 4-pack is great for spreading light around camp or keeping extras in emergency kits. The waterproof build held up fine in damp conditions. The compact size when collapsed makes them easy to pack. The magnetic base is the standout feature, especially for car camping or situations where you need hands-free lighting.
Pros:
- Magnetic base for hands-free use
- Triple power sources for flexibility
- 4-pack for multiple light sources
- Waterproof and collapsible
Cons:
- Solar charging is slow in low light
- Compact size limits brightness range
7. Letmy 4 Pack Camping Lantern
The LETMY lanterns offer three power options: solar, battery, and USB. I used them on a car camping trip and appreciated the flexibility. The rechargeable LED lasts a long time on a full charge, and the solar panel tops them off during the day. The 4-pack gives you enough lights for a family or group.
The compact design at 9.8 inches fits easily in a camp bin. The build is durable and held up to rough handling by kids. They're not the brightest lanterns, but they provide enough light for most camp tasks. The USB cable is included, which is convenient for charging at home before the trip. While you're at it, take a look at our solar charger. While you're at it, take a look at our tactical flashlight.
Pros:
- Three power options for flexibility
- 4-pack for multiple light sources
- Durable build holds up to rough use
- USB cable included
Cons:
- Solar charging is slow in low sunlight
- Not bright enough for very large spaces
- USB cable length could be longer
How to Pick the Right One
- For ultralight trips, go with inflatable options like the LuminAID that pack down small.
- For family camping, 4-packs like the XTAUTO or Lichamp spread light around camp.
- For bright light, the iToncs 1500-lumen option lights up large areas.
- For car camping, lanterns with magnetic bases like the Xynover add convenience.
- For emergency kits, look for multiple power options (solar, USB, battery) so you always have a backup.
- Check waterproof ratings if you camp in wet conditions.
Bottom Line
Solar lanterns are worth carrying. For families, 4-packs give you multiple lights around camp. For ultralight trips, inflatable options save weight. For brightness, the iToncs delivers. Pick based on your trip type and charging needs. For related gear, check out our headlamp for hands-free light.
