10 Best Solar Camping Lanterns 2025 in the United States

The LuminAID Survivor Solar Lantern is a versatile and practical choice for camping, hiking, and emergency use. Its brightness settings range from a very bright 600 lumens down to a low power mode that can last over 130 hours, making it adaptable for different lighting needs—from bright task lighting to long-lasting ambient light. The battery life matches well with its brightness levels, offering several hours on high settings and impressive endurance on low.

Charging can be done either by solar power, which takes about 24-30 hours in direct sun, or more quickly via USB in 2-2.5 hours. This dual charging option is convenient, especially when sunlight is limited. In terms of durability, the lantern is inflatable, shatterproof, and waterproof up to one meter, which means it can handle rough outdoor conditions and even float on water—great for unpredictable weather or water-based activities. Weighing just over a pound and being inflatable, it is lightweight and compact for carrying in a backpack, enhancing portability.

A standout feature is its ability to charge phones through two USB ports, helping keep your devices powered in remote areas. The solar charging time is quite long, requiring a full day of sunlight for a complete charge, which might be inconvenient during short trips or cloudy days. Also, while the inflatable design is unique and space-saving, some users might prefer a more rigid structure for ease of use in certain situations. This lantern is well-suited for campers and travelers looking for a reliable, multipurpose light with extra phone charging capabilities, especially where weight and pack size are concerns.

The LuminAID 2-in-1 Solar Camping Lantern is a versatile, portable light designed for camping, hiking, and emergencies. It offers a bright 300-lumen output with multiple light modes, including a red light for night vision and a high-power turbo mode. Its standout feature is the inflatable design that expands to a 6-inch cube, providing ample light while collapsing down to just 1 inch thick for easy packing. Weighing about 12 ounces, it’s lightweight and won’t add much bulk to your gear.

The built-in 4000 mAh lithium-ion battery can keep the lantern running for up to 100 hours on low brightness, which is great for extended trips or power outages. Plus, it can recharge most phones 2 to 3 times, adding useful backup power. Charging options include solar power, which takes 16 to 20 hours under direct sun, or a faster USB recharge in about 4 hours. The lantern is made of tough, waterproof, and shatterproof TPU material with an IP67 rating, meaning it can handle rain and can even float on water, making it very durable for outdoor use.

A minor downside is the relatively long solar charging time, which might be inconvenient if sunlight is limited. Also, while 300 lumens is bright for a compact lantern, it might not be sufficient if you need very intense lighting for larger areas. This lantern is ideal for campers and travelers who want a reliable, lightweight light source with phone charging capability and a durable waterproof design.

The LuminAID Nova Colors is a bright and versatile solar camping lantern offering up to 100 lumens of LED light with multiple brightness levels and 8 color modes, making it suitable for various outdoor activities and mood lighting. Its standout feature is its ultra-portability; the lantern is inflatable, lightweight, and collapses down to a slim size, which is great for easy packing and carrying on hikes or camping trips. It includes a handy carrying handle for attaching to backpacks or gear.

The lantern recharges via solar power in about 10-12 hours of direct sunlight, which might take a full day or two depending on weather, or much faster through USB charging in 1-2 hours. Once fully charged, it can provide up to 24 hours of light on low mode, which is quite good for extended use without access to power. Made from rugged TPU material, it is waterproof, dustproof, and even floats on water, ensuring durability in tough outdoor environments.

Its brightness of 100 lumens may not be as high as some other lanterns for lighting large areas, and solar charging speed depends heavily on sunlight availability. Additionally, the battery life is best on low brightness, with higher settings shortening usage time. This lantern is well suited for campers and hikers looking for a compact, reliable light source with fun color options and excellent weather resistance, though those needing very bright or long-lasting light under all conditions might want to consider alternatives.