The Best Budget Rechargeable Lanterns UK
Camping is one of the most increasignly popular hobbies in the UK, yet it's also one of those interests that require a ton of gear and knowledge at the same time. One of the most underused pieces of equipment is a good camping lantern, inparticular one that you can recharge!
While a camping tent and sleeping bag will be at the top of your camping gear list, so many other items come into mind when you're thinking about escaping from the 9-5 for your wild camping escapade.
Unfortunately, one piece of equipment that is commonly overlooked is a camping lantern.Considering how hard it is to come by any sort of lighting in the middle of the wilderness, especially at night, having a lantern goes a long way to make your stay there more comfortable. Camping lanterns are a must-have accessory for any serious camper, as sometimes using the torch on your iPhone just isn't good enough; so lets begin the Buyer's guide.
Why Do I Need a Rechargeable Lantern?
Lanterns are essential devices that offer necessary illumination in case of power outages or any other emergencies. In essence, they are the perfect substitute for individual headlamps.
Buying a rechargeable camping lantern makes life in the outdoors more comfortable and easier for you.
It can act as a reliable backup power source to light inside the tent and the surrounding camp area. Lanterns are also child-proof and protected from the weather, meaning you won’t have to worry about them letting you down in extreme weather.
With a capacity of about 20 hours of use per charge cycle, you can turn to them whenever there is an emergency. Not to mention that they can be recharged whenever needed.Some models of camping lanterns come with USB ports that will be useful for those who don’t like to leave behind their electronic gadgets. These devices are designed to be compact, lightweight, durable, easy-to-operate functionality that you’d want in camping devices.
What are the Benefits of a Camping Lantern?
During camping, most of the activities you do will likely get affected by the amount of light available. It can be tough to function without a source of light, especially at night or early in the morning.The biggest benefit of camping lanterns is that you can rest assured that you have a source of light to count on; anywhere and anytime!Whether you want to cook, read a book, or find your way to loo in the middle of the night, having a camping lantern will save you any kind of inconveniences.
What are My Battery Options for a Camping Lantern?
There are two main types of batteries you can use on a camping lantern. You can either go with standard disposable batteries or rechargeable batteries. Most campers tend to prefer disposable batteries as you can easily replace them when they run out of power.
This means you won’t have to wait too long before enjoying the light from the lantern.
However, this also means that you need to bring along spare batteries.
On the downside, disposable batteries pose great harm to the environment. Meanwhile, you may also choose to go with rechargeable batteries, which are the perfect option if you're cautious of environmental damage.Thanks to advancements in battery technology, these can retain charge for a couple of days, which means you can complete a short weekend camping adventure without needing to recharge them. The only shortcoming of this type of battery is that you’ll have to contend with not using the lantern when they are recharging. This will be the case if you forget to bring along spare batteries.
What is the Right Size and Weight for a Camping Lantern?
Although a bigger lantern will offer greater illumination, it will also add unnecessary weight to your backpack and eat too much space with its bulkiness. This can be cumbersome when you have too many camping supplies to carry for the trip.A compact and lightweight lantern is usually the way to go since this will tame the weight of your load without sacrificing the practicality of the device.It is the choice you want to opt for if your trip entails a lot of hiking!
Do Camping Lanterns Have Smart Features?
Many camping lanterns these days take advantage of smart technology. They may not be too important to a regular hike but can significantly enhance the experience for a techy adventurer.
For example, some models of rechargeable lanterns feature a charging station, which contains USB ports. Aside from providing you with light, the device also allows you to charge your electronic gadgets like a phone, smartwatch, tablet, etc.
You can also find lanterns that allow app controls. Once you switch them on, you can sync them to your smartphone and fiddle with the settings from the phone.
This way, you can create lighting schedules and even play around with the colours, which enhances the functionality of the lantern. Finally, you may also be in a position to connect multiple lights across your campsite to your phone.
This gives you remote control over how the lanterns light and the level of brightness they produce.
Best Rechargeable Lanterns - Reviews
SUBOOS Ultimate Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern
The SUBOOs Ultimate Rechargeable LED is a high-grade camping lantern that will come in handy on all your camping adventures. It boasts a collapsible design that packs down easily fit inside a backpack.
Its 14 oz weight also ensures that you won’t be weighed down while hiking on the trail. The lantern boasts a built-in power bank with a USB cable where you can charge electronic gadgets such as a phone.With four different types of light modes, the lantern has a wide range of applications. You can choose between super bright, regular light, red light, and strobe light depending on the situation you’re in. You will also appreciate the dual-power technology, which allows you to either use 2 lithium-ion batteries or 3 AA alkaline batteries, both included in the package, to power the batteries. This offers you some bit of flexibility.
Also, the lantern comes with an easy On/Off operation that offers you a comfortable time when you want to use it.Overall, the SUBOOS Ultimate Rechargeable LED lantern is a lightweight and portable camping lantern that will be a great addition while on the tail. Its power bank feature ensures that you will never be left in the dark during your camping adventure. Universal power charger Collapsible and easy-to-use design Money back guarantee and warranty Adequate illumination Great for hiking and camping Different light modes for multiple functions Battery flexibility- you can use lithium-ion or alkaline batteries Some people have complained that the rechargeable batteries aren’t as efficient as promised Unreliable USB charger
HeroBeam 2 x LED Lantern
If you are tired of being in the dark once the sun goes down, the HeroBeam 2 x LED lantern is just what you need when you set out for a camping trip.
The lantern was built for adventures in the dark and boasts the latest LED technology, featuring 3 48mm COB strips.The HeroBeam offers a bright light of 300 lumens to illuminate all the dark corners while its collapsible design makes it a great pick for campers who have some hiking to do before getting to the camping area. At 255 grams, the lantern is a pretty lightweight camping lantern which ensures you won’t be struggling with fatigue even after carrying it for hours. Its design is also rugged and resistant to extreme weather conditions. It can take quite the abuse of a demanding camping adventure without showing signs of wear. The frame of the lantern measures 124 x 86 mm, which leaves you with a compact unit that won’t finish up space inside your bag.
It also boasts an IPX4 waterproof rating, which means it continues to function reliably even when the heavens decide to open. Overall, you get a lightweight, compact, and collapsible rechargeable lantern that you can effortlessly fit inside a rucksack.Its metallic graphite handles with come are ergonomic to hold and the box it is delivered in offers safe storage when you’re not using the unit. The lamp is powered by 3 AA batteries and is activated by lifting the top section. No more fumbling in the dark when you have the HeroBeam 2 x LED lantern. Compact and lightweight design Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use Collapsible and portable Long-lasting burn time Bright 300 lumens light Water-resistant and shock-proof body Durable performance Easy to activate and operate AA batteries used are inexpensive Uses 3 AA batteries The batteries don’t offer the longest service in the market
Lighting Ever LED Camping Lantern
This versatile LED camping lantern from Lighting EVER will impress you with its broad range of functions it can perform. It is an essential outdoor gear that you don’t want to leave behind when going on a camping trip.
Aside from offering lighting in dark situations, the lamp can transform into two detachable hand torches and you still get a fully functional compass at the top to guide you in unfamiliar territory.
The multipurpose functionality of the lamp ensures that you will always find a use for it throughout your adventure. For example, the two small torches are easy to remove and will come in handy when you want a flashlight to illuminate a dark path.These also come with batteries included, so you won’t have to struggle with finding your way once the sun goes down. With 600 lumens of brightness, you’ll be able to see the darkest corners in your tent.
The batteries can be charged using a USB cable or via car connection, which comes in handy for people planning to utilize the lamp for multiple days.However, you will have to wait for between 4 and 5 hours, so this may compel you to get spare batteries for your convenience. In case you find yourself in a position that doesn’t allow recharging of the batteries, you can use 3 D batteries as an alternative source of power. But you’ll need to buy these separately as they are not included in the package. Overall, the Rechargeable LED camping lantern will prove to be an invaluable asset in the wilderness. Any serious outdoorsman will find it wise to put it at the top of their gear list! Bright 600 lumen light Transforms into flashlights 360-degree illumination Alternative power source Integrated compass to show you the way Versatile functionality Easy to use Side lights detach very easily
Lanktoo 2-in-1 Waterproof LED Camping Lantern
The Lanktoo LED camping lantern is another versatile piece of equipment that comes with unique dual functionality. In addition to being a camping lantern, the unit also acts as a portable power bank.
This allows you to use the lantern to charge any electronic gadgets that you might have carried, including cameras, phones, tablets, smartwatches, and any other thing that requires charging. But you want to go easy on charging your devices as this may significantly reduce the battery life.
Speaking of battery life, the Lanktoo impresses with up to 84 hours of service on a full charge cycle. You can credit this to the 800mAh high-capacity battery fitted on the lamp, which ensures that you can go through a weekend of camping without having to recharge it.However, the actual battery life will depend on the lighting mode you’re using. There are four different lighting modes to choose from that will offer you between 18 and 84 hours of battery life.
The compact and lightweight construction of the unit makes for effortless portability and easier transportation. It only weighs 0.57lb, so you’ll barely feel the weight when carrying it.There is a retractable hook from where you can hang it to your rucksack or tent when you get bored of holding it. The camping lantern is also highly durable, with a body made out of Grade A cells to go with rubber casting. Furthermore, it boasts an IP65 waterproof rating that protects the lantern from water sprays. You won’t also have to worry about the dusty hiking trails when using this unit as it does not get affected. In the end, it will be years before you have to replace the Lanktop 2-in-1 Waterproof LED lantern. Dual functionality Charges electronics Durable construction Waterproof and dust-proof Long battery life Multiple lighting modes Compact and lightweight Great for hiking and camping The light can be a little too bright
Coleman Battery Lock Push Lantern
Trying to navigate your way through a dark path in the middle of a hiking trail or sorting your camping tent before you lay down to sleep can be a tall order if you don’t have a light source. This is why you need the Coleman Battery Lock Push lantern to make your experience in the wild more comfortable. The lamps camps in a clever 3 in 1 design to deliver unrivaled functionality.
There are two built-in lights on the sides, which can be detached from the mainframe of the lamp to become flashlights. With this kind of design, the Coleman offers three separate lights that you will need for different kinds of situations.
This lantern produces 600 lumens of light and in a 360-degree angle of illumination. The implication is that you get bright and uniform lighting that ensures you never have to worry during sunsets.You can choose between two different power supply modes depending on the situation you’re in. Also, a rechargeable battery is included in the package that you can charge during the day so that you’re never left in the dark. The two removable torches also come with their batteries and these produce 200 lumens of light each, meaning you have unlimited light in every situation.
Overall, the Coleman Battery Lock Push camping lantern will make a wonderful option for campers looking for an affordable device that they can count on when it starts to get dark.It can also be used both in the outdoors and indoors, whether you’re inside the tent or on the trail hiking. There are great features to impress the most ardent adventurers, including the 3-in-1 functionality. That is why it features in our list of best rechargeable lanterns 3 in 1 operation Removable side flashlights Bright 600 lumen light Lightweight design 350-degree illumination Great for both indoor and outdoor use 12V car charger
Conclusion
You can never be too careful when going on a camping trip. There are endless hazards that can accost you in the middle of nowhere, and it gets worse when you consider that you are miles away from civilization. Access to lighting when darkness falls is a great way to ensure you not only remain safe at night but also make your experience in the outdoors much easier. So, the next time you plan to go on a camping trip be sure to consider the above best rechargeable lanterns when preparing your gear list!FAQ
What is the Difference Between a Lantern and a Torch?
The main difference between these two light sources comes in the nature of the light they produce. A lantern offers multi-directional lighting, which means the whole room you’re in is uniformly illuminated. It also comes with a handle that allows you to hang it from the roof of a tent, so you can use it hands-free if need be. On the other hand, a torch provides you with unidirectional lighting. The beam of light only illuminates the direction it is pointed at. As such, you won’t be able to light up the inside of the tent if you hang it from the roof. Another thing is that a torch is handheld, and can’t be used handsfree. Overall, lanterns are suitable for guiding you back to camp and for lighting up the tent when you want to play games or tell stories. Meanwhile, torches are used for illuminating the path ahead or searching for a lost item (a quick example).How Many Lumens are Ideal for a Camping Lantern?
The amount of light that a lantern produces is measured in lumens. Typically, the higher the number of lumens, the brighter the light! But not all lamps are measured in the same way. While some are measured inside the lantern and at the bulb, others are from outside the lantern (out the front value). Generally, a brighter lantern consumes more energy compared to a less bright one.This is why many manufacturers provide users with multiple brightness modes to try and manage energy consumption.In most cases, lanterns offer brightness that starts from around 40 lumens, and this value to go to as high as 700 lumens for the brightest level. The majority of lamp models on sale will give you something in the range of 150-350 lumen.
If you simply want something to illuminate around the camp at night, then 100 lumens is the sweet spot.But you should also note that perceived brightness may be affected by design and optics. For instance, some lamps tend to offer more light only on the table they are placed on while others cast their light a little farther in the room. So, how many lumens do you need in your camping lantern to get efficient illumination? On average, if you simply want to light up the inside of your tent, 100 lumens should do the job for you. Meanwhile, 200 lumens is the number to light up the tent site, and lastly, go for 300+ lumens if you’re holding a campsite party!
How Long Does an LED Lantern Lamp Last?
According to experts, some bulbs can burn for thousands of hours, but the shelf life of an LED light will depend on a variety of factors. These can range from the bulb’s operational temperature and type of bulb to the fixture type. Compared to incandescent bulbs, LED lights burn much longer and are known for their durability. So, if we were to break it down, the best quality LED lantern lights on the market should give you between 30,000 and 50,000 hours of service on the higher end. This an estimate of around 3 years to 6 years tops. A little bit of due diligence will reveal to you the best models of LED lanterns you can get for your camping adventure. Generally, LED lamps are pretty energy-efficient and offer long-lasting performance. Years would have passed before you need to replace your unit!What Should I Look for in a Lantern?
Several factors should be considered when trying to shop for the best camping lantern to use for your upcoming expedition. Features such as the size of the lamp. Its weight, brightness it produces, the power sources it requires, as well as other special features will go a long way to determine the overall quality of the lamp.Equal consideration should also be given to the intended use of the lantern and the location of the campsite.If you are going to have to carry the lamp as you hike to the camping one, then you want to choose a lightweight and less bulky model that is easy to transport. But if you have a car that you can drive to the campsite, then the size won’t significantly affect the portability of the unit. The same is true when you’re looking for a lantern to be used by a single person vs one that is going to serve a party of friends. Logically, the more the number of people, the larger the lamp needed! Some lamps are also designed with extra features like a USB charging port that can charge other electronic devices and gadgets. If you are the kind of camper who likes to travel with their phone, tablet, or even smartwatch, this is one feature that might interest you in a camping lantern.
