Rating of the best camping lights for 2022

If you like long trips with tents, fishing, relaxing in the country, you should think about an additional light source. A camping lantern is an indispensable thing for travelers and lovers of wild recreation. It is compact and does not require constant recharging. Read to the end and learn about the types of camping lamps and what parameters to look for when choosing.

Short description

The scope of the use of lanterns for recreation is wider than it seems. They are used not only in hiking, but also in everyday life: in the cellar, garage, during construction. The luminous base is LEDs. No wonder, because they can be found everywhere: in gadgets, household appliances, home and street lighting. They differ from conventional incandescent lamps in their service life - from 10,000 to 50,000 hours. For this reason, their cost is higher.

Powerful luminous flux spreads over 360°. Of course, it cannot be compared with a searchlight, but it can illuminate a small clearing or space inside a tent. The illumination area usually does not exceed 650 lumens (lm).

Flashlights work on batteries and accumulators. Which power supply to choose depends on the frequency of use. If you plan to use the light occasionally, you can limit yourself to batteries. In another case - during long hikes, fishing - you will need a battery. Some models have a strobe function. So you can drive away animals and birds from yourself in dangerous situations.

Lantern types

Camping lanterns differ in form, "stuffing" and functionality. All of them are suitable for recreation in the wild, so they are chosen for a specific purpose: to illuminate the tent, the road while driving, or tools and mechanisms during car repairs.

For hiking, choose the shape of a lantern with a handle. As a rule, this is a lightweight device of a small size that is comfortable to hold in your hand. In this case, the light is emitted pointwise. But for static lighting, the flashlight is not suitable at all - a small luminous flux, it is difficult to put on a hard surface.In online stores, such models are often labeled as “camping”, and this can be misleading, because they are useless for life in a tent camp.

The antagonist of a flashlight is a camping lamp. It is heavier, has an uncomfortable fastening for constant wear, so it is used in static mode. For example, when you want to read before going to bed in a tent or chat with friends in the evening, sitting by the river. Such a flashlight illuminates everything around - 360 ° - unlike a manual one.

"Filling" is also different. The source of energy can be the sun (in the case of a solar battery) or electricity - when the device needs to be constantly charged from the network. As a luminous element, manufacturers most often choose LEDs. They consume little energy, so they can shine for several hours.

How to choose

When choosing a camping lantern, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:

• brightness and power of LEDs;
• protection against moisture and dust;
• color temperature;
• ergonomics (or ease of use).

The brightness of a flashlight is influenced by several factors. Much depends on the diffuser. If it is matte, as is often the case, then the brightness is "eaten" by 30%, but the light is scattered evenly. In fact, you rarely need blinding, projector lighting on hikes, so a matte finish is justified.

The power of the LEDs also plays a significant role. The more powerful, the brighter. As a rule, flashlights are equipped with LED or SMD diodes, which are considered bright compared to DIP and DIL. Powerful ones in which the number of watts reaches 1.

Protection

Typically, manufacturers indicate the level of protection of LEDs in the characteristics.It depends on what conditions you can use the flashlight - strictly in dry weather, during a downpour or light rain.

IP20 / IP33 - this marking means that the LEDs do not have a minimum protection, so the flashlight can only be used in dry weather.

IP65 class devices can withstand light rain.

IP67 / IP68 is absolute moisture and dust protection. The lantern is completely immersed in water.

Color temperature

This parameter plays an important role in interior lighting. There are certain lighting design rules - for example, lamps with white-moonlight, that is, a neutral color temperature, are mounted in office premises. It is believed that it invigorates and increases efficiency. But in the living room and kitchen, they prefer more orange shades, as they relax and add coziness to the interior. Such colors refer to low color temperature.

In choosing a camping lantern, this also matters. Often based on LEDs of natural temperature - about 4,000-5,000 K. If you buy a device with a warm shade of light - from 1,500 to 3,000 K - the lighting will be more comfortable and subdued. You need to choose the appropriate option based on your goal and preferences.

Ergonomics

Before buying, try to find out as much as possible about the design possibilities: what kind of mount, is there a stand, hook, etc. Some models can not only stand on a hard surface, but also be attached horizontally to metal objects. There are also lanterns that are hung on the backpack to free your hands.

In other words, you need to know in advance how convenient it is to use the device for your purposes.

The best premium camping lights

NITECORE LR50

This is both a flashlight and a smartphone charger. The portability of the model allows you to carry it in your pocket, and the rounded corners eliminate the inconvenience when wearing. The lid has a metal bracket, so the NITECORE LR50 can be hung on a hook, branch, or held in your hand. There is also another mounting option - on a metal surface, since there are 2 magnets on the case.

The color temperature is characterized by white-moonlight, close to natural.

The USB and mini-USB sockets are protected by a rubber plug. This protects against ingress of debris, dust and moisture. When the flashlight is charging or charging the phone, the surface lights up in blue.

There is also protection against accidental activation - in order for the device to work, you must press 2 buttons that are on opposite sides at the same time. You can also change the direction of the light from side to front.

3 gradations of brightness allow you to illuminate spaces of different sizes. With extreme light, you can safely illuminate a dark room 10 × 10 m².

There are 2 additional modes: SOS and flashing beacon (or strobe).

When help is urgently needed, the flashlight signals danger through Morse code - 3 dashes, 3 dots - that is, it changes light segments from long to fast.

• large area of ​​illumination;
• magnetic mount;
• modern design;
• bright LEDs.

• price.

Sofirn LT1

The flashlight is based on high-quality LEDs with a high color rendering index. The maximum brightness is 600 lm. There is a color temperature adjustment - from 2,700 to 5,000 K. This means that you can change the lighting from warm to neutral.Connectors for a tripod mount hint that the flashlight can be used not only in nature, but also at home - for taking photos and videos. Also, the design has a traditional suspension and the ability to use side reflectors.

Comes with a battery - 3000 mAh. The replacement of component parts is provided, as the set includes a spare button. The length of the lantern is 17.6 cm.

The power button is soft, with backlight. There is a charging indicator.

You can adjust the light so that as the brightness changes, the light temperature will also change. The "stuffing" has 8 LEDs with a high color rendering index. Some are responsible for the warm light, others for the white-lunar.

The maximum charging current is 1.5 A, and the battery is 4. This means that you will have to charge all day.

• light temperature control;
• spare structural elements included;
• powerful LEDs.

• the size;
• design irrelevance.

FENIX CL30R

The lantern is designed specifically for camping and for tents, tourist sites. Its light diverges evenly in all directions in a diameter of 35 m. The duration of operation depends on the capacity of the battery. For power, you will need from 1 to 3 18650 batteries - this is enough for the flashlight to work at maximum brightness for 6 hours.

The dimensions of the model are rather big - the weight reaches 543 g - so if you want to buy a lamp for a hiking trip, where every gram counts, it is better to look at lighter and more compact analogues.

The case is protected from the effects of frost and rain - all joints are sealed with rubber rings.

The brightness of the light reaches 650 lm - but the more powerful the battery, the denser the luminous flux.

• built-in portable charger;
• moisture protection;
• 5 year warranty.

• heavy;
• price.

Top 3 best camping lanterns under 1,000 rubles.

Quechua BL100

The model is compact: height - 12 cm, diameter - 8 cm - so this is a great option for relaxing when you need to take a minimum of things. The lantern with a maximum luminous flux of 100 lm can illuminate a large tent, and also has 3 modes that differ in brightness. So you can use the device as a night light or reading light.

There are two mounting options: a stand and a hook. You can hang the case on a tree or fix it in a tent from above.

There is protection against moisture - a small visor, thanks to which raindrops will roll down and not harm the structure.

• tightness: class IPX4;
• operating time at maximum brightness - 26 hours;
• compactness;
• ease of use.

• not noticed.

COSMOS 6008 LED

The luminous base is 36 low-power LEDs, so even with such a number of elements, the brightness does not hurt the eyes. The flashlight works efficiently - objects can be seen at a distance of 5 m.

Dust and moisture protection is represented by a glass case. This guarantees the operation of the device in harsh field conditions. With the help of a dimmer, you can adjust the brightness and luminous flux. This will save battery power.

Since the lantern is needed not only in summer, but also in winter - for example, for fishing - the manufacturer made sure that the body can withstand the cold. Extremely low temperature at which COSMOS 6008 LED operates safely is -10°С.

• compactness;
• the ability to adjust the brightness;
• 2 placement positions;
• tightness.

• not noticed.

Tesla FLP

The model is not limited to only one mode - there is a functional, general and red saving light. The case with a magnet in the base is attached to any metal surface. In addition, the design provides for other fastenings - the clip allows you to hang the flashlight even on a backpack.

In addition to camping, Tesla FLP is used during construction work and for emergency car repairs. The lithium-ion battery charges faster than usual and lasts longer. For example, Apple products are equipped with the same charger.

• price;
• charge level indicator;
• convenient mounts.

• maximum brightness lasts only 1 hour;
• not suitable for multi-day camping, as it requires constant charging.

Top 3 camping lights with SOS mode

Tesla LP-1800Li

This is a flashlight with built-in 6000 mA batteries. There is a USB port that you can use to charge your gadgets. The brightest mode produces a luminous flux of 1,800 lm. In this case, the battery lasts for 4 hours. However, the brightness level gradually decreases. In backlight mode, charging lasts for 10 hours.

The model has a shockproof case. If you accidentally step on it, run over it with a car, or it falls out of the window, nothing will happen. The degree of protection against moisture - IP 65 - that is, the spotlight is completely protected from dust and drops of water.

Comes with a charger - AC adapter and USB cable. There is a convenient folding stand. Despite the fact that the shape of the flashlight is square, the edges are not damaged by long-term use thanks to the rubber pads.

The SOS alarm mode can work for 15 hours.

The range of the light flux is 300 m.

• shock resistance;
• tightness;
• stand included.

• The flashlight works at maximum brightness for only 1 hour.

Fenix ​​CL26R

The model is suitable for both summer and winter holidays. The case is made of plastic - a transparent polymer through which the LEDs transmit light. Design feature - bottom light. Due to the magnets, the lamp can be held horizontally.

Switching on occurs after a single press of the button. Double click turns on the light. There are 3 gradations of brightness. The maximum is able to illuminate the room about 20 m².

If you start the SOS mode, the white light changes to red.

The kit comes with a 60-month warranty card, a micro-USB charging cable and a rubber seal.

• light weight;
• 3 operating modes;
• guarantee.

• plastic case.

REXSO R1

This is a multifunctional lamp with a built-in battery with a capacity of 1,800 mAh. The light temperature is neutral - 5,000 - 5,500 K. Since the flashlight must be held in the hand, the manufacturers took care of the convenience - they made a rubberized handle, pleasant to the touch, and a silicone bracelet for insurance.

The lamp itself has a plastic matte finish. This reduces the brightness of powerful diodes, does not blind the eyes, and the light is scattered evenly.

• ergonomic design;
• bracelet insurance;
• soft light.

• Only 2 modes: SOS and backlight.

Briefly about the main

Camping lanterns are great for static lighting. For example, there are situations when you need to set up a tent camp, but it is already very dark. You can place a light source nearby and calmly put up a tent.If you are planning an active movement - a hike that can drag on until late, it is better to purchase a headlamp to illuminate your path and free your hands.

Most buyers ignore solar-powered models, as it is necessary to take care of natural recharging, which is not always possible. Charging with electricity is always easier.

To choose the right model, always pay attention to the brightness and power of the LEDs, the presence of protection, color temperature and ease of use. The most important thing that disappoints buyers is that the flashlight does not hold maximum brightness for long - for example, only 3 hours of the total declared time. For many lanterns, the light flux decreases gradually and the peak falls on the first hours of operation. Therefore, it is better to have the exact time with the seller before buying.

Tightness is something that should not be neglected. For example, while fishing, a lantern may inadvertently fall into the water. If he has a high water resistance class, he will survive it calmly, otherwise, you can say goodbye to the device.