When embarking on a camping adventure, one essential item you don’t want to overlook is a reliable source of light. Imagine the convenience of having bright illumination at your fingertips without the hassle of batteries or fuel. That’s where solar camping lights come into play.

With solar camping lights, you can enjoy the beauty of nature while staying safe and well-lit, without the need for cumbersome batteries or fuel refills.

In this article, we’ll explore why solar camping lights are the best choice for outdoor enthusiasts, especially for those new to camping. We’ll also introduce you to our top picks for the best solar camping lights of 2024, each carefully selected for their performance and features.

So, whether you’re a seasoned camper or just starting out, get ready to discover the power of solar lighting for your camping needs.

In this Article

Why Solar Camping Lights Are The Best Option

Solar camping lights take the lead as the optimal lighting option for your camping expeditions, offering many advantages such as being eco friendly. By harnessing the power of the sun, these lights provide a sustainable lighting solution that minimizes environmental impact.

Say goodbye to disposable batteries and fuel cartridges that end up in landfills. With solar camping lights, you can relish the great outdoors while actively reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to a cleaner planet.

In addition to their eco-friendliness, solar camping lights offer unparalleled convenience. Unlike traditional lights that rely on batteries or fuel, solar lights recharge themselves during the day, ensuring they are always prepared to illuminate your campsite when nightfall arrives.

This eliminates the hassle of carrying extra batteries or worrying about running out of fuel. With solar camping lights, you can revel in hassle-free lighting that is readily available, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the joys of camping without unnecessary complications.

Photo by Picryl

Our Top Picks for Solar Camping Lights

Overall Best : BECOMLIGHT Solar Camping Light

Most Versatilile: MPOWERD Luci Color Solar Inflatable Lantern

Best Compact: HYBRIDLIGHT Journey 600 Flashlight & Charger

Most Powerful: PORTAL Rechargeable Camping Lantern / Flashlight

Best Value: XTAUTO Collapsible Camping Lantern

Overall Best : Becomlight Solar Camping Light

Overall Rating: 4.9/5

The Becomlight Solar Camping Light earns a remarkable overall rating of 4.9 out of 5. This compact and lightweight lantern exceeded our expectations with its powerful 800 lumens of brightness, illuminating our campsite for various activities. Its versatility in power options, including solar charging and USB backup, impressed us, and we were pleasantly surprised to discover its power bank feature.

Brightness: 4.5/5– The Becomlight Solar Camping Light provides a bright illumination of up to 800 lumens, which is impressive for a camping lantern of its size. This ensures excellent visibility in the dark and enhances the overall camping experience.

Power Options: 5/5- The lantern offers multiple power options, including solar, USB, and battery. This versatility allows provides flexibility and ensures a reliable source of light is available at all times.

Battery Life: 5/5– The lantern’s battery life ranges from approximately 19 to 120 hours, depending on the mode and usage.

Water Resistance: 5/5– The IP54 water resistance rating of the Becomlight Solar Camping Light provides protection against splashes and light rain. This feature adds durability and reliability, allowing the lantern to withstand various weather conditions during camping trips.

Additional Functions: 5/5– The lantern’s additional flashlight function is a valuable feature, providing users with an extra light source for more focused illumination. The SOS strobe lighting mode adds a layer of safety and can be crucial in emergency situations, allowing users to quickly signal for help.

What We Like:

• Bright and energy-efficient illumination of up to 800 lumens
• Versatile power options, including solar, USB, and battery
• Portable and compact design for easy carrying
• Long battery life of approximately 19 to 120 hours
• IP54 water resistance
• Additional flashlight function with SOS strobe lighting
• Can serve as a backup power bank for charging devices
• Easy-to-use controls with multiple lighting modes and brightness adjustment
• 12-month replacement warranty

What We Don’t Like:

• Not fully waterproof, only water resistant
• Although 800lumes is sufficient for most people, some might desire a lantern with even brighter light
• No on-board storage for USB charging cable

Overall, for its outstanding performance, versatility, and reliability, we highly recommend the Becomlight Solar Camping Light a 4.9 out of 5 for any camping adventure.

Best Versatility: MPOWERD Luci Color: Solar Inflatable Lantern

Overall Rating: 4.7/5

We are thrilled to give it an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 to this versatile lantern, as it exceeded our expectations with its vibrant colors and long-lasting illumination.

It brought a lively atmosphere to the campsite. Its compact size and lightweight design made it incredibly portable, allowing for it to be easily carried on our outdoor adventures.

The lantern’s solar-powered functionality was a major plus, providing a reliable and eco-friendly charging option. Although the battery life could be improved for longer trips, the Luci Color’s performance, portability, durability, and vibrant illumination make it an excellent choice for illuminating your camping experience.

Portability: 5/5 – The Luci Color earns a high score in portability due to its compact size and lightweight design.

Durability: 4.7/5 – Constructed with durable plastic material, this lantern is designed to withstand up to 150 lbs of pressure, making it highly durable. However, its inflatable nature does mean you have to be more careful with it.

Brightness: 4.5/5 – With 10 multi-color LEDs, the Luci Color emits a bright and vibrant light that adds a lively ambiance to any setting. Its sparkle finish enhances the light’s dispersion, making it a standout feature.

Battery Life: 4/5 – The lantern provides up to 6 hours of light on a single charge, which is generally sufficient for most outdoor activities. However, for extended camping trips, some users may find the battery life to be somewhat limited.

Solar Charging: 5/5 – The built-in high efficiency solar panel allows for convenient and eco-friendly charging. The lantern can fully recharge in approximately 7 hours of sunlight, providing a sustainable power source.

Waterproof Rating: 5/5 – With an IP67 waterproof rating, the Luci Color is designed to withstand submersion up to 1m. This feature ensures its functionality and durability even in wet conditions.

What We Like:

• The MPOWERD Luci Color Solar Inflatable Lantern offers 8 vibrant colors.
• With 10 multi-color LEDs, this lantern emits bold hues and provides up to 6 hours of bright light.
• The built-in high efficiency solar panel eliminates the need for batteries.
• Its compact size and fixed top strap make it easy to attach to backpacks or hang from above.
• Made from durable plastic material, the lantern is lightweight, collapsible to 1 inch, and can withstand up to 150 lbs of pressure.
• With an IP67 waterproof rating, the lantern is submersible up to 1m, making it suitable for various weather conditions.

What We Don’t Like:

• 6 hours battery life may be insufficient for longer camping trips, requiring more frequent recharging.
• The inflatable nature of the lantern may require some extra effort to inflate and deflate compared to traditional lanterns.
• The lantern operates in a single lighting mode, which means it does not offer adjustable light modes like strobe or flash. Some campers may prefer additional lighting modes for specific purposes such as emergencies or signaling.

Based on these individual feature ratings, we can confidently conclude that the MPOWERD Luci Color Solar Inflatable Lantern is a highly portable, durable, and bright lighting option with reliable solar charging capabilities.

Its battery life may be slightly limited for longer trips, but overall, it excels in delivering colorful illumination for outdoor adventures. Hence we’ve rated it a solid 4.7 out of 5 after considering these slight drawbacks.

Best Compact: HYBRIDLIGHT Journey 600 Flashlight & Charger

Overall Rating: 4.8/5

We confidently rate he HYBRIDLIGHT Journey 600 Flashlight & Charger a 4.8 out of 5 due to its excellent performance. This compact and durable flashlight proved indispensable, illuminating our adventures with its powerful beam. Its lightweight design and portability allowed us to effortlessly carry it during hikes and exploration. We were impressed by its exceptional durability, as it withstood accidental drops and remained fully functional even when submerged in water.

The flashlight’s versatility shone through its multiple charging options, including the built-in solar panel and USB connection, which provided us with reliable power wherever we went. With its adjustable beam modes, we effortlessly adjusted the brightness to suit our needs.

Portability: 4/5 – The flashlight has a length of 8.5 inches and weighs 7 ounces, making it fairly portable for outdoor activities and easy to carry in a backpack.

Durability: 5/5 – The flashlight is extremely durable, tested to withstand submersion up to 3 meters and designed to float. It can withstand rugged outdoor conditions and is built to last.

Charging Options: 5/5 – The flashlight offers versatile charging options, including solar power, indoor incandescent lighting, and USB connection. This feature provides flexibility and ensures the flashlight can be charged in various situations.

Brightness: 4/5 – With a maximum output of 600 lumens, the flashlight provides a bright white light for illuminating surrounding areas.

Battery Life: 4/5 – The flashlight offers a battery life of up to 35 hours on low beam and 6 hours on high beam. While this is sufficient for most camping trips, longer battery life would be advantageous for extended outdoor adventures.

What We Like:

• The HYBRIDLIGHT Journey 600 offers multiple charging options, including solar power, indoor incandescent lighting, and USB connection.
• USB port allows for charging mobile devices on-the-go.
• The flashlight is able to withstand submersion up to 3 meters and is designed to float.
• The flashlight offers two beam options, high or low, with a super bright LED that produces 600 lumens of bright white light.
• The battery provides up to 35 hours of illumination on low beam and 6 hours on high beam.

What We Don’t Like:

• The flashlight offers only two beam modes (high or low). This may not cater to everyone’s lighting preferences.
• 600 lumens is quite bright however, it may not be ideal for lighting up long distances.
• Only comes in black
• Can be a little expensive compared to other options

Ultimately, the HYBRIDLIGHT Journey 600 is a trustworthy and convenient companion for outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable illumination on their journeys. It earns a rating of 4.8 out of 5 due to its versatile charging options, mobile device charging capability, durability, and bright LED light.

Best Power: PORTAL Rechargeable Camping Lantern/ Flashlight

Overall Rating: 4.9/5

After extensively using the PORTAL Rechargeable Camping Lantern on our recent camping trip, we award it an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5.

This versatile and powerful camping light exceeded our expectations with its impressive 1500LM output and adjustable light modes, completely illuminating our family tent and making our campsite as bright as daylight.

With a long-lasting battery life of up to 30 hours in RGB mode, we had reliable illumination throughout our entire adventure.

The lantern’s dual charging options, 3-in-1 functionality, lightweight design, and sturdy construction added to its appeal, making it a reliable, bright, and adaptable lighting solution for our camping needs.

• Brightness: 5/5 – The lantern offers an impressive maximum brightness of 1500LM, providing ample illumination for various outdoor activities.
• Battery Life: 5/5 – With a built-in 7200mAh battery, the lantern has a commendable duration of up to 30 hours in RGB mode and up to 10 hours at 500LM, ensuring long-lasting performance.
• Charging Options: 5/5 – The inclusion of both USB and solar charging options provides flexibility for recharging the lantern in different environments.
• 3-in-1 Functionality: 5/5 – The ability to serve as a lantern, flashlight, and RGB night light adds versatility and convenience to the product.
• Portability: 4.5/5 – While the lantern is lightweight at 0.9 lbs, the dimensions of 6.3 x 4.8 x 4.61 inches make it slightly bulkier than some other portable camping lights.
• Durability: 5/5 – The lantern is made from sturdy construction and resilient materials (ABS plastic), making it highly resistant to damage and ideal for rugged outdoor use.

What We Like:

• The PORTAL Rechargeable Camping Lantern/ Flashlight offers an impressive maximum brightness of 1500LM, surpassing many other products on the market.
• Its adjustable brightness levels and 8 light modes provide versatile lighting options.
• With a built-in 7200mAh rechargeable battery, this lantern offers a remarkable duration of up to 30 hours in RGB mode and up to 10 hours at 500LM.
• The lantern features both USB and solar charging capabilities, providing flexibility and convenience.
• The inclusion of a USB-C cable and the ability to charge other mobile devices enhance its versatility.
• 3-in-1 Functionality, serving as a lantern, flashlight, and RGB night light. It acts as a reliable companion in outdoor adventures and while also providing a pleasant ambiance indoors.
• The lantern’s lightweight design and compact size made it highly portable and easy to carry. Its leather handle added a comfortable grip and allowed us to hang the lantern wherever needed.
• The simple operation with a single button made it user-friendly, enabling us to switch between light modes effortlessly.

What We Don’t Like:

• The net weight of 0.9 lbs makes this lantern slightly heavier compared to some other options on the market. While it remains portable, it may not be the ideal choice for those seeking an ultra-lightweight camping light.
• The dimensions make it slightly bulkier, especially for users who prefer more compact and space-saving camping equipment.

On the whole, the PORTAL Rechargeable Camping Lantern/ Flashlight proved to be a reliable, bright, and adaptable lighting solution during our camping trip.

This is why we’ve rated it as a 4.9 out of 5 due to its stellar performance. It quickly became an essential part of our camping gear, providing us with the illumination we needed for a memorable and enjoyable adventure.

Best Value: XTAUTO Collapsible Camping Lantern

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Portability: 5/5 – The lantern’s collapsible design and lightweight construction make it highly portable. It can be easily carried in a backpack or even held in one hand, providing convenience during outdoor activities.

Versatility: 5/5 – The lantern doubles as both a lantern and a flashlight, providing versatility in lighting options. The brightness can be adjusted by pulling up the lantern, allowing for customizable illumination based on your needs.

Durability: 4/5 – Made of high-quality ABS material, this lantern offers good durability. It is resistant to water, heat, and freezing temperatures, making it suitable for various environmental conditions.

Brightness: 4/5 – While the lantern provides a luminous flux of 300 lumens, which is sufficient for most camping needs, it may not be as bright as some other camping lanterns available on the market.

Charging Options: 5/5 – The lantern offers two charging methods: solar charging and a 220V charger. This flexibility allows for convenient charging in both outdoor and indoor settings.

Value for Money: 5/5 – Considering the lantern comes in a 4-pack, it offers good value for money. You get multiple lanterns to distribute among family members or friends, making it a cost-effective choice for group activities.

Waterproof Rating: 4.5/5 – Although the specifications on the product boast it as waterproof, it doesn’t have a certified IP Rating regarding this.

What We Like:

• The XTAUTO Collapsible Camping Lantern can serves as both a lantern and a flashlight.
• The lantern’s collapsible design makes it compact and highly portable, similar in size to a phone when collapsed.
• The folding handle adds convenience, enabling us to hang it in tents or on trees, freeing our hands during outdoor activities.
• Constructed from high-quality ABS material, this lantern demonstrated excellent durability, making it resistant to water, heat, and freezing temperatures.
• The lantern features a built-in 1600mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery and offers two charging options: solar charging and a 220V charger.

What We Don’t Like:

• The XTAUTO Collapsible Camping Lantern offers a luminous flux of 300 lumens, which is relatively lower compared to some other camping lanterns on the market.
• Limited Brightness Settings: The lantern offers adjustable brightness, but the range of settings is limited. Limited Battery Capacity:
• While the lantern comes with a built-in 1600mAh rechargeable battery, the capacity may not be sufficient for prolonged use.
• While the collapsible design makes the lantern compact when collapsed, it is relatively larger and heavier compared to other portable camping lanterns. This can make it slightly bulkier to carry and occupy more space in a backpack.
• While the lantern is water-resistant, it may not be fully waterproof. There is no official IP rating given.

The XTAUTO Collapsible Camping Lantern showcases versatility, ease of use, emergency power bank functionality, and multipurpose use. It provides good value for money, especially with the 4-pack option. These additional features enhance its practicality and make it a reliable companion for various outdoor adventures and emergency situations. However, there are some drawbacks regarding no official IP rating and durability, which is why we’ve deducted some points off and rated it as a 4.6 out of 5 overall.

Key Takeaways of these Solar Camping Lights

The following table compares camping lanterns based on their features, drawbacks, and overall ratings. Each entry highlights the lantern’s strengths, such as brightness and durability, as well as any notable limitations. The overall ratings provide an aggregated assessment of user satisfaction.

This table is a helpful guide for choosing a camping lantern that suits your needs.

Choosing from Solar Camping Lights

When it comes to selecting the right solar camping light, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, examine the brightness levels offered by each model. Transitioning from daylight to nighttime activities requires a reliable light source, and a bright solar camping light is essential for visibility and safety.

Additionally, consider the durability of the light. As outdoor adventures can be rigorous, a sturdy and robust solar camping light will withstand various weather conditions and rough handling. Lastly, take into account the charging capabilities of the light.

Opt for a model that efficiently captures solar energy during the day, ensuring extended usage during the night. By actively considering these factors and utilizing the guidance provided, you can make an informed decision and choose the ideal solar camping light for your outdoor expeditions.

Don’t miss out on enhancing your camping experience with the perfect solar camping light. Explore our selection and make your choice today!