When the sun sets on your camping adventure, having a reliable light source is essential. Whether you’re preparing dinner, setting up your tent, or simply enjoying the night sky, a solar camping lantern is one of the smartest gear investments you can make. Unlike traditional lanterns that require fuel or disposable batteries, solar lanterns harness the power of the sun, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the top 5 solar camping lanterns that will brighten up your next trip, explain their features, and help you decide which one is best for your outdoor needs.
Why Choose a Solar Camping Lantern?
Before we dive into the top picks, let’s talk about why solar lanterns have become a must-have for campers and outdoor enthusiasts:
- Eco-Friendly: Powered by renewable solar energy, they reduce waste and carbon emissions.
- Cost-Effective: No need to buy batteries or fuel—charging is completely free.
- Portable: Lightweight and compact designs fit easily into your backpack.
- Reliable: As long as there’s sunlight, you’ll always have access to light.
- Multi-Functional: Many models come with USB ports to charge your devices, making them a true off-grid essential.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the five best solar camping lanterns available in 2025.
1. LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1 Solar Lantern & Phone Charger
The LuminAID PackLite Max is one of the most popular solar camping lanterns on the market, and for good reason.
- Brightness: Up to 150 lumens with adjustable settings
- Battery Life: 50 hours of light on a single charge.
- Charging Options: Charges via solar or USB.
- Extras: Doubles as a phone charger with a built-in USB port.
- Portability: Inflatable and collapsible, making it super lightweight.
Why It’s Great: Perfect for backpackers and travelers, this lantern packs flat and inflates when needed. Its ability to charge devices makes it an excellent dual-purpose tool for emergencies.
2. MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 Solar Lantern
MPOWERD’s Luci Outdoor 2.0 is a durable, affordable option loved by campers worldwide.
- Brightness: 75 lumens.
- Battery Life: 24 hours of light per charge.
- Charging Options: Solar only.
- Extras: Waterproof and floats on water (IP67 rated).
- Portability: Inflatable, collapsible design fits into small spaces.
Why It’s Great: Its rugged, waterproof design makes it ideal for kayaking, rafting, or wet camping environments. Plus, it’s budget-friendly without sacrificing performance.
3. Goal Zero Crush Light Solar Lantern
The Goal Zero Crush Light is compact, versatile, and made by one of the most trusted names in portable solar products.
- Brightness: 60 lumens with multiple light modes.
- Battery Life: Up to 35 hours on low.
- Charging Options: Solar and USB.
- Extras: Candlelight mode for ambiance.
- Portability: Crushes flat for easy storage.
Why It’s Great: A perfect mix of affordability, portability, and functionality. The candlelight mode is a fun extra feature that adds warmth to your campsite.
4. BioLite SolarHome 620+ Lantern System
For campers who want more than just a lantern, the BioLite SolarHome 620+ is a complete solar-powered lighting system.
- Brightness: Multiple lanterns with adjustable brightness.
- Battery Life: Long-lasting system powered by a 6W solar panel.
- Charging Options: Solar only.
- Extras: FM radio, MP3 player, and phone charging.
- Portability: Best suited for base camps, RVs, or long stays in one location.
Why It’s Great: This system turns your campsite into a solar-powered mini-home. If you love extended camping trips or need reliable off-grid lighting, this is a game-changer.
5. Kizen Solar Camping Lantern
The Kizen Solar Lantern is a versatile, budget-friendly option that’s perfect for casual campers.
- Brightness: Multiple light modes including SOS.
- Battery Life: 10–12 hours on a single charge.
- Charging Options: Solar and USB.
- Extras: Works as a flashlight and emergency power bank.
- Portability: Compact, collapsible design.
Why It’s Great: It’s affordable, easy to carry, and includes an SOS mode, making it a great option for emergencies as well as casual camping.
How to Choose the Right Solar Lantern for Your Adventure
When deciding which solar lantern is best for you, consider these factors:
- Luci are perfect. For long stays, the BioLite SolarHome 620+ is more reliable.
- Brightness Needs: If you need to light up a large area, look for lanterns with higher lumens (100+).
- Extra Features: Do you want just light, or also device charging and emergency features?
- Portability: Backpackers will love inflatable or collapsible designs, while RV campers may prefer larger systems.
- Budget: From affordable $20 models to advanced $150+ systems, there’s a solar lantern for every price range.
Solar Camping Lanterns vs. Traditional Lanterns
Traditional lanterns may seem cheaper at first, but they require ongoing costs like fuel or batteries. Solar lanterns eliminate that expense, making them more affordable and eco-friendly in the long run. They’re also safer—no open flames, no fumes, and no risk of leaking fuel.
Final Thoughts
A solar camping lantern is more than just a light—it’s peace of mind. Whether you’re hiking into the backcountry, setting up camp by the lake, or preparing for emergencies at home, these lanterns provide reliable, renewable, and safe illumination.
The Top 5 picks—LuminAID PackLite Max, MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0, Goal Zero Crush Light, BioLite SolarHome 620+, and Kizen Solar Lantern—cover every type of outdoor enthusiast, from casual campers to hardcore adventurers.
When planning your next trip, make sure a solar camping lantern is at the top of your packing list. Because with the power of the sun, you’ll never be left in the dark.