An essential piece of gear for any outdoor enthusiast is a camping lantern. Whether setting up camp, cooking meals past dusk, or just enjoying a late-night conversation in your tent, having the right camping lantern can make all the difference. But with so many options, how do you choose the best? Come along as we break down the top 10 features of camping lanterns that you should look for (and some extras that come in super handy)!

Camping Lanterns: 10 Must-Have & Practical Features

1. A Rechargeable Battery

A rechargeable camping lantern is a must-have! Why? Because Alkaline batteries are not made for cold-weather conditions. AA/AAA batteries will drain in below-freezing temps (unless you’re okay keeping them warm with you in your sleeping bag). On the other hand, USB-rechargeable lithium-ion batteries actually perform better in colder temps (think 32°F/0°C and above).

Besides, a camping lantern built with lithium-ion batteries has many advantages. One of which is their recharging ability – especially ideal for charging by solar panels in the great outdoors! Although you can charge it by a wall outlet or power bank too.

Not to mention you’re avoiding waste of disposable batteries. Fuel-based camping lanterns mean burning through propane and the fire-safety aspect of bringing a lit flame inside a tent.

Our Retro Camping Lantern is an excellent example of a rechargeable lantern that combines vintage aesthetics with modern functionality.

2. Energy-Efficient & Safe LED Lighting

Camping lanterns designed with LED lighting have several advantages. LED camping lanterns are exceptionally bright, energy-efficient, and longer-lasting than those created with incandescent bulbs or classic fuel-burning lanterns.

Another advantage we touched on earlier: safety. A flameless LED camping lantern will never get hot or combustible and can be taken into your tent and left at a soft glow all night without the worry of carbon monoxide, smoke, or fire.

3. Dual Power Sources & Power Station

Don’t be left in the dark. A rechargeable camping lantern is easy to charge, and LED lighting offers a long-lasting battery, but having backup power in the wilderness is always smart. Look for a rechargeable camping lantern with dual power sources, just in case one fades and gives out. Choose a camping lantern that provides a combination of rechargeable batteries along with replaceable batteries or solar power.

It’s also a nice option to have a camping lantern with enough energy to provide a power station, allowing you to use the USB output ports for a backup charge. An emergency power station lets you charge other small electronic devices like earbuds, GPS devices, or even USB lighters. An important camping gadget feature for those extended trips!

4. Water-Resistance & Splash-Proof Rating

Invest in a rugged camping lantern made of high-quality, impact-resistant materials. It also pays to find a camping lantern with water-resistant features, especially if you do any kayak camping or four-season camping. You never know what the weather has in store and a camping lantern might accidentally tumble into the lake. So, while this feature isn’t a must-have for all campers, it’s worth understanding the rating difference between splash-resistant and completely waterproof.

Water-Resistant Ratings

• IPX-0 | No water protection whatsoever
• IPX-4 | Splash protection (enough for outdoor gear like camping lanterns)
• IPX-8 | Able to be submerged in three meters of water
• IP66 | Performs in the rain.

5. Adjustable Brightness Settings

Look for a camping lantern with a lumen output range of around 150-350 with dimmable options. In some situations, like prepping meals outside, you need brighter lumens (700-1000 lumens). But in other moments, like sitting around the campfire or offering a nightlight for kids, you want the ability to turn your lantern down for a cozy tent atmosphere (50-200 lumens).

An adjustable brightness setting also helps to extend the camping lantern's runtime. The lower the setting, the longer the power can last!

6. Shock-Resistant, Durable Materials

A camping lantern must be rugged enough to withstand your outdoor adventures. Stuffed and jostled around in a backpack and dropped on rocky surfaces, a camping lantern should be built tough with durable materials to take on whatever you have in store for it.

Look for shock-resistant materials, like aluminum alloy or iron frames, reinforced rubber components and bumpers to protect impact points. Make sure the lantern is protected with a reinforced casing and outer shellto prevent cracks and damage to the LED lamp itself.

7. Hanging Hooks & Mounting Options

Every lantern needs a hanging option. Hanging a lantern higher will spread the light further across your site, giving you the all-around glow you need. Look for camping lanterns designed with built-in hooks, carabiners, or even a magnetic base or side that allows you to mount it inside the tent or along a metal surface.

8. Portable Compact Size

While this feature might not be as important to car campers or glampers, for backpackers? It’s a must! Especially when space is limited and weight is a top concern.

Either way, a portable and compact camping lantern is highly desirable. Thanks to the advances of LED camping lanterns, you can find small portable lanterns that offer plenty of lumens and brightness without sacrificing space. You can also find collapsible lantern designs.

9. Warm & Cool Light Modes

In addition to offering various brightness settings, some camping lanterns offer extra light modes and features that can come in handy. One of which is a warm white or cool white brightness setting, which is actually extremely practical in the wilderness.

A warm white light mode offers a yellowish glow that acts as a bug-repellant to keep the insects away. It also reduces eye strain and simply creates a more relaxing, cozier atmosphere.

A cool white light mode gives off a bright, crisp illumination, which is ideal for cooking, setting up camp, and more. Cool white lamp settings also cover larger areas and spread further throughout a campsite.

10. SOS Signals

A camping lantern’s power bank can save you in an emergency, letting you charge your GPS device or even a phone to call for help. But there’s also another way it should offer emergency assistance and that is with an SOS strobe mode.

Not all camping lanterns will offer this – after all, many headlamps already do – but it is a nice touch to have built into a camping lantern and could prove useful in emergencies when you need to signal for help.

Find the Best Rechargeable Camping Lantern

Camping lantern features should offer functionality and versatility. Along with a bright rechargeable LED with adjustable brightness settings, a long battery life, and multiple power options. Bonus points for warm and cool light settings and extras like SOS signals, too!

Of course, if you're looking for the perfect combination of style and performance, our Retro Camping Lantern is an excellent choice. With rechargeable convenience – a must-have feature for camping lanterns, if you ask us! – and a vintage cage-like design, it's the ultimate camp lighting gear.

Camping lanterns are just one way to illuminate your campsite. Need more inspo? Take a look at these other fun and practical camp lighting ideas.