Usually powered these days by LEDs, these lanterns provide a great semi-permanent light source for inside and out, whether you’re off on a weekend jaunt, at a festival, or setting up basecamp on a more extreme adventure. We’ve picked a few of our favourites, and as always, tried to find a balance between great quality, and great value.

Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini Lantern

‘Palm-sized lantern that packs a punch.’

The Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini is the little brother of the bigger Goal Zero Lighthouse, although it still packs a massive punch at 210 lumen. It fits in the palm of your hand, and the legs fold in completely, making it even more portable and convenient. The Lighthouse also doubles as a charging station, and features a USB port for plugging in phones and tablets.

Build quality
The Lighthouse is a great piece of kit, made from a combination of lightweight plastics and steel legs. It’s light and sturdy, and as long as it doesn’t get beaten around too much, it’ll last.

Materials
The slim steel legs are foldable and surprisingly strong. The rest of the Goal Zero Lighthouse is made from quality plastics, making it lightweight and portable.

Features
As well as being a solid lantern, the Lighthouse doubles as a charging station. Use the built-in USB port to charge phones, Kindles and tablets, and never run out of juice when you need it most.

Check out our camping guide to the 5 Best Lanterns

The post Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini Lantern appeared first on Camping Things.

But sometimes it’s just necessary to have certain devices charged and ready to go. And for that, you need some serious portable power; reliable energy packs that’ll keep your equipment charged and ready. We’ve picked a few of our favourite portable power packs, including solar-powered energy cells, which you can charge and use again and again, without harming the environment.

As always at Camping Things, you’ll find a lovely balance between quality and value for money, so you’re assured a great piece of kit, whichever one of these power packs you choose.

ECEEN Foldable Solar Panel Backpack – 33L

‘Sizeable backpack with built-in solar panel for charging devices.’

For the tech-loving traveller who likes to make every gram count, the ECEEN foldable backpack is a gem of a find. With a 33L capacity, it’s a sizeable backpack in its own right, but it doesn’t stop there — the ECEEN Solar Panel Backpack folds away into its own handy travel pouch, so that you can pack it away into your suitcase, or keep it in the car for later trips.

The folding solar panel on the front of the front of the ECEEN Solar Panel Backpack is extremely energy-efficient, and collects enough power in just a few hours to power most standard phones and devices.

Build quality
The ECEEN is really well-made. A lot of these folding backpacks can be somewhat of a novelty, but the ECEEN Solar Panel Backpack is a solid bag all-round, regardless of the solar panel.

The solar panel
The panel itself attaches to the front of the backpack and acts as a holding pad when charging devices. It’s energy-efficient, meaning it charges quickly, and comes with a USB adapter so that you can plug devices directly into it.

Best for
The ECEEN is great for hiking trips and longer holidays. Perfect as a standalone backpack, and for folding away for when you need it.

Check out our guide to top 5 best portable power

The post ECEEN Foldable Solar Panel Backpack – 33L appeared first on Camping Things.

But sometimes it’s just necessary to have certain devices charged and ready to go. And for that, you need some serious portable power; reliable energy packs that’ll keep your equipment charged and ready. We’ve picked a few of our favourite portable power packs, including solar-powered energy cells, which you can charge and use again and again, without harming the environment.

As always at Camping Things, you’ll find a lovely balance between quality and value for money, so you’re assured a great piece of kit, whichever one of these power packs you choose.

Hiluckey USB Solar Panel Battery Charger with LED Flashlight

‘Solar charger plus built-in flashlight, also rainproof.’

The Hiluckey USB Solar Panel Battery Charger with LED Flashlight is a lot like the Innoo in that its durable and made for the extreme outdoors, only the Hiluckey comes with a powerful built-in LED torch, too. It’s around the same size as an iPhone, and with the orange rubber grips on the side, the Hiluckey is actually a pretty good-looking piece of kit in its own right.

Build quality
We can’t fault the Hiluckey USB Solar Panel Battery Charger with LED Flashlight on quality or performance. It charges quickly and delivers a solid charge to most power-hungry devices in no time at all. The rubberised outer and ribbed grips make it extremely easy to keep hold of and clip onto your backpack, and the panel itself is tough and hard-wearing.

Features
We love the torch on the back of the Hiluckey. It’s not on all the time, so no need to worry about it draining the power you’ve collected, but when it is on, it’s powerful enough to provide a decent amount of light inside your tent.

Best for
Regular camping trips, hiking holidays.

Check out our guide to top 5 best portable power

The post Hiluckey USB Solar Panel Battery Charger with LED Flashlight appeared first on Camping Things.

What you’re looking at here is a piece of genuine human intuition, the lighter can be charged with the included USB cable in about 2 hours. The multi-functional lanyard consists of an emergency whistle and a paratinder lanyard for lighting a fire quickly.

Build quality
The 3-in-1 thing can be a bit of a novelty, offering devices which don’t really excel at anything, but the Suaoki is different, it performs. It’s well-built and compact, it feels sturdy enough to last on most regular camping trips.

Explore Electric Plasma Lighter

Features
The Explore fire starter element performs well, even in windy conditions, and you should have no problem getting the heat going with just one or two clicks.

• Waterproof Arc Lighter
• Windproof
• Emergency Whistle
• No gas required environmentally clean and convenient
• High-quality ABS and Zinc Alloy material,durable
• 1 year guarantee

Best for
Hiking trips and weekend breaks.

Check out our guide to top 5 best portable power

The post Explore Electric Plasma Lighter appeared first on Camping Things.

Usually powered these days by LEDs, these lanterns provide a great semi-permanent light source for inside and out, whether you’re off on a weekend jaunt, at a festival, or setting up basecamp on a more extreme adventure. We’ve picked a few of our favourites, and as always, tried to find a balance between great quality, and great value.

Princeton Tec HELIX Basecamp Bluetooth Lantern

‘Bluetooth controlled lantern for remote lighting.’

Use your phone to turn the Princeton off and on, and enjoy 250 lumen of pure, evenly spread LED light. The Princeton Tec HELIX Basecamp Bluetooth Lantern is collapsible and light, and the sturdy legs fold underneath, making it even easier to pack and transport. The stackable upper portion is an attractive feature, too, and we love the Princeton as a gift option for regular overnight hikers and campers.

Build quality
Quality can be a difficult thing to find in collapsible, portable lanterns, but the Princeton Tec HELIX Basecamp Bluetooth Lantern is both extremely well made and conveniently small. We’ve got no complaints at all about the quality of the stackable upper, or the folding legs, and the Bluetooth control seems to work well, too.

Materials
Made mostly from durable plastics, the Princeton is light and rainproof, another plus for extreme outdoor enthusiasts.

Features
It looks a little strange at first with its crumpled upper segment, but the Princeton is made to perform, and stacks easily and quickly. The Bluetooth control is a bit of a novelty, but if you’re in bed and don’t feel like getting up to turn off the lantern, then having the option to turn it off remotely is a thoughtful touch.

Check out our camping guide to the 5 Best Lanterns

The post Princeton Tec HELIX Basecamp Bluetooth Lantern appeared first on Camping Things.

Usually powered these days by LEDs, these lanterns provide a great semi-permanent light source for inside and out, whether you’re off on a weekend jaunt, at a festival, or setting up basecamp on a more extreme adventure. We’ve picked a few of our favourites, and as always, tried to find a balance between great quality, and great value.

UCO Candle Lantern

‘Lightweight, powerful lantern.’

The UCO Candle Lantern is one option that doesn’t use LEDs, making it a lovely night time light, for reading, relaxing, and really getting into the camping spirit. It’s essentially a collapsible candle holder, which holds UCO’s own specially designed candles perfectly. Up to 9 hours of burn time per UCO candle.

Build quality
Choose from either aluminium or brass construction on the UCO, both are hardened and super hard-wearing. Anything collapsible needs to be durable, and the UCO is sure to stand up to repeated use. Folds away into a neat foam capsule for easy transportation.

Materials
The UCO Collapsible Lantern is made from either brass, or anodized aluminium. Both are great for use inside and outside.

Features
There are lots of things we love about the UCO, not least is the fact that it allows you to use real candles rather than LEDs. It has the added benefit of warming your tent, and it helps to remove condensation

Check out our camping guide to the 5 Best Lanterns

The post UCO Candle Lantern appeared first on Camping Things.

We’ve chosen some of the best solar and most eco-friendly rechargeable camping lights, which strike a balance between great value and great performance. Keep your solar light out during the day to charge, and enjoy free energy all night long. If you’re hiking, find a way to secure your lamp to your rucksack, and charge as you walk.

As always at Camping Things, we only review the best, most value-for-money options, so you’re assured a great deal, whichever light you pick.

Solar Camping Light, Hand Crank Dynamo 36 LED Lantern

‘Solar powered hanging lantern, doubles as a charger.’

This Solar Camping Light is a technological marvel, capable of providing a full-night’s lighting on a single charge during the day, via the attached top solar panel, and of charging your phone and other devices. There’s a built-in USB port on the side, so you can plug straight into the lamp once it’s charged, and we absolutely love the hand crank charger on the front, allowing you 1 of 5 ways to charge (Solar Powered, Crank , Car Adapter, AC Adapter or 3 x AA Battery)      

Build quality
Even though this Solar Camping Light is mostly plastic, there’s something reassuringly sturdy about it. It’s really well designed, and it looks great. In testing, it stands up to general use well, and would make a great addition to any seasoned or weekend camper’s kit.

Materials
Made mostly from quality plastic, there’s a solar panel on top which is protected by a fold-over cover.

Features
The AGPtek doubles as a charger, and comes with a built-in USB port, for plugging in phones, tablets and other devices. We were seriously impressed this versatile light, much brighter than other camping lights with a lower energy consumption. Works as either a standing lamp, or a hanging lantern.

Check out our 5 Best Solar and rechargeable lights guide

The post Solar Camping Light with hand crank appeared first on Camping Things.

We’ve chosen some of the best solar and most eco-friendly rechargeable camping lights, which strike a balance between great value and great performance. Keep your solar light out during the day to charge, and enjoy free energy all night long. If you’re hiking, find a way to secure your lamp to your rucksack, and charge as you walk.

As always at Camping Things, we only review the best, most value-for-money options, so you’re assured a great deal, whichever light you pic

Solar and USB Rechargeable Camping Lantern

‘Up to 40 hours operating time, compact and efficient.’

When what you’re looking for is maximum run time, this Solar and USB Rechargeable Camping Lantern is a great option. Unfussy, fold-out design exposes the solar panels for charging during the day, and once fully juiced up, the light has an operating time of up to 40 hours, depending on the light intensity level selected.

Small and powerful, this solar powered lantern is splash and rainproof, so ideal ideal for weekends away camping.

Build quality
Small and mighty, this lantern is great quality and folds up neatly to protect the solar panels on the inside. This Solar and USB Rechargeable Camping Lantern is  made from high quality plastic, with a frosted dome front to help diffuse the light and make it more ambient.

Materials
We’re particularly impressed by the frosted front, which spreads the considerable light evenly, so that it doesn’t hurt your eyes, or focus the light on any one spot. The whole thing is made from durable plastic. Another great contender in our review of best solar lanterns.

Features
There are two solar panels inside this lantern, which you’ll find by folding the thing open and laying it flat. Around 8 hours of charge will buy you up to 40 hours of light, if you use the light on its lowest setting. There’s a solid handle on top the lamp for hanging, and because it’s so compact, it travels well even in small rucksacks.

Check out our 5 Best Solar and rechargeable lights guide

The post Solar and USB Rechargeable Camping Lantern appeared first on Camping Things.

UCO 9 Hour Original Collapsible Candle Lantern

‘Lightweight, powerful, collapsible lantern.’

Check price

The UCO is one option that doesn’t use LEDs, making it a lovely night time light, for reading, relaxing, and really getting into the camping spirit. It’s essentially a collapsible candle holder, which holds UCO’s own specially designed candles perfectly. Up to 9 hours of burn time per UCO candle.

Build quality
Choose from either aluminium or brass construction on the UCO, both are hardened and super hard-wearing. Anything collapsible needs to be durable, and the UCO is sure to stand up to repeated use. Folds away into a neat foam capsule for easy transportation.

Materials
The UCO is made from either brass, or anodized aluminium. Both are great for use inside and outside.

Features
There are lots of things we love about the UCO, not least is the fact that it allows you to use real candles rather than LEDs. It has the added benefit of warming your tent, and it helps to remove condensation.

Check prices on Amazon

Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini Lantern

‘Palm-sized lantern that packs a punch.’

Check price

The Goal Zero Mini is the little brother of the bigger Goal Zero Lighthouse, although it still packs a massive punch at 210 lumen. It fits in the palm of your hand, and the legs fold in completely, making it even more portable and convenient. The Lighthouse also doubles as a charging station, and features a USB port for plugging in phones and tablets.

Build quality
The Lighthouse is a great piece of kit, made from a combination of lightweight plastics and steel legs. It’s light and sturdy, and as long as it doesn’t get beaten around too much, it’ll last. One of our favourite camping lanterns.

Materials
The slim steel legs are foldable and surprisingly strong. The rest of the Lighthouse is made from quality plastics, making it lightweight and portable.

Features
As well as being a solid lantern, the Lighthouse doubles as a charging station. Use the built-in USB port to charge phones, Kindles and tablets, and never run out of juice when you need it most.

Check prices on Amazon

Princeton Tec HELIX Basecamp Bluetooth

‘Bluetooth controlled lantern for remote lighting.’

Check price

Use your phone to turn the Princeton off and on, and enjoy 250 lumen of pure, evenly spread LED light. The Princeton is collapsible and light, and the sturdy legs fold underneath, making it even easier to pack and transport. The stackable upper portion is an attractive feature, too, and we love the Princeton as a gift option for regular overnight hikers and campers.

Build quality
Quality can be a difficult thing to find in collapsible, portable camping lantern, but the Princeton is both extremely well made and conveniently small. We’ve got no complaints at all about the quality of the stackable upper, or the folding legs, and the Bluetooth control seems to work well, too.

Materials
Made mostly from durable plastics, the Princeton is light and rainproof, another plus for extreme outdoor enthusiasts. One of the best camping lanterns on the market today.

Features
It looks a little strange at first with its crumpled upper segment, but the Princeton is made to perform, and stacks easily and quickly. The Bluetooth control is a bit of a novelty, but if you’re in bed and don’t feel like getting up to turn off the lantern, then having the option to turn it off remotely is a thoughtful touch.

Check prices on Amazon

Black Diamond Apollo Camping Lanterns

‘Simple, powerful outdoor folding lantern.’

Check price

The Apollo is a simple, thoughtfully built LED lantern that’s light on extra features, but superb at what it’s made for. 80 lumen of light housed inside a frosted globe, the Apollo distributes its light evenly and efficiently.

The dual reflector inside the globe is responsible for distributing the light evenly, and it works nicely inside a tent, or as an ambient outdoor light.

Build quality
Because the Apollo is low on extras, there’s a big focus on quality. It’s made from plastic and a frosted plastic globe upper, and the legs are steel. You can either stand the Apollo on its tripod legs, or use the steel hanging handle to hang it from branches or inside your tent.

Materials
Made mostly from plastic and stainless steel, the Apollo is a trusty outdoor companion, that’s lightweight, durable and weatherproof.

Features
There’s not a lot extra to say about the Apollo. It’s a simple, powerful LED lantern. It does feature folding legs, and the dual reflector system inside the frosted globe helps to distribute the light evenly, indoors and outdoors.

Check prices on Amazon

TaoTronics Collapsible LED Lantern

‘Cheap, cheerful, outdoor lantern.’

Check price

For the price, this is one of the best collapsible lanterns we’ve seen. The TaoTronics makes a fantastic addition to your weekend camping kit, and is also great as an ultra-lightweight fishing light. The lantern collapses down to the size of a beer can, and when unfolded, features a hanging handle so you can position it wherever you like, away from the wet ground.

Build quality
The TaoTronics doesn’t have the same quality feel as some of the other higher-end lanterns on our list, but for the price, it’s decent enough, and it’s good to have one stashed away in your kit for emergencies.

Materials
Keeping costs low, the TaoTronics is made from reasonable-quality plastic. It’s not incredible, but it does the job. One of the most cost effective camping lanterns on the market today.

Features
Folds down into itself, to around the size of a beer can. The TaoTronics is an LED lantern, so it shines brightly without any noticeable dip in brightness until the batteries are near empty. LEDs tend to perform well in extreme conditions, too, so this a good one to have as a lightweight backup on your travels.

Check prices on Amazon

Best Camping Lanterns

The post Latest Camping lanterns appeared first on Camping Things.

Usually powered these days by LEDs, these lanterns provide a great semi-permanent light source for inside and out, whether you’re off on a weekend jaunt, at a festival, or setting up basecamp on a more extreme adventure. We’ve picked a few of our favourites, and as always, tried to find a balance between great quality, and great value.

Black Diamond Apollo Lantern

‘Simple, powerful outdoor folding lantern.’

The Apollo Lantern is a simple, thoughtfully built LED lantern that’s light on extra features, but superb at what it’s made for. 80 lumen of light housed inside a frosted globe, the Apollo distributes its light evenly and efficiently.

The dual reflector inside the globe is responsible for distributing the light evenly, and it works nicely inside a tent, or as an ambient outdoor light.

Build quality
Because the Apollo Lantern is low on extras, there’s a big focus on quality. It’s made from plastic and a frosted plastic globe upper, and the legs are steel. You can either stand the Apollo on its tripod legs, or use the steel hanging handle to hang it from branches or inside your tent.

Materials
Made mostly from plastic and stainless steel, the Apollo Lantern is a trusty outdoor companion, that’s lightweight, durable and weatherproof.

Features
There’s not a lot extra to say about the Apollo. It’s a simple, powerful LED lantern. It does feature folding legs, and the dual reflector system inside the frosted globe helps to distribute the light evenly, indoors and outdoors.

Check out our camping guide to the 5 Best Lanterns

The post Black Diamond Apollo Lantern appeared first on Camping Things.