Category: Gear | Type: Product Review | Focus: Solar Lanterns | Time: m
Last updated: April 2025
Introduction:
When the sun goes down, your campsite doesn’t have to go dark. Solar-powered lanterns offer a clean, renewable way to light your tent, picnic table, or trailhead — without relying on disposable batteries or heavy power banks.
Today’s solar lanterns are more than just eco-friendly camping gear. They’re compact, lightweight, waterproof, and rechargeable, often with backup USB charging or multiple brightness modes. Whether you’re car camping for the weekend or hiking into the backcountry, a quality solar lantern adds convenience, safety, and ambiance to your trip.
In this guide, we break down the best solar lanterns for camping in 2025 — evaluated for real-world performance, portability, and power efficiency. These sustainable camping equipment options have become essential for anyone looking to minimize their environmental footprint while enjoying the outdoors.
| Name | Weight | Max Brightness | Charge Time (Solar) | Backup Charging | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 | 4.4 oz | 75 lumens | ~7-10 h* | No | Backpacking, tent lighting | $29-$39 |
| Goal Zero Crush Light | 3.2 oz | 60 lumens | ~8-20 h* | Yes (USB) | Packable soft light | $19-$29 |
| LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1 | 8.5 oz | 150 lumens | ~16-20 h* | Yes (USB input/output) | Multi-day basecamp use | $49-$59 |
| Kizen Solar Lantern | 7.2 oz | 65 lumens | ~10-12 h* | Yes (USB) | Budget-friendly camping | $25-$35 |
| BioLite SunLight 100 | 3.5 oz | 100 lumens | ~7-10 h* | Yes (USB) | Lightweight with features | $20-$30 |
*Charge times assume direct sunlight; cloudy conditions may extend times.
1. MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0
What It Is:
The Luci Outdoor 2.0 by MPOWERD is an inflatable, solar-powered lantern that weighs just 4.4 oz and folds down to less than an inch thick. It’s fully waterproof, highly portable, and emits up to 75 lumens — perfect for tent interiors or ambient camp lighting. As one of the most popular waterproof solar lanterns on the market, it’s become a staple for ultralight backpackers.
Why It’s Popular Among Campers:
Its inflatable design diffuses light evenly and floats on water, making it ideal for wet or humid environments. With no batteries required and a built-in solar panel, it’s a go-to for backpackers who want a set-it-and-forget-it lighting solution. For those seeking lightweight backpacking lanterns, this model offers an excellent balance of weight and functionality.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and packable
- Fully solar-powered — no cords or batteries
- Waterproof and floats (IP67 rating)
- 4 light modes including flashing
- Up to 24 hours runtime on low mode
Cons:
- No USB backup charging
- Takes 7+ hours to fully recharge in sunlight
- Not the brightest option for group lighting
Best For:
Backpackers and ultralight campers who want a compact, eco-friendly lantern for personal or tent use. If you’re looking for the best solar-powered lanterns for backpacking in 2025, this should be at the top of your consideration list.
Looking for more lightweight gear options? Check out our guide on Top 7 Camping Tools Under 100g That Serious Backpackers Swear By for additional ultralight equipment recommendations.
2. Goal Zero Crush Light
What It Is:
The Crush Light from Goal Zero is a collapsible solar lantern that provides soft, diffused lighting and packs down flat for easy storage. At just 3.2 oz, it’s one of the lightest options available, and includes both solar and USB charging capabilities, making it versatile among USB rechargeable lanterns for camping.
Why It’s Popular Among Campers:
Its accordion-style body makes setup simple — just pop it open, switch it on, and enjoy the glow. The soft light is great for reading, eating, or winding down in camp, and the optional candle-flicker mode adds ambiance without open flames. These portable solar lights have earned their reputation for reliability in all conditions.
Pros:
- Lightweight and fold-flat design
- Dual power: solar + USB backup
- Warm, comfortable glow
- Candle flicker mode for mood lighting
- Up to 35 hours on low setting
Cons:
- Not very bright at full output (60 lumens)
- Slow solar recharge (8+ hours in full sun)
- Button can be hard to press with gloves
Best For:
Campers who want a compact, relaxing lantern for evenings around the tent or picnic table — especially for low-light, long-run use. It’s particularly ideal for those seeking portable solar lights with extended battery life.
3. LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1
What It Is:
The PackLite Max 2-in-1 from LuminAID is a solar lantern and phone charger combo. It inflates into a cube shape for soft, diffused lighting, and delivers up to 150 lumens of brightness — with an integrated USB output port for recharging devices. This combination makes it one of the most versatile solar lantern phone chargers available.
Why It’s Popular Among Campers:
It’s ideal for basecamps or emergency kits thanks to its massive battery capacity (2000 mAh) and dual-use design. The solar panel recharges the lantern during the day, and the USB port tops off your phone, GPS, or headlamp at night. Many campers appreciate these solar camping lanterns with phone charging capability for multi-day trips away from power sources.
Pros:
- Bright 150-lumen output
- Doubles as a power bank (USB out)
- Inflatable for 360° soft lighting
- Up to 50 hours runtime on low
- Waterproof and floats (IP67)
Cons:
- Heavier than minimalist lanterns (8.5 oz)
- Long solar charge time (16+ hours)
- Bulkier than collapsible or hard-shell options
- USB port may degrade with heavy use
Best For:
Campers and overlanders who want a bright, multifunctional lantern with backup charging for phones or small electronics — great for extended stays and preparedness kits. This is one of the top solar-powered lanterns for multi-day camping trips where power management is essential.
4. Kizen Solar Lantern
What It Is:
The Kizen Solar Lantern is a budget-friendly, collapsible camping light that doubles as an emergency flashlight and USB power bank. It’s made from durable silicone and ABS plastic, and folds into a compact puck for storage. For those seeking affordable solar camping lights, this model delivers excellent value.
Why It’s Popular Among Campers:
With 3 light modes, including an SOS flash, the Kizen is a versatile and affordable choice for campers, preppers, and festival-goers. The built-in solar panel provides off-grid charging, while the USB port ensures reliable backup power when needed. It’s particularly popular among budget-conscious shoppers looking for energy-efficient camping lights.
Pros:
- Low-cost, multi-use option
- Folds down compactly for packing
- Solar + USB rechargeable
- Includes SOS emergency mode
- Can be used as a mini power bank
Cons:
- Modest brightness (max 65 lumens)
- Slower solar charging (~10 hours)
- Shorter battery life on high mode (~5 hours)
Best For:
Campers who want a simple, affordable solar lantern with essential features and USB backup — ideal for weekend trips or occasional outdoor use. If you’re searching for budget-friendly solar camping lights for family trips, this model delivers excellent value.
Need more budget-friendly gear options? Our article on Camping Gadgets Under $20 features additional affordable equipment for your outdoor adventures.
5. BioLite SunLight 100
What It Is:
The SunLight 100 from BioLite is an ultralight, solar-powered lantern with 100 lumens of brightness, multiple color modes, and an integrated sun dial to help you optimize solar charging. It also includes a kickstand for angling or hanging. This combines several key features that outdoor enthusiasts look for in solar-powered tent lighting.
Why It’s Popular Among Campers:
At just 3.5 oz, it’s perfect for backpackers. The multi-color party mode adds fun to campsite evenings, while the USB backup charging ensures you’re never left in the dark. Its compact design easily clips to gear or fits in a shirt pocket. Many users rate it among the best lightweight solar lanterns for ultralight camping trips.
Pros:
- Bright 100-lumen white mode + RGB color settings
- Kickstand doubles as a clip or hanger
- Solar + USB charging
- Long runtime (up to 50 hours on low)
- Very lightweight (3.5 oz)
Cons:
- Small solar panel = slow full charge (~7 hours)
- Button interface is small for gloved hands
- Not ideal for large group lighting
Best For:
Backpackers and solo campers looking for a fun, compact solar lantern that’s lightweight, colorful, and USB-ready for weekend hikes or festival tents. It’s particularly suitable for those interested in compact camping lights with multiple brightness options.
Planning a solo camping trip? Don’t miss our comprehensive Solo Camping Checklist: What to Pack and How to Stay Safe that includes lighting recommendations and other essential gear.
Conclusion
A good solar lantern does more than just light up your tent — it adds safety, comfort, and convenience to your camp setup without relying on disposable batteries or wall outlets. Whether you’re going ultralight, car camping with family, or preparing an emergency kit, there’s a model for your needs among these sustainable camping equipment options.
- Want something ultralight and simple? Go with the MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 or BioLite SunLight 100.
- Need a backup charger or high brightness? Try the LuminAID PackLite Max.
- Prefer packable design with ambiance? The Goal Zero Crush Light and Kizen offer excellent collapsibility and mood lighting.
Whichever you choose, these eco-friendly camping gear options let you make the most of daylight — and never be caught unprepared when the sun goes down.
If you’re looking for additional lighting options beyond solar, check out our guide on Best Camping Flashlights with Long Battery Life (2025) for complementary lighting solutions.
How We Selected These Products
Our recommendations are based on comprehensive research of manufacturer specifications, professional reviews, and aggregated user feedback across major outdoor retailers. We evaluated each product based on brightness, battery life, charging options, durability, weight, special features, and price point to identify the best options for different camping scenarios.
While we haven’t personally tested each model in extreme conditions, we’ve carefully analyzed real-world user experiences across various environments and seasons to provide reliable recommendations that match different camping needs and budgets.
FAQ
1. How long do solar lanterns take to charge?
Most solar lanterns take 7-16 hours of direct sunlight to fully charge. Cloudy conditions or shaded areas will extend that time. Many models also support USB charging for faster top-ups. When planning for extended trips, consider high-lumen solar lanterns with longer battery life or backup charging options.
2. Are solar lanterns waterproof?
Many are at least water-resistant (IPX4+), and models like the MPOWERD Luci and LuminAID are fully waterproof and float (IP67). Always check the IP rating if you expect rain or plan to use it near water. Waterproof solar lanterns are essential for camping in unpredictable weather conditions.
3. Can I charge a phone with a solar lantern?
Only models with USB output, like the LuminAID PackLite Max, can charge a phone. They work best as emergency top-ups, not full replacements for power banks. If you’re specifically looking for solar lanterns with phone charging capabilities for off-grid camping, prioritize models with at least 2000mAh battery capacity.
4. How bright should a camping lantern be?
For tent lighting or personal use, 50-100 lumens is usually enough. For cooking, group lighting, or area illumination, 150+ lumens is better. Some lanterns offer multiple brightness modes to save power. When selecting solar lantern brightness, consider your specific camping activities and group size.
5. Do solar lanterns work in winter or cloudy weather?
Yes — but charging will be slower in low-light conditions. Keep a USB cord or spare power bank handy if you’re camping during winter or expect overcast skies. The best solar lanterns for winter camping typically offer multiple charging options for reliability.
6. Are solar lanterns durable for multi-day hikes?
Most quality solar lanterns are designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Look for models with impact-resistant construction and robust materials. Inflatable options like the MPOWERD Luci and LuminAID are surprisingly durable despite their lightweight design. Foldable solar lanterns for easy packing tend to offer the best balance of durability and convenience.
7. What are the best solar lanterns for emergency preparedness?
For emergency kits, prioritize lanterns with multiple power sources, SOS signaling features (like the Kizen), and the ability to charge other devices (like the LuminAID). Models with long battery life and durable construction are essential for emergency situations. The best solar-powered lanterns for emergency preparedness combine brightness, longevity, and versatility.
8. What are the best solar lanterns for festival camping?
BioLite SunLight 100 with color modes and Goal Zero Crush Light with flicker mode create festive vibes.
About the Author
This article was written by the Gear & Home editorial team, based on in-depth research, verified user reviews, and real-world testing insights from experienced hikers and backpackers across the U.S.
We focus on practical, field-tested advice — no fluff, no paid promotions — just gear that works when you need it most.
