Planning your next camping trip? Choosing the right headlamp or lantern can make all the difference between a comfortable night and a frustrating fumble in the dark. This comprehensive review dives into ten of the top camping lighting options available in 2020, helping you navigate the choices and find the perfect fit for your needs and budget. From budget-friendly bestsellers to high-end, feature-packed models, we've examined brightness levels, battery life, durability, and unique features to provide an in-depth comparison.Whether you're looking for a lightweight headlamp for hiking or a powerful lantern to illuminate your campsite, this guide covers a variety of options. We've included everything from compact and affordable choices ideal for backpacking to robust, weatherproof headlamps built for challenging conditions. Discover the best features each model offers, including multiple light settings, rechargeable batteries, USB charging capabilities, and innovative designs that enhance usability and convenience. Let our detailed review guide you to the ideal illumination for your next outdoor adventure.
Pros And Cons
- Collapsible construction
- 30 bright LEDs, 140 lumens
- 360-degree light
- Simple operation (no buttons)
- Aircraft-grade materials
- Survives 10-foot drop
- IPX4 water-resistant
- Affordable ($17.99 for a 2-pack)
- Lifetime warranty and money-back guarantee
- Triple A batteries not included
- Adjustable and washable head strap
- Suitable for children and adults
- Optional mounting accessories
- 300 lumens brightness
- Three white light modes and a red light mode
- Hyper design
- Powered by three AAA batteries or rechargeable core pack
- Some stores may still carry the older 200-lumen model
- Inflatable and portable (5 ounces)
- Rechargeable using sunlight
- 7500 mAh battery, 5 hours runtime at max power
- Covers 125 square feet
- Five light modes, including a flicker mode (48 hours runtime)
- MicroUSB port for charging
- TPU fabric with shimmery finish
- Suitable for use in water
- Can be used as a party light and a charging station for USB devices
- Generates 500 lumens of light
- Standard model has 7800 mAh battery capacity (12000 mAh for Excel model)
- Smart device with remote control via app
- Full spectrum light control, special effects, proximity activation
- Can be linked with other Biolight lanterns
- High price tag
Read more: Best Rechargeable Camping Lanterns 2024: Top 10 Reviews & Comparison
VAUIT Spark: The Budget-Friendly Bestseller
The VAUIT Spark headlamp stands out as an Amazon bestseller, boasting thousands of positive reviews and an incredibly affordable price point of $9.99. Its compact design incorporates three LEDs delivering 200 lumens of brightness, more than enough for most camping needs. Seven different light settings, including strobe and SOS, add versatility and safety.
The comfortable, ergonomic strap features a 45-degree tilt, making it easy to adjust for optimal viewing. Its lightweight (2.5 ounces) design minimizes neck strain during extended use. While powered by three AAA batteries (not included), it delivers a remarkable 8 hours of continuous runtime.
BioLite HeadLamp 750: The Rechargeable Powerhouse
For a higher-end option, the BioLite BaseLantern offers a compelling blend of functionality and design. Acting as both a lantern and a charging station, it provides ample illumination for your campsite. It boasts two LED grids that output an impressive 500 lumens, plus it can charge your USB devices.
The standard model includes a 7800mAh battery, while the XL version ups the ante to 12,000mAh, allowing for up to five phone charges. Smart device features include app-based remote control, customizable light settings, proximity activation, and the ability to synchronize with other BioLite lanterns.
Petzl Tikka: The Versatile and Adjustable Headlamp
The Petzl Tikka headlamp, part of Petzl's classic range, is highly adaptable for various uses. Its adjustable and washable head strap makes it suitable for both children and adults. Optional accessories allow for mounting on helmets, making it ideal for a variety of outdoor pursuits.
Offering 300 lumens of brightness, the Tikka features three white light modes and a red light mode for preserving night vision. It's powered by three AAA batteries or a rechargeable Petzl Core pack, offering a dependable light source for your adventures. Note that older models with 200 lumens are still available in some stores.
Black Diamond Storm: The Rugged and Reliable Headlamp
The Black Diamond Storm headlamp is built to withstand harsh conditions. Completely waterproof and dustproof (after the 2018 update), it offers three different colored night vision modes for versatile use. This headlamp also features brightness memory, maintaining your preferred level.
Utilizing a combination of quad and double power LEDs, the Storm headlamp offers brightness levels of 350, 375, and 400 lumens depending on the version. Its lightweight design (under 4 ounces with batteries) makes it perfect for extended use. The improved profile enhances its suitability for close-range activities.
Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro: The Compact and Versatile Lantern
The Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro lantern offers a compact and affordable solution. Its directional lighting technology produces 210 lumens of bright light, weighing only eight ounces. Features include fold-down legs for optimal light distribution and built-in hooks and magnets for flexible mounting.
This lantern provides a runtime of up to 500 hours on low setting, with brightness adjustment via a convenient dimmer switch. Powered by LG battery cells, it recharges via USB in about four hours. Additionally, it includes a USB port for charging other devices.
Additional Notable Products: A Quick Overview
Several other noteworthy products are mentioned, offering a diverse range of features and price points. The Biolight 200 headlamp provides a lightweight and stylish option with multiple light settings and a long battery life. The Nitecore P12 and P12i are mentioned as similar in size and appearance. The VAUIT camping lantern, with its collapsible design and 30 LEDs, received overwhelmingly positive reviews on Amazon.
Other notable headlamps included the Petzl Active Core, renowned for its power and long-lasting battery, and the impressive VAUIT LED Lantern, characterized by its high Amazon rating and collapsible construction. Each model offers unique features, brightness levels, and power sources to suit varying needs and preferences.
