Wurkkos CL01 Camping Lantern Review: Bright, Versatile, and Feature-Packed

The Wurkkos CL01 camping lantern isn't just another light; it's a versatile, feature-packed powerhouse designed for the adventurous spirit. This comprehensive review dives deep into the CL01's performance, exploring its impressive brightness, extensive color options, and intuitive user interface. We'll examine the build quality, included accessories, and diverse mounting options to determine if this lantern truly lives up to the hype. From its robust construction to its surprisingly lightweight design, we'll uncover what makes the CL01 a standout option in a crowded market.Prepare to be impressed by the CL01's adaptability. We'll explore its wide range of brightness settings, from a gentle moonlight glow to a powerful turbo mode, and delve into the captivating RGB lighting capabilities. Discover the ease of use and the innovative features like the glow gasket, which adds a unique ambient lighting dimension. This in-depth review will provide you with all the information needed to decide if the Wurkkos CL01 is the perfect addition to your outdoor gear.

Pros And Cons

Workos CL01 Camping Lantern
  • Provides a ton of useful light
  • Includes RGB lighting for fun
  • Very compact
  • Adjustable
  • Comes with USB-C charging cord
  • User-replaceable 21700 cell
  • Includes O-rings for cell replacement
  • IP65 water resistance rating
  • Reverse charging capability
  • Advanced temperature regulation and low voltage warnings
  • Four battery indicators
  • Includes pouch for storage and lens protection
  • 360° beam angle
  • Lightweight (110g without battery)
  • Large, strong magnet for mounting
  • 1/4-inch mount for tripod attachment
  • Glow gasket feature
  • Rotary dial controls color temperature instead of brightness levels (reviewer's preference)

Read more: Top 5 Square Camping Tables for Your Next Adventure

Unboxing and First Impressions

The Wurkkos CL01 arrived in packaging that featured the older Workos logo, a slight inconsistency given the updated branding on the lantern itself. Despite this minor detail, the packaging was sturdy and protective. Inside, the lantern was well-organized with all accessories neatly placed.

The Wurkkos CL01 lantern packaging showing the older logo.
The Wurkkos CL01 lantern packaging showing the older logo.

The included accessories are comprehensive, beyond what’s typically found with similar camping lanterns. A USB-C charging cable, spare O-rings for the replaceable 21700 battery, and a carrying pouch were all included. This attention to detail demonstrates Wurkkos's commitment to quality.

Close-up of the lantern's packaging contents: USB-C charging cable, O-rings, and pouch.
Close-up of the lantern's packaging contents: USB-C charging cable, O-rings, and pouch.

The lantern itself is compact and surprisingly lightweight, similar in size to other popular models but with the added functionality of RGB lighting and a wide range of brightness adjustments. The build quality appears robust, promising durability for outdoor adventures.

The Wurkkos CL01 lantern displayed with its clip and lanyard.
The Wurkkos CL01 lantern displayed with its clip and lanyard.

Performance and Features

The Wurkkos CL01 boasts a significant range of brightness and color temperature options. It offers adjustable warmth from 2700K to 6500K, accommodating various preferences and lighting needs. The RGB modes add a fun and practical element, providing colorful ambience for camping or other outdoor activities.

The Wurkkos CL01 lantern showing the color temperature adjustment dial.
The Wurkkos CL01 lantern showing the color temperature adjustment dial.

With 14 CSP 1313 LEDs for white light and 14 color LEDs for RGB, the CL01 delivers impressive illumination. It provides a 360° beam angle, ensuring complete coverage in a tent or around a campsite. The lantern is also IP65 water-resistant, adding to its reliability and suitability for diverse outdoor conditions.

The Wurkkos CL01 demonstrating its RGB lighting modes.
The Wurkkos CL01 demonstrating its RGB lighting modes.

The intuitive user interface allows for quick and easy brightness adjustments using the rotary dial. Multiple brightness levels are available, ranging from a soft moonlight setting to a powerful turbo mode. This adaptability ensures ideal illumination for any situation.

The battery indicator and interface of the Wurkkos CL01 lantern.
The battery indicator and interface of the Wurkkos CL01 lantern.

Nighttime Performance and User Interface

The nighttime demonstration showcased the Wurkkos CL01's impressive brightness and versatility across warm and cool white light. The difference between the lowest and highest brightness settings was significant, highlighting the lantern’s adaptive capabilities.

The Wurkkos CL01 lantern in nighttime use, showing warm white light.
The Wurkkos CL01 lantern in nighttime use, showing warm white light.

The RGB modes were thoroughly demonstrated, highlighting the ease of use and diverse color options. Single presses, double presses, and triple presses activate different functions, including strobe, chase, and flow modes. The ability to quickly cycle through colors or select a specific color is intuitive.

The Wurkkos CL01 demonstrating its glow gasket.
The Wurkkos CL01 demonstrating its glow gasket.

The glow gasket, a subtle but welcome addition, provides a soft ambient glow, adding to the lantern's versatility and usability. It is particularly useful for navigating in the dark without harsh brightness.

Nighttime shot of the Wurkkos CL01 showing various RGB settings.
Nighttime shot of the Wurkkos CL01 showing various RGB settings.

Mounting Options and Overall Impression

The Wurkkos CL01 offers a variety of mounting options, including a strong magnet, a clip, and a 1/4-inch tripod mount. The magnet is particularly impressive, providing a secure hold even on smooth surfaces.

The Wurkkos CL01 lantern showing its powerful magnet.
The Wurkkos CL01 lantern showing its powerful magnet.

The overall build quality, feature set, and performance of the Wurkkos CL01 are exceptional. It stands out from generic camping lanterns with its thoughtful design, robust construction, and comprehensive set of accessories. The reviewer found only one minor issue with the user interface, suggesting an option to control brightness levels with the rotary dial instead of just color temperature.

Close-up of the quarter-inch mounting point on the Wurkkos CL01.
Close-up of the quarter-inch mounting point on the Wurkkos CL01.

Overall, the Wurkkos CL01 is a highly recommended camping lantern. Its versatility, brightness, and durability make it a valuable tool for outdoor enthusiasts. The included features, such as the glow gasket, and the robust build quality justify the price.

Wurkkos CL01 lantern showing the glow gasket during daytime.
Wurkkos CL01 lantern showing the glow gasket during daytime.