When you’re heading into the great outdoors, whether for a weekend camping trip, an extended backcountry trek, or even preparing for unexpected emergencies at home, having a reliable and lightweight camping lantern is essential. These compact lights not only provide critical illumination but also enhance camping safety, convenience, and comfort in any setting.
The best lanterns are designed to be portable, durable, and powerful, offering versatile lighting options without adding unnecessary weight to your gear. Whether you’re lighting up a campsite, navigating through dark trails, or creating a cozy atmosphere in your tent, the right lantern can make all the difference. If you’re new to selecting the best lighting gear, our Guide to Lighting Brightness and Lumens is a helpful starting point.
Here are our top picks for lightweight camping lanterns, complete with features, pros, and actionable tips to guide your next purchase.

1. Fenix CL27R Rechargeable Lantern
The Fenix CL27R stands out as one of the most versatile and lightweight camping lanterns available. This lantern offers 1600 lumens of brightness, multiple light modes, and USB-C recharging capabilities, making it an excellent choice for campers, preppers, and outdoor enthusiasts. For a deeper dive into what makes rechargeable lanterns a great option, check out our Best Rechargeable Camping Lanterns.
Key Features:
- Brightness: Up to 1600 lumens
- Rechargeable via USB-C for convenience
- Compact and portable design, perfect for backpacking
- Multiple light modes, including red light for preserving night vision
Why It’s Great:
This lantern offers versatility, portability, and brightness that can’t be beat. From lighting your campsite to being an emergency backup, it’s a reliable companion in any situation. Not sure how bright 1600 lumens really is? I’m can light up my entire campsite with this single lantern.
Best Use:
I personally use the Fenix CL27R daily and love it for:
- Walking the dogs with the floodlight setting
- Checking the property with its spotlight mode
- Setting up proximity lighting while working at night
- Camping trips or keeping it in my camper or truck when on the road
This lantern goes with me everywhere I go.
Buy It Here: Fenix CL27R Rechargeable Lantern
Pros:
- Exceptional brightness with multiple light modes
- Durable and water-resistant for outdoor use
- Rechargeable battery lasts through extended trips
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to basic lanterns
Bonus Tip:
Pair this lantern with a reflective ground cloth to enhance the light coverage in your tent or campsite. For more lighting options to brighten your outdoor experience, explore our Outdoor Lighting for Camping Guide.round cloth to enhance the light coverage in your tent or campsite.

2. Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge
The Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge is the ultimate choice for those who value portability above all else. Weighing just a few ounces, this lantern is small enough to fit in your pocket yet powerful enough to light up your campsite.
Key Features:
- Brightness: Up to 150 lumens
- Weight: Only 2.4 ounces, making it one of the lightest on the market
- Rechargeable: USB-powered for convenience
- Dual Functionality: Functions as both a flashlight and a lantern
Why It’s Great: This lantern is perfect for backpackers or campers who want to minimize their load without sacrificing utility. Its dual functionality is a bonus for those who want a flashlight and lantern in one compact device.
Best Use: Ideal for ultralight backpacking, emergency kits, and minimalist campers.
Buy It Here: Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and portable
- Rechargeable with long battery life
- Affordable and reliable
Cons:
- Limited brightness compared to larger lanterns
Bonus Tip: Pair this lantern with a solar charger for sustainable power during multi-day backpacking trips.

3. Black Diamond Moji Lantern
The Black Diamond Moji Lantern is compact, affordable, and durable, making it a favorite among minimalist campers and backpackers.
Key Features:
- Brightness: 100 lumens, perfect for close-range tasks like cooking or reading
- Power Source: Runs on 3 AAA batteries
- Weight: Lightweight at just 3 ounces
Why It’s Great: This lantern offers simplicity and reliability in outdoor conditions. It’s great for personal use in tents or as a backup light.
Best Use: Perfect for short trips, personal lighting in tents, or as an inexpensive backup.
Buy It Here: Black Diamond Moji Lantern
Pros:
- Affordable and easy to use
- Lightweight and compact for backpackers
- Durable build for reliable use
Cons:
- Lower brightness; best for personal or small-space lighting
Bonus Tip: Keep spare AAA batteries handy in a waterproof container for long trips.

4. BioLite AlpenGlow 250 Lantern
The BioLite AlpenGlow 250 combines high brightness with modern features, including ambient lighting and color modes for a cozy or fun atmosphere.
Key Features:
- Brightness: 250 lumens with dimming and color options
- Rechargeable: USB-powered with long battery life
- Additional Perk: Can charge small devices like phones in an emergency
Why It’s Great: This lantern’s ambient and color lighting options make it stand out, especially for campers who want a warm and inviting environment.
Best Use: Great for family camping, relaxing evenings outdoors, or as a versatile light source for events.
Buy It Here: BioLite AlpenGlow 250 Lantern
Pros:
- Fun color modes for ambiance
- USB-rechargeable with device charging capability
- Compact but bright enough for most uses
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than ultra-light options
Bonus Tip: Use the dimming mode to extend battery life during longer trips.

5. Coleman LED Lantern Rugged Rechargeable
Coleman’s LED Lantern offers rugged durability and high brightness, perfect for group trips or car camping.
Key Features:
- Brightness: Up to 400 lumens
- Power Source: Rechargeable battery with USB output for charging devices
- Durability: Rugged design, ideal for rough conditions
Why It’s Great:
Coleman is a trusted name in camping gear, and this lantern delivers high brightness and durability, making it ideal for longer trips or rough outdoor conditions. To keep your lantern in peak condition, check out our Camping Lantern Maintenance Tips.
Best Use:
Great for family camping, group trips, or car camping where rugged reliability is key.
Buy It Here: Coleman LED Lantern
Pros:
- Bright and reliable for group settings
- Durable and weather-resistant
- Rechargeable with USB charging for devices
Cons:
- Heavier than smaller lanterns
Bonus Tip:
Keep this lantern in your car for roadside emergencies—it doubles as a reliable backup light source. For more ideas on multi-purpose camping gear, explore our Outdoor Lighting for Camping Guide.
Lightweight Camping Lantern Comparison Chart
Lantern | Brightness (Lumens) | Weight | Power Source | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fenix CL27R | 1600 | Moderate | Rechargeable | Daily use, camping, working |
Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge | 150 | Ultra-light | Rechargeable | Backpacking, emergencies |
Black Diamond Moji | 100 | Ultra-light | AAA Batteries | Personal lighting |
BioLite AlpenGlow | 250 | Compact | Rechargeable | Family camping, ambiance |
Coleman LED Lantern | 400 | Heavy-duty | Rechargeable | Group camping, durability |
Light Your Next Adventure
Choosing the right camping lantern is about more than just lighting up the night—it’s about creating unforgettable moments and ensuring safety in any outdoor setting. Whether you need the rugged durability of the Coleman LED Lantern for group camping or the ultralight convenience of the Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge for backpacking, there’s a lantern tailored to your needs.
For those looking to maximize efficiency, learn more about Rechargeable Camping Lanterns for sustainable and reliable lighting.
Equip yourself with the best lanterns, and let your outdoor adventures shine bright—no matter where the journey takes you.