Fenix CL27R Camping Lantern: In-Depth Review

Reliable lighting is important for outdoor adventures, emergencies, or industrial work sites. The Fenix CL27R Camping Lantern Flashlight stands out as a top-tier option, offering a powerful 1600 lumens of brightness, versatile lighting modes, and rugged durability. Whether setting up camp in the wilderness, walking the dogs, inspecting your property, or preparing for an emergency, this lantern promises to deliver the illumination you need. Click here to purchase the Fenix CL27R Camping Lantern Flashlight.

Designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind, the Fenix CL27R is more than just a camping lantern—it’s a multifunctional tool that easily adapts to various scenarios. In this review, I’ll explore this versatile lantern’s features, performance, and real-world applications, sharing how it has become an indispensable part of my routine.

If you’re exploring more options, our ultimate guide to the best rechargeable camping lanterns compares the Fenix CL27R with other top choices, from high-brightness models to multi-functional lanterns.

Key Features and Specifications

Brightness and Range
The Fenix CL27R boasts an impressive 1600 lumens, capable of illuminating an area up to 196 yards. This brightness level makes it one of the best rechargeable camping lanterns for outdoor work and emergencies. Whether you’re camping, night fishing, or working late on a job site, the powerful beam of this high-lumen camping lantern ensures you can see clearly over long distances, making it a reliable tool for any outdoor or work setting. Purchase the Fenix CL27R here.

Versatile Light Modes
One of the standout features of the CL27R is its versatility. The lantern offers eight white light modes and two red light modes, all easily accessible via a rotary toggle and electronic switch. This flexibility allows you to adjust the brightness and color temperature to suit your environment. Whether you need a soft, warm light for relaxing at the campsite or a bright, cool light for detailed work, the CL27R is one of the best lanterns with adjustable light modes, providing options that fit a variety of scenarios.

USB-C Rechargeable
Gone are the days of worrying about replacing batteries in the middle of a trip. The Fenix CL27R is equipped with a USB-C charging port, providing a straightforward and fast way to recharge. A built-in power indicator lets you know when it’s time to recharge, ensuring you’re never left in the dark. This feature is handy for extended outings where reliable power is essential, making it one of the best USB-C rechargeable camping lanterns available.

Durability and Build Quality
Built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, the CL27R has an IP66 waterproof rating and can handle impacts from up to 1 meter. This makes it ideal for use in harsh weather conditions or rugged environments, making it the best waterproof lantern for outdoor activities. Additionally, the lantern can be used in four ways: hand-carry, free-standing, magnetic mount, and tripod mount. This versatility in setup ensures that the CL27R is adaptable to any situation, whether hanging it in your tent or attaching it to your vehicle.

Included Accessories
The Fenix CL27R comes with several useful accessories, including the ARB-L21-5000 V2.0 battery, a USB Type-C charging cable, and a LumenTac Organizer. These additions enhance the functionality and convenience of the lantern, making it a complete package for any outdoor or emergency kit. Get yours now with all these features included.

Performance in Real-World Scenarios

Setting Up Camp
During camping trips, the Fenix CL27R proves to be an invaluable tool. Its 1600 lumens provide ample light for setting up camp, cooking, or navigating the campsite after dark. The multiple light modes allow you to adjust the brightness to avoid disturbing others while still maintaining visibility. I particularly appreciate the floodlight mode, which casts a wide, even beam across the campsite, providing ample light without the harsh glare that some other lanterns produce. The ability to adjust the color temperature also helps create a more comfortable, warm atmosphere, which is excellent for relaxing after a long day of hiking.

Walking the Dogs
One of my favorite uses for the Fenix CL27R is during evening walks with my dogs. The floodlight mode, paired with a warm light setting, creates a gentle, expansive light that illuminates the path without blinding the dogs or disturbing the neighborhood. The warm light also feels less harsh on the eyes, making it easier to enjoy our walks even in the dark. The lantern’s portability is a big plus here—whether I’m carrying it by hand or attaching it to my belt, it’s lightweight and easy to manage.

Checking Out the Property
I switch to the spotlight mode for more focused tasks, like checking out the property at night. The spotlight delivers a concentrated beam that cuts through the darkness, allowing me to see far into the distance. This setting is beneficial for quickly scanning the perimeter or checking specific areas without lighting up the entire yard. The spot and floodlight mode is another excellent option when I need both a wide view and the ability to focus on particular spots, such as when inspecting for any disturbances or animals.

When walking the property at night, I find holding the Fenix CL27R by the handle down by my side much easier than using a traditional flashlight. Unlike a flashlight, which requires you to aim and hold it up, the lantern casts a broad, even light around you without the need to point it, making it more convenient and less tiring during longer inspections.

Emergency Situations
In emergencies, such as power outages or natural disasters, the CL27R’s reliability shines through. The red light modes are particularly useful for preserving night vision, while the high brightness settings can illuminate large areas, making them easier to manage during crises. This makes the CL27R one of the best rechargeable camping lanterns for emergencies. Ensure you’re prepared for any situation by purchasing the Fenix CL27R.

Industrial and Job Site Applications
The CL27R’s durability and brightness are major advantages for those working in industrial settings or on job sites. The lantern’s ability to withstand impacts and its IP66 rating ensures it can handle the tough conditions often encountered in these environments, making it a top choice for durable lanterns for industrial job sites.

Photo Shoots and Night Fishing
The CL27R’s adjustable light modes and color temperature make it a great choice for photographers and night fishermen. The soft light settings help avoid harsh shadows, while the brighter settings provide the visibility needed to focus on the task at hand. It’s also an excellent choice as a lantern for night fishing with red and white LEDs.

Ease of Use and Portability

User Interface
The Fenix CL27R is designed for ease of use. The rotary toggles and electronic switch allow for quick adjustments to light modes and brightness, even in the dark. The intuitive interface means that you can easily switch between settings without fumbling around, making it ideal for situations where time is of the essence.

Portability
Despite its robust construction, the CL27R is surprisingly lightweight, thanks to its non-metal T3 Polymer construction. This makes it easy to carry around the campsite, job site, or even on a boat. The various mounting options further enhance its portability, allowing you to place the lantern wherever it’s needed most. Whether hiking or traveling, the CL27R stands out as a lightweight, portable lantern with a magnetic mount, perfect for various outdoor activities.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High Brightness: 1600 lumens provide powerful illumination, suitable for a wide range of activities.
• Versatile Modes: Multiple light settings and adjustable color temperature cater to various needs.
• Durable Build: IP66 waterproof rating and impact resistance make it suitable for harsh environments.
• USB-C Rechargeable: Convenient charging with a long-lasting battery life.
• Personal Versatility: Perfect for tasks like walking the dogs, inspecting property, and setting up camp.

Cons:

• Battery Life: High-brightness modes can drain the battery more quickly. However, this is to be expected from any light. 
• Price: The Fenix CL27R is on the higher end of the price spectrum for camping lanterns. However, the quality, durability, and versatility it offers make it a worthwhile investment for those who need a reliable and powerful light source.

Comparison with Similar Products

When compared to other camping lanterns, the Fenix CL27R stands out due to its combination of brightness, durability, and versatility. While other lanterns may offer similar brightness levels, few match the CL27R’s range of light modes and rugged build. For users needing a reliable, multifunctional lantern, the CL27R is a top contender, especially considering its unique features like adjustable light modes and durable waterproof construction. If you’re interested in a camping lantern that combines vintage charm with modern functionality, check out our detailed review of the OLIGHT Olantern Classic 2 Pro.

Final Verdict

The Fenix CL27R Camping Lantern Flashlight is an excellent choice for anyone needing a reliable, powerful light source. Its combination of high lumens, versatile modes, and durable construction make it suitable for a variety of uses, from camping and outdoor activities to industrial work and emergency preparedness. If you’re looking for a lantern that can do it all, the Fenix CL27R is a strong investment. 

Where to Buy

The Fenix CL27R is available for purchase on Amazon, as well as through the official Fenix website and other authorized retailers. Click here to make a purchase from the official Fenix store.

FAQ 

1. How long does the battery last on the Fenix CL27R?

• The battery life varies depending on the brightness setting, but on lower settings, it can last for several hours. The USB-C port allows for quick recharging, making it one of the best lanterns with long battery life.

2. Can the Fenix CL27R be used in extreme weather conditions?

• Yes, the lantern has an IP66 waterproof rating and can withstand impacts, making it suitable for use in harsh weather and tough environments. It’s one of the best durable lanterns for industrial job sites.

3. Is the Fenix CL27R suitable for air travel?

• Yes, its compact size and built-in lock system make it a safe and convenient option for travel, including in luggage.

4. How does the red light mode benefit night activities?

• The red light mode helps preserve night vision, making it ideal for nighttime activities like stargazing or navigating in the dark.

5. Can the lantern be used without a battery?

• Yes, the Fenix CL27R can function as a waterproof case even without a battery, although lighting features will be unavailable.