Camping lanterns

You’re in the backcountry. You’ve found the perfect spot to spend the night. You’ve pitched your tent, you’ve had your dinner, and now it’s time to get ready for bed… but it’s gotten dark, and as it turns out, it’s way harder to sort through gear or avoid ankle-twisting roots when you can’t see properly. Camping lanterns are here to solve that problem. Where a flashlight might be better for navigating in the dark or looking at things that are farther away, camping lanterns specialize in illuminating an area, like a campsite or the inside of a tent. And if you need to go looking for the bathroom in the middle of the night, just pick one up and take it with you to light the way. At MEC, you’ll find several different types of camping lanterns from top outdoor brands like BioLite, Black Diamond, UCO and more.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a camping lantern and a flashlight?

A flashlight is great for directing a focused beam into the distance, which makes it useful for navigating trails or spotting objects at night. A camping lantern, on the other hand, is designed to cast light in all directions, illuminating a wide area like a picnic table, tent interior or your whole campsite. Lanterns are ideal for tasks like cooking, organizing gear or hanging out at basecamp after dark.

How bright should my camping lantern be?

It depends on how you plan to use it. A lantern with 100–200 lumens is generally enough for tent use or reading. For larger areas like campsites or group dinners, look for 300–500 lumens or more. Many models have adjustable brightness, so you can tailor the light level to the situation and conserve battery power when you don’t need full intensity.

Are camping lanterns safe to use inside a tent?

Yes! Most LED camping lanterns are safe for indoor tent use. They don’t produce an open flame or harmful emissions, making them ideal for hanging or placing inside your tent. Just be sure to use a lantern with a diffused light or low mode to avoid glare, especially if you’re winding down before bed.

What types of power sources do camping lanterns use?

Camping lanterns run on a variety of power sources. Battery-powered models are reliable and easy to use. Rechargeable lanterns save waste and often include USB charging ports. Some solar-powered lanterns can be topped up during the day. A few traditional models still use fuel or candles, but they’re best suited for car camping or specific preferences.

Camping lantern buyer’s guide

Different styles

Camping lanterns come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the setup you’re going for. String lights are great to hang from trees or structures and can be used to border your campsite. Singular lanterns that you can place or hang are great on tables, in tents, or anywhere else you can spare a little space to put them. Different lanterns also offer options like solar powered, power bank functionality to charge your devices and gentle colour options to preserve your night vision.

Brightness

Measured in lumens, brightness levels vary by model. Lanterns under 100 lumens are good for reading or tent use. For campsite lighting, 100 to 300 lumens is usually enough. If you need to light a larger area or cook for a group, look for something with 300 lumens or more. Many models offer adjustable brightness to help save battery life when full power isn’t needed.

Packability

Packability matters too. Backpackers will want lightweight, compact models that pack down small. Some collapsible lanterns weigh under 100 grams and still offer enough light for basic camp tasks. Car campers can afford to carry larger, heavier lanterns that provide more features and longer runtimes. Speaking of runtime, pay attention to battery life and charging options. Lanterns with multiple modes, power indicators and recharging features are great for longer stays or remote trips.