Light up the night with a dependable camping lantern from Public Lands. Shop a great selection of fuel-powered and electric lanterns from top brands like Coleman®, Black Diamond®, BioLite® and more. If you find a better price on a camping lantern from another qualifying retailer, we’ll match it with our Best Price Guarantee.
Pay attention to the following features when choosing your lantern to make sure you get the best fit for your needs.
Power Source
There are essentially two types of power sources for camping lanterns: liquid fuel and batteries. Liquid fuel includes combustible materials like propane, butane and even gasoline. Some outdoor enthusiasts prefer these options because they typically create brighter light than their electric counterparts. Keep in mind, though, that they tend to be a little heavy and can get hot over time.
Battery-operated lanterns offer a cleaner source of light, and many models are lightweight. This can make them ideal for longer treks like an extended backpacking trip. Some battery-powered lanterns require disposable batteries (think AAs and AAAs), while rechargeable lanterns offer renewable, eco-friendly performance.
Lumens & Brightness
If you want to know how bright a lantern is, check the lumen output. A lumen output of about 50-150 should be sufficient for basic needs like lighting up a tent. If you’re looking to illuminate your entire tent site, go with 150-300 lumens. And if you’re looking to light up a large area, like for a big outdoor gathering, choose a lumen output of 300 or more.
Max Run Time
The lantern’s max run time will let you know how long it will produce light if left on continuously with fresh batteries, a full charge or a full tank of fuel. It’s always a good thing to consider to make sure you don’t get left in the dark.
Looking for more ways to illuminate your next adventure? Shop a great selection of flashlights and headlamps at Public Lands.
