(Part 2) Best camping lights & lanterns according to redditors
We found 764 Reddit comments discussing the best camping lights & lanterns. We ranked the 300 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
I do a lot of motocamping. I prefer to stay in camps with bathroom facilities--a hot shower and a modern toilet are great after riding twisty roads all day. I did the primitive thing when I was in my early 20s.
The foundation of my motocamping setup is my riding suit and gear. I often spend more hours riding than sleeping/camping. My suit is the Aerostitch Roadcrafter. In addition to crash protection, this suit really helps you deal with wet and/or cold conditions, while still being bearable in the hot, southern summer. When motocamping, I always take both my mesh summer gloves and my waterproof winter gloves regardless of location or season. I have a Shoei Neotec helmet and Cardo G9 bluetooth headset. I don't listen to music much, but audible GPS prompts and rider-to-rider communication are helpful in unfamiliar territory. Finally, I wear Dainese Nighthawk boots because they are all-season comfortable and waterproof.
Now in terms of actual campsite gear:
This is all off the top of my head, so I'm sure I'm forgetting something.
Here's an imgur album with a few of these things visualized.
I wouldn't go crazy and buy all the latest and greatest gear right now, but rather purchase gear as you go. You might find that you don't like running, and end up with a lot of expensive gear. Must haves are obviously shoes and clothes, but I would suggest gear that keeps you safe. If you run at night you will want to have a reflective vest (Example) and a headlamp (Example). After a few weeks of running, you might find what running clothes you prefer, and then you can stock up.
I'm still a little under the comment karma limit too :'(
I recently lost my Nitecore NU20 CRI and would love to replace it!
The BD Spot for $29 is a great light.
Fenix cl20
Or a luminoodle and bring a 10000+ mah 2 amp+ portable battery pack like from anker
Or if you want to diy any 3000-4000k color temperature waterproof led light strip. I dont have any reliability knowledge with these but you get what you pay for
I started running in April of this year, but here is the gear I have been running with so far:
EDIT: Added water belt
You could try looking for a group of other people that are also sleeping in their cars as there is safety in numbers. I know that my aunt regularly talks to one homeless guy that lives in his car in a parking lot that has a McDonald's and a Carl's Jr.
They all park towards the rear of the lot so as to not piss off the fast food workers and they help watch each others backs.
Another suggestion would be for you to order a LuminAid Nova Lantern from Amazon before you end up in your car. The beauty of this little device is that it will give you upto 24 hours of light on a single charge and you can either charge it in the sun for 10 hours or plug it into a wall outlet for 1 hour.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0716JV1SG <-- cost is $20
Also if you can afford to spend about $50 then you might want to invest in a car jumper like the one link below to have on hand just in case you run into a situation where you have completely drained the battery and cant get the car started.
https://www.amazon.com/14000mAh-Portable-Emergency-Flashlight-Protected/dp/B072BLJF49
More details would get you more valuable help. But here are 2 basic items I recommend:
Black Diamond Spot Headlamp
MSR WindPro II stove
Plus you'll need a pot to cook/boil in.
Headlamp.
If you want a dedicated camp lantern, I suggest a LuminAID lantern. They're lightweight, relatively inexpensive, pack well, and you just leave it in the sun to recharge.
A miniature sewing kit. When you’re running missions outside, clothes tend to get ripped, and with only limited numbers, life can get rough. A sewing kit helps.
Spirarcha chili sauce. If your soldier likes spicy foods, send them this. It’s spicy, it has flavor, and it will last them a few months.
Socks and underwear. Send them hiking socks and replacement pairs of underwear. Clothes tend to get gross and if they don’t have laundry, sometimes it is for the best to toss out old underclothes and wear new ones.
Beef jerky.
Trail mix of various types.
Great ideas for one-time gifts. These range from relatively cheap, to pricy and are a great surprise to a soldier stationed anywhere. I’ve included links to the products to give you an idea of what they look like, though don’t take those links as the only/cheapest place to find them:
Adjustable two-point sling. On base they have to carry around a weapon everywhere, and on mission they’ll be going some serious distance with it in their hands. If they are still using an Army-issue plain sling life is going to get a bit annoying. An adjustable two-point sling makes things more convenient and lets them ready a weapon to fire without an awkward movement on a mission. Ignore this if they are using a machine-gun, because those use heavy duty slings. Various companies make these, I prefer the VTAC, but they are all similar in make.
Surefire Earplugs. On mission, soldiers are supposed to wear earplugs, but many don’t because its uncomfortable and often all they are issued are cheap low qualifty plugs. Surefire earplugs conform to the shape of the ear and they are designed to allow someone to still be able to hear conversation level noise while protecting from high level noise. These are great.
Head-Loc helmet straps. One of the greatest pains is a helmet that won’t stay secure. The Head-Loc straps stay tighter and make the helmet so comfortable that you forget you’re wearing it.
PMAGs. Magpul plastic magazines, or PMAGs are high quality replacements for metal GI magazines. Army issued metal magazines are often used for years past the date that they should be retired and they are prone to feeding issues (I won’t get into the details) and PMAGs fix many of those issues and give a soldier more confidence in their equipment. A combat load is 7 magazines, so don’t feel the need to buy more than that, and even one or two PMAGs is greatly appreciated. Ignore if they are using a machinegun.
Head-lamp. Walking around an outpost at night is tricky and Afghanistan can get dark, a head-lamp is a great help to keep your soldier from stubbing their toe or walking into barbed wire. Get only with some kind of red or blue light filter.
Mechanix gloves. Soldiers need to wear gloves on mission and they tend to get torn up, a replacement pair of mechanixs gloves is a good choice.
As far as camp lights go, I really like the LuminAID inflatable lantern. It's inflatable, so it's really small to pack, and it's frosted to diffuse the light so it isn't as bright. Plus you can recharge it with solar or USB.
I use a headlamp and we have a big Coleman lamp that we use at our campsite. Any headlamp will work - I got this one from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F7UQQGE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1 . The Coleman lamp is the Quad LED lantern https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TS71NG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1 . It's a little pricey but it has four LED panels that you can remove and use as individual handheld lamps.
the "top reviews" on Amazon don't speak well for this item:
BERTHILIA PEETERS
1.0 out of 5 starsDisappointed
November 5, 2017
Color: WhiteSize: Powered by Solar or USBVerified Purchase
We purchased many of these solar lights to be used in the BVI post hurricane Irma and are very disappointed with many of the lights. Have been using for 6 weeks and out of 16 only 5 are still working. Several no longer stay inflated and all of the 11 which no longer work will no longer take a charge. We bought 55 of these lights to give to people in need and now would never recommend to anyone.
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Amazon Customer
1.0 out of 5 starsLOVED it when it worked for those 7 times
September 27, 2017
Color: WhiteSize: Powered by Solar or USBVerified Purchase
I have had this lantern for exactly 35 days and have used it a total of 7 times and it is now suddenly not working. Extremely unhappy with this purchase, as it is just a few days out of return window. LOVED it when it worked for those 7 times... I'd definitely recommend buying another brand.
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B. Shively
1.0 out of 5 starsNeeds a Manufacturing Fix
November 1, 2017
Color: Multi-ColoredSize: Powered by SolarVerified Purchase
Total waste of money. The solar charging is only useful 5 times, and then it dies. I bought several and every one has failed the same way. All that is needed is a chip to keep it from overcharging and killing itself. No way to repair or restore. Good idea, bad execution. Hey, put the chip on the board and make this right guys! Only then will it be a decent product for the price. Bad Deal ☹️
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I bought this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0198VDWMY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share and have had it about 2 years now, a purchase I don’t regret. Very durable and comes in handy anywhere I go.
PMags seems to like this one. It says it's 2.1oz with the battery and it's $20. I'll probably buy one if my current headlamp breaks.
LA10 CRI in red would be perfect for my needs.
Hi, I would want the Nu20 CRI recommended from your great site and thank you.
Thanks!
Nitecore HC30W 1000 Lumen Headlamp w/NL183 2300mAh Battery https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I46V4TM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_RmBhAbYE0GCE8
I'd like to try the nitecore NU20 I'm a big fan of the tube and tip so a headlamp would fit right in.
\o/
Nitecore nu20
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nitecore-Rechargeable-Headlamp-Black-BLACK/dp/B01NBTITDN/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1511959199&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=nitecore+nu20
I'm kind of digging these giveaways!
HC30W
Woo! headlamps are handy!
I'd suggest a Knipex Pliers Wrench (expensive, but very nice to use for a lot of projects) and some spring punches and a head lamp to keep both hands free to use all your other tools.
Link Thanks
Thanks for putting on the giveaway!
Nitecore HC30W
Definitely a headlamp (I like this one). Also, if your phone does IR, you can simply download an app like DSLR Remote instead of carrying around a remote.
I started using a white gas Coleman lantern but I don't leave it outside. Have you thought of one of the camping lanterns? Coleman Twin LED Lantern https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TSCINE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_cRHAwbWR5QSW9
Here's another one I've been waiting to go on sale Luminoodle
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0198VDWMY/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_zQOjxbY6ZSQG6
I don't own one of these but I have been eyeing them. I like that you can put it on the table then take on section to go and do a chore but still light the rest of the room
We have the Coleman Quad LED, and we love it. It's basically 4 detachable lanterns in one. Leave em all attached, and you have one super-bright lantern. Need to run to the car or the lavatr'y? Snap one off and you have a (still really bright) flashlight!
Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp is on Amazon right now for $60.
Fits all your criteria, but just barely over your price tag. I just bought one yesterday.The price has been changing every couple days, but right now it's at the lowest I've seen it lately. Normally $80.
Hey, I literally just bought this and just used it on my first run. Great visibility from the front light- it has a dimmer effect and strobe effect too. The back light also has a few different modes and can alternate colors. Well worth it in my opinion.
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As far as reflective gear, I own a lot of nike running clothing and I've been told that even though I'm wearing black, the reflective material on my shorts and shirts works very well. I wear the dry fit versions of nike running clothing. Good luck!
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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LE9ZA28/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I still want a Red LA10 CRI lantern.
The Nitecore LR30 would be pretty handy. Thanks for the giveaway!
LEDs are "green" right!
https://www.amazon.com/Princeton-Tec-Helix-Backcountry-Rechargeable/dp/B01N1XFESO/?tag=parametrek-20 This would be great, thanks for doing this
https://www.amazon.com/Princeton-Tec-Helix-Backcountry-Rechargeable/dp/B01N1XFESO/?tag=parametrek-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MS04O0W/
https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Twin-390L-Lantern/dp/B001TSCINE
Thanks very much.
I'd go with the Nitecore LR30. Thanks!
https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Twin-390L-Lantern/dp/B001TSCINE
Your website is a fantastic tool I peruse far too often for fun!
https://www.amazon.com/Skilhunt-H03R/dp/B01HGHIAG0/?tag=parametrek-20
But honestly, your website is amazing!
This one I think, it looks like an alright angled light.
Also, props on you for doing this all the time.
I love my Fenix HL50 because I can use it backpacking but carry it in my pocket everyday. I put a small magnet in the tail so basically I have a flashlight that's as tall as a chapstick, that can stick to ferrous metal, or just sit on a flat surface and beam light at 90 degrees. I've used it so much just for that feature. It's really nice not to have to put it in your mouth to light up whatever you're trying to work on with both hands.
Thank you!
Nitecore LA10 CRI 85 Lumen Mini LED Camping Lantern - True Color Rendering including AA Battery and LumenTac Battery Organizer (Red) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072LQX4WQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_aLd9Ab5SGMBB5
HEIMDALL Mini Led Headlamp Flashlight with Red Light for Running, Hiking, Camping & DIY Chores. Head Flashlight IPX6 Water Resistant, 115lumen, 6 Light Modes, 1AA Battery(included)Long Last https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I02VQQG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_GB62AbVD75WD3
I have viewed many times on amazon,and I want to buy this one:http://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Collapsible-Flashlight-Emergency-Water-Resistant/dp/B00YH0ZFIQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1464914611&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=suaoki.It is very cheap,and powered by solar panel and USB charging.How about it?
Don’t need solar powered string light but if you have a powerbank there is Luminoodle XL - The Original USB Powered Outdoor LED String Lights
Day One I'll have about 35 lbs (15.45 kg) of weight. This is my first time so there are probably several items in there I'll never take with me again, but I'd like to try 'em out once; I also have a shit sleeping bag that desperately needs upgraded. If you want specs, just ask and I'll happily share my spreadsheet!
Edit: The List
The Gear
The Food
For the most part, light is light. A cheap fixture of one type (tungsten, fluorescent, HMI) is usually pretty similar to an expensive fixture of the same type. The difference is usually build quality and durability.
Sometimes there are subtle differences visually. Usually this is the case with tungsten fresnels. Some will have bad hot spots, or not have as much light output as other fresnels with the same bulb.
But if you shine it through a softbox, or bounce it off a foam a high priced light doesn't look much different than a work light of the same brightness.
The only thing to watch out for with the impact lights is the fact that they are fluorescent. When dealing with florescents you have to be aware of both the color temperature and color reproduction index (CRI) of the bulbs. Look for bulbs with a CRI >90. It's on the package, but its usually in tiny print and hard to find.
One professional DP I've worked with a few times uses almost nothing but china balls to light his sets. This guy has been doing it for 20+ years, and has hundreds of credits, and I've watched him light sets with some pretty crazy things. Once he even lit and entire set with just these LED lanterns
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072LQH86F
Thanks!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01M4QGQAT/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1479167088&amp;sr=8-3&amp;pi=SY200_QL40&amp;keywords=nitecore%2Blr30&amp;dpPl=1&amp;dpID=41wUTudqfnL&amp;ref=plSrch&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1
Thanks!
^ Basically came to post this. LEDs have mostly swept away the other lighting methods- with the possible exception of oil lanterns, which can sit for decades and be ready for use.
You can cobble together an entire solar + battery + charger + flashlight system for $100-150 USD, if you shop around online (which isn't bad, if you buy an item or two here and there). I will also vouch for Anker, they make really good charging gear.
If this ends up in the price range when it comes time to pick:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FD3QQBU
Otherwise:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MY57UF3/
seems interesting
If $22 is the lowest you can go, I'll pass. I believe it's $23 on Amazon.
been wanting one of these forever.
https://www.amazon.com/Skilhunt-H03R/dp/B01HGHIAG0/?tag=parametrek-20
As always thanks!
Nitecore LR30
Nitecore LA10 CRI
I sleep with this, and this, and this, and one more thing if for some reason I ever need it in my closet.
Awesome! Thanks for the opportunity.
https://www.amazon.com/Fenix-HL50/dp/B00LGYO3SE/?tag=parametrek-20&amp;utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=ios_app
Been needing a headlamp... thank you sir or madam!
https://www.amazon.com/Fenix-HL50/dp/B00LGYO3SE/?tag=parametrek-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1XFESO
Nitecore LA10 CRI
Thanks!
Go to amazon and you could find the stuffs you need. Like the suaoki Led camping lantern - portable, foldable and durable, this lantern can be adjusted to any particular space to fit your current needs. Shorter than iPhone 6 plus, it can be folded down completely to take the least space in your backpack.
Let’s see what the wife thinks about this guy coming in the mail!
Coleman Twin LED Lantern https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TSCINE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ZFa9BbY4HNRV1
Thanks, on top of giving me a great resource for info on flashlights, there are giveaways?!? Doesn’t get any better!
Hey ,do you have a solar lantern,I think it will save your life in some cases .Still remembered that I went camping with 2 friends ,but my phone out of power ,thanks to my solar lantern saved my phone ,or I'll lost contact with my friends .Besides it has 3 moderns ,when in a dangerous case ,use SOS as a signal for help!
A walking pole, a camping light...
When I hike with poles ([here is my pole] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B014ZHC89O?/&amp;keywords=%20walking+pole)), it improves my performance because it reduces stress on knees, ankles, hips, and spine especially on downhill. This really gives me an “edge.” I think a walking pole is a good option for your friends.
And one camping light is a must for a multi-day trip. I have a [solar camping light] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YH0ZFIQ?/&amp;keywords=%20solar+camping+lantern) and always take it with me when hiking. This lantern is foldable and ultralight so not a burden for me tbh. You can take a look at this.
Just come up with the above-mentioned useful tools, hope it gives you some fresh idea to focus on ya.
A two-light headlamp like this. I like using the red lamp for when I'm trying to get in to the woods pre-dawn and the regular lamp for field dressing in the dark.
Thank you for the giveaway!
https://www.amazon.com/Nitecore-Rechargeable-Lightweight-Headlamp-Tactical/dp/B01MS04O0W#customerReviews
What subs fell in the last week? I'm assuming something about guns, etc?
Nitecore LA10 CRI 85 - Red
https://www.amazon.com/Nitecore-LA10-Lumen-Camping-Lantern/dp/B072LQX4WQ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1522072944&amp;sr=8-1-spons&amp;keywords=nitecore%2Bla10%2Bcri&amp;th=1
In! https://www.amazon.com/Nitecore-NU30/dp/B01MY57UF3/?tag=parametrek-20
Thank you! Should I be so lucky, I'd love this high cri headlamp:
Nitecore 9004726 (Sysmax Industrial) Nu20 Cri USB Rechargeable Headlamp, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBTITDN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_hBdUAbM5NEAR3
You probably don't need dedicated solar panels or even an inverter if all you want is lights. The first link below is for a lantern that's charged with either the built in solar panel or via USB. These are pretty popular among campers and van dwellers. I think 2 or 3 of these should be sufficient.
https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Collapsible-Flashlight-Emergency-Water-Resistant/dp/B00YH0ZFIQ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1517707187&amp;sr=8-1-spons&amp;keywords=solar+lantern&amp;psc=1
If you are running other things that require AC power (like TV or laptop charger), then you could get a portable power pack. If this is a 1 or 2 day festival, then you could probably get by without even recharging it. But if you have access to an AC outlet, then you can recharge it that way or if you really want, then get a solar panel but I think it's unnecessary unless you plan on doing this at festivals in the middle of nowhere with no power.
Goal Zero Yeti (more expensive)
Harbor Freight Power Pack (cheaper)
http://www.amazon.com/Nitecore-NU30/dp/B01MY57UF3/?tag=parametrek-20
I like this one, it’s very light and I just bring extra batteries.
Light Headlamp: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01I02VQQG/
Long lasting lightweight lithium batteries:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B071D87WPV?
1.3 ounce headlamp with red light for $12.94
HEIMDALL Mini Led Headlamp Flashlight with Red Light for Running, Hiking, Camping & DIY Chores. Head Flashlight IPX6 Water Resistant, 115lumen, 6 Light Modes, 1AA Battery(included)Long Last https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I02VQQG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_wBqzzbMWGBQJN