Brighten Up Your Campsite with These Lighting Options

Published May 19, 2020 12:00AM

Fenix HM65R Rechargeable Headlamp ($95)

This Fenix’s spot- and floodlight modes can work in tandem. The resulting 1,400 lumens are like turning on your car’s high beams. Despite the tough magnesium-alloy case, it weighs a respectable 3.4 ounces. It’s fully water- and dustproof, runs on high for 21 hours, and has a secure rubber-lined strap. Swap the rechargeable battery for disposables on multiday outings.

L.L.Bean Trailblazer 400 Lantern ($30)

The vibe is old-school kerosene, but the Trailblazer is fueled by three D batteries and puts out 400 lumens of white light. It weighs just 11.6 ounces, can be safely dropped from three feet, and hangs from a built-in carabiner. It lasts 26 hours on its highest setting.

MPowerd Luci Core Lamp ($18)

The 40-lumen Luci Core emits a pleasant white light for 12 hours on a single solar charge, but the bendy arm is what truly shines. Shape it into a stand, hook it to your tent ceiling, strap it to your belt, or attach it to the hood of your car. The low price and minimal footprint make this versatile performer a no-brainer.

Ledlenser ML4 Lantern ($50)

The cutest lantern you’ve ever seen, the 3.8-inch, 2.5-ounce ML4 fits in the palm of your hand and produces 300 lumens—great for your tent, but don’t expect it to illuminate your campsite. One charge is good for 2.5 hours of maximum-strength glow, and like the Fenix, it accepts disposables in a pinch.

Coast FL1R Micro Headlamp ($39)

Weighing in at a slight 1.1 ounces, and with 2.5 hours of run time on high, the 200-lumen FL1R is great for running and ultralight backpacking. It sheds mellow rain, has a red-light setting, and feels secure (but barely there) as you bound up and down hills. A lockout mode prevents it from accidentally switching on in your pack.

Gear Aid Carabiner Light Kit ($30)

Multifunction lights can be clunky, with too many pieces to keep track of. Not Gear Aid’s 4.5-ounce system. The tough plastic capsule clips to your pack’s strap or screws into a sternum attachment for biking. Don’t be fooled by its 110 lumens—it comes in handy on the trail and at base camp.