Some of my fondest memories growing up involved packing the van up with my family, driving through mountain passes, and setting up camp. It’s where I learned to sleep under the stars, build fires that would put any boy scout to shame, and toast the perfect marshmallow. I carried my love for camping into adulthood and now spend days at a time calling the outdoors my temporary home. Any home, temporary or not, isn’t very functional without a trusty source of light. And thanks to companies putting out more and more efficient and useful products, there’s a plethora of ways to light up your campsite.
I’ve compiled a list of lights you can take on your next camping trip to keep your surroundings lit up when moonlight isn’t enough.
LIGHTHOUSE CORE LANTERN & USB POWER HUB
Solar Powered Lanterns are a popular choice for campers and backpackers. The Goal Zero Lighthouse Core Lantern and USB Power Hub can be used for up to 350 hours depending on the setting. At its brightest setting, it can put out up to 430 lumens. It also can be used as a charger for phones and small USB devices, and can be recharged with a USB port or a portable solar panel.
GOAL ZERO LIGHT-A-LIFE MINI USB
Lanterns are great, but sometimes they can be inconvenient or bulky to carry around. If you need a small and portable light, The Light-a-Life Mini USB Light lets off 110 Lumens that can help illuminate a small space, like a tent. It comes with a carabiner that can be used to hang the light and brighten your space.
GOAL ZERO LUNA TORCH LED LIGHT
The Luna Torch LED Light is another small, easy and portable option. It’s a one watt USB Stick Light that can illuminate keyboards, tents, or can be used for reading right before going to bed. The Luna Torch is also low power and is a long lasting light solution.
The USB Flashlight tool lets off 110 Lumens at a wide angle to help light up your trail while night hiking. Its runtime is four hours and can be recharged with any USB Port.
LIGHTHOUSE 400 LANTERN & USB POWER HUB
Small lights can work for simple tasks, but if you want to light up a whole campsite you’re going to need something a bit bigger. The Lighthouse 400 Lantern and USB Power Hub can charge your phone and camera while lighting up the area around you. The collapsible legs on the light make it possible for you to hang it or stand it up so it can be used in a tent or on a table. On a lower setting, the Lighthouse 400 Lantern will work up to 48 hours, and though it only works for 2.5 hours on the brightest setting, it can easily be charged with a USB port or portable solar panel. There’s also a built-in hand crank that you can use to charge instantly, anytime anywhere, so you never have to be left in the dark.
