A quality lantern is an essential piece of camping gear for any outdoor excursions. Your lantern will make it easier to find the things you need around your campsite, and it will also improve your campsite safety by reducing the chances that someone will trip over unseen rocks, tree roots or other obstacles around the site. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you explore the options:
- Lanterns than burn propane, butane or other fuels are popular with campers who want to maximize the light they get from their lanterns, and from campers who are planning trips in cold weather.
- Battery-powered lanterns may be a good choice if you want a lightweight lantern, or if you are camping with small children.
You can find a variety of ways to use your lantern, even when you're not camping. LED camping lanterns and other battery-powered lanterns are a great way to add extra light to a porch or backyard for an outdoor gathering.
LED lanterns are especially useful in close proximity to people, as they stay cool to the touch even after hours of use. You can keep your outdoor games like horseshoes and bocce going hours after the sun goes down.
Solar-powered camping lanterns use the sun's energy to charge their batteries, which then power the lantern at night. Many solar lanterns feature USB ports, allowing you to charge a mobile phone or other USB device directly from your camping lantern.