Top Waterproof Lanterns for Backpacking and Camping
The best waterproof backpacking camping lantern is the BioLite AlpenGlow 500. It is a versatile, color-changing lantern with a robust IPX4 rating, perfect for campers who want adjustable ambiance. Its main advantage is the customizable lighting modes, but its main limitation is the higher price point.
When you’re out in the wild, a reliable lantern is essential. Waterproofing ensures it survives rain, splashes, or accidental drops in a stream. We’ve analyzed specifications and owner reports to bring you the top choices.
Our selection covers a range of needs, from ultralight backpacking to car camping. Each lantern offers unique features, so you can find the perfect one for your adventures.
Our top picks
BioLite AlpenGlow 500
The BioLite AlpenGlow 500 is a rechargeable lantern with 500 lumens and a unique color-changing feature. It offers multiple lighting modes, including warm white, cool white, and a variety of colors for ambiance. With an IPX4 rating, it withstands splashes and light rain, making it ideal for camp use. The built-in battery provides up to 20 hours on low, and it can charge devices via USB.
Pros
- Color-changing modes add fun and ambiance
- Long battery life on lower settings
- Can charge small devices via USB
Cons
- IPX4 only, not fully submersible
- Price is higher than many others
Black Diamond Apollo Lantern
The Black Diamond Apollo delivers a powerful 300 lumens with a dimming feature that allows you to adjust from a soft glow to a bright light. It has a collapsible design for easy packing and runs on 4 AA batteries, giving up to 200 hours on low. With an IPX4 rating, it’s protected against splashes from any direction. The built-in hook and stable base make it versatile.
Pros
- Excellent battery life on low
- Collapsible design saves space
- Bright output for its size
Cons
- Uses AA batteries, not rechargeable
- Not as compact as some others
Goal Zero Lighthouse 600
The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 is a rechargeable lantern with a 600-lumen output and a built-in USB port to charge your phone or camera. It features a foldable design and a hand-crank backup, ensuring you always have power. With an IPX6 rating, it’s resistant to heavy rain and splashes, making it a rugged choice for backpackers.
Pros
- IPX6 rating offers excellent water resistance
- USB port charges devices on the go
- Hand crank provides emergency power
Cons
- Heavier than other lanterns
- Higher price point
MPOWERD Luci Solar Inflatable Lantern
The MPOWERD Luci is an inflatable solar lantern that weighs just 4.2 ounces. It provides 150 lumens of light and is completely waterproof with an IP67 rating, meaning it can be submerged up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The solar panel charges in about 7 hours of sunlight, and it also has an internal battery for USB charging. It’s perfect for minimalist backpackers.
Pros
- Very lightweight and packable
- Solar charging saves on batteries
- Fully submersible for water activities
Cons
- Lower brightness than others
- Requires sunlight for optimal charging
Energizer Weatheready LED Lantern
The Energizer Weatheready is a rugged, battery-powered lantern that delivers 500 lumens on high. It features a water-resistant design with an IPX4 rating, making it suitable for rainy conditions. The lantern has a fold-down handle for easy carrying and a shatterproof lens. It runs on 4 D batteries, providing up to 125 hours on low.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Bright output on high
- Durable construction
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Uses non-rechargeable batteries
UCO Clarus Crank Lantern
The UCO Clarus is a versatile crank lantern that offers 300 lumens. It can be powered by a rechargeable battery, disposable batteries, or a hand crank, giving you multiple power options. The lantern is IPX4 rated against splashes and features a durable, impact-resistant body. It also has a USB port to charge devices.
Pros
- Crank charging for emergency
- Multiple power sources
- Compact and portable
Cons
- Crank charging is slow
- Slightly bulky
Streamlight The Siege Compact
The Streamlight Siege is a compact, waterproof lantern with an IPX7 rating, meaning it can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. It outputs 540 lumens and features a 360-degree illumination pattern. The lantern is impact-resistant up to 2 meters and runs on 3 AA batteries, providing up to 20 hours on low. It’s a reliable choice for harsh conditions.
Pros
- Fully submersible and impact-resistant
- Bright, even light
- Compact size
Cons
- Battery life is shorter than others
- No rechargeable option
Compared at a glance
| # | Model | Brightness | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BioLite AlpenGlow 500 | 500 lumens | Versatile ambiance and color modes | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Black Diamond Apollo Lantern | 300 lumens | Bright, diffused light for group camps | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 | 600 lumens | Built-in power bank for charging devices | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | MPOWERD Luci Solar Inflatable Lantern | 150 lumens | Ultralight and solar-powered | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | Energizer Weatheready LED Lantern | 500 lumens | Budget-friendly and durable for family camping | 8.7 | Check price |
| 6 | UCO Clarus Crank Lantern | 300 lumens | Emergency preparedness and multi-power | 8.5 | Check price |
| 7 | Streamlight The Siege Compact | 540 lumens | Rugged durability and impact resistance | 8.3 | Check price |
What matters most
Good to know
What does IPX4 mean in lanterns?
IPX4 means the lantern is protected against splashing water from any direction. It can handle rain or accidental splashes but is not designed for submersion.
Can these lanterns be used in heavy rain?
Yes, lanterns with IPX6 or higher ratings can handle heavy rain. IPX4 models are fine for light rain, but if you expect downpours, choose a higher rating.
How many lumens do I need for a campsite?
For a small tent, 100-200 lumens is sufficient. For a group campsite, 300-500 lumens is better. Consider adjustable brightness to save battery.
Are rechargeable lanterns better than battery-operated ones?
Rechargeable lanterns are cost-effective and eco-friendly, but require access to power. Battery-operated ones are convenient but have ongoing costs. For backpacking, solar or crank options are useful.
Can I charge my phone with these lanterns?
Some lanterns like the Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 have USB ports to charge devices. Check the specifications for charging capabilities.
What is the best waterproof lantern for backpacking?
The MPOWERD Luci is the best for ultralight backpacking due to its low weight and IP67 rating. But if you need more light, consider the BioLite AlpenGlow 500.
How long do lantern batteries last?
Battery life varies widely. On low settings, some lanterns last over 100 hours, while on high, they may last only a few hours. Always check the runtime specifications.
Are these lanterns durable enough for rough handling?
Many are impact-resistant. The Streamlight Siege is impact-resistant to 2 meters. Others like the Energizer Weatheready have shatterproof lenses. Look for durable construction if you drop gear often.
Do these lanterns have hanging options?
Most lanterns come with hooks or handles for hanging. Check the product description for hanging features. The Black Diamond Apollo has a built-in hook.
What is the warranty on these lanterns?
Warranties vary by brand. BioLite offers a 2-year warranty, Goal Zero has a 1-year, and Streamlight offers a limited lifetime warranty. Always check the manufacturer’s warranty information.
Our take
For most backpackers, the BioLite AlpenGlow 500 is the best choice because it offers a great balance of brightness, battery life, and unique features. Its IPX4 rating is sufficient for typical camp use, and the color modes add enjoyment. If you need to charge devices, consider the Goal Zero Lighthouse 600. For ultralight trips, the MPOWERD Luci is unbeatable in weight and waterproofing.
