Updated on 13 March 2023
This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
LE Lighting EVER
Compact and versatile, it offers a variety of light modes and features in an easily transportable design. In addition, it can be positioned in a variety of ways.
This LED electric lamp has a maximum power of 280 lms. In total, with its 2 beam types (small and large), variable intensity and SOS flashing mode, it has quite a few lighting options to adapt the lighting to each environment. In our opinion, the only thing missing is a red light. Apart from that, it has an integrated memory function. All settings are done with one button, which is very simple for the user. It runs on a USB rechargeable battery and the battery life is decent, but not amazing (from 4 to 24 hours depending on the use during our test). However, the charging time is quite long (5 hours). In addition, it has a Powerbank function that allows you to charge an external device via USB (at this time, a USB-C port would have been more interesting) but this option can strongly affect the battery. As for its design, it is one of the lightest and most compact to carry/store and can be placed in a variety of locations via its suspension ring or the 2 handy magnets on the base. Finally, it is IPX4 certified, meaning it can be used in outdoor environments.
The lamp is one of the most important camping accessories.
The most efficient lamps can range from 500 to 1000 lumens.
For hiking use, make sure you choose a small and light lamp.
In terms of protection, aluminium is the big winner.
Its operating mode and battery life should also be considered.
Some models include a USB port for charging a smartphone.
Black Diamond Moji
This device offers excellent performance at a low price with its 100 lms power. Its mini and light format is one of the easiest to carry. The only criticism is that it is battery operated.
This electric lamp is made up of an LED light and offers excellent power (up to 100 lms) for its price. It has a maximum range of 6m, but the intensity is adjustable to suit different locations. In our test, we found it to work well for up to 2 people and it was easy to handle with the single button. The memory function allows you to keep the last settings. However, we found its battery power (3 x AAA) less convenient, but its operating time is still convincing (up to 10 hours at the highest intensity). One of its great advantages is its light and compact design, which makes it easy to carry and store in a bag. In addition, it can be placed on its non-slip base or hung from the ceiling of a tent thanks to the double folding ring. In terms of design, its durable plastic structure is certified against water projections (IPX4).
Goal Zero Lighthouse 600
With its various convenient power modes, lighting variations and very ergonomic design, it is the best option for camping. Only the size and the high price may be a hindrance.
This is the brand’s best selling electric lamp. It has a maximum power of 600 lms, and the LED display can be adjusted 360° or 180° depending on your needs. The rotating ring is easy to handle to control the lighting mode and intensity, which allowed us to use it in most environments. During our test, we appreciated the multiple power options which are perfect for camping and bivouac. Indeed, it consists of a rechargeable battery, a solar panel and a Dynamo crank that allows the lamp to be charged even without a plug. However, the charging time is long (7 hours), and the battery life varies between 2 hours and a half and 320 hours depending on the use, meaning that at full power, it is a bit limited. The PowerBank option can also affect this, and the USB port seems a little outdated to us at a time when USB-C is becoming universal. The charging lights and the integration of the power cable into the design are practical. With its foldable handles and metal ring, it can be placed, hung or held in the hand. Nevertheless, it is a little heavier and bulkier than other models also tested.
Quechua BL50 Dynamo
This lamp opts for a practical dual power system with its backup system. Although it is not the brightest and most durable, it is simple to use and easy to carry.
£ 14.99 on Decathlon
This electric device has 3 lighting modes: 2 white intensities (25 or 50 lms) and 1 red (10 lms). Its performance is not the highest, but it is sufficient to light up 1 to 2 people. It is equipped with a single button, which makes it easy to change modes. Moreover, during our test, we found it easy to use. Compared to its competitor, it opts for a more practical power supply as it can be recharged via USB and, if there is no socket, there is a dynamo backup system via a crank. It is therefore well suited for wilderness camping. Despite this, its battery life is rather reduced (only 4 hours at 50 lms) but fortunately, the charging time is not very long (3 hours). As for the design, it is very light and relatively small. In addition, it has a hook in its design that allows it to be hung from the ceiling of a tent and its protection rating (IPX4) allows it to be used outdoors.
LE Camping Lamp LED
With its amazing power, it has excellent performance in terms of both lighting and endurance. Apart from its size, it is practical and can be used for a variety of occasions.
This electric lamp has a 360° LED lighting with a maximum power of 1000 lms. It has 4 lighting modes: cool white, warm white, neutral white and flashing. Apart from the latter, they can all be dimmed. During our test we were impressed by its lighting performance, which allows it to illuminate large spaces or the darkest of places. With only one button, it is easy to use, but there is no memory function. Its USB rechargeable battery takes time to charge (about 8 hours) but it has a good battery life for its power (between 5 hours and a half and 12 hours depending on use). In addition, the Powerbank function allows you to charge small electronic devices but the USB-A port is not very modern (we would have preferred a USB-C port). In our opinion, its main disadvantage is its rather heavy and cumbersome format, which can however be hung on something solid or hooked to a bag thanks to the small carabiner located under the base. Finally, it is IP44 certified, so it is resistant to water and heavy dust, which means it can be used outdoors.
Ledlenser ML6
This electric lamp has a good endurance/power ratio. It is very bright for its size, with good performance and a variety of options. The design is robust, easy to position and easy to carry.
IP66 certified, it is very robust and can be used outdoors. It has a compact torch size but it is heavy for its size. A carry bag is included in the delivery. It can be placed on the ground, hung from the metal hook under the base or from the removable rubber loop, or hung magnetically. With its maximum power of 750 lms, it can illuminate a large space or very dark areas, without necessarily dazzling our eyes. During our test, we were able to switch between the lighting modes (white or red, fixed or flashing) and we varied the intensity to find the best possible light for the situation. The 3 buttons are quite easy to use and the memory function means that it always turns back on to the last mode used. On the power side, its rechargeable battery lasts about 4 hours at 550 lms. However, it takes 5 hours to recharge and the USB cable is a bit short in our opinion. Among its other options, it has a Powerbank function (for which we would have preferred a USB-C port) but this can have a negative impact on the battery life.
Our selection
Our choice, Best mid-range Best budget Best high-end Budget alternative Mid-range alternative High-end alternative LE Lighting EVER Black Diamond Moji Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Quechua BL50 Dynamo LE Camping Lamp LED Ledlenser ML6 Compact and versatile, it offers a variety of light modes and features in an easily transportable design. In addition, it can be positioned in a variety of ways. This device offers excellent performance at a low price with its 100 lms power. Its mini and light format is one of the easiest to carry. The only criticism is that it is battery operated. With its various convenient power modes, lighting variations and very ergonomic design, it is the best option for camping. Only the size and the high price may be a hindrance. This lamp opts for a practical dual power system with its backup system. Although it is not the brightest and most durable, it is simple to use and easy to carry. With its amazing power, it has excellent performance in terms of both lighting and endurance. Apart from its size, it is practical and can be used for a variety of occasions. This electric lamp has a good endurance/power ratio. It is very bright for its size, with good performance and a variety of options. The design is robust, easy to position and easy to carry. £ 19.98 on Amazon See the price on Amazon £ 74.99 on Amazon £ 14.99 on Decathlon £ 21.98 on Amazon £ 62.10 on Amazon
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How did we do the test?
To begin with, we used each lamp in a variety of environments (indoor and outdoor) to evaluate the light performance and the variety of lighting modes. Then, by handling each model, we were also able to check the general ergonomics (ease of use, buttons, indicator lights, etc.) as well as the different features (memory function, Powerbank, etc.).
Then we looked at the power supply (rechargeable battery, batteries, Dynamo, etc.) to see which was most suitable for camping. Of course, we took into account the battery life and the recharging time. When it comes to transport, we looked at the weight and size of the lamps, and we hung/placed them in different places to judge their practicality (handle, hook, strap, carabiner, magnetic base, etc.). Finally, we assessed their resistance to shocks and outdoor environments (water, dust, etc.).
How to choose your camping lamp?
The lamp is one of the most important camping accessories. Given the number of models on the market, it is not always easy to make a choice. First of all, let us determine the 2 main types of lamp:
- The electric lamp: it uses mostly LED (more economical). It is more durable and easier to carry.
- The gas lamp: more dangerous, it works by combustion and is often fuelled by kerosene or propane, which puts its buyers at risk of fire. It is generally brighter. However, this natural light is more unpleasant to the eye than an LED lamp. It also needs to be refuelled more often than an electric lamp.
Once defined, you must take into account certain criteria in order to choose the most suitable device for your practice:
- Power: this is measured in lumens. The higher the value, the more powerful the lamp is, and the more light it sheds around it. Some lamps offer different power levels to adapt the brightness to your immediate needs and, if necessary, to save some battery life. The most powerful lamps can range from 500 to 1000 lumens (lms).
- Transportability: if you are going to use it on a hike, make sure you choose a small and light lamp (although a torch is sometimes more suitable). Also, weight is an important criterion if you want to hang it from the ceiling of your tent. A handle is also useful for carrying it or attaching it to certain places.
- Durability: for this, it is necessary to evaluate its resistance to shocks and bad weather. This last characteristic is defined from an IP index which is composed of 2 numbers, one indicating the level of protection against solid particles such as sand and dust (from 0 to 6) and the other communicating the resistance to water (from 0 to 9). In addition, the material counts and aluminium is the clear winner here.
- The power supply mode: it is also important to consider its operating mode and its battery life. In this respect, several adjustable intensity levels make it possible to contain its energy consumption. Indeed, it is better if the light is available at all times. Lamps with batteries or rechargeable batteries (in mAh) have excellent durability (thanks to their low consumption in watts) and are a good option in terms of energy consumption. Solar or hand-cranked lamps (less durable) are the most environmentally friendly solutions.
- Ergonomics: some models include a USB port to ensure that a smartphone can be charged. There are also lights that kill flying insects.
Other camping lamps we recommend
Quechua BL40 (£5.99 upon publication): a very inexpensive alternative for occasional use. This basic electric model is less bright (40 lms) and less versatile as it contains only one light, but it is very easy to use with its single button. It is powered by 3 AA batteries and guarantees a 40-hour battery life. In our test we found it to be ultra-compact and lightweight, making it easy to store and transport, especially as it has a handy handle for hanging in the air or from the ceiling of a tent. IPX4 certified, its durable plastic design can withstand bad weather.
Quechua BL100 (£19.99 upon publication): practical and functional. With its power of 100 lms and its 3 lighting modes (2 white and 1 red), it can comfortably light 2 people (although it is a little less powerful than its competitors). With a single button, it was easy to use during our test. Its rechargeable battery offers a convincing operating time for its price (8 hours at 100 lms) and the battery indicator is practical, but its USB charging cable is a bit short. In addition, it is relatively compact and light to carry, and thanks to its handy clip-on strap, it can be easily hung from the ceiling of a tent or elsewhere. In addition, its durable plastic design is IPX4 certified, meaning it can be used outdoors.
Quechua BL230 (£34.99 upon publication) : A lamp and a torch in one design. Ultra-light and compact, it is easy to store and carry. During our test, thanks to its adjustable strap, we were able to hang it on different supports. It delivers up to 230 lms, which is sufficient, but it is still less bright in its price range. It has 2 light beams for a total of 4 modes: a low-powered torch, 2 non-dazzling yellow lights and a red light for the night. We only regret the absence of a flashing mode, a Powerbank option and a memory function, but the single button is easy to use. The battery life is decent but far from the best on the market (4 hours at 230 lms). However, the battery can be charged quickly via USB-C. Finally, it is IPX4 certified, indicating that it can be used outdoors.
Other camping lamps we tested
Energizer Weatheready Lamp 360 LED (£18.99 upon publication) : This non-rechargeable lamp has a good power/price ratio. It is bright and easy to use. Despite its high endurance and Powerbank function, it is criticised for its less modern and practical power supply and its bulky and heavy design.
LE Camping Lantern (£19.98 lors de la publication) : It is very powerful (1000 lms) and durable, and suitable for darker environments. Unfortunately, its power supply (D batteries) is inconvenient and it is an older model that does not contain a Powerbank function.
Quechua BL200 (£24.99 upon publication) : It is easy to use thanks to the rotation of the base. Its battery life is convincing, as is its power supply. However, in its price range, it is less luminous (200 lms) than its competitors and its structure is a bit imposing.
Energizer Camping Lamp LED (£29.99 upon publication) : Although it lights up well and is one of the most durable, robust and easy to use, it is heavy and bulky. In addition, despite its Powerbank function, its power supply is inconvenient.
Translated by Selectos
