

“I personally only buy waterproof headlamps as I don’t want to spend the entirety of a rainy hike wondering if my headlamp will survive the wet conditions,” says Pilson. The main distinguishing feature of this headlamp is it’s fully waterproof (tested to operate for at least 30 minutes while 1 meter underwater). “I’ve had multiple generations of this headlamp, and each new model continues to impress me in terms of its performance and durability,” she says. Find top-rated brands like BioLite, Mpowerd Luci, and more from Amazon, REI, and Black Diamond Equipment.įor a personal camping light, the Black Diamond Storm 450 is Pilson’s favorite.

Now that you know the basics, we’ve got 15 specific camping light recommendations from a variety of longtime camping experts, backpacking guides, and outdoor educators. A red light option is great for preserving night vision and having a lower impact on fellow campers and wildlife. Adjustability: Most camping lights these days give you at least a few different setting options with dimming, distance, floodlighting, or different colors.You can also find solar or crank-powered lights, which can help keep up the charge on longer trips as well. Run time/battery life: Especially if you plan to be out on longer trips, how long your lighting will last on a single charge (or AA battery set) is super important.Dave Cozzone, from outdoor lights company Princeton Tec, says exactly how bright you want your lighting to be can largely depend on personal preference, but “lumens ranging from 25 to 300 should be acceptable.” That being said, you’ll find lights with lumen levels ranging anywhere from 25 to well over 600. Lumens: “The idea behind lumens is that the brighter the light, the higher the lumen count,” says Outdoors Generations outdoor educator Gaby Pilson.Regardless of your exact needs, there are a few common features you’ll want to look out for that will give you a good starting point for wading through the barrage of different camping lights available.

You may still want a trusty headlamp, but you can also liven up your campsite with lanterns, string lights, and flashlights. If you’re car camping, you have a bit more flexibility with your lighting solutions because you don’t need to worry about carrying it all on your back.
If you’re doing long, multiday backpacking trips in the backcountry, you’ll likely want a lightweight headlamp that has a long run time. What to Look for in Camp LightingĬhoosing the right camp lighting for your needs depends on your specific camping goals. Trust me, trying to go pee in the middle of the night without a headlamp is not something you want to do. If camping is on your summer bucket list, we’ve got all the information you need to ensure you’re able to get around in the dark and find your tent on your next camping trip. Bonus points for energy-efficient solutions, versatility, and affordability. The best camping lights stay lit for as long as you need and give you enough light to do anything you need to after dark. If you’re planning an outdoor adventure that goes on after the sun sets this summer, chances are you’re going to need some good camping lights.
