The great outdoors can be a magical and exhilarating experience, but without the right equipment, it can quickly turn into a nightmare. One essential piece of gear for any camper is a reliable camping lantern. Not only does it provide much-needed light for setting up camp, cooking, and late-night bathroom trips, but it can also provide a sense of comfort and security in the dark wilderness.
However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the top 20 best camping lanterns of 2023. From solar-powered lanterns to rechargeable LED options, we’ve tested and reviewed them all to help you make an informed decision. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s explore the best camping lanterns of 2023!
How do I choose a Camping Lantern?
Choosing the right camping lantern is crucial for a successful camping trip. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a camping lantern:
- Brightness: The brightness of a lantern is measured in lumens. Look for a lantern that has a high lumen output if you need it for lighting up a larger area, or a lower output if you need it for reading or cooking.
- Battery Life: Consider how long the lantern’s battery will last. Some lanterns have a longer battery life than others, and some can be charged via USB or solar power.
- Size and Weight: Depending on your needs, you may want a smaller and lighter lantern that is easier to pack and carry or a larger lantern with a broader light output.
- Durability: Your lantern will likely be exposed to the elements, so make sure it is durable and can withstand water, dust, and impact.
- Features: Some lanterns come with additional features like a built-in USB charger or a flashing red light for emergencies. Think about what features are important to you and your camping trip.
- Type of Light: There are different types of camping lanterns, including electric, battery-powered, and solar-powered. Consider which type of lantern best suits your needs and preferences.
By taking these factors into account, you can choose a camping lantern that will provide the right amount of light and meet your specific camping needs.
Key Features:
- Operates on 3 AA batteries (not included).
- Provides 360 degrees of bright and reliable light for up to 12 hours of continuous use.
- Made with military-grade material, waterproof and shock-resistant.
- Compact and portable design with foldable handles.
- Versatile for camping, hiking, power outages, and emergencies.
The Etekcity Camping Lantern is a durable and versatile option for outdoor activities and emergency situations. With up to 12 hours of continuous use, the lantern’s 30 low-powered LED bulbs provide bright and reliable light.
Its military-grade material makes it waterproof and shock-resistant, ensuring it can withstand harsh weather conditions. The compact design and foldable handles make it easy to carry and store. Overall, the Etekcity Camping Lantern is a practical addition to any camping gear or emergency kit.
Key Features:
- Provides up to 140 lumens of brightness, making it perfect for outdoor activities and emergency situations.
- Collapsible design and lightweight construction make it easy to carry and store in a backpack or emergency kit.
- Each lantern provides up to 30 hours of continuous use with the included AA batteries.
- Made with military-grade materials, waterproof and can withstand drops and bumps.
- Ideal for camping, hiking, power outages, and emergency situations.
The Vont 2-Pack LED Camping Lantern is a reliable and portable option for outdoor activities and emergency situations. With up to 140 lumens of brightness, the lanterns provide ample light for any situation. The collapsible design and lightweight construction make it easy to carry and store in a backpack or emergency kit.
Each lantern provides up to 30 hours of continuous use with the included AA batteries. Made with military-grade materials that are waterproof and can withstand drops and bumps, the Vont 2 Pack LED Camping Lantern is a versatile and durable addition to any camping gear or emergency kit.
Key Features:
- Operates on 3 AA batteries (not included).
- Provides up to 150 lumens of brightness, making them ideal for camping, hiking, power outages, and emergency situations.
- Each lantern provides up to 12 hours of continuous use.
- Made with military-grade materials that are waterproof and can withstand drops and bumps.
- The compact design and foldable handles make it easy to carry and store in a backpack or emergency kit.
The Etekcity LED Camping Lantern is a reliable and portable option for outdoor activities and emergency situations. The lanterns operate on 3 AA batteries (not included) and each provide up to 150 lumens of brightness, making them ideal for camping, hiking, power outages, and emergency situations.
Each lantern provides up to 12 hours of continuous use and is made with military-grade materials that are waterproof and can withstand drops and bumps. The compact design and foldable handles make it easy to carry and store in a backpack or emergency kit. Overall, the Etekcity LED Camping Lantern is a practical addition to any camping gear or emergency kit.
Key Features:
- The lanterns come with built-in rechargeable batteries and a USB charging cable.
- Each lantern provides up to 1000 lumens of brightness, with 6 different lighting modes to choose from.
- The lanterns also function as a 4000mAh power bank, allowing you to charge your devices in emergency situations.
- The lanterns have an IPX5 waterproof rating, making them suitable for outdoor use in all weather conditions.
- The compact design and foldable handles make it easy to carry and store in a backpack or emergency kit.
The 2 Pack Camping Lantern is an excellent choice for those who need a reliable source of light during camping, hiking, and emergency situations. The lanterns come with built-in rechargeable batteries and a USB charging cable, so you don’t have to worry about buying new batteries. Each lantern provides up to 1000 lumens of brightness, with 6 different lighting modes to choose from, ensuring that you can adjust the lighting to your needs.
The lanterns also function as a 4000mAh power bank, allowing you to charge your devices in emergency situations. With an IPX5 waterproof rating, the lanterns can withstand rain and splashes, making them suitable for outdoor use in all weather conditions. The compact design and foldable handles make it easy to carry and store in a backpack or emergency kit. Overall, the 2 Pack Camping Lantern is a versatile and practical addition to any camping gear or emergency kit.
Key Features:
- Comes in a pack of four, great value for the money
- Requires 3 AA batteries per lantern (not included)
- Pop-up design: easy and convenient to use
- Built-in hanging hook for easy hanging
- The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry and store
The Lichamp LED Lanterns are a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable source of light for power outages, camping, hiking, or emergencies. This pack comes with four lanterns, making it great value for money. The lanterns are battery-powered, requiring three AA batteries per lantern (not included). The pop-up design is easy and convenient to use, simply pull up to turn it on and push down to turn it off. The lanterns come with a built-in hanging hook for easy hanging, making them perfect for use in tents, campsites, or anywhere you need hands-free lighting. The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry and store in a backpack or emergency kit. Overall, the Lichamp LED Lanterns are a practical and affordable addition to your camping gear or emergency kit.
Key Features:
- Battery-powered, requires 3 D batteries (not included)
- Provides 1000 lumens of brightness, making it super bright
- Comes with 4 light modes: cool white, warm white, daylight white, and flashing red
- The waterproof and durable design makes it perfect for outdoor activities
- Can be used as a lantern or a flashlight
The LE LED Camping Lantern is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable source of light for camping, hiking, or emergencies. This lantern is battery-powered, requiring three D batteries (not included), which provides 1000 lumens of brightness, making it super bright. The lantern comes with four light modes: cool white, warm white, daylight white, and flashing red. The waterproof and durable design makes it perfect for outdoor activities, even in the rain or snow. The lantern can be used as a lantern or a flashlight, depending on your needs. Overall, the LE LED Camping Lantern is a versatile and reliable source of light that should be in every camping gear or emergency kit.
Key Features:
- Rechargeable, with a 20000mAh battery capacity
- Provides up to 4000 lumens of brightness, making it incredibly bright
- Comes with 5 light modes: white, warm white, natural white, red, and flashing red
- Can run for up to 144 hours on a single charge, making it incredibly long-lasting
- IPX5 waterproof rating, making it resistant to water and perfect for outdoor use
The Eventek LED Camping Lantern is a powerful and reliable source of light that is perfect for camping, hiking, and emergency situations. This lantern is rechargeable, with a 20000mAh battery capacity that provides up to 4000 lumens of brightness, making it incredibly bright. The lantern comes with five light modes: white, warm white, natural white, red, and flashing red, so you can choose the perfect lighting for your needs. With a runtime of up to 144 hours on a single charge, this lantern is incredibly long-lasting and perfect for extended trips. The lantern also has an IPX5 waterproof rating, making it resistant to water and perfect for outdoor use. Overall, the Eventek LED Camping Lantern is a must-have for anyone who loves camping, hiking, or outdoor activities, or for anyone who wants a reliable source of light during power outages or emergencies.
Key Features:
- BatteryGuard technology to stop battery drain
- 500 Lumens of brightness
- 7m beam distance
- Runs up to 350 hours on a low setting with 4 D batteries (not included)
- Water-resistant design
- Comfortable, rubber-coated handle for easy carrying
- 3-year limited warranty
The Coleman LED Lantern with BatteryGuard is a reliable and durable option for all your camping needs. The BatteryGuard technology helps prevent battery drain when the lantern is not in use, ensuring that your batteries last longer and saving you money in the long run. With a brightness of 500 lumens and a beam distance of 7 meters, this lantern provides ample light for your camping trips. The lantern runs up to 350 hours on the low setting with 4 D batteries, making it a great option for extended camping trips. Additionally, the water-resistant design allows you to use it in any weather condition. The comfortable, rubber-coated handle makes it easy to carry the lantern around, and the 3-year limited warranty provides peace of mind that this is a quality product. Overall, the Coleman LED Lantern with BatteryGuard is a great investment for anyone who loves camping or needs a reliable source of light during power outages or emergencies.
Key Features:
- 3000mAh large capacity battery
- Hand-cranked and solar-powered
- Ultra-bright LED light with 360-degree illumination
- 23-26 hours of continuous use on a full charge
- USB charging port for charging other devices
- Lightweight and portable design for outdoor activities
- And here’s a review based on these features:
The 3000 Large Capacity Hand Crank Solar Camping Lantern is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a reliable and versatile lighting solution. With a 3000mAh battery, this lantern can last for up to 23-26 hours on a full charge, ensuring that you always have ample light when you need it. In addition to the battery, the lantern can also be powered via hand-crank or solar power, giving you multiple options for charging it while on the go.
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One of the standout features of this lantern is its ultra-bright LED light, which provides 360-degree illumination, ensuring that you have visibility in all directions. The lantern also has a USB charging port, allowing you to charge other devices, making it an essential tool to have during power outages and emergencies.
The lantern is designed to be lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you on camping trips, hikes, and other outdoor activities. Its durable construction and IPX5 waterproof rating make it resistant to damage from the elements, ensuring that it will last for years to come. Overall, the 3000 Large Capacity Hand Crank Solar Camping Lantern is a reliable and versatile option for anyone in need of a powerful outdoor lighting solution.
Key Features:
- 2-pack portable LED camping lanterns
- Battery-powered with long runtime
- Magnetic base and foldable hook for easy attachment
- Durable construction suitable for outdoor use
- Great gift idea for outdoor enthusiasts
The GearLight Camping Lantern is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves to spend time outdoors, whether you’re camping, hiking, or simply enjoying a night under the stars. With its powerful LED lights and durable construction, this lantern is designed to withstand even the toughest conditions.
One of the standout features of this lantern is its portability. The lanterns are battery-powered, which means you can take them anywhere without having to worry about finding an electrical outlet. And with the included magnetic base and foldable hook, you can easily attach the lanterns to a variety of surfaces, making them incredibly versatile.
In terms of performance, the GearLight Camping Lantern doesn’t disappoint. The LED lights are bright and efficient, providing plenty of illumination for your campsite or tent. And with the long runtime, you can use these lanterns for hours on end without having to worry about replacing the batteries.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and versatile camping lantern, the GearLight Camping Lantern is an excellent choice. With its portability, durability, and powerful LED lights, it’s the perfect addition to any camping or outdoor gear collection. Plus, with the included gift packaging, it makes a great gift for the outdoor enthusiast in your life.
Key Features:
- Rechargeable lantern with 4000mAh power bank
- 6 lighting modes with adjustable brightness
- IPX4 waterproof rating for outdoor use
- USB charging cable included for convenient charging
The Alpswolf Camping Lantern is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. With a 4000mAh power bank, this lantern is not only a source of light but also a power source for your electronic devices. It has 6 different lighting modes, making it easy to adjust the brightness to your preference.
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The lantern is also waterproof with an IPX4 rating, ensuring it will withstand any rainy camping trip. The included USB charging cable makes it easy to recharge the lantern, whether you’re in your car or using a power bank. The compact size and portability of this lantern make it perfect for camping, hiking, and any outdoor recreation.
Key Features:
- A versatile camping lantern with a USB port to charge devices
- High-performing LED technology that provides 360 degrees of bright white light
- Runs for up to 100 hours on 3 D batteries or up to 30 hours on 3 AA batteries
- Impact-resistant construction and water-resistant design
- Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
The Energizer Vision LED Lantern is a must-have for anyone who loves camping, hiking or any outdoor activity. With its high-performing LED technology, it provides 360 degrees of bright white light that illuminates your surroundings perfectly. This lantern runs for up to 100 hours on 3 D batteries or up to 30 hours on 3 AA batteries, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power quickly.
One of the most impressive features of this lantern is its versatility. It has a USB port to charge your devices, making it the perfect camping companion. You don’t have to worry about running out of battery on your phone or tablet when you have this lantern with you.
The Energizer Vision LED Lantern is also built to last. Its impact-resistant construction and water-resistant design make it durable enough to withstand even the toughest outdoor conditions. And with its limited lifetime warranty, you can be sure that you’re investing in a high-quality product.
Overall, the Energizer Vision LED Lantern is a versatile, reliable and durable lantern that will be a valuable addition to your camping gear. Whether you’re camping, hiking or just enjoying the outdoors, this lantern will provide the perfect amount of light to keep you safe and comfortable.
Key Features:
- 1500LM brightness with 8 lighting modes for various needs
- Dimmable daylight and warm light settings for comfortable lighting
- 4400mAh power bank for charging devices on-the-go
- Rechargeable battery with up to 48 hours of runtime
- Waterproof and portable design for outdoor activities and emergencies
The LED Camping Lantern by GearLight is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast or emergency kit. With its 1500LM brightness and 8 lighting modes, it can provide ample illumination for any situation. The dimmable daylight and warm light settings allow for comfortable lighting, while the 4400mAh power bank can charge devices on the go. The rechargeable battery has an impressive runtime of up to 48 hours, making it perfect for extended camping trips or power outages. Its waterproof and portable design makes it easy to pack and use for any outdoor activity or emergency. Overall, the GearLight LED Camping Lantern is a reliable and versatile choice for all your lighting needs.
Key Features:
- Battery-powered LED lanterns come in a pack of four.
- Features a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around.
- Multicolored lanterns provide a fun and festive atmosphere.
- Long-lasting battery life that can run for up to 12 hours.
- Durable and reliable construction that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors, making it versatile for any situation.
The MalloMe Lanterns are a great option for those who want a fun and practical lighting solution for their camping trips or power outages at home. This pack of four multicolored lanterns adds a festive touch to any atmosphere while providing reliable and long-lasting lighting.
The lanterns are powered by batteries, making them easy to operate and hassle-free. Each lantern can run for up to 12 hours, providing ample lighting for any situation. The compact and lightweight design of the lanterns makes them easy to carry around and transport, making them perfect for outdoor adventures.
The lanterns are constructed with durability in mind and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions, ensuring that they are reliable in any situation. Whether you are camping in the great outdoors or experiencing a power outage at home, these lanterns are versatile and can be used in any setting.
Overall, the MalloMe Lanterns are a great option for those looking for a fun and practical lighting solution. With their long-lasting battery life, durable construction, and versatile use, they are a great addition to any camping gear or emergency kit.
Key Features:
- A rechargeable camping lantern with a 4400mAh power bank
- Provides up to 1000 lumens of brightness
- 4 adjustable light modes: cool white, warm white, daylight, and flashing red
- IP44 waterproof rating
- Comes with a USB cable for charging
The LE LED Camping Lantern Rechargeable is an excellent choice for those who want a reliable and bright source of light during camping trips or power outages. With its 4400mAh power bank, this lantern can be easily recharged and provides up to 1000 lumens of brightness, making it bright enough to light up your entire campsite.
The lantern features four adjustable light modes, including cool white, warm white, daylight, and flashing red. This allows you to easily switch between different levels of brightness depending on your needs, and the flashing red mode can be used as a warning light in emergency situations.
In addition, the LE LED Camping Lantern Rechargeable has an IP44 waterproof rating, which means it can withstand water splashes from any direction. This makes it a great choice for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and fishing, even when the weather is not on your side.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and versatile camping lantern, the LE LED Camping Lantern Rechargeable is a great option. It comes with a USB cable for charging and provides long-lasting illumination for all your outdoor adventures.
Key Features:
- 360-degree light for full coverage
- 500 lumens of brightness
- Runs up to 200 hours on low mode
- IPX4 water-resistant rating
- Easy-to-use push-button controls
- Runs on 4 D batteries (not included)
The ENERGIZER LED Camping Lantern 360 PRO is a reliable and versatile lantern that is perfect for camping, outdoor activities, and emergency situations. One of its standout features is its 360-degree design, which ensures that light is emitted evenly in all directions. This is particularly useful when you’re in a tent or a small room, as it provides ample illumination without being too harsh or glaring.
The lantern is also designed to be water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged if it’s exposed to splashes or rain. It operates on four D batteries, which provide long-lasting illumination even when used for extended periods of time. The two light modes – high and low – allow you to adjust the brightness to your liking, so you can conserve battery life when necessary.
One of the most convenient features of the ENERGIZER LED Camping Lantern 360 PRO is its built-in handle, which makes it easy to carry and hang wherever you need it. Whether you’re setting up camp, exploring the great outdoors, or dealing with a power outage at home, this lantern is a reliable and practical lighting solution that won’t let you down.
Key Features:
- Inflatable and collapsible design for easy portability
- Provides up to 24 hours of light on a single charge
- Can be charged using solar power or a USB
- Waterproof and floatable, making it perfect for outdoor activities
- Comes with an adjustable strap for easy hanging or carrying
The LuminAID PackLite Nova USB Solar Inflatable Waterproof Light is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. It’s inflatable and collapsible design makes it easy to pack and transport, while its solar-powered feature means you can recharge it during the day and have light all night long. It also has the option to charge via USB if needed.
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The PackLite Nova provides up to 24 hours of light on a single charge, making it a reliable and efficient source of light for any outdoor activity. Additionally, its waterproof and floatable design ensures it can withstand the elements, making it perfect for camping, hiking, or any other outdoor adventure.
Overall, the LuminAID PackLite Nova USB Solar Inflatable Waterproof Light is a versatile and practical addition to any camping or outdoor gear collection. Its portability, long-lasting battery, and waterproof design make it a top choice for anyone who loves spending time in nature.
Key Features:
- 800LM brightness for a bright and effective lighting solution
- 3600mAh battery capacity for long-lasting power
- Portable and lightweight design for easy carrying on outdoor trips
- Multiple lighting modes for different needs
- IPX4 waterproof rating for use in all weather conditions
The Camping Lantern Rechargeable by AlpsWolf is a great lighting solution for outdoor trips, emergencies, and power outages. With its 800LM brightness and 3600mAh battery capacity, this lantern provides a bright and long-lasting source of light. It is also portable and lightweight, making it easy to carry around on camping trips or other outdoor activities. The multiple lighting modes allow for different settings depending on the situation, and the IPX4 waterproof rating ensures that it can be used in all weather conditions. Overall, the AlpsWolf Camping Lantern Rechargeable is a reliable and versatile lighting option for any outdoor enthusiast or emergency situation.
Key Features:
- 2000 lumens maximum brightness
- Variable power settings for customized lighting
- Retro design with a compass
- COB LED technology for high brightness and energy efficiency
- Battery-powered with long runtime
The LED Camping Lantern with 2000LM Variable Power is a versatile and reliable lighting solution for all your outdoor adventures. With its powerful 2000 lumens maximum brightness and variable power settings, you can customize your lighting to your specific needs and preferences.
Featuring a retro design with a built-in compass, this lantern not only provides bright light but also adds a touch of style to your camping gear. The COB LED technology ensures high brightness and energy efficiency, making it a great choice for extended use.
Powered by batteries, this lantern offers a long runtime, making it an ideal choice for camping, hiking, repairing, and emergency lighting. With its compact and portable design, it’s easy to carry and store in your backpack or camping gear.
Overall, the LED Camping Lantern with 2000LM Variable Power is a reliable and functional lighting solution for all your outdoor needs. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or just need emergency lighting, this lantern is sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
Key Features:
- Rechargeable design with 1500LM output and 3 light modes
- Built-in phone charger function for emergency power supply
- Waterproof and compact design suitable for outdoor activities
- Provides up to 12 hours of continuous lighting on a single charge
- Lightweight and portable, easy to carry and store
The TsukiTac Rechargeable Camping Lantern is a versatile and reliable lighting solution for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency situations. With its rechargeable design, you don’t need to worry about replacing batteries or running out of power. The lantern provides up to 1500LM of brightness and three different light modes to suit your needs.
One of the standout features of this lantern is its built-in phone charger function, which can be a lifesaver in emergency situations when you need to keep your phone charged for communication. The lantern is also waterproof and has a compact design, making it suitable for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
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With up to 12 hours of continuous lighting on a single charge, you can use the TsukiTac Rechargeable Camping Lantern throughout the night without worrying about the battery life. It’s also lightweight and easy to carry, so you can take it with you on all your outdoor adventures.
Overall, the TsukiTac Rechargeable Camping Lantern is a reliable and versatile lighting solution that’s perfect for camping, hiking, emergencies, and more.
Faqs
Are lanterns better than flashlights?
Whether lanterns are better than flashlights depends on the specific needs and situations.
Lanterns typically provide a broader and more even distribution of light, making them ideal for illuminating a larger area, such as a campsite or a tent. They are also often designed with features like hooks, handles, and stands for easy placement and portability.
On the other hand, flashlights are generally more compact and easier to carry around, making them a better choice for activities like hiking or exploring. They are also more focused, which means they can provide brighter and more intense illumination in a specific direction or location.
Ultimately, the choice between a lantern and a flashlight will depend on the individual’s needs and preferences. Some people may prefer the convenience and portability of a flashlight, while others may prioritize the wider illumination of a lantern. Both options can be useful in different situations, and having both available can provide the best of both worlds.
How many lumens do I need for a camping lantern?
The number of lumens you need for a camping lantern depends on your specific needs and preferences. Generally, a camping lantern with 200-400 lumens is sufficient for most camping trips. However, if you plan to use the lantern for cooking or other detailed tasks, a lantern with 600-1000 lumens may be more suitable. Keep in mind that higher lumens also mean shorter battery life, so it’s essential to consider your lantern’s running time and power source as well.
Are rechargeable lanterns worth it?
Yes, rechargeable lanterns are worth it for several reasons.
Firstly, they are more eco-friendly than traditional battery-powered lanterns since they can be recharged multiple times and reduce the amount of waste from disposable batteries. This not only saves money in the long run but also helps reduce environmental impact.
Secondly, rechargeable lanterns are more convenient as they eliminate the need to constantly purchase and replace batteries. With a rechargeable lantern, you can easily recharge it using a USB cable or solar power, making it a more versatile and practical option for camping or outdoor activities.
Lastly, rechargeable lanterns often have longer run times and are more powerful than traditional battery-powered lanterns, providing brighter light for a longer period of time. They may also have additional features like built-in power banks to charge your phone or other devices, making them a practical and efficient tool for outdoor adventures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right camping lantern is essential for a successful outdoor experience. With a wide range of options available on the market, it’s important to consider the key features that best suit your needs. The brightness level, battery life, portability, and durability are just some of the factors to keep in mind when selecting a camping lantern.
Rechargeable lanterns can be a great investment for frequent campers or those who plan on using their lanterns for extended periods of time. They are not only more environmentally friendly but also save you money in the long run by eliminating the need for constant battery replacements.
Overall, whether you opt for a traditional battery-powered lantern or a modern rechargeable one, having a reliable source of light is crucial for any camping trip. With the right camping lantern in hand, you can safely navigate through the darkness and enjoy all the beauty that nature has to offer.
