7 Best Solar Lights for Camping 2024: Shine a Light on Your Campsite
Looking for the perfect outdoor lighting solution for your next camping, RV or fishing trip? Look no further than the Best Solar Lights for Camping! Not only do they save you money on batteries, but they’re also environmentally friendly and easy to use.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the top solar lanterns and lights for camping and why they are a must have for any outdoor adventure. Keep reading to light up your campsite and your life!
How Do Solar Camping Lanterns Work?
Solar lantern lights work by harnessing solar energy from the sun through their built-in solar panels on the top of the light. The solar panels collect energy during the day and store it in a rechargeable battery.
At night, the battery powers the LED lights, providing illumination for your campsite. Some solar camping lights also have a sensor that detects motion if security is a concern but could mean a sleepless night if you are constantly been woken because some animal has wondered through your campsite.
What Are The Different Types of Solar Camping Lights?
- Solar Camping Lanterns – Really there are two types, those that are compact and portable which are small enough to store away in a ruck sac or panniers or even a large pocket. Then there are those that are still small and compact, but are slightly larger and look like a traditional gas lantern. Both though can be charged using solar panels and offer a range of brightness levels. They can be used to light up a tent, campsite, or for cooking, reading, or playing games. Many also can be converted and used as a flashlight. Such is the versatility of these lights, many also include a USB charger port.
- Solar String Lights – Solar string lights are a popular and versatile option for outdoor lighting, including camping. They consist of a string or wire with multiple bulbs that can be hung around a campsite or tent. One of the advantages of solar string lights is their flexibility. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them suitable for different camping styles and preferences. For example, some solar string lights are shaped like flowers or stars and can add a whimsical touch to a campsite.
- Solar Spotlights – These are small, focused lights very much looking like solar security lights that can be used to illuminate specific areas or objects, such as a cooking area, a pathway, or a campsite sign. They can be brighter and have light modes that include dusk to dawn features and also motion sensor to detect movement within the campsite at night, though this in my opinion is an unnecessary feature.
- Solar Flashlights – These are handheld flashlights that can be charged using solar panels and are typically more durable and long-lasting than traditional battery-operated flashlights. They can be used for night hikes, setting up camp in the dark, or exploring the outdoors. Some solar camping lanterns can also morph into solar flashlights.
- Solar Tent Lights – These are lightweight lights that can be attached to the inside of a tent and are typically powered by a small solar panel. They can be used to provide ambient lighting or as a nightlight for children.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Solar Camping Lanterns
When it comes to choosing the best solar-powered solar lanterns for camping, there are several factors that you should look for in your ideal solar camping lantern or solar string lights. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Brightness: One of the most important factors to consider is the brightness of the solar lights. You want lights that are bright enough to illuminate your campsite, but not so bright that they are blinding so they keep you awake or use up too much energy. Look for lights with adjustable brightness settings so that you can customize the level of illumination to your liking.
- Battery life: Since you will be relying on solar power to charge your lights, it’s essential to choose ones with a solar rechargeable and long battery life. Look for lights with high-capacity batteries that can last for several hours on a single charge. Additionally, consider how long it takes to charge the battery fully and make sure it’s a reasonable amount of time.
- Durability: Camping gear comes under a lot of punishment from the elements, so you want to make sure your solar lights are durable enough to withstand the bumps and knocks. Look for lights that are made from sturdy materials that can resist water, dust, and impact damage.
- Type of light: There are various types of solar lights available for camping, including solar lanterns, solar string lights, and solar flashlights, some of which can be converted from solar lanterns. Consider the type of lighting you’ll need for your specific camping trip and choose lights accordingly. For example, if you’ll be hiking at night, a flashlight would be a better choice than a string light.
- Size and weight: When camping or cycle touring, you want equipment that is lightweight and easy to carry. Make sure the solar lights you choose are compact and lightweight so that they won’t add too much extra weight to your pack or panniers
- Price: Finally, consider your budget when choosing solar lights for camping. While it’s important to invest in quality lights that will last, you don’t want to overspend on gear that you won’t use very often.
In summary, when choosing any type of solar camping, consider factors such as brightness, battery life, durability, type of light, size and weight, and price. By keeping these factors in mind and doing your research, you can find the perfect solar lights to illuminate your next camping adventure.
How to Use Solar Lights for Camping – Tips and Suggestions
Using solar camping solar lights can also enhance your camping experience by providing light when and where you need it most. Here are some tips and suggestions for using solar lanterns effectively while camping:
- Position your solar lights for maximum sun exposure: In order to fully charge your solar lights, you’ll want to place them in an area that gets direct sunlight for several hours each day. Make sure to position them in a spot that’s not obstructed by trees, tents, or other objects.
- Use solar lanterns whilst cooking: If you will be cooking over a campfire or camp stove, use solar lanterns to provide extra lighting so that you can see what you’re doing. You can place them on a nearby table or hang them from a nearby tree.
- Set the mood with solar string lights: Solar-powered string lights can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere around your RV or campsite. String them up around your tent or picnic area for a warm and inviting glow.
- Use solar lanterns for reading: If you enjoy reading in the evenings, use solar lanterns to provide ample light without draining your battery-powered devices. You can hang them from the ceiling of your tent or place them on a nearby table.
- Play games with solar lights: Solar-powered glow sticks or light-up frisbees can be a fun way to play games in the dark. Plus, they’re reusable and won’t pollute the environment like traditional glow sticks.
- Be aware of battery life: While solar lights are great for extended use, it’s important to be aware of the battery life. Make sure to turn off lights when you’re not using them and conserve battery power whenever possible.
By using solar lights effectively while camping, you can create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere while also reducing your impact on the environment. With a little creativity and planning, you can make the most of your solar-powered lighting and enjoy your camping trip to the fullest.
Selection of the Best Solar Camping Lights
With so many different types on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones are the best for your needs, the following selection are some of the best solar lanterns lights, solar string and spot lights on the market today, to give you the best camping experience.
LuminAID Solar Camping Lantern with Smart Phone Charger
- Portable, lightweight and inflatable, ideal for backpacking, touring on a bike, camping and fishing expeditions.
- 150 Lumen LED Light.
- 5 Brightness settings, 50 hours of light on Low mode when battery is fully charged.
- This model has a USB port so you can charge your smart phone.
- Recharges in 12-14 hours of direct outdoor sunlight using the solar panel. 1-2 hours by USB.
KIZEN Solar Camping Lantern
- Compact and easy to store way. Collapses to a hockey puck size, so can be easily packed into a ruck sac or panniers or even a jacket pocket.
- 65 Lumens LED Light on highest setting, 25 Lumens on the lowest. There are 3 brightness settings, low, SOS and high.
- It is not only bright, but also waterproof and versatile. The survival light can be used as a portable phone charger, overhead lamp for hanging in a tent or dark basement, handheld flashlight, or an LED lantern.
- A plug in charge takes 4 hours, a solar charge takes 10-12 hours depending on the power of the sun.
DrawGreen Solar Light for Camping with Sensor Motion
- The DrawGreen solar camping light with motion sensor and with its flexible legs that can bend around tree branches etc, can be placed anywhere you need, garden, road, porch, balcony, camping site.
- Can form tripod legs so you can stand up these up in your camp site or porch, garage, wherever you have a need for light.
- The 2 mode motion sensor light can detect motion up to 20-26ft away at which point its 1400 lumens will brighten up the area and turn off or go back to low light, which ever setting you have it on. The light will certainly wake every one up in the campsite if you use this setting as it has an illumination range of 40-55 ft.
- Built with high strength aluminium and IP66 rating, this solar light will certainly stand up to the elements.
Goal Zero Crush Light Solar Powered Lantern
- With 60 lumens on high setting and 35 hours of run time on low setting, this simple but effective collapsible solar powered lantern is the perfect companion to any camping trip or for any purpose you need.
- It also features a soft candle-flicker mode for ambience.
- The built in solar panel charges up the light, but it can also be charged using the USB port.
- Water resistant IP4X and durable.
- The Chroma option has 6 different color modes and a multicolor fade.
JMADENQ Solar Light for Camping
- The 2 in 1, 60 lumen solar lantern and 20 lumen flashlight is perfect for hiking, camping, fishing, emergency use and power outages.
- You can use it as a lantern or convert to a flashlight.
- Hang the solar lantern on a camping tent carry with you with the stainless steel handles.
- Omni-directional LED lights provide 360 illumination in every direction around the campsite.
- 2 charging modes, solar or via the USB port.
Mesquool Solar Camping Lantern
- All in one 120 lumen Solar Camping Lantern, not only for camping, can be used for fishing, hiking, reading, emergency light.
- 3 ways of charging, hand crank for which you will need a strong wrist as it takes 6 hours to fully charge, solar power takes 40 hours so can be charged in advance, and finally by USB which takes 2 hours to fully charge.
- Full charge will give you 4 hours of strong light or 26 hours at a low light setting.
- Can be adapted to be used as a flashlight and also charge up your smart phone via the USB port.
- IPX4 waterproof so peace of mind whilst camping in wet weather.
MPOWERD Luci Color Solar String Lights for Camping
- These versatile string lights are perfect for any campsite, RV, patio, or backyard. With six colors to choose from and 100 lumens, you can easily create the perfect ambiance for any occasion.
- With an 18 ft cord, you’ll have plenty of length to cover your space.
- This solar light has built-in solar panel which means you can charge them up during the day and enjoy up to 15 hours of light on a single charge.
- Because of their compact size and lightweight design, they’re perfect for travel. Whether you’re headed to a remote campsite or an urban park, these lights are easy to pack and set up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
In conclusion, using solar lanterns and solar string lights for camping is a smart and sustainable choice that can enhance your camping experience in many ways. From providing light for cooking, reading, and playing games, to creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere, solar lanterns offer a range of benefits that make them a worthwhile investment for any camper.
By considering factors such as brightness, battery life, and durability, and using them effectively with tips such as positioning them for maximum sun exposure, readers can find the right solar lanterns to suit their needs and preferences.
