Offgrid Gear 360-Degree Illumination: Survival Lantern Buyer’s Guide
In This Article
There’s nothing quite as relaxing as sitting in front of a crackling campfire, enjoying the warm radius of light it creates in an ocean of darkness. While this experience soothes the soul and offers tremendous value in a survival scenario, campfires aren’t always the most practical option. You can’t start one in the house when the power goes out — the shrill beeping of smoke alarms isn’t relaxing, although the slow onset of carbon monoxide poisoning might be. Even at an outdoor campsite, there are plenty of situations where an instant, portable area light is far preferable to relentlessly feeding the flames. Lanterns fill this need.
Fortunately, we’ve progressed beyond the fragile oil lamps of generations past. High-output LEDs and long-lasting batteries have allowed lanterns to become much more compact, efficient, and durable. They can produce a broad area of clear white light for days or even weeks at a time, helping you stay productive long after the sun has set.
Whether you’re looking for a powerful tool that can help you withstand natural disasters and other emergencies or a lightweight source of illumination for your next camping trip, a trustworthy lantern is a worthwhile investment. We collected and evaluated nine portable lanterns ranging from entry-level to high-end — read on for our thoughts on each of these products.
Claimed Max Brightness
100 lumens
Claimed Max Runtime
50 hours
Weight with Batteries
3.5 ounces
Battery Type
Rechargeable 750mAh lithium-ion with solar panel
Output Modes
Dimmable white, variable color, “Party Mode”
MSRP
$25
Notes
Aptly described by BioLite as “the size of an ice cream sandwich,” the SunLight is slim and easy to carry. In addition to a dimmable white light and selectable RGB color, it also has a “Party Mode” that slowly fades through the spectrum. We suspect we’re not rad enough to get much use out of that feature. The SunLight can be charged in two hours via micro USB or in seven via a built-in solar panel — a tiny sundial on the corner helps with aiming. The LEDs flash red, yellow, or green to indicate charge level, but you won’t want to leave the light charging in your bedroom, because all four LEDs flash brightly every 10 seconds while plugged in.
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Claimed Max Brightness
Unlisted
Claimed Max Runtime
Unlisted
Weight with Batteries
10.5 ounces
Battery Type
3x AA (included)
Output Modes
On-off only
MSRP
$19 for 2-pack / $9.50 each
URL
www.amazon.com
Notes
After searching Amazon.com for an inexpensive option, we found the HausBell M500, sold as a two-pack with 6 off-brand AA batteries. Each lantern is made of “military grade environmental (sic) friendly plastic” with a gray metallic finish. A trio of LED strips turn on automatically when the lens is expanded. Although actual brightness and run time are not quantified, the packaging proudly proclaims the LEDs are “super bright” and last “up to 100,000 hours.” Output isn’t adjustable, but can be limited somewhat by partially collapsing the lens. Simple fold-out handles allow the lantern to be carried or suspended, and three magnets in the base offer a means of attaching it to other surfaces.
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Claimed Max Brightness
750 lumens
Claimed Max Runtime
70 hours
Weight with Batteries
10.6 ounces with base
Battery Type
Rechargeable 3,200mAh 18650 (included)
Output Modes
Dimmable white or red, each with strobe, blink, pulse, and SOS modes
MSRP
$110
Notes
A new product for 2019, the ML6 is Ledlenser’s first foray into the lantern market. Instead of a frosted diffuser, it uses a Micro Prism Lens to disperse light evenly and reduce upward glare. Controls are simple, with a power/mode button in the center and + and – buttons on either side to adjust brightness or strobe type. The ends of the rubber carry handle conceal USB input and output ports; the latter enables this lantern to serve as a power bank. Thanks to its use of a single 18650 lithium battery, the ML6 can also run on a pair of ordinary CR123s. Strong magnets are recessed into the battery cap, and a removable base with hang hook is also included.
Pros:
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Claimed Max Brightness
300 lumens
Claimed Max Runtime
150 hours
Weight with Batteries
5.7 ounces
Battery Type
Rechargeable 3,300mAh lithium-ion
Output Modes
Dimmable white, strobe
MSRP
$50
URL
www.lander.com
Notes
Half lantern and half portable power bank, the Cairn is based around a 3,300mAh battery pack. Twelve LEDs behind a hard polymer diffuser create a soft wash of warm light. Although it doesn’t have alternate color modes, holding the power button will gradually dim output down to 10 lumens, so it won’t obliterate your night vision. The battery can be charged using a micro USB port hidden behind a protective cover, or can be used to charge other USB devices. Five blue LEDs on the side indicate battery level. An elastic cord with a toggle on one end allows the Cairn to be strapped to various tether points.
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Claimed Max Brightness
500 lumens
Claimed Max Runtime
65 hours
Weight with Batteries
28.7 ounces
Battery Type
3x D (not included)
Output Modes
High, low
MSRP
$20
Notes
The ML500 is part of Midland’s E+Ready series targeted specifically at emergency preparedness. This lantern runs on three D batteries that, while bulky, are readily available at most grocery stores and gas stations. Clicking the power button repeatedly cycles between 500-lumen high output and 200-lumen low output. A pair of LEDs project white light through a semi-transparent diffuser that’s housed within a “shatter-resistant” clear protective lens. The hard plastic body is also said to be impact-resistant. However, unlike some of the other lanterns in this guide, these claims aren’t directly quantified according to standard ANSI FL1 impact testing. The ML500’s base has a series of raised feet, although these lack texture or a rubberized coating to prevent slipping.
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Claimed Max Brightness
250 lumens
Claimed Max Runtime
56 hours
Weight with Batteries
4.6 ounces without optional AAs
Battery Type
Rechargeable 1,800mAh lithium-ion (built-in) or 2x AA (not included)
Output Modes
White high, medium, or low; red high, low, SOS, or flashing
MSRP
$40
URL
www.nitecore.com
Notes
Described as a bi-fuel portable lantern, the LA30 fits easily into the palm of the hand. It features a built-in USB-rechargeable battery that’s capable of powering the light for up to 56 hours, but loosening the thumb screw and removing its base reveals a compartment for two optional AA batteries. Relying on this alternate power source will reduce run time slightly to 48 hours. Even though it doesn’t use a cylindrical lantern configuration, its diffuser effectively distributes light evenly across a wide area, albeit with slightly more glare at full brightness. A power indicator LED flashes to report battery level. The polycarbonate body is available in yellow or blue, and is IP66 water-resistant and impact-resistant.
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Claimed Max Brightness
200 lumens
Claimed Max Runtime
16.5 hours
Weight with Batteries
9.8 ounces
Battery Type
4x AA (not included)
Output Modes
Lantern high or low, flashlight
MSRP
$30
URL
www.niteize.com
Notes
The Radiant 200 is built around two light sources. One 200-lumen LED faces upward to illuminate the collapsible lantern, while a second 180-lumen LED faces downward to serve as a “downlight” for the area directly beneath the lantern. Three clicks of the power button turn on both sources simultaneously. The downlight also acts as a flashlight — press and hold the power button to turn it on by itself. The hard plastic body has rubber overmolds around the circumference and base for a rugged feel, and is also water- and impact-resistant according to the ANSI FL1 standard. A carabiner clip at the top of the lantern allows it to be suspended easily.
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Cons:
Claimed Max Brightness
1,100 lumens
Claimed Max Runtime
36.2 hours
Weight with Batteries
29.8 ounces
Battery Type
Rechargeable 10,400mAh lithium-ion
Output Modes
White high, medium, or low; red high, low, or SOS
MSRP
$200
Notes
Topping the range of Streamlight’s Siege lantern series, the Super Siege is designed for maximum output and longevity. It features a massive integrated battery that allows it to run for more than a day and a half in 125-lumen low mode, or provide red light continuously for two weeks (348 hours). Output can be directed using the removable Glare Guard, or the polycarbonate diffuser can be removed entirely for a brighter, conical beam pattern. There’s no shortage of mounting options thanks to a non-slip base, dual folding carabiners, and a rubberized, spring-loaded handle. The base unscrews to reveal a hidden, waterproof storage compartment.
For a web-exclusive review of the Super Siege's compact sibling, check out our article on the Streamlight Siege X USB.
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Cons:
Claimed Max Brightness
100 lumens
Claimed Max Runtime
60 hours
Weight with Batteries
3.6 ounces
Battery Type
3x AAA (not included)
Output Modes
Dimmable white, blue
MSRP
$15
URL
www.ucogear.com
Notes
This minimalist lantern is new for 2019, and built into a compact 1.9-by-2.6-inch cylindrical diffuser that spreads light evenly. Pressing the power button repeatedly toggles between modes, and the white light can be gradually dimmed by holding down the button. While most lanterns opt for a red secondary LED, UCO chose blue — it’s not traditional, but dim blue light can be just as effective at maintaining your night vision (or potentially more effective in some cases). Another noteworthy feature is the bottom-mounted lanyard with a quick-detach magnetic mount. Unfortunately, the lanyard contains the magnet, so the Sprout can’t be attached to metal surfaces.
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Editor's Note: This article has been modified from its original version for the web.
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