10 Best Emergency Lanterns 2025 in the United States

The XTAUTO Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lantern is designed with emergency and outdoor use in mind, offering 300 lumens of brightness that can light up an entire room thanks to its 360° coverage. Its adjustable brightness feature, controlled by how far you pull it open, adds useful flexibility in various situations. The lantern is lightweight and compact, folding down to the size of a phone, making it easy to carry or hang inside a tent or tree, which is great for camping and hiking. Durability is a strong point here—the ABS construction is waterproof, heat-resistant, and freeze-resistant, so it can handle rough outdoor conditions well.

The built-in 1600mAh battery provides up to 25 hours of continuous light when fully charged, which is ample for power outages or extended outdoor use. It charges via two convenient methods: solar power and USB, adding reliability if you lack electrical outlets. Another handy feature is the USB output port, allowing you to use the lantern as a power bank for charging devices like smartphones. At just over 2 pounds and about 7.7 inches tall when expanded, it strikes a good balance between portability and functionality.

One consideration is that it includes lithium metal batteries and requires charging, so keeping it ready means remembering to recharge it or rely on solar power. Also, while 300 lumens is bright enough for many emergency or camping needs, it may not replace more powerful flashlights for specialized tasks. This 4-pack set is well-suited for families or group outdoor activities and is especially useful for anyone looking for a reliable, multipurpose light source for emergencies, camping, or hurricanes. Its mix of durability, long battery life, and dual charging options makes it a trustworthy choice for most emergency lantern needs.

The Etekcity Camping Lanterns offer a practical solution for emergencies and outdoor activities. Each lantern is equipped with 30 LED bulbs, providing a maximum brightness of 154 lumens, which is suitable for lighting up dark spaces during power outages or while camping. Users can adjust the light intensity by collapsing or expanding the lantern, making it versatile for different situations.

These lanterns are powered by three AA batteries, which are included in the package. They provide up to 50 hours of light, ensuring long-lasting performance in emergencies. The lanterns are made from durable ABS material that can withstand drops and are water-resistant, adding to their reliability in harsh conditions.

The compact and lightweight design makes them easy to carry and store, with dimensions similar to a smartphone. An additional feature is the storage compartment at the top, which can hold small items like keys or spare batteries. At 154 lumens, the brightness may not be sufficient for larger areas, and the reliance on AA batteries means you'll need to have replacements on hand. The Etekcity Camping Lanterns are a solid choice for those needing dependable and portable lighting for emergencies and outdoor adventures.

The Coleman 1000L LED Lantern is a solid choice for both camping and emergency situations. Its standout feature is the BatteryGuard Technology, which preserves battery life and prevents corrosion, meaning you won’t find your lantern dead when you need it most. The lantern offers a powerful illumination of up to 1000 lumens, casting light up to 16 meters, which is very bright for most needs.

Users can also benefit from its four adjustable light modes (high, medium, low, and flashing), providing flexibility in various situations. Additionally, it’s water-resistant and impact-resistant up to 2 meters, making it durable enough to withstand rough weather and falls. The lifetime LED bulbs ensure you won’t have to worry about replacements, and the 3-year limited warranty adds a layer of confidence in its longevity.

However, there are some drawbacks. The lantern requires batteries, which are not included, potentially adding to your initial cost. Its weight, at 1.25 pounds, is relatively manageable but may be slightly heavier than some ultra-light models. In terms of size, it is moderately compact at 4.4 x 4.4 x 9.25 inches, but may still be bulkier than some might prefer for backpacking. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Coleman 1000L LED Lantern is a versatile and reliable tool for a range of lighting needs.