Lanterns

For general camping use, a lantern with 200-500 lumens is sufficient. Higher outputs (500-1,500 lumens) are better for larger campsites or when more light is needed.

We've got a great choice. You can go for a traditional battery-powered lantern, a rechargeable one that you can top up with a USB cable, or even a solar-powered or wind-up one, which are brilliant for longer trips off-grid.

For most campsite tasks, a lantern with around 100-200 lumens will be plenty bright enough. If you want to light up a larger group area, you might want to look for something a bit more powerful.

For camping, they're fantastic. LEDs are incredibly energy-efficient, so your batteries last for ages. They're also much more durable than old-fashioned bulbs and produce very little heat, which makes them much safer to use inside a tent.

As well as different brightness settings, many lanterns have a warm light mode which is great for creating a cosy atmosphere and attracts fewer insects. Some also have a red light mode for preserving your night vision or a flashing SOS mode for emergencies.

They used to be, but modern LED lanterns are surprisingly lightweight and compact. There are plenty of options that are small and light enough to take on a backpacking trip without weighing you down.

Most are designed to be weather-resistant, which means they're fine to be used in the rain. Just be sure to check the IPX rating for a specific guide to how waterproof they are.

It varies a lot depending on the lantern and the brightness setting you're using. On a low setting, a good LED lantern can last for a very long time – some for as much as 75 hours on a single charge.