The amount of time a camping lantern will produce light without recharging, refueling, or swapping out fresh batteries is referred to as its “runtime.” Several factors impact a lantern’s maximum runtime, but generally speaking the longer the runtime, the easier a lantern is to live with. For example, an LED lantern with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery might have a runtime of 48 hours on a low setting or 8 hours on its highest setting. We found the light to be a warm, orange hue that's not bright enough for reading, but they do give off plenty of light to illuminate a walkway. Plus, the lights held up to our golf ball, water, and freezer tests, making us confident that they'll thrive in a variety of weather conditions. Inspired by origami, this lantern collapses for easy, on-the-go light. Simply pull the lantern open and it's ready to use. The lantern has a dusk-to-dawn light sensor mode and has three light settings (low, high, and blinking). Charge time is eight to 10 hours and gets you up to 12 hours of light. The Solar Puff lantern is made from recyclable PET sailcloth with UV protection, and is made without PVC. We wouldn’t recommend leaving the Olantern Mini out in a monsoon, but with an IPX4 waterproof rating, it should be fine in light rains or for a full 10 minutes or more in a full downpour. The Olantern Mini also gets bonus points for its soft red light mode, 48-hour runtime, and magnetic charging base.

Others use solar lighting as a portable lighting option. Jameson says, "A lot of people who enjoy camping outdoors typically opt for solar-powered lanterns and bulbs as they are portable and self-sustaining for their power." Battery Ensure that your solar panels face the sun, especially during the winter months when sunlight is limited. It may also be useful to shift them to a location that receives more direct sunlight. For optimal results, aim to charge them under full sunlight for most of the day and avoid placing them in shadowy areas or under tall trees. 2. Clear Snow or Dust from the Solar Panel’s Surface We’re particularly impressed by the frosted front, which spreads the considerable light evenly, so that it doesn’t hurt your eyes, or focus the light on any one spot. The whole thing is made from durable plastic. Another great contender in our review of best solar lanterns. Solar lights are best recharged by exposing them to direct sunlight, as their purpose is primarily meant to convert sunlight into maximum power. 2. Positioning Solar lights Correctly The SUBOOS Ultimate Rechargeable LED Lantern is a rechargeable LED lantern that’s perfect for rough and tumble weekend camping trips. Its compact design sand the hanging handle is sturdy enough to inspire confidence when hanging inside or outside in strong winds. We like the minimalist, sort of retro design, and are certain that the SUBOOS Ultimate Rechargeable LED Lantern is a solid performer.If you’re upgrading your outdoor space, don’t forget our guides to the best garden heaters, best garden chairs and best rattan garden furniture. There’s also a new guide to the best fire pits for even more after-dark ambience. Pay attention to how much sunlight your yard gets during the day, and use that to manage your expectations for how bright the lights will be and how long they'll last into the evening. You also have the option to charge the lights with a USB charger, if you want to top them up during the darker months. Their weather-resistant aluminum material is to thank for the sturdiness of these lights. They were given a rating of IPX4, meaning they'll withstand some sprays or splashes of water from all directions. The lights come with heavy duty plastic spikes for easy installation along a pathway or sidewalk, making them one of the best solar lights for pathways.

We carefully evaluated each light on its setup process, features, overall design, brightness, durability, and overall value. We ranked each light in each of these categories on a scale of one to five and used these insights to compile this list of the best outdoor solar lights.

Solar and USB Rechargeable light for Camping

When what you’re looking for is maximum run time, this solar powered lantern is a great option. Unfussy, fold-out design exposes the solar panels for charging during the day, and once fully juiced up, the light has an operating time of up to 40 hours, depending on the light intensity level selected.

The best outdoor solar lights have a battery that can eventually be replaced if it stops working. "Technically, solar lights require rechargeable batteries to act as storage for the electrical energy collected from the sun," Jameson says. Solar lights come in a variety of styles, including string lights. This string measures in at 27 feet long and features 12 S14-size LED bulbs spaced at 20 inches apart, making for 20 feet of lighting total. The LED bulbs are expected to last 20,000 hours while the solar panel has a life of about two and a half years.Outdoor lights work best when they have access to direct sunlight to charge for multiple hours during the day, which is how the manufacturers calculate battery life and runtime. Stake lights: These tend to be spiked stakes with bulbs at the top that provide low-level lighting, ideal for guiding the way along a path or softly lighting flowerbeds. Keeping your solar lights fully charged is crucial to their performance and getting the most benefits from them. There are various methods to charge them and some of which are listed below, ranging from sunlight to electricity: 1. Charging Using Sunlight Exposure BioLite are a New York-based startup who specialise in high-end portable, solar lights. They’re built to last, they look great, and they’re made from extremely high quality materials. We absolutely love BioLite, and cannot recommend them highly enough. Why You Should Get It: If you simply want a no-frills spotlight, this solar light set provides great value for its features.

To avoid overflow after finish-charging, fill them just to the manufacturer’s suggested level, which is usually about an inch below the top. It is not necessary to add water more frequently than needed for maintaining the plates submerged. Why You Should Get It: These solar lights are perfect for those looking for a soft, ambient outdoor lighting option. They're also available in seven colors. No installation is required for the lights themselves, other than hanging them up or placing them around a centerpiece table arrangement. Testers said it was simple to install the solar panel onto the stake provided, so the lights can charge during the day. The solar string lights are meant to be durable with their shatterproof material and Brightech's WeatherTite technology. While no official waterproof rating is given, this technology is designed to help the lights handle 50 mile-per-hour winds along with rain and snow. They're also resistant to temperatures as hot as 122 degrees Fahrenheit. The bulbs are made of plastic, but one tester said they are "clear, pretty, and don't seem cheap."These lights will be fine in normal rain and snow showers, but you may want to bring them inside during heavy downpours combined with wind. You'll often see the water protection listed as an IP rating, an international standard that looks like "IP45." Solar technology certainly should work in the rain or on shorter winter days but, Matthew says, “Ultimately, we’re asking a very small solar panel to do quite a lot of work.” It’s better to think of solar lights as soft ambient lighting and have more of them, augmented with other light sources, Matthew says. Meanwhile, a propane lantern may only have a runtime of six hours on a lower setting before you have to refill, repressurize, and relight it. Hence,the power source of a lantern has a major impact on its real-world runtime, so let’s dive into those while we’re on the topic. Size and Weight Testers also found that lights with larger solar panels can sometimes have a less aesthetically pleasing look, so make sure you feel good about the size and location of the panel before purchasing.