When the sun sets at your campsite, reliable lighting transforms your experience from functional to fantastic. Inflatable lights have revolutionized camping illumination, offering a perfect blend of portability, durability, and brightness. These collapsible wonders pack down to almost nothing, inflate in seconds, and provide ambient, glare-free light perfect for tents, picnic tables, and hanging from trees. From simple solar-charged orbs to feature-packed models with phone charging capabilities, there’s an inflatable lantern for every adventure style and need.
Modern inflatable lights are more than just simple glow; they are essential pieces of gear designed for the outdoors. They are typically waterproof, shockproof, and incredibly lightweight, making them ideal for backpackers who count every ounce. Whether you prioritize ultra-long battery life, multi-color mood lighting, or a backup power source for your devices, the latest models offer impressive versatility. Our roundup highlights the best options available to brighten your next outdoor journey safely and efficiently.
Our Top Picks for Inflatable Camping Lights
- Solight Design Outdoor Solar-Powered Inflatable LED Lantern
- MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 Solar Inflatable Lantern
- LuminAID Solar Camping Lantern – As Seen on Shark Tank
- MPOWERD Luci Pro Lux Solar Light + Mobile Charger
- LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1 Lantern and Phone Charger
- Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma Lantern Collapsible Solar Lantern
- UCO Clarus Lantern and Torch 118-Lumen Camping Lantern
- Black Diamond Moji Lantern
- Vont 2 Pack LED Camping Lantern with Collapsible Design
Solight Design Outdoor Solar-Powered Inflatable LED Lantern
The Solight Design SolarPuff stands out with its unique, patented design that requires no mouth inflation. A simple pull opens it into a stable cube, and its material memory helps it retain its shape. This feature makes it exceptionally hygienic and easy to use, especially in group settings or with children.
Weighing less than 2.65 ounces and folding flat to a quarter of an inch, it is arguably one of the most packable lanterns available. It provides up to 12 hours of warm white light from just 8 hours of solar charging. The integrated velcro handle makes it simple to attach to a backpack for charging on the go, ensuring it’s ready when you need it.
MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 Solar Inflatable Lantern
The Luci Outdoor 2.0 is a classic in the inflatable solar light category, known for its reliability and simplicity. It emits 75 lumens of cool white light through a clear finish, providing up to 24 hours of illumination on a full charge. This makes it a dependable choice for multi-day trips where recharging opportunities may be limited.
It is completely solar-powered with a built-in 1000mAh battery, meaning you never need to buy or replace batteries. The solar panel fully recharges the unit in about 7 hours of direct sunlight. Its waterproof construction and lightweight profile make it a versatile light for camping, emergencies, or simply hanging in your backyard.
LuminAID Solar Camping Lantern
Famous from its Shark Tank appearance, the LuminAID solar lantern is a pioneer in the space. It delivers 75 lumens of LED light with multiple brightness settings, allowing you to adjust the output to conserve battery or brighten a larger area. Its design is focused on being a safe, durable light source for all ages.
This lantern is not just waterproof but rated IP67, meaning it is also dustproof and can withstand temporary immersion. It is shatterproof and inflatable, making it nearly indestructible in typical outdoor conditions. It’s an excellent all-around option for family camping, emergency kits, and recreational activities.
MPOWERD Luci Pro Lux Solar Light + Mobile Charger
The Luci Pro Lux steps up the functionality by combining a bright 135-lumen lantern with a 2000mAh power bank for charging devices. This dual-purpose design is ideal for longer excursions where keeping a phone or GPS charged is as important as having light. It provides an impressive 50 hours of runtime on a single charge on its lower settings.
Featuring 10 warm white LEDs behind a matte finish, it produces a pleasant, diffused light perfect for camp ambiance. You can recharge it via its efficient solar panel or more quickly via a USB cable. This model is for campers who want a single, powerful piece of gear that handles both illumination and power needs.
LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1 Lantern and Phone Charger
The PackLite Max is LuminAID’s answer to the need for a high-output light with charging capabilities. It boasts up to 150 lumens on its turbo setting and includes five brightness levels, offering great control over light output and battery conservation. Its built-in 2000mAh battery can also recharge smartphones and other USB devices.
Recharging is flexible: use the solar panel over a couple of days or plug it in via USB for a full charge in just 1-2 hours. The combination of high brightness, long battery life (up to 50 hours on low), and device charging makes this a premium choice for serious backpackers and preparedness kits.
Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma Lantern
The Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma adds a fun, colorful element to your campsite. It features six solid color modes plus a multicolor fade setting, allowing you to set a festive mood or use a specific color for signaling. Beyond the colors, it also provides a standard white light mode for practical illumination.
It maintains the collapsible, compact form factor that makes inflatable lights so convenient. You can charge it via its built-in solar panel or any USB port, offering flexibility. This light is perfect for those who want their gear to be both functional and a source of entertainment after dark.
UCO Clarus Lantern and Torch
The UCO Clarus offers a unique hybrid design, functioning as both a 118-lumen lantern and a focused flashlight. By sliding the frosted globe up or down, you instantly switch between a wide-area diffused light and a directional beam. This versatility eliminates the need to pack a separate flashlight.
It is battery-powered (requires 3 AA batteries, not included) and is rated IPX6 for high water resistance, protecting it from heavy rain. The integrated hanging hook and collapsible design make it easy to pack and deploy. This is a great pick for those who prioritize functional adaptability in their gear.
Black Diamond Moji Lantern
The Black Diamond Moji Lantern is a popular choice from a trusted brand in climbing and outdoor lighting. It is known for its simple, single-button operation and durable, weather-resistant construction. It provides a consistent, ambient light perfect for inside a tent or on a camp table.
While not inflatable in the traditional sense, it features a collapsible design that shrinks its size for packing. It runs on standard batteries, offering reliability without the need for sunlight. Its robust build and trusted brand reputation make it a go-to for many outdoor enthusiasts.
Vont 2 Pack LED Camping Lantern
Vont’s offering focuses on value and practicality, providing two collapsible LED lanterns in a single pack. These lights are designed for brightness and durability, often featuring multiple lighting modes. Having two lights allows you to illuminate different areas of your camp or share one with a camping partner.
They are typically powered by batteries and collapse down for easy storage. This set is an excellent entry-level option for car campers, families, or anyone looking to add reliable, affordable lighting to their emergency supplies without a large investment.
How to Choose the Best Inflatable Lights for Camping
When I’m picking out my gear for a trip, I know that a good light can make or break the campsite vibe. Inflatable lights are a game-changer because they pack down to almost nothing and give off a soft, diffused glow that’s perfect for a tent or picnic table. But not all are created equal. Here’s what I always look for when choosing the best inflatable lights for camping.
First, I think about brightness and light modes. Lumens are your friend here. For ambient lighting inside a large tent or for a group area, I aim for something with at least 150 lumens. Multiple modes are crucial. A high setting for cooking or setting up camp, a medium for hanging out, and a warm, low setting for winding down before bed is the perfect combo. Some even have colored light or SOS functions, which are nice extras.
Battery life and power source are next on my checklist. How long does it last on a single charge? I prefer lights that can go a full weekend (say, 15-20 hours) on a lower setting without needing a recharge. USB-C rechargeable is pretty much the standard now, and it’s what I look for. A bonus is if the light can double as a power bank to charge my phone—a real lifesaver.
Durability and ease of use are non-negotiable. The material should be tough enough to handle being tossed in a gear bin. I check that it’s properly water-resistant (IPX4 or higher is good for rain splashes). Inflation should be simple—either by mouth or with a built-in pump. Deflating and packing it away should be just as easy. Finally, I consider the hanging options. A sturdy handle or multiple loops for guy lines means I can hang it from a tent pole, a tree branch, or just set it on the ground.
FAQ
Are inflatable camping lights actually durable?
I was skeptical at first too, but the good ones are surprisingly tough. They’re typically made from ripstop nylon or heavy-duty PVC. Look for a high denier rating and sealed seams. They can handle being packed tightly and the occasional bump, but I still avoid sharp branches and keep them away from extreme heat. They’re durable for their purpose, but they’re not indestructible.
How do you inflate these lights?
It’s usually super simple. Most have a one-way valve. You can either blow them up by mouth in a few breaths (there’s often a hygienic mouthpiece cover) or use a small manual pump. Some higher-end models even have a built-in pump you operate with a button or a pull-cord. Deflating is just a matter of opening the valve and rolling them up.
Can they withstand rain?
Many can, but you must check the IP (Ingress Protection) rating. An IPX4 rating means it’s protected against water splashes from any direction—perfect for a light rain or hanging under a tarp. I wouldn’t submerge them or leave them out in a downpour, but for typical camping weather, they hold up just fine.
What’s the advantage over a traditional lantern?
For me, it’s all about packed size and light quality. A deflated light is often the size of a soda can, saving tons of space. When lit, the inflatable design acts as a giant diffuser, creating a soft, glare-free glow that’s much easier on the eyes than a hard plastic lantern. It feels more like ambient lighting than a utilitarian light source.
How long do the batteries typically last?
It varies a lot by model and brightness setting. On a medium or low setting, I expect a minimum of 10-15 hours from a quality light. Some can last 30+ hours on the lowest setting. Always check the manufacturer’s specs for the lumen output at each runtime. Remember, the highest brightness will drain the battery much faster.
Where is the best place to use them at camp?
Their soft light makes them ideal for inside the tent, on the picnic table during dinner, or hanging from the center pole of a canopy. I don’t use them as my primary area light for tasks like cooking; I keep a brighter, focused headlamp for that. They’re perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere once the main chores are done. Finding the right ones among the 9 best inflatable lights for camping means you’ll have a reliable, mood-setting piece of gear.