Top 5 LED Lanterns for Cold-Weather Camping

While packing for your cold-weather camping trip, don't forget to include a few lanterns. Some folks like to pack gas-powered lanterns whereas others opt for battery powered ones. Personally, I like to use both.

Here are five LED lanterns you should consider picking up for your next winter camping trip:

1. Thinktank LED Camping Lantern

The Thinktank LED Camping Lantern is a good value for the $9 price. It has a built-in handle and a compass, which are convenient to have. It also gives off more than enough light inside small to medium size tents. The only real downside in my book is that it isn't waterproof. It comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty, and you can usually pick one up through most home improvement or outdoor outfitter locations.

2. Buffalo Tools LED Camping Lantern

The Buffalo Tools LED Camping Lantern is another item that you may want to consider investing in. There are two features that make this lantern unique. First, it doesn't run on batteries or gas. In order to make the light work you wind it up. It has 12 LED lights, which is enough to illuminate a small tent. It's also great for those late night sprints to the car. Second, you can use it to charge your cell phone. You can typically purchase one online through select retailers for less than $20 a piece.

3. Coleman Twin LED C002

For winter camping, I like the Coleman Twin LED C002 Model. It is weather resistant, so you don't have to worry about it conking out after getting hit by a snow flurry or two. In most cases, it will run for roughly 15 to 100 hours before you need to change the batteries. Higher settings tend to shorten the battery life. You may expect to pay $40 or more for one depending on the retailer. Most outdoor outfitters and major home improvement stores carry the lanterns.

4. Rayovac LED Lantern

Personally, I also like Rayovac's LED Lantern. It tends to last a whopping 150 hours on a set of batteries and sells for $30 through select online retailers. I like the folding handle and the water resistant design. It also has a blinking strobe light feature, which is superlative to have during emergencies.

5. Cabela's Bugproof LED Lantern

One other product worth mentioning is the Bugproof LED Lantern by Cabela. It has four settings, comes with a retractable hook, and will last approximately 175 hours on a new set of batteries. Furthermore, the lantern is waterproof and will float if you happen to drop it into the water. The lantern's bug-invisible setting is also great to have during the warmer weather. You'll need to fork over roughly $60 to own one, but I think it's worth it.