Camping out under the stars is a great experience, but if your night vision isn’t quite up to scratch, you’ll need a good torch to help you see what you’re doing once the sun goes down.
While a basic torch is sufficient for home, when you’re out camping, you’ll want something a bit more rugged and a bit more powerful.
To help you in your search, we’ve rounded up and reviewed the best camping torches on the market.
Our top pick: LED Lenser P7R Core Torch
Batteries: Rechargeable Lithium-IO
Lumens: 1400
Beam distance: 300m
Waterproof rating: IP68 (waterproof and dustproof)
Run time: 90 hours
Pros: Very bright, adjustable beam pattern, durable, 7-year warranty
Cons: Expensive
Built with a 1400 lumen capacity and a 90-hour run time on a rechargeable battery, the LED Lenser P7R is as good as it gets in a handheld torch.
The P7R uses Lenser’s proprietary Smart Light Technology, which optimises light output at either a low, medium or high setting, so you can get the exact amount of light you need from your torch.
In addition, Lenser’s Advanced Focus System allows you to choose between a focused beam for long-distance or a split beam that disperses light for up-close purposes such as reading.
With a 7-year warranty and a maximum 300m range, this is a great all-around torch for both casual and experienced campers.
The high price tag might be shocking to some, but with all these great features, we think it’s worth it.
Best value: WUBEN C3 Rechargeable Flashlight
Batteries: CR123A batteries
Lumens: 1200
Beam distance: 180m
Waterproof rating: IP68 (waterproof and dustproof)
Run time: 143 hours (eco mode)
Pros: Great value for money, very bright, compact size
Cons: Some users have reported quality issues
This flashlight delivers the performance of a high-end product at a fraction of the cost.
It’s very bright, recording up to 1200 lumens in brightness thanks to its OSRAM P9 LEDs. It has a max beam distance of 180m.
The flashlight has 6 adaptable light modes: High / Medium / Low / Eco / Strobe / SOS. There’s also a battery power indicator to let you know when to charge your flashlight.
This flashlight is made from aircraft-grade aluminium alloy, so you can rest assured that this device will be able to withstand the conditions you use it in.
Brightest: Olight Warrior 3S 2300 Lumens Tactical Torch
Batteries: Customized 3.6V 5000mAh 21700 Lithium-ion Battery
Lumens: 2300
Beam distance: 300m
Waterproof rating: IPX8 (can be submerged deeper than 1 metre)
Run time: 13 hours (at 200 lumens)
The Warrior is a high-performance tactical torch that provides cool white LED illumination. It features a super bright 2,300-lumen output that can illuminate any environment and far off into the distance.
This torch is easy to charge thanks to the included USB cable and lithium-ion battery. The long runtime is great for campers, hikers, or anyone who wants a reliable light source for their adventures.
The Warrior Torch has four levels of battery and brightness indicators, as well as a built-in proximity sensor that drops the brightness level automatically to avoid shining in someone’s eyes.
It features a high-quality and durable metal casing with an IPX8 waterproof rating. The compact size of this torch makes it easy to carry around in your backpack or pocket when you’re on the go.
Also great: OZtrail Lumos Fr800 Rechargeable Flashlight
Batteries: 3.7V 2000mAh rechargeable lithium-ion
Lumens: 800
Beam distance: 165m
Waterproof rating: IPX4 (resistant to water splashes)
Run time: 12 hours
Pros: Durable, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, focusing head, affordable
Cons: Lower waterproof rating (but will still be fine in the rain)
The OZtrail Lumos Fr800 is a great value rechargeable flashlight that’s perfect for camping. It has an output of 800 lumens with a focusing head, and it can run for up to 12 hours on low.
The torch has a charging indicator so you can keep track of the remaining battery and Power Lock technology to preserve battery life during storage.
It also has a USB-C port for faster charging and an ergonomically designed body made of lightweight aluminium that’s IPX4 water-resistant.
This flashlight is great for camping because it’s lightweight and durable. It also has a focusing head, so you can easily adjust the beam to suit your needs.
Best with solar charging: Goal Zero Rechargeable Torch 500
Batteries: Rechargeable battery
Lumens: 500
Beam distance: Not stated
Waterproof rating: IP67 (up to 1 meter of water for at least 30 minutes)
Run time: 30-38 hours (low power mode)
Pros: Very versatile as can be used as a torch or floodlight, multiple charging options
Cons: Expensive
If you’re the kind of person who likes to be prepared for any situation, then this Goal Zero 500 is for you.
This versatile device can be used as both a spotlight and a floodlight, and its waterproof IP67 rating means that it can be used in any weather condition.
The built-in solar panel allows you to recharge anywhere there’s sunlight, but if you need to charge it indoors or at night, you can use any USB port—it’ll take 4 hours to fully charge using a USB port.
It has multiple light options: spotlight or floodlight, high, medium or low-intensity levels for each option.
The torch has 500 lumens of light output when both the spotlight and floodlight are on at full power.
Also great: LED Lenser L7
Batteries: 3 x AA batteries
Lumens: 40-450
Beam distance: 225m
Waterproof rating: IPX4 (resistant to water splashes)
Run time: 42 hours
Pros: Lightweight and durable, reasonably priced, advanced focus system
Cons: Low lumens
Although it’s one of the smallest torches in this review, the Lenser L7 Handheld brings some serious light. The L7 combines durability and intelligent design at an affordable price.
The torch runs on AAA batteries and gets an impressive 42-hour run time for its 115-lumen output.
While this may seem low compared to other torches, it still manages a 225m beam distance.
Meanwhile, the lightweight body features a shockproof polycarbonate casing, which is not only waterproof but means it’s durable enough for all life’s adventures.
Lenser built the L7 with the same advanced focus system as the P7R, so this torch is a very versatile addition for your next camping trip.
Types of torches
Handheld torches
As you may have guessed, handheld torches are the most common type of torch. They’re powerful but small and light, so they can be easily carried around.
Headlamps
Headlamps are a great option for your next camping trip.
They’re convenient for reading in bed, as well as walking around camp at night since they allow you to keep both hands free while illuminating the way ahead.
Lanterns
Lanterns and lamps are portable lights that can be used in a variety of situations.
Some of these camping lights have additional features such as a dimming adjustment that make them more versatile than just a basic flashlight.
The most common type is the LED lantern which uses an array of LEDs to emit light instead of filament bulbs like those found on flashlights.
Features to consider
Brightness
When you’re choosing a camping torch, you need to consider how bright it is.
Brightness is measured in lumens. The range of brightness available at the push of a button varies from 100 lumens all the way up to 1000+.
If you just need a torch to help with your bedtime reading, you can save money on a low-lumen torch that will be more than sufficient for your needs.
Beam distance
Beam distance is a measurement of how far the torch’s light can shine and is different to brightness.
The beam distance of a torch is measured in metres and it’s related to the brightness and power of the torch.
Not all torches are made equally in this department. While some torches have impressive beam distances of over 450m, others will struggle to light up the other side of your campsite.
Keep beam distance in mind if you’re particularly keen on night hiking as a longer range will make it easier to walk at night.
Battery life
The only thing as bad as forgetting your torch is running out of batteries when you need it most.
The torches in this review have maximum run times between 11 and 55 hours, so you won’t have to worry about your light going dark.
Rechargeable vs disposable batteries
These days, torches use a variety of different batteries, from the standard AA to a rechargeable lithium-ion.
If you’ll be away from a charging source for extended periods of time, you might opt for a torch capable of using disposable batteries.
But, if you’re more likely to stay near a charging source, rechargeable batteries reduce your need to regularly buy and dispose of batteries, so they might be a better option.
Whether you use disposable or rechargeable depends on your priorities:
- Disposable batteries are cheaper and are better if you won’t have the ability to charge
- Rechargeable batteries are more environmentally friendly and can be more convenient
Waterproofing
Waterproofing is important for any torch that will be used in wet conditions.
A waterproof torch can stand up to rain and even be dropped in a stream, while a water-resistant torch may not fare as well if it’s submerged in water.
Waterproof torches are more expensive but also more durable than their water-resistant counterparts.