Good camp lighting is about matching the light to the job. A tent, a camp kitchen and a walk to the toilet block all need different things. Here is a simple way to choose, without paying for more than your trip needs.
1. Start with where you need light
- Inside the tent: a small, soft light you can hang or stand up. Avoid anything that gets hot.
- Camp kitchen and table: a stronger light that covers a wider area.
- Walking around after dark: a headlamp keeps both hands free.
- Atmosphere: string lights for the awning or the picnic table.
2. Pick the type of light
- Lanterns give general light around a tent or table. Compare a telescopic USB-C lantern, a compact LED tent lantern and a rechargeable torch lantern.
- Headlamps suit cooking, packing up and night walks, for example a rechargeable COB headlamp.
- String lights add soft light along an awning, such as the USB-C camping light string.
- Work lights cover a wide area for set-up and pack-up, like the rechargeable LED work light.
3. Decide how you will power it
USB-C rechargeable lights are easy to top up from a power bank or a car. Battery lights, such as a 2-pack of battery lanterns, work when you cannot charge, but you need to carry spares. Some lights add a small solar panel to help with charging: treat that as a top-up, not as your only source, and check the product page for what it does. If you plan to charge lights at camp, see our portable power range for power banks.
4. Check the numbers on the listing
- Brightness and run time depend on the mode you use. A light that lasts for hours on low may last much less on high.
- Look at the charging method, the modes and what the light is made for, then compare it with your trip.
- Pack one spare light, so one failed or flat light does not end your evening.
5. Keep it safe
LED lights are a simple choice for tents because they do not burn fuel. If you use any portable gas appliance, use it only outdoors in the open air. The Western Australian government warns never to use portable gas appliances in tents, caravans, campervans or other enclosed spaces, even with doors or windows open, because carbon monoxide has no colour or smell. Read its gas safety warning for campers before your trip, and check the fire danger rating and any total fire ban for the area you are visiting.
Plan the rest of your setup
See all our camping lighting, then use the Summer Camping Checklist for Australia to check light, water and shade together. New to car camping? Start with Your First Night Car Camping: A Buy-Less Checklist. Standard shipping in Australia is free on orders of A$70 or more. Need gear by a set date? Ask Voltrek before you buy.