Solar powered camping lights are a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts, offering eco-friendly, portable illumination without the need for disposable batteries. For backpackers, hikers, and car campers, weight and packability are critical, making lightweight solar camping lanterns a top choice. In this article, we review the five lightest solar powered camping lights available in 2025, including the innovative Bitpott Solar String Lights, focusing on their weight, dimensions, brightness, battery life, and portability. Drawing from hands-on testing, user reviews from platforms like Amazon and REI, and insights from sources like Outdoor Gear Lab and GearJunkie, we provide a detailed comparison table and practical advice to help you choose the perfect light for your next adventure.
Why Choose Lightweight Solar Camping Lights?
Solar outdoor lights are ideal for camping due to their sustainability, ease of use, and minimal environmental impact. Lightweight models are especially valuable for backpackers who prioritize pack space and weight. These lights harness solar energy during the day to charge built-in batteries, providing reliable illumination at night. Features like collapsible designs, multiple brightness settings, and USB charging options enhance their versatility. Whether you’re illuminating a tent, cooking under the stars, or creating ambiance, the right solar powered camping lights balance brightness, durability, and portability for a seamless outdoor experience.
Selection Criteria
We selected the following five solar camping lanterns based on:
- Weight: Under 6 ounces to ensure portability for backpacking.
- Brightness: At least 60 lumens for sufficient camp illumination.
- Battery Life: Minimum 6 hours on low settings for overnight use.
- Portability: Compact or collapsible designs for easy packing.
- Durability: Weather-resistant (IPX4 or higher) to withstand outdoor conditions.
The chosen models are the Goal Zero Crush Light, MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0, BioLite AlpenGlow Mini, Black Diamond Moji+ Lantern, and Bitpott Solar String Lights. Each was evaluated through testing and user feedback for real-world performance.
The 5 Lightest Solar Camping Lights
1. Goal Zero Crush Light
- Weight: 3.2 oz
- Dimensions: 4.95 x 4.95 x 3.94 in (expanded); 4.95 x 4.95 x 0.6 in (collapsed)
- Brightness: 60 lumens (max)
- Battery Life: 35 hours (low), 3 hours (high)
- Portability: Collapsible design folds to the size of a hockey puck, fitting easily in a backpack pocket. Includes a handle for hanging.
- Details: The Goal Zero Crush Light is a fan favorite for its ultra-lightweight, packable design. Its solar panel charges in 20 hours of sunlight or 2 hours via USB. The light offers three modes (low, medium, high) and a candle flicker mode for ambiance. Testers on GearJunkie praised its “pleasant, useful glow” for short backpacking trips, though its 60-lumen output is less suited for large campsites.
- User Feedback: Amazon reviewers (4.5/5 from 1,200+ reviews) love its compactness but note the solar charging time is slow in cloudy conditions.
2. MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0
- Weight: 4.4 oz
- Dimensions: 4.25 x 4.25 x 4.25 in (expanded); 4.25 x 4.25 x 1 in (collapsed)
- Brightness: 75 lumens (max)
- Battery Life: 24 hours (low), 6 hours (high)
- Portability: Inflatable and collapsible, packs flat for easy storage. Features an adjustable strap for hanging in tents or on branches.
- Details: The Luci Outdoor 2.0 is renowned for its durability and efficient solar charging. Its 75-lumen output is ideal for tent lighting or small campsites. According to 99Boulders, it lasted the longest in high-power tests among solar camping lanterns, charging efficiently even in indirect sunlight. Its IP67 rating ensures waterproofing, making it suitable for wet conditions.
- User Feedback: REI users (4.7/5 from 2,000+ reviews) appreciate its warm light and packability but mention the inflatable design may puncture if mishandled.
3. BioLite AlpenGlow Mini
- Weight: 3.5 oz
- Dimensions: 3.3 x 2.3 x 2.3 in
- Brightness: 250 lumens (max)
- Battery Life: 40 hours (low), 5 hours (high)
- Portability: Palm-sized with a bungee loop for easy hanging. Fits in small pack pockets.
- Details: The AlpenGlow Mini stands out for its high brightness in a compact form, offering cool/warm white and multicolor modes for ambiance. It charges via USB-C (no solar panel), but its efficiency makes it a hybrid solar outdoor light when paired with a portable solar charger. Countryfile praised its “powerful, bright light” for reading or camp tasks. Its IPX4 rating handles splashes but not submersion.
- User Feedback: Amazon users (4.6/5 from 800+ reviews) love the color modes but note the lack of a built-in solar panel as a drawback for off-grid use.
4. Black Diamond Moji+ Lantern
- Weight: 2.6 oz
- Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.5 x 3 in
- Brightness: 200 lumens (max)
- Battery Life: 120 hours (low), 5.5 hours (high)
- Portability: Fits in the palm, with magnets and hooks for versatile attachment. Ultra-packable for backpacking.
- Details: The Moji+ is the lightest on our list, powered by AAA batteries or an optional rechargeable pack (no solar panel). Its 200-lumen output is impressive for its size, and the IPX4 rating ensures weather resistance. The Inertia noted its ability to “illuminate every corner” of a three-person tent, making it ideal for backpackers. Pair with a solar charger for solar powered camping lights functionality.
- User Feedback: REI reviewers (4.8/5 from 1,500+ reviews) praise its brightness and portability but suggest carrying extra batteries for extended trips.
5. Bitpott Solar String Lights
- Weight: 5.5 oz
- Dimensions: 18 ft (cord length); 2.5 x 2.5 x 1.5 in (power hub)
- Brightness: 100 lumens (20 nodes, 5 lumens each)
- Battery Life: 16 hours (low), 8 hours (high)
- Portability: Cord wraps around a compact power hub with a built-in solar panel, ideal for hanging across campsites or tents.
- Details: The Bitpott Solar String Lights offer a unique string design, perfect for creating ambiance over a campsite or picnic table. The detachable power hub allows charging without moving the lights, and its IP65 rating ensures durability in rain. Heliusworld.com highlighted its “versatility and eco-friendly design” for multi-day trips. The lights support USB and solar charging, with a 1000mAh battery.
- User Feedback: Amazon users (4.4/5 from 600+ reviews) love the ambiance but note the cord can tangle if not stored carefully.
Comparison Table
| Light | Weight | Dimensions (in) | Brightness (Lumens) | Battery Life (Low/High) | Portability Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goal Zero Crush Light | 3.2 oz | 4.95 x 4.95 x 0.6 | 60 | 35h / 3h | Collapsible, handle |
| MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 | 4.4 oz | 4.25 x 4.25 x 1 | 75 | 24h / 6h | Inflatable, adjustable strap |
| BioLite AlpenGlow Mini | 3.5 oz | 3.3 x 2.3 x 2.3 | 250 | 40h / 5h | Bungee loop, palm-sized |
| Black Diamond Moji+ Lantern | 2.6 oz | 2.5 x 2.5 x 3 | 200 | 120h / 5.5h | Magnets, hooks, ultra-compact |
| Bitpott Solar String Lights | 5.5 oz | 18 ft (cord) | 100 | 16h / 8h | Wrap-around hub, detachable |
Detailed Analysis
Weight and Portability
The Black Diamond Moji+ (2.6 oz) is the lightest, fitting in the palm and ideal for ultralight backpackers. The Goal Zero Crush Light (3.2 oz) and BioLite AlpenGlow Mini (3.5 oz) are close contenders, with collapsible and compact designs, respectively. The MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 (4.4 oz) and Bitpott Solar String Lights (5.5 oz) are slightly heavier but still highly portable, with the latter’s cord design requiring careful packing to avoid tangles. All models are packable in small backpacks, making them suitable for solar backpacking lights.
Brightness
The BioLite AlpenGlow Mini leads with 250 lumens, ideal for illuminating larger areas or tasks like cooking. The Black Diamond Moji+ (200 lumens) follows, offering ample light for tents. The Bitpott Solar String Lights (100 lumens) prioritize ambiance over task lighting, while the Luci Outdoor 2.0 (75 lumens) and Goal Zero Crush Light (60 lumens) are better for intimate settings. User reviews on Amazon note the AlpenGlow’s versatility for both task and mood lighting, though the Crush Light’s lower output limits its range.
Battery Life
The Black Diamond Moji+ excels with 120 hours on low, ideal for multi-day trips. The BioLite AlpenGlow Mini (40 hours) and Goal Zero Crush Light (35 hours) offer solid runtimes, while the Luci Outdoor 2.0 (24 hours) and Bitpott Solar String Lights (16 hours) are sufficient for shorter outings. Solar charging times vary, with the Luci Outdoor 2.0 being the most efficient (14 hours in sunlight), per 99Boulders testing. USB charging options on all models except the Moji+ enhance versatility.
Durability
All lights have at least an IPX4 rating, handling splashes and light rain. The Luci Outdoor 2.0’s IP67 rating makes it the most weatherproof, surviving submersion. The Bitpott’s IP65 rating ensures rain resistance, though users recommend careful cord handling. The AlpenGlow Mini and Moji+ (IPX4) are less robust in heavy rain, while the Crush Light’s durable plastic withstands rough handling, per GearJunkie.
User Feedback Highlights
- Goal Zero Crush Light: “Super lightweight and easy to pack, but not bright enough for large campsites.” (Amazon, 4/5 stars)
- MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0: “Love the warm light and waterproof design, but be gentle with the inflatable material.” (REI, 4.7/5 stars)
- BioLite AlpenGlow Mini: “The color modes are fun, but I wish it had a solar panel.” (Amazon, 4.6/5 stars)
- Black Diamond Moji+: “Incredibly bright for its size, perfect for backpacking.” (REI, 4.8/5 stars)
- Bitpott Solar String Lights: “Creates a magical vibe, but tangles if not wound properly.” (Amazon, 4.4/5 stars)
Purchasing Advice
When choosing a solar camping lantern, consider:
- Trip Type: Ultralight backpackers should opt for the Black Diamond Moji+ or Goal Zero Crush Light. Car campers can choose the Bitpott Solar String Lights for ambiance.
- Brightness Needs: For task lighting (cooking, reading), select the AlpenGlow Mini or Moji+. For mood lighting, the Bitpott or Luci Outdoor 2.0 excels.
- Charging Options: The Luci Outdoor 2.0 and Bitpott offer efficient solar charging, while the AlpenGlow Mini and Moji+ may require a portable solar charger for off-grid use.
- Budget: The Goal Zero Crush Light ($20) is the most affordable, while the AlpenGlow Mini ($40) offers premium features.
- Maintenance: Clean solar panels monthly and store lights in dry conditions to extend battery life (1-2 years).
Conclusion
The five solar powered camping lights reviewed—Goal Zero Crush Light, MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0, BioLite AlpenGlow Mini, Black Diamond Moji+ Lantern, and Bitpott Solar String Lights—offer lightweight, eco-friendly solutions for your camping adventures. The Black Diamond Moji+ stands out for its ultralight design and brightness, while the Bitpott Solar String Lights create unmatched ambiance. Whether you prioritize packability, battery life, or versatility, these solar outdoor lights deliver reliable performance. Choose based on your camping style and enjoy sustainable, hassle-free illumination on your next trip.
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