Solar or Crank Lantern
When it comes to portable lighting solutions, there are two main options – solar or crank lanterns. Both offer a convenient form of illumination in situations where you might not have access to a traditional light source, such as camping, hiking, or power outages. But there are some key differences between the two types of lights that may help you decide which one is right for your needs.
The most obvious difference between solar and crank lanterns is their power sources. Solar lanterns use energy from the sun, while crank lanterns use mechanical energy generated by hand cranking a handle which rotates an internal generator. This means that solar lanterns require no manual effort, but also must be in direct sunlight for charging purposes. Meanwhile, with crank lanterns there is the need for human effort to generate enough power to illuminate an area, but once charged they will last longer than solar-powered lights.
When deciding between a solar or crank lantern, consider how much time you’re likely to spend outside in low-light conditions and what kind of activity you’ll be doing while outdoors – if you just need occasional light on short excursions then a solar lamp may suffice; but if longer trips mean keeping your light powered up will be difficult then investing in a durable crank lamp could be worth the added cost in the long run.

Whether you’re on the lookout for a good solar or crank lantern, there are plenty of options out there. Luckily, you can choose from solar-powered lanterns, Mason jar lanterns, or even LED candle lanterns.

Mason jar lanterns
If you are looking to decorate your backyard or deck, solar or crank lanterns are a fun and easy way to add illumination to your outdoor space. The light comes on automatically during the night and has a long battery life. They also work great for camping or craft projects.
The most basic of these lights has a LED bulb inside of a mason jar. These lights are waterproof and will stay lit for up to 12 hours. It is recommended that you charge the lantern before use.
In addition, these lights can be used as bug repellant candles. You can place them near flowers or near a fairy house to create a magical scene.
Another feature of these lanterns is their ability to provide small gadgets with a 5 V USB output. This is useful when you are camping, backpacking or travelling on planes.
Mason jar solar lights can be purchased at a local dollar store or Target. Once you have the batteries and mason jar, you are ready to create your own magical nighttime landscape.
Solar Puff lanterns are lightweight and waterproof. The battery lasts for eight to ten hours on a full charge. There are three different light settings for optimal lighting.
There are many types of these lanterns to choose from. Some have LEDs, while others have micro-LEDs. A few of these lights even have a ring of LEDs integrated into the base of the light.
These lights can be charged with the sun, or with a car adapter. A hand crank lantern works with three AA batteries.
These lights are a nice alternative to traditional kerosene lamps, which create poor indoor air quality. Kerosene lamps are harmful to the environment and contribute to global warming.

Crank & Solar 13-LED Lantern
The Crank & Solar 13-LED Lantern is a splashproof and water-resistant lantern that includes a 5-LED built-in pushbutton flashlight. It’s also powered by a solar panel. Featuring a loud emergency siren, the lamp weighs just over one pound.
For a few extra dollars, the LE LED Camping Lantern is a brighter alternative. With 1,000 lumens, it’s capable of illuminating a whole campsite in inclement weather.
If you’re looking for a lantern that can be recharged through USB, you may want to look into the MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 Inflatable Solar Lantern. It has a 89-point score. Also, it comes with a USB cord and carrying case.
A deflated version, the Luci Outdoor 2.0 is also available. This lantern can last up to 24 hours on a single charge.
Another option is the COAST EAL22, which has a max output of 1,250 lumens. However, it lacks an integrated solar panel, so it’s not ideal for hanging in a tent. You can still charge it mechanically with a hand crank.
Whether you’re a backpacker or an RVer, an LED lantern is the right choice. These lamps prioritize runtime, so you’ll spend less time recharging.
Goal Zero’s Lighthouse 600 is the brightest and most consistent lantern on our list. It has a hand crank and can be charged via USB or solar power. Though the lantern is lightweight, it’s not quite as compact as the Micro Flash.
Ledlenser’s ML6 Lantern offers 750 lumens of light when you need it. It has a variety of light modes, including strobing. Plus, it comes with a removable stand for propping on a table or rock.
Ledlenser also makes the Connect version, which includes a Bluetooth-compatible remote control. The LED camping lantern is only $24 on Amazon.
Mini Solar Lantern
When shopping for a solar lantern, it’s important to pick a product that is compact, waterproof, and lightweight. Solar lanterns are a great way to light your campsite or camper without polluting the environment. They also have dual functionality.
Unlike most LED lanterns, a solar lantern can be used during the day to light your campsite, or tucked into an emergency bag to be used at night. With the right model, you can also charge your electronic devices.
A solar lantern is a useful tool for camping, hiking, and car travel. It can provide bright illumination for up to a few hours when charged. There are several different styles of lanterns available, and they come in all shapes and sizes.
If you’re looking for a solar lantern with an enticing design, consider the BioLite Sunlight. Designed to be the size of an ice cream sandwich, the Sunlight features a unique, origami inspired design.
If you want a more traditional, fixed lantern, you can check out the Solight Qwnn. This model is made with recycled materials. The 1.7-inch x 5-inch x 8.6-inch lantern can be fully charged in as little as seven hours.
Another option is the LuminAID. This small, but mighty lantern is waterproof and collapsible. Plus, it has an integrated analog sundial.
Lastly, the Coleman Rugged Rechargeable isn’t a solar light, but it is an efficient and durable backup lighting solution. Designed with an internal lithium-ion battery, this model is an ideal choice for weekend warriors.
Choosing the right type of solar lantern for your needs will take some research. Ideally, you’ll find a model that fits your budget and provides you with the most bang for your buck.
LuminAID
The LuminAID solar or crank lantern is a dependable, versatile light source that can be carried around or hung up for maximum exposure to the sun. Featuring seven distinct color modes, LuminAID is a great choice for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping.
This lightweight, compact lantern has a built-in rechargeable lithium battery, which can be charged in under two hours with the USB cord. It can also be charged via solar power in under ten hours. Whether you’re out hiking, camping, or just hanging out at the beach, the LuminAid Packlite Nova is a great way to light up the night.
In addition to providing ample illumination, the LuminAid solar or crank lantern is also 100% waterproof. The solar panel on the top of the lantern can be rolled up and refolded to form a cube that’s a cinch to carry.
Although the LuminAid solar or crank light isn’t the cheapest, it does have an impressive set of features. In addition to the LED light, it boasts a 2.1-amp output port that can charge your tablet or mobile phone.
Another noteworthy feature is the LuminAid’s patented s-hook. Attaching the lantern to your backpack or boat is a breeze. Designed to float, it’s also fully collapsible and shatterproof. A handy S-hook also comes with the unit, allowing you to hang up the lantern to provide overhead lighting.
Among the many features, the LuminAid’s red-light mode is definitely the most impressive. While it’s not quite as robust as the Solar Puff’s, the red-light mode is a cool idea.
The LuminAid solar or crank light demonstrates the simplest and most practical of all the features that are found on its rivals. In fact, this light is the most efficient of all.
Luci EMRG
The Luci EMRG is a portable, compact, durable and waterproof emergency lantern that shines reliably through blackouts, storms, roadside trouble, or even a complete power outage. This rechargable light is a good addition to your camping, hiking, or backpacking gear.
It can shine for up to seven hours on a single charge. A battery level indicator is available for quick viewing.
It features multiple lighting modes, including a low setting, which can provide up to 5 hours of light. The MPOWERD Luci EMRG is waterproof, lightweight, and durable.
You can either crank the lantern to charge the battery or use the solar panel. In addition, you can charge the lantern with an AC adapter, car adapter, or three double-A batteries.
The Luci EMRG is also compact and easy to carry. The lantern is made of rustproof metal and can be hung from shepherds hooks.
There are five different light settings to choose from. This includes the standard brightness mode, as well as a luminous lampshade and orange-mode for bug control.
There is a small solar panel that is located on the bottom of the lantern. The panel is rated to be IP67.
The lantern also comes with a convenient USB plug for charging. If the battery does not last, there is manual backup emergency power with wind-up technology.
Unlike some other lanterns, the Luci EMRG is waterproof. When powered by the sun, the lantern can be charged up to eight hours.
Although it may not be the most innovative product, the Luci EMRG is a good addition to any emergency kit. It can easily be recharged by the sun or a USB plug. Considering its affordability, it’s a smart purchase.
Hi, I’m David. I’m an author of ManagEnergy.tv where we teach people how to save energy and money in their homes and businesses.
I’ve been a writer for most of my life and have always been interested in helping people learn new things. When I was younger, I would write short stories for my classmates and teach them how to do math problems.
I love traveling and have been lucky enough to visit some fantastic places around the world.