Best Solar Lanterns for Backpackers: Inflatable Lights That Pack Flat
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Comparison table
| Spec | BioLite Luci Charge 150 ★ | BioLite Luci Original Matte | LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1 | LuminAID Titan 2-in-1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max brightness | 150 lumens | 65 lumens | 150 lumens | 300 lumens |
| Max runtime (low) | 50 hours | 24 hours | 50 hours | 100 hours |
| Battery | 2,000mAh | 1,000mAh | 2,000mAh | 4,000mAh |
| Charges a phone | Yes (USB-A out) | No | Yes (USB-A out) | Yes (USB-A out) |
| Recharge | Solar or USB-C | Solar or USB-C | Solar or USB | Solar or USB |
| Water rating | IP67 | IP67 | Waterproof, floats | Not listed on product page |
| Link | Check current price | Check current price | Check current price | Check current price |
Hostel lights go off at a set time, mountain huts and beach bungalows often have patchy power, and a phone torch drains the battery you need for maps and tickets. A solar inflatable lantern solves all three: it charges on your pack by day, spreads soft light at night and folds flat, with no disposable batteries to buy. We already cover the tiny LuminAID PackLite Nova in our low-waste travel kit for backpackers; this guide is for when you want more light, or phone charging too. All specs below come from the makers' product pages. (MPOWERD's Luci range is now sold by BioLite.)
BioLite Luci Charge 150: the best overall
BioLite Luci Charge 150
- 150 lumens; up to 50 hours on low
- 2,000mAh battery with USB-C and USB-A ports
- IP67 waterproof; collapses to 1.5 in
Best for: Backpackers who want light plus a phone top-up, recharged by sun or USB-C
Check priceBioLite says the Luci Charge 150 gives 150 lumens from 10 cool-white LEDs and lasts up to 50 hours on low (6 hours on high). It has a 2,000mAh lithium-ion battery that charges from the built-in solar panel or in 2 to 3 hours over USB-C. A USB-A port lets you top up a phone, too. It's IP67 rated and collapses to 1.5 in, so it fits flat in a laptop sleeve or lid pocket.
Specs
- 150 lumens; up to 50 hours on low
- 2,000mAh battery with USB-C and USB-A ports
- IP67 waterproof; collapses to 1.5 in
What we like
- USB-C recharging, so it shares a cable with your phone
- Light and a phone top-up in one flat object
Watch out
- Cool-white light only; there's no warm option on this model
- BioLite lists it at 6.1 oz (173 g), so weigh it against your pack limit
Who it's for: backpackers who want light plus a phone top-up, recharged by sun or USB-C.
See the BioLite Luci Charge 150
BioLite Luci Original Matte: the flattest-packing pick
BioLite Luci Original Matte
- Up to 65 lumens; up to 24 hours on low
- 1,000mAh battery; 7 hours to charge via solar
- IP67 waterproof; collapses to 1 in
Best for: Hostel bunks and tents where soft, warm light is enough
Check priceThe Luci Original Matte keeps things simple. BioLite says it gives up to 65 lumens of warm light through a matte finish and lasts up to 24 hours on low. Its 1,000mAh battery takes about 7 hours to charge in the sun or 3 hours over USB-C. It's IP67 rated and folds to just 1 in.
Specs
- Up to 65 lumens; up to 24 hours on low
- 1,000mAh battery; 7 hours to charge via solar
- IP67 waterproof; collapses to 1 in
What we like
- The flattest listed pack size here, at 1 in
- Warm, diffuse light that's kind to bunkmates
Watch out
- Can't charge a phone
- The dimmest pick, so it's best as a reading or tent light
Who it's for: hostel bunks and tents where soft, warm light is enough.
See the BioLite Luci Original Matte
LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1 Power Lantern: the best for campsites
LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1 Power Lantern
- 150 lumens; up to 50 hours runtime
- 2,000mAh battery with USB-A phone charging
- Waterproof and floats; 8.5 oz
Best for: Campers who want a bright lantern that doubles as a phone charger
Check priceLuminAID calls the PackLite Max 2-in-1 its best all-round model for camping. The spec table lists 150 lumens, up to 50 hours of runtime and a 2,000mAh battery that charges phones through a USB-A port. A USB-C phone needs a USB-A to USB-C cable. LuminAID quotes 16 to 20 hours of sun for a full solar recharge and says the lantern is waterproof and floats. Its listed weight is 8.5 oz.
Specs
- 150 lumens; up to 50 hours runtime
- 2,000mAh battery with USB-A phone charging
- Waterproof and floats; 8.5 oz
What we like
- Phone charging from a lantern you'd carry anyway
- Floats, which helps on boats and beaches
Watch out
- Long solar recharge time; top it up by USB when you can
- USB-A output, so bring the right cable
Who it's for: campers who want a bright lantern that doubles as a phone charger.
See the LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1
LuminAID Titan 2-in-1 Power Lantern: the most power
LuminAID Titan 2-in-1 Power Lantern
- Up to 300 lumens
- Up to 100 hours runtime
- 4,000mAh battery; 12.5 oz
Best for: Longer off-grid stretches and charging a phone more than once
Check priceThe LuminAID Titan doubles almost everything. LuminAID lists up to 300 lumens, up to 100 hours of runtime and a 4,000mAh battery it says can charge most phones two to three times. It has a bigger solar panel to match, and LuminAID lists the weight at 12.5 oz.
Specs
- Up to 300 lumens
- Up to 100 hours runtime
- 4,000mAh battery; 12.5 oz
What we like
- The brightest and longest-running lantern here
- Enough battery for several phone top-ups
Watch out
- The heaviest listed weight here, at 12.5 oz
- LuminAID's Titan product page doesn't list a water rating, so keep it away from water until you've confirmed one
Who it's for: longer off-grid stretches and charging a phone more than once.
How to choose a solar lantern
- Match lumens to the job. Around 65 lumens is fine for reading in a bunk. 150 lumens or more lights a tent or a shared table.
- Decide if you need phone charging. If you already carry a power bank, a simple light like the Luci Original Matte saves weight. If you don't, a 2-in-1 doubles as backup power.
- Check the charging port. The Luci models recharge over USB-C. LuminAID's chargers output over USB-A, so pack an A-to-C cable.
- Plan around the sun. Charge times are quoted for good sun. Strap the lantern to your pack panel-up, and use USB charging in hostels.
- Look for a published water rating. Both Luci picks list IP67. If a maker doesn't publish one, don't assume it.
- Pair it with connectivity and cover. A lantern has you covered when the power's out; pair it with a travel eSIM so your maps keep working. Compare Airalo and others in our best travel eSIM guide. For longer trips, SafetyWing is one of the insurers in our travel insurance guide for nomads.
Our verdict
The BioLite Luci Charge 150 is the best all-round solar lantern for backpackers: 150 lumens, up to 50 hours, USB-C or solar recharging, a phone-charging port and an IP67 rating, all folding to 1.5 in. Go for the Luci Original Matte if you only need a warm bunk light, the LuminAID PackLite Max for camping, or the LuminAID Titan if you'll be off-grid for days.
Shop solar lanterns: BioLite Luci Charge 150 · BioLite Luci Original Matte · LuminAID PackLite Max · LuminAID Titan
FAQ
How long does a solar lantern take to charge?
It depends on the model and the sun. BioLite quotes about 7 hours of sun for the Luci Original Matte, and LuminAID quotes 16 to 20 hours for the PackLite Max. USB charging is much faster: 2 to 3 hours for the Luci Charge 150, per BioLite.
Can I fly with a solar lantern?
These lanterns contain small built-in lithium-ion batteries. Airline rules vary, so check yours; our guide on whether you can bring a power bank on a plane explains how battery rules usually work.
Are inflatable lanterns waterproof?
Both BioLite Luci picks are IP67 rated. LuminAID says the PackLite Max is waterproof and floats. Check each product page for the exact rating.
Can a solar lantern replace a power bank?
For a quick top-up, yes. The 2-in-1 models charge phones, but their batteries (2,000 to 4,000mAh) are smaller than most travel power banks.
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