#3 on this list
Apollo Lantern
Black Diamond
The Black Diamond Apollo sits right in the sweet spot between car-camping illumination and packable size. Putting out 250 lumens through a deeply frosted globe, it produces zero direct diode glare. You can set it directly at eye level on a camp table without squinting, which makes it one of the most pleasant lights to live around for extended periods. Its design architecture is exceptionally practical. Three folding, rubber-tipped legs spread wide to give the lantern a stable footprint on uneven picnic tables, rock slabs, or vehicle tailgates. When hung overhead via its dual collapsible wire loops, the downward light pattern effectively covers the interior of a four-person tent without dead spots. The Apollo also uses a dual-fuel system: it runs on an internal rechargeable lithium battery, but it can also take standard alkaline AA batteries if you are stuck off-grid without a charging source. The trade-off is overall output. At 250 lumens, it will not illuminate an entire acre of campsite; it is strictly an area light meant for tables, cooking stations, or tent interiors. For most campers, however, that focused, glare-free footprint is far more useful than an overpowering beacon that ruins your night-adjusted vision. **Highlights** - Frosted globe eliminates glare while distributing an even, soft field of light - Dual-fuel architecture accepts integrated rechargeable battery or standard AA alkalines - Sturdy three-leg tripod base folds tight against the body for packing - Collapsible dual-hook hanging loop provides centered overhead suspension - Intuitive dimming switch allows fine-grained control over battery preservation **Watch-outs** - Modest top-end output will not illuminate wide open clearings - Charging port cover requires firm seating to maintain moisture protection - Folding legs can feel springy on soft dirt surfaces
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#4 on this list
Moji R+ Rechargeable Lantern
Black Diamond
The Black Diamond Moji R+ is built for campers who hate carrying dead weight. Sized like a hockey puck and weighing almost nothing, this rechargeable light easily slips into a jacket pocket or the brain of a backpack. It is our top recommendation for backpackers who want real, ambient camp light instead of the harsh, narrow beam of a headlamp strapped around a water bottle. Despite its tiny size, Black Diamond packed serious functionality into the housing. It features a smooth, dimmable white output alongside a full RGB color spectrum, allowing you to run low-strain red light in the tent to preserve night vision. The base includes two fold-out wire hang loops for suspension from tent ceiling tabs, plus four small magnets that stick securely to vehicle hatchbacks, camper van frames, or steel camp furniture. The obvious constraint is battery capacity. Because the internal cell is small, running the Moji R+ at its highest setting drains the battery relatively fast. Kept on medium or low, however, it will easily cover three or four nights of in-tent reading and pack sorting. It does not replace a heavy-duty basecamp flood, but as a personal camp lantern, it has no equal. **Highlights** - Ultralight, compact form factor fits in a jacket pocket or trail pack - Base magnets and dual folding wire loops allow versatile mounting - Full RGB color options alongside dimmable white light - Integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery eliminates disposable cells - Simple two-button interface controls dimming and color profiles **Watch-outs** - Limited runtime when run continuously at maximum brightness - Small buttons can be difficult to operate while wearing cold-weather gloves - Does not cast enough light for large outdoor group spaces
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Apollo Lantern | Moji R+ Rechargeable Lantern |
|---|---|---|
| Max Output | 250 lumens | 200 lumens |
| Power Source | Internal 2,600 mAh Li-ion or 3 AA batteries | — |
| Weight | 344 g (12.1 oz) | 78 g (2.8 oz) |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 stormproof rating | — |
| Power Bank Output | USB-A port for small handheld electronics | — |
| Burn Time | Up to 24 hours on lowest setting | — |
| Battery | — | Integrated 1500 mAh Li-ion |
| Charge Port | — | Micro-USB rechargeable |
| Water Rating | — | IPX4 stormproof |
| Mounting | — | Dual wire hooks and 4 base magnets |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Apollo Lantern
- Deeply frosted globe eliminates eye-straining LED glare across the campsite.
- Dual-fuel power operates on internal lithium-ion or backup AA batteries.
- Folding tripod legs raise the beam above tables and surface clutter.
- Stepless dimming button allows fine-tuned control over light output and runtimes.
- Modest 250-lumen ceiling cannot illuminate broad perimeter clearings.
- Rubber USB port cover requires firm thumb pressure to stay fully sealed.
- Tripod legs feel slightly springy on soft dirt or deep gravel.
Moji R+ Rechargeable Lantern
- Weighs less than three ounces while delivering genuine 360-degree ambient light
- Frosted globe completely eliminates harsh glare and direct LED hotspots
- Integrated base magnets and twin folding hooks offer diverse mounting options
- Preserves night vision effectively using the dedicated dimmable red mode
- Burns through the 1500 mAh battery in five hours when run at full blast
- Flush control buttons are hard to operate while wearing heavy gloves
- Lacks external power-bank capabilities to recharge phones or GPS units
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.