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Travel light: How to pack light and smart for your trip

A full guide to how to travel light, with tips and hacks for efficient, minimalist packing. Learn how to pack light for any vacation or backpacking trip.

• Post date October 22, 2018
• Post categories In Trip Planning

What is the secret to packing light?

The secret behind packing light is… bringing less stuff!

Simple, isn’t it?

Well, not really.

Because when we’re packing for a trip, be it a weekend city break or a year long round the world trip or anything in between – we will find ourselves packing all sorts of stuff that we think we might need, but actually don’t.

That’s perfectly natural.

We’re going to unfamiliar place, we don’t know exactly what we’ll find there, and we want some kind of reassurance that we’ll have everything with us.

It gives us a sense of control over an unknown situation.

I used to do that myself in my very early days as a traveller, but quickly learnt the lesson.

After a particularly uncomfortable night train from Bulgaria to Turkey, where I hardly had space for my bags in the train carriage, I realised there was no point in carrying so much stuff.

That’s when I decided to start travelling light.

Before leaving the train station in Istanbul, I sat down and made a list of all the things  I actually used  during that trip.

I saved the list and a few months later, when I was packing for my next trip, used it as my packing list. I ended up travelling with about  half  the amount of stuff.

Light travel with a carry on bag has huge benefits

In practical terms, travelling light means you travel with one  carry-on bag  that you can take with you on the plane, plus an optional smaller bag, like a laptop bag.

why is it best to travel with a carry on bag only?

Travelling with hand luggage only has huge advantages. It saves you money, stress and time , and makes your life so much easier when you travel.

Low cost airlines are getting increasingly strict about what they allow you to board the plane with.

The fees they charge for checking even one piece of luggage can sometimes be outrageous.

By travelling light, you avoid baggage fees when you fly low cost, so that your flight can be really cheap.

When you don’t check luggage, there’s no need to worry about your bag being lost, damaged, stolen or even just not arriving on the same flight as you.

It gives you some peace of mind on the flight. The same applied to trains and buses, where you always want to keep your bag with you.

When you get off the plane, you’re free to exit the airport fairly quickly, while you watch your fellow passengers wasting their precious vacation time waiting by the luggage carousel.

And finally, moving around is so much easier when you don’t carry heavy luggage.

Imagine walking to a train station or a bus stop, or searching for your hotel on the streets of a foreign city, with a heavy suitcase. It’s not appealing. You want the flexibility and freedom of light packing.

So now that we know why we want to travel light,  how do we do that?

The life changing magic of packing light

In her best-selling, cult-creating book  “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” , Marie Condo teaches a simple decluttering technique:

Lay all your stuff on the floor, pick each item and ask yourself “if it sparks joy within you”.

You can use a similar method when packing.

This is especially useful if your reason for overpacking is that you’re too attached to your things.

Instead of asking if the item sparks joy, ask: Do I really need this, or am I packing it “just in case”?

Pack only what you really need .

Only w hat you will definitely use.

Remember you can always buy or hire other things later, so “just in case” is not an excuse for overpacking.

The rest of this guide has more hacks, tips and tricks to help you travel ligh t .

I’ve divided it into four sections: Your bag, clothing, toiletries and gadgets.

Travel light: buy a smaller bag

The first trick you need to know if you want to travel light is: buy a smaller bag. In other words, make it impossible for yourself to overpack.

With a smaller bag you will have to make those decisions as to what you really need to take and what you can leave behind or buy at your destination.

With a larger bag, you’ll most likely be tempted to take all sorts of things you don’t really need, just because there’s space for them.

How small should your bag be?

I recommend a 30-40 litre backpack as your carry on bag for the plane.

It’s usually a good size for a carry on bag, that most airlines will let you board with.

I travelled with a 40L backpack plus a laptop bag for about 9 years and it was both easy and convenient.

It’s the ideal size if you want to travel light, and at the same time have enough space for your stuff.

It doesn’t matter if you’re going on vacation for a week or on a 6 month trip… as long as you can do your laundry once a week, why would it matter?

An all-in-one travel pack

The Journey is an innovative, sophisticated bag that’s ideal for the minimalist traveller.

Its creator describes as the bag that will liberate you from the hassle of extra luggage .

It’s been designed to include 5 different bags inside one carry-on sized travel pack.

These include a detachable day pack, a detachable hip pack, a hanging toiletry bag and two drawstring bags, plus a couple of compression bags.

Watch the video to see how The Journey works and read my full review on how I use this set of bag to travel light.

Why buy a backpack instead of a suitcase

I also recommend you buy a backpack instead of a trolley suitcase. It just gives you much more flexibility .

Going up or down stairs at train stations, for example, is not an easy task when you carry a suitcase with you (and you’d be surprised how many stations don’t have elevators or escalators…).

Walking on cobblestone streets or dirt roads with wheeled luggage is not a pleasant experience either.

With a backpack on your back, it’s much easier to use stairs, you can walk faster (or even run, say if you’re about to miss a bus… ) and both your hands are free.

Having both your hands free is so useful when you need to check maps on your phone for example, or have your take-away coffee on the go.

Of course, in some cases, a suitcase is perfectly fine. For example, if you suffer from back pain, or on a short vacation where you’re getting a taxi from the airport and staying at a resort without moving around at all.

Eagle Creek make a brilliant convertible carry on bag that you can use as wheeled luggage or as a backpack .

when you choose a backpack, pay attention to a few things that will make your travels easier:

The backpack should be a panel loading or front loading bag, meaning you can open it like a suitcase (as opposed to top-loading backpacks).

Your backpack should be lightweight , not just because it’s easier to carry, but also because airlines have weight limits on luggage.

And it should have pockets . Lots of pocket. An ever so helpful feature that will help you organise your things easily.

Clothing – tips and tricks for packing light

Clothes normally take up the most space in your luggage.

Let’s see what we can do about that…

Wear heavy layers on the plane

Heavy layers might not fit in your backpack when you travel light.

Don’t expect them to – a basic trick of travelling light is wearing some of your luggage on you.

Whatever you wear doesn’t count as part of your carry on luggage . Use that 😉

When you board the plane, you can wear any jackets , or tie them around your waist.

If you’re bringing heavy shoes, like hiking boots , wear them on the plane and pack your lighter shoes.

Hats and scarves can also come on board with you. None of these need take up any space in your luggage.

This trick isn’t useful only for saving space in your bag – it’s also a lifesaver when it suddenly gets freezing cold on the flight.

Pockets! lots of them

You can put many things in your pockets when you go on the plane.

Anything small that fits and that you might need during the flight should go in your pockets, such as your phone  and earphones for example.

SCOTTeVEST have taken the idea of pockets to a magnificent extreme with jackets and vests that look completely ordinary, until you realise they have about 20 hidden pockets in them!

Rolling instead of folding

This is probably the most basic tip for travelling light: When you roll your shirts, they magically take up less space and as an added advantage, crease less.

Packing cubes and compression bags

You can save more space in your bag and at the same time make sure your clothes are well organised by using  packing cubes and compression bags .

Sometimes called packing squares or packing pouches, you want to use packing cubes in different sizes to organise your clothes: One cube for t-shirts, another for socks and so on.

Packing cubes normally come in sets of 3-6 pieces and in different sizes and colours.

Use large packing cubes for your shirts and trousers, and medium sized ones for socks and underwear.

There are packing cubes that are just meant to help you organise your things, but it’s far more efficient to use packing cubes that also offer compression .

They minimise the space your clothes take, by sealing them in the bag after squeezing all the air out.

When compressed, your clothes will take up much less space. This is especially useful for any bulky garments you pack.

Eagle Creek is a brand famous for its packing cubes and compression bags. They are stylish, lightweight and durable. As an added bonus, they’re made from recycled materials.

are packing cubes and compression bags worth buying?

In my experience, yes, they are worth it.

If you’re struggling with overpacking and want to avoid it, or if you need to take some bulky winter clothes, then compression sacks will definitely help you make the most of the space available in your bag.

If your main issue is staying organised , go for ordinary packing cubes .

If you want the best of both worlds, buy the compression packing cubes . Watch the video to see how they work:

Buy quick dry clothes

A lot of smart technology is invested in making travel clothing more efficient. Make sure you use it to your advantage.

quick dry, moisture-wicking t-shirts

These tees are popular for workout, and are invaluable for travel.

When you select your travel clothes, quick dry garments are always the best choice. Cotton t-shirts are not.

As you’re not taking too many clothes with you when you travel light, you want your laundry to dry fast.

Quick dry fabrics are extra useful in hot, humid places, as they don’t absorb the sweat and keep you dry for longer.

I’m a fan of IsoCool quick-dry t-shirts .

The feel great on your skin and come out of the washing machine almost dry!

Mountain Warehouse make them super affordable.

They have a range of colours for women and men .

Fleece jackets

Travel with jackets are perfect for keeping warm in colder climates or at night and at the same time lightweight and dry quickly.

There are heavy fleece jackets too, in case you need them for intense outdoor activities and colder weather.

Some leading brands for quality fleece jackets are:

• The North Face

No need to pack your fleece jacket in your backpack though – it will take up too much space. Wear it on the plane or tie it around your waist.

quick dry trousers

Jeans are not quick to dry and can also be quite bulky, so they are not a good choice if you want to travel light.

To find quick dry pants, look for hiking pants , even if you’re not going hiking.

They are made of the right quick dry, moisture wicking materials . They will also typically be breathable and lightweight.

quick dry underwear

You want your underwear to dry quickly as well as be odour resistant.

ExOfficio   are probably the most famous brand known for making some excellent travel underwear for both women and men.

They dry quickly and smell less, so you can take fewer pairs with you when you travel light.

Matching colours

This packing tip is simple and will help you avoid a basic packing mistake.

Make sure whatever you pack can be colour-coordinated.

In other words, avoid packing anything that isn’t compatible with any outfit you may wear on your trip.

You don’t want to waste space packing garments that you’ll only end up using once or twice.

By colour coordinating, you can easily mix-and-match them to create many different outfits without packing a lot of clothes.

Another simple but clever packing tip when it comes to clothing is to use layering.

Check the weather forecast before you travel. If you’re going to a hot and sunny place, then don’t worry about layering obviously.

However, some places may be sunny in the morning and cold in the evening, or different parts of the country may have completely different climates.

Also, in colder countries, whenever you go on a train or enter a heated up space, like a shop, you’ll immediately feel the need to take some layers off.

That’s where layering gives you great flexibility when you travel, without having to carry any unnecessary items of clothing.

On a sunny day, you can walk around in a t-shirt, but when it gets cooler after dark, that same t-shirt becomes a base layer.

You want to pick only garments you can layer easily, so ideally they would be of similar thickness, though some can be of warmer fabrics.

A fleece jacket is super handy for layering when you travel, because it’s warm but also lightweight and can fold easily (plus it dries quickly as we mentioned already).

When it’s cold I would prefer layering two fleece jackets to wearing one big coat.

If I were to take off that one big coat, I’d have to carry it around with me, while the thinner jackets can fold easily into my day bag, or I can tie them around my waist.

What to do about shoes if you want to travel light

Shoes are a huge problem if you want to pack light. They’re just too bulky.

Flip flops  are an exception – they are super useful and don’t take up too much room.

You can wear them for the beach, when you take a shower and as part of a summer outfit too.

As for other shoes, it really depends on the type of trip you’re going on.  hiking boots  may be necessary. In that case, wear them on the plane and your pack lighter walking shoes in your backpack.

Your clothes should be colour-coordinated and the same applies to shoes, so dark shoes are often a safe bet.

Also remember that you can buy shoes at your destination, so sometimes it isn’t necessary to pack extra shoes at all.

When you pack your clothing, pack for a week , no matter how long your trip is.

This classic trick is one that’s used by many savvy travellers and all it requires is that you have access to a washing machine once week.

This way you can travel forever with a small backpack.

It’s so much easier to find a washing machine along the way than to needlessly carry heavy luggage with you everywhere you go.

Find a laundromat, use the washing machine at your vacation rental or even use your hotel’s laundry service.

If you really can’t find a washing machine, there’s always the sink.

Quick dry clothes are ever so useful and you’ll be glad you bought them when you do your laundry once a week.

You can buy laundry detergent in small, travel size packets. I suggest you buy these at your destination, rather than carry them with you on the plane.

Don’t forget to bring a small  laundry bag  to keep clean and dirty clothes separate inside your backpack. You can also use a compression bag just for laundry.

Toiletries – pack less and pack solid

When it comes to packing toiletries I would advise you to first, take less than you think you need, and second, opt for solid versions.

Pack less toiletries – you can buy them later

Toiletries take up a lot of room in your bag, but they don’t have to.

If you are going to stay at a hotel, it’s likely that you’ll be provided with shampoo and body wash, so there’s no need to bring those at all.

If you wear makeup, be sure to take only what you will definitely use, not stuff that you might want to use, and definitely not anything that you might only use once.

Always remember that anything you don’t bring with you, you can buy at your destination (unless you’re travelling to the middle of nowhere).

Shampoo, body lotion, shower gel, sunblock, toothpaste, deodorant – these are things you can buy cheaply anywhere you go.

When you travel with carry on luggage, liquids and creams you take with you on board the plane cannot exceed 100ml (or 3.38 oz). This isn’t a universal rule, but it applies in many countries.

You can bring small travel size bottles of essential toiletries for the first couple of days, and then buy the rest later.

However, I recommend you replace liquids with their solid versions.

Get solid toiletries to avoid flying with liquids

This will make it easier for you to pack despite the ban on flying with liquids and creams exceeding 100ml .

Liquids might also spill inside you bag and can cause damage or just be a hassle to clean up.

Soap  is easy – no need to carry shower gel when you can bring a bar of soap.

Even if you’re used to showering with shower gel at home, make an exception for your trip and it will make your packing easier and lighter.

What about shampoo ?

I started travelling with a shampoo bar in recent years and I’m really happy with it! Wish I’d known about it earlier…

How does a shampoo bar work? It looks just like a bar of soap and it lathers up when you rub it in your hands in the shower, and then you can wash your hair with it.

Browse solid shampoo bars here >>

Shampoo bars save space in your luggage and they last for a long time.

An added advantage is that you can use a shampoo bar as body soap too. This is useful if you want to go for super minimalist packing.

Gadgets – travel light more efficiently

Gadgets can also take up too much space in your luggage. Let’s look at ways to pack more efficiently.

Travel adaptor

You’ll probably need a  travel adaptor  and it’s best to buy a universal one that you can use in most countries with various sockets.

It should also convert electrical currencies where needed.

This way you don’t need to carry several adaptors if you’re going to multiple destinations around the world.

To save more space, instead of taking a phone charger, get a   universal adaptor with USB ports . It will let you charge your phone, tablet and power bank. You only need to bring the USB cords.

Reading when you travel light

To travel light,  make the most out of your phone .

It can replace quite a lot of things that there’s no need to carry anymore: books (both recreational reading and guidebooks), a camera, maps, a flashlight, a notebook, magazines… And obviously you can use it to listen to music and watch movies.

You don’t need to carry heavy guide books with you. Many travel guides have ebook versions.

This will save you a lot of space and weight when you’re packing.

When you pack headphones or earphones , make sure they are both compact and noise cancelling or noise reducing (useful for noisy flights or trains).

Portable chargers

A portable power bank is essential if you’re out and about all day and your phone runs out of battery.

If it runs out just when you need to check Google Maps to see which bus to take, or to check addresses, reviews, opening times or anything else – you’ll be so grateful you packed a backup battery.

Portable chargers are also useful for flights, so you can watch movies on your phone without worrying about the battery running out.

These chargers come in different capacities measured in milliamperes (mAh). The higher the mAh number, the more power the charger has.

I normally carry two, just for peace of mind, and charge them overnight.

Hope you find these tips helpful when you pack for your next trip!

Do share this article with any of your friends who might need packing advice.

If you have more tips on packing light, do share them in the comments.

save this guide on how to travel light on pinterest

• Tags Minimalist Packing , Packing , Packing Light , Packing Lists , Travel Accessories , Travel Gadgets , Travel Gear

16 Comments

Great tips on traveling light! Personally, I’ll always check a bag as my carryons are full of camera gear and laptop. But love all the ideas on how to make traveling easier and more functional!

Great tips and good reminder as well.

I definitely could work on traveling lighter. I do use packing cubes and I think they are a huge help! Great post. 🙂

Great tips on traveling light! Personally I’ll always check a bag as my carryons are full of camera gear and laptop. Lol. But love all the ideas on how to make traveling easier and more functional! ?

I love packing light!! Great items and tips on here! I LOVE using shampoo bars when traveling.

Thank you so much for the recommendations and the jacket with all the pockets looks amazing!!

I really need to check out the shampoo bars. I keep hearing about it and it’s great for carry on luggage.

Yes, it’s so convenient 🙂

I love traveling light! I do most of these but never thought about using a smaller bag to pack leas. Genius!! I’ve recently started using packing cubes and I LOVE them! Makes everything so organized. Thanks for this posts, it was super helpful! I’ll try the smaller bag for my next trip.

We do most of these things already, and we love it! Been on the road for 4 months now with nothing but carry-on: a 46L Osprey Porter and a 28L daypack (mostly for camera gear). All solid toiletries (including a laundry bar so we can wash clothing without a machine) and merino clothing that we can wear for days 🙂

Great article 🙂 Thank you for this. I have always used Osprey when travelling but that Eagle Creek backpack looks epic and very durable.

These are great tips! I am always guilty of packing way too much and then hating my life as I have to lug my bag around. I think I’m going to invest in a 40L backpack for my next big trip and see how that goes!

Good luck! I thinks it’s the best way to travel and you’ll get used to it easily 🙂

A great and enviable post. What a detailed guide! Great information and advice.

Indeed, there are hikers who are light grasshoppers, and there are hikers who are turtles, who move their hump, or part of it, wherever they travel.

I belong to the second type .. . I have already been jealous of Henderson (“Henderson the Rain King”, Saul Bellow), who traveled to Africa with his modest luggage including the following items: a toothbrush in his pocket, a credit card and a wide-brimmed hat.

Thanks to Tal Bright

Great guide! I pack in a 40L backpack which converts to a suitcase (the straps can be hidden) which I just love. It’s perfect for my full-time travel lifestyle. But I still get jealous when I’m boarding a plane and other people have much smaller suitcases than me.

A note about solid toiletries: I recently started travelling with a deodorant crystal – a completely solid object. But the people at the airport flag it as a liquid every time I go through security. I got so tired of being pulled aside that I now just put it in with my liquids.

Thanks Jane! I know what you mean about getting jealous when you see people with smaller luggage 😉 I think that if the deodorant crystal comes in the kind of packaging that’s similar to ordinary deodorant, than yes, it’s very likely to confuse airport security…

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Traveling & Packing Light

“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

The Complete Guide To Traveling Anywhere With Only A Carry On Bag Or Less

Hey! Welcome to this  ridiculously  in-depth guide about  how  to pack a suitcase!

I’m James Eagleman, a full-time traveler. Overpacking is by far the most common travel mistake I see. Here I will be providing you with your briefing on packing light and traveling light.

“The time has come to lay that baggage down and leave behind all the struggling and striving.” ― Sue Augustine

For some this guide may be a simple refresher course, for others, it will provide some useful hints and tips, and for a few, it might just be a life-changer.

This guide is descriptive, not prescriptive – I realize it’s not for everyone. You can take or leave any of the advice you read here. This is just my story of how I live my life.

I divided the guide into chapters, and each section has a list of actionable steps to help you travel light.

I hope you enjoy it.

James Eagleman, 2022

Traveling Light

It’s when we travel lightest that we most become ourselves. Underneath all your possessions you find your true self.

Nobody likes carrying heavy bags, paying checking fees, and worrying about airlines losing luggage. It’s a drag…

But we are addicted to Stuff.

And the airlines know we’re hooked. Baggage checking fees are a tax on our attachment to possessions. They’re a penalty for lack of fore-planning and imagination. Airlines lure us in with cheap flights then hit us with “extras” at every opportunity.

It’s when we travel lightest that we most become ourselves. Underneath all your possessions you find your true self. – James Eagleman

But you won’t hear me complaining…​

As a species, we’re able to travel more easily now than ever before.

The early humans took the best part of 100,000 years to travel out of Africa and populate the globe. They journeyed across Asia to North America and finally down to the southern tip of South America. 4000 generations of mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons lived and died their way westwards. Our family took a long journey, right?

Today you can fly direct from South Africa to Brazil in less than 10 hours. And all the while watching Netflix and moaning about your lack of legroom.

From this perspective, modern travel is miraculous. It ought to be thrilling… do you want to risk spoiling your awesome adventure by packing too heavy?

If your answer is no, then you’re going to need to learn to pack and travel light my friend.

5 Steps To Becoming A Lightweight Traveler

1. awaken the adventurer within.

The process of becoming a light traveler starts long before you pack a bag. It starts within yourself, with approaching travel in a spirit of adventure.

I don’t care if you are going on a dull business trip for the 100th time. If you’re flying through the sky at 550 miles per hour, there is something magical happening. Never forget that.

Light travelers don’t pack for every eventuality because that’s impossible. And finding yourself far from home without “that thing you left behind” is part of the adventure.

Embrace “what’s the worst that could happen?” thinking. Lay down your fears and feel the freedom that follows. Trust me everything will be okay, even if you run out of clean underwear.

2. (Tomorrow May Rain So) Follow The Sun

Traveling light is a whole lot easier in warmer weather. The more pleasant the climate, the fewer clothes you will need to protect you from the climate.

If you can avoid going to cold and wet places you won’t need to pack bulky sweaters, jackets, and boots. If you do go to wintry climates, make sure you wear your heavy boots and jacket on the plane.

Before you think about packing research the climate of your destinations. Think about what you’ll do there and the altitude you’ll be at. I like using  timeanddate.com  to research climate and they have a fantastic  sunrise and sunset calculator .

3. Accept the Costs

There can be costs to traveling light. I don’t deny it, but there can be savings too.

The costs are worth it and it balances out. The things you buy can be more expensive but you own fewer things. And anyway like Tyler Durden said:

“The things you own end up owning you.” – Chuck Palahniuk

Carry less stuff and get your freedom back.

4. Think Like A Traveler Not A Tourist

Is there a difference? I think so.

Travelers think differently than tourists  and packing heavy is a rookie mistake.

Tourists with huge bags are easy to spot and vulnerable to scams and thieves. You can be a target right from the moment you land. Unscrupulous taxi drivers often take visitors on an expensive detour.

And of course, you need that taxi because your bags are too huge for public transport!

With large luggage, you are less nimble and less able to escape sketchy situations.

5. Trade Things For Experiences

Light travelers carry fewer things. But they have more experiences.

For example, when was the last time you walked from the airport to your hotel?

It’s only about 7 km from Malta International Airport to the center of Valletta. That’s about a 90-minute walk and it’s a pleasant journey especially as you get closer to Valletta center. Of course, if it’s too hot you’d be better to take a taxi but by traveling light your options open up.

In fact, many airports are less than 2 hours walk to the center.

I always check the map and the street view and consider walking from the airport to the center. I can do that because my bag isn’t heavy.

And speaking of bags…​

When you travel light  your carry-on bag is your best friend.

Checking bags slows you down, puts your valuables at risk, and costs you time and money.  Carry-on only is the way to go.  You’ll save money and keep your valuables safe. It’s a no-brainer.

“It seemed like there was definitely a relationship between how much stuff a person carried and the amount of fun that they were having. The more stuff, the less fun.” – Tom Bihn Bag Designer & Maker

You can check a detailed list of airline  carry-on size restrictions  here. To prepare yourself for international travel get a carry on bag no greater than:

21 inches (53.5 cm), width of 14 inches (35.5 cm) and depth of 8 inches (20.3 cm)

Bags of this size and under will permit carry-on travel on most airlines.

Keep an eye on weight restrictions too. But if you follow this guide you won’t ever need to worry about going above carry-on weight limits .

7 Steps To Carry On Enlightenment

1. remember the 1st law of minimalist travel.

The amount of crap you pack expands to fit the available space in your bag.

Or to put it another way. If you have a big bag… you will end up filling it with a lot of crap.

“The amount of crap you pack expands to fit the available space in your bag” – James Eagleman

Just because a bag has a certain capacity, it doesn’t mean that you need to fill that capacity.

2. See Through The Illusion

We overfill our bags because we are too attached to our things.

You don’t need so many things but you are under the illusion that you need them.

You don’t need them.

This post is all about seeing through the illusion and showing you the road to a lighter life.

To beat your overpacking habit you first have to recognize that you have a problem ))

3. Acknowledge The Possibility of Traveling With Carry-On Only

You can break free from overpacking.

Accept that while it might not be easy it is possible. Many people travel the world with all their possessions in only a single carry-on bag. How do they do it? If they can do it so can you. You just need to figure out how.

4. Follow the One Bag Path

The road to carry on enlightenment is through the cunning use of a smaller bag.

If you dive in and buy a smaller carry-on bag and you will just need to make it work.

“Ahh but what about all my stuff!!” I hear you cry.

Don’t worry. By the time you’ve read this guide will have mastered the art of traveling and packing light. Chapters 3-5 deal with packing, not-packing, and planning.

But before that, you must…

5. Choose The Right Bag

The weight of your bag is important!

Rolling luggage is great if you are doing it home-taxi-airplane-taxi-hotel style. Walking longer distances away from the smooth floors of airport lobbies is rarely fun.

The best travel backpacks  are lighter and more secure than rolling suitcases. Some ultralight travelers even go without a bag altogether.

If you choose a backpack don’t choose a top-loading backpack. Your travel bag or suitcase should open completely to allow access to everything.

Make sure you can easily identify your bag. Even though you are traveling carry-on it could be stolen or switched.  In-flight theft is a thing .

6. If the shoe doesn’t fit… wear it!

When you keep your bag small you will need to wear your heavy items.

Wear your big jacket when boarding. Wear anything heavy when boarding. In fact, if you are serious you could buy a travel jacket that has lots of pockets to carry items. Scottvesttravel jackets are ideal for this sort of thing. Remember. Wearing is not carrying.

7. The personal item

I tend to not use the personal item allowance because not all airlines have the same guidelines. I don’t need the extra allowance and who wants to carry two bags anyway?

Don’t rely on the personal item allowance to carry more stuff. You can get into trouble with airlines that have less generous allowances.

CHAPTER 3

The 80/20 Rule

You might be familiar with the Pareto Principle also known as the 80—20 rule. If not, it roughly goes like this — for many events roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.

So for example… 80% of the profits come from 20% of the customers

Or… 80% of the crops come from 20% of the seeds sown.

There are hundreds of examples. The Pareto Principle is a rule of thumb it’s not supposed to be exact. I think the 80/20 rule applies to packing too — 20% of what you pack meets 80% of your needs.

As light travelers,  we try to only pack the 20%  of things to meet most of our needs. This means our haul can be up to 80% lighter. Wheyhey!

To meet the rest of our needs we improvise like Macgyver on a weekend in Paris.

Yes, you don’t have 7 pairs of underwear labeled Sunday through to Saturday…

But you did pack your travel soap and a universal sink plug.

How To Pack Only The 20%

​1. use a packing list.

The internet is full of packing list templates for many different types of adventures.

2. Assemble a Travel Clothes Wardrobe

In this section, I’m going to talk a lot about clothes, because clothes take up the most space. So this is where you can make the biggest improvements to your packing method.

It can take a long time to assemble a travel clothes wardrobe. But you don’t need to do it all at once. If you start to think about travel when doing your regular clothes shopping it can pay off over time.

Good travel clothes should be  quick drying . This allows you to wash it overnight and wear it again the next day. Doing some handwashing while traveling is one of the best ways to reduce your weight.

Try to  c hoose neutral colors  for your travel clothes. This way you can mix and match to create more outfits that work together.

Use layers.  It’s better to have more pieces of clothes for the same weight. For example, the t-shirt, shirt, and light sweater combo is better than a heavy sweater. It gives you more options.

Versatility.  Items of clothing that can perform double duties are a great idea. For example, shorts that also double as swimming shorts.

Trilogy theory.  3 shirts, 3 pairs of socks, 3 pairs of underwear. 2 pairs of pants and 1 pair of shorts.

Bendy Bras.  Sources tell me that bras without underwires can be rolled up.

Downsize your underwear.  This tip might not be everyone but some people are big pants people and some people wear skimpy thongs. Skimpy things are the correct packing light choice if not always the correct fashion choice.

3. Invest In Wool

Wool.  Wool has been engineered by nature for keeping sheep clean and warm. It’s durable, has a great insulation to weight ratio, and doesn’t wrinkle or get stinky. Wool and Prince make some awesome travel shirts for guys made from superfine merino wool.

Woolen clothes are more expensive than cotton, but they save you money in the long run.

If you buy wool clothing, you don’t need a lot of clothes. You can carry your entire wardrobe on your back.

Wool clothes are expensive, but they never stink even after weeks of wear. You can just hand wash them when you feel like it. And they dry quickly. You can hand wash a shirt, put it right on immediately and it will be completely dry within about 15 minutes.

I’m not talking sweaters either. You can buy woolen shirts and suits that look like business attire but behave differently.

Superfine merino wool is not itchy. It’s more comfortable to wear than cotton. It has fantastic wicking properties. It keeps you cool when it’s hot and hot when it’s cool.

By all means. If you want to spend your life pulling a wardrobe behind you or running a laundrette, then go right ahead. I buy wool.

3. Choose Travel Shoes Wisely

More specifics about wool and travel clothes in Chapter 3

4. Travel Gear

Travel Computing.  Take a tablet rather than a laptop. I work while traveling and I found that the best travel laptop in my case was a Microsoft Surface Pro. It has the power of a laptop but the size and weight of a large tablet. Avoid the inferior keyword cover and use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.

Pack a Foldable Day Pack.  Unless you’ve gone ultra-light your travel bag will probably be too big to use once you are at your destination.  

Compact umbrella or waterproof poncho.  If I am in hot climates I find a heavy jacket unnecessary. I like to walk in the rain and an umbrella or waterproof poncho helps with this.

Sunglasses .  Need I say more? Sunnies are essential for trips to bright sunny places. But don’t worry you can wear them on your head and they don’t take up any of your carry-on allowance.

Travel coffee maker.  I’ve written elsewhere how  travelinglight.com runs on rich black coffee.  I make sure to find room in my backpack for a travel coffee maker.

Sleep mask.  A sleep mask can really help for sleeping on the plane, jetlag or sleeping in unfamiliar rooms. It’s an essential piece of kit for your travel and lightweight too!

Earplugs.  Like a sleep mask earplugs help for sleeping during travel and in strange places. Gram for gram one of the best items you can pack in your carry on.

Fir st aid kit .  This one depends on where you are traveling to and what you will be doing.  A first aid kit  can be a handy thing to pack if you are going to be doing a lot of hikng

A Lightweight Travel Adapter.  You want to be able to charge those gadgets. Typically a travel adapter is quite chunky but  this one  is nice and small and light.

Money belt or neck wallet. RFID blocking wallet. Passport wallet.

Keep your cash and cards in different places. Keep emergency cash.

5. Travel Laundry

Doing laundry on the road is an essential part of traveling light. If you are used to doing all your laundry with a washing machine it might seem like washing clothes on the road will be a hassle.

Yes it is annoying but so is lugging around a heavy bag packed full of clothes.

In reality, to hand wash a few items will only take a few minutes and the benefits are huge.

Pack a travel sink plug. This will help because not all hotels have sink plugs.

You could also pack some travel detergent like Dr. Beckmann Travel Wash though I often just wash my clothes with shampoo.

A clothesline can help to dry things and it doesn’t take up much room.

To dry clothes fast roll them up in a towel and stand on them. I often hand wash a polo shirt, roll it in a towel, stamp on it and put it straight on slightly damp.

After about 30 mins it will be fully dry just from your body heat.

Leave It Behind

11 steps to becoming a zen carry on master, 1. use a not-packing list.

Here are some things that you might have thought about taking but probably don’t need. Do yourself a favor and leave them at home.

2. Know Your Restricted Items

Bottles can’t be more than 100ml. All your 100ml bottles need to fit in a single sealable one liter plastic bag. Nothing sharp. No scissors.

3. The Post Landing Repack

Use airport lockers. In short stays I sometimes take an airport locker and dump things that I know I won’t need.If I’m not working I pack my computer and some clothes into an airport locker.

4. Don’t Pack “What If” Items

“What if” rarely happens and when it does you will deal with it.

5. Use Local Shops

There are few wildernesses left on the planet. Most places sell toothpaste and toilet roll.

6. Air dry your way to freedom

Use a tiny microfiber towel. Buy a large towel locally and leave it behind when you leave.

7. Burn Your Books

Books are heavy. Don’t carry books.

If you are a serious reader take a kindle or even better buy audiobook editions and listen to your books

I like to take walks to explore a new area while listening to audiobooks.

I sometimes use this cable to listen to an audiobook on my phone and music on my ipod shuffle at the same time.

Download the kindle app to your phone or laptop.

Take photographs of sections of guidebooks. Apps like evernote allow you to concert photos of books to searchable text.

8. Make Your Children Carry Your Stuff Like Tiny Slaves

Okay… maybe not YOUR STUFF but at least get them to carry some of their own stuff. If you are  traveling with kids get them to carry something . Don’t make your kids the luggage, teach them to help.

9. Screw The Duct Tape

Not for the kids mouths…If you’ve seen The Martian you’ll know that simple duct tape can save your ass if you get stuck on mars. Are you going to mars?

If yes then sure take it. But if you are staying on earth then you probably don’t need it.

Duct tape can be used to make quick repairs to shoes, clothes, make rope and If your shows are so f*cked they’re held together with ductape I’m sorry but it’s time to go buy some new shoes.

10. Forget the Frisbee

Some travel bloggers recommend packing a frisbee since it’s a great way to break the ice and meet new people. Frisbes also make a half-decent cutting board, plate or fan. And with the right technique you could use one to kill an assailant in a pinch.

Sorry Frisbee! You are great n’all but that still doesn’t earn you place in my carry on! It’s not you. It’s me! I travel light!

It’s not that I think frisbees are a bad idea. I like the idea of tossing a frisbee in the park as a way to break the ice. I just don’t think you need to pack one and lug it around with you. Just buy one locally or a bat and ball or whatever.

11. Anything where “there’s an app for that”

If “there’s an app for that” then it probably shouldn’t be in your carry-on bag. Not so long ago electronic devices were huge.

Now our magical smart phones can replaces so many devices.

Unless you are a serious photography leave the DSLR behind your phone takes awesome photos now.

Packing Smart

Now that you know what to take…

And you know what not to take…

It’s time to go deep.

Mankind has long pondered the big philosophical ideas. What is the meaning of life? Who am I? Why is there something rather than nothing? What is true happiness? How do I pack a suitcase?

“How do I pack a suitcase” remains one of the most discussed ideas online.

As if there wasn’t enough written about it here are my tips of putting your stuff into your bag.

7 Packing Origami Ideas To Organize Your Load Out Of Existence

1. compress your clothes..

There are a few different schools of thought when it comes to clothes compression. My fear with compression is that it just allows you to fit more stuff that you don’t need in your bag. Anyway, here they come, use them wisely.

Roll your  clothes .  This is a classic travel tip smart granddads were doing this in the seventies.

Packing cubes.  The pro travelers favorite. Compression packing cubes can gain you an extra few inches worth of space.

Z ip lock bags.  The cheapos packing cube. 

Vacuum compression bags . These can suck all the air out that sweater and get reduce the size of it but it won’t do anything to help with your weight. In fact, the danger is you will simply pack more vacuum-packed sweaters that previously.

Rubber bands.  Yes just regular rubber bands. It might not be very sophisticated but rubber bands are a simple, lightweight method to compress items in your carry-on.

Stuff sacks . A sack that you stuff things into. Can be very helpful with dirty clothes.

Garment folders.  These can help with delicate items where you want to avoid creasing. They probably will have a flat iron where you are going though.

2. Use The Inside Of Your Shoes

You can put all sort of things inside your shoes not only feet!

Pack your underwear inside your shoes.

These travel adapters  fit snugly inside my walking shoes.

Roll your socks into little balls and squeeze them in there.

That half-eaten cheese sandwich from the airplane… that could fit inside your shoe!

The possibilities are endless! You get the idea ))​

3. Pack It On Your Person

You can fill your jacket pockets with items. You can put things in your pockets.

I mainly use this method for heavy items like hiking boots or jackets.​

4. Distribute Your Weight

If you have a rolling suitcase put the heavier things at the bottom. This will stop your case from being top-heavy and tipping over.

If you have a backpack put the heaviest items in the center closest to your back. This with put more of the weight onto your hips.

5. Pack It In The Post

Travel caching.  Before putting your things into your bag. Fold them nice and neat and put them into a cardboard box. Write the name of the hotel you are staying at on the cardboard box. Take the cardboard box to your local post office and ask them to send the box to the hotel you are staying at.

Note. Contact your hotel to check they will accept the package. I have found airbnb hosts can sometimes also accommodate.

Be sure to keep your most valuable valuables in your possession. Don’t mail that Rolex to the Airbnb guy.

Memories Are Your Best Souvenirs

Is it possible to pack too light?

For physical possessions, I suggest making do with as few things as you can comfortably manage without. It’s not that complicated really. If you use it…. you need it. If you don’t use it… you don’t need it.

But I believe there are some things that are always worth carrying.

The things in this chapter are very lightweight but perhaps the most important.

Carry as much of them as you can manage!​

5 Things That Are Worth Carrying

1. memories.

Why do we travel? Just to get from A to B?

From your first baby steps to your last steps — life is made up of all the little moments.

All life is a journey of some type. Even if you are just on a boring business trip or some other travel that you can’t be bothered with. The dullest trip is always part of a bigger journey. The journey from your first day at school to graduation. The trip from first date to marriage. From new start to becoming the boss.

From your first baby steps to your  last  steps — life is made up of all the little moments.

Even on the most mundane trip, there is the possibility that a special moment in your life will happen.

Be ready for it. You will want to pick up that moment and carry it with you forever.

Pack it in your heart and take it with you.

2. Peace of Mind

Did you know that the animals with the most predators sleep the least?

They’ve got the most to worry about right?

Our waking minds exist to worry and help us avoid danger.

Consciousness itself is a kind of threat detection system, to help us avoid predators and stay safe.

And when we travel to unusual places we feel more fear than usual. Anxiety can grow and spoil our experience of travel.

It doesn’t help that the news makes the world seem like such a dangerous place with terrorists waiting around every corner.​

But here’s the thing… most of the things we worry about NEVER HAPPEN!

Take this nugget of wisdom. Pack it carefully somewhere where you won’t forget it. And carry it with you always.

3. A Friendly Smile

A smile is our species way of telling people that we don’t want any trouble and we are no threat.

If you don’t smile. People can be intimidated and scared of you. It’s just human nature.

It can really ruin a good trip if people are threatened and wary of you. They become defensive and closed.

People say that Queen Elizebeth thinks the whole world smells like fresh paint… because everywhere she goes has been freshly painted.

If you walk around with a scowl, you’ll find a world full of surly defensive people. The world has been painted black because King Grumpypants is coming.

Pack your smile with you. For the best travel adventures wear it every day to show the world that you come in peace. And wherever you go the people there will smile back at you!

4. Small Talk

I’m an introvert and social situations can be stressful and tiring for me.

It’s easy for me to shrink into my shell and spend too much alone time because this is where I am most comfortable.

This might seem like a strange choice to mention for people whose small talk comes naturally and easily.

For me, it’s hard work. Small talk is something I need to carry with me and remember to use.

Why is it necessary?

Because travel can be isolating. You can be away from friends and family and normal social contact.

And social contact is essential to human health and happiness.

All introverts need to remember to pack their small talk so they can make social connections while traveling.​

Because social connections lead to…​

5. Friendships

Travel is a great way to invite interesting experiences into your life.

And shared experiences bring people together and can end up in life-long friendships.

As I get older I find I make more acquaintances and fewer friends.

If you do meet a friend on the road make sure you take that friendship with you. Pack it on in your bag and don’t forget it.

Real solid friendships are a rare thing.

Thanks for reading our guide to traveling light and packing light. I hope this book has given you some ideas and helped you with your travel plans!

Now it would make me most happy if you  take the core message with you and leave the rest of this post behind!

Bon voyage!

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Home » Gear » The Very Best Flashlights For Travel and Camping – 2024

The Very Best Flashlights For Travel and Camping – 2024

Weighing less than a pound and smaller than a snickers bar, flashlights built for travel are the dirty work’s best friend. When the chores don’t stop after sunset, Flashlights are an essential part of all packing lists. You don’t have to be living in the woods to need a bit of sunshine in your pocket.  Whether it’s for an emergency situation, a quick game of tag, that last midnight mile, or simply searching for crabs on the beach, the best flashlights for travel present an inexpensive way to light up your night.

Hopefully, we don’t have to convince you that this handy tool is a camping essential, but I would argue that no matter where you’re headed, every traveller should roam with a proper torch in their kit, so let’s get shopping.

Modern travellers certainly have plenty of flashlight options, but it’s a double-edged sword. There are so many torches out there, and you won’t find much difference in appearance. It’s not easy to stare at walls of flashlight options to determine which light is right for your next journey. You’ll have to find the tool that lines up with your weight requirements, weather resistance demands, battery capabilities, and of course, the perfect blend of special features.

That’s where we step in.

About Our Best Flashlights Review

These are the best flashlights for travel and camping, final thoughts on the best flashlights for travel.

This updated buying guide will shine a light on the very best in torch technology. I’m not kidding around here. We’ll take you through the latest and greatest in hands-free headlamps, budget lighting, and glowing camping lanterns in the business.

From high-quality flashlights that have helped me climb a mountain before sunrise to crappy bricks that drain through four AA batteries before dusk has even settled, I’ve sampled the industry and seen what a difference the right torch makes. My flashlights have gotten me through hurricanes, midnight bathroom runs, and night scuba dives to the point where I’d hardly consider heading to the grocery store without one in my glove box.

So follow along, charge up your batteries, and take a look at what the best flashlight technology can bring to your next adventure. 

Quick Answer – These Are The Best Flashlights

If the power’s already out, there’s no time to talk details. Here is a look at our favourite flashlights and what they each do best.

#1 Overall Best Flashlight – Coast XP11R

#2 Best Head Lamp – Black Diamond Spot 350

#3 Best Budget Flashlight – Coast G22 Flashlight

#4 best rechargeable flashlight – fenix pd36r, #5 best 3 in 1 flashlight – coast g22 flashlight, #6 best hand torch – nathan zephyr trail 200, #7 best camping lantern – mpowerd luci base.

Coast XP11R

• > Charge it with a USB-C connection or AAA batteries
• > The adjustable front lens goes from 75-2,100 lumens in a hurry

Black Diamond Spot 400

• > Adjustable brightness levels
• > Black Diamond brand is known for build quality

Coast G22 Flashlight

• > Several different light output settings
• > Durable as many more expensive models

Fenix PD36R

• > The battery promises to work for 115 hours on eco mode
• > The flashlight comes with a lifetime guarantee

• > Comes with an SOS beacon
• > You can use it to communicate in Morse Code

Nathan Zephyr Trail 200

• > The strobe light feature makes for a great bike light
• > 2 AA batteries last for 9 hours even on high output

MPOWERD Luci Base

• > Battery lasts for up to 50 hours of lighting
• > Convenient clip hooks onto tent ceilings

Elucidate your life in style with these classic torches.

Every single flashlight on our list can fit easily into the palm of your hand, provides enough lumens to help navigate rough terrain in the dark, and packs the battery life to get you to dawn. 

Beyond that, the rules are out the window. Read on to find out some unique qualities and some unfortunate quirks of the industries best flashlights. 

REI is one of America’s biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers.

Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

This flashy piece of equipment ranks at the top of our list and easily fits into the palm of your hand. Coast’s flagship flashlight packs in plenty of lighting customisation options, a quality aluminium build, and a high-intensity output to serve as my favourite flashlight.

Convenience features are what really set this torch apart. A battery indicator guarantees you won’t be caught by surprise while in the dark, and the easily twisting front lens allows you to focus your beam on the life in front of you. These special features make their way across the handheld flashlight and even dictate your charging methods.

You can power this flashlight with an included rechargeable battery or with three AAA batteries, whatever best suits your lifestyle. 

• Charge it with a USB-C connection or AAA batteries
• The adjustable front lens goes from 75-2,100 lumens in a hurry
• 37 hours of runtime at low output
• Slightly heavy for a travel flashlight

#2 Best Head Lamp – Black Diamond Spot 400

Anyone who travels without a hands-free head-lamp has never had to wash the dishes after dark. I love cooking outside, but it’s all fun and games until it’s time to clean up while holding your iPhone in one hand. 

This affordable headlamp is here to change that. Snugly secure your flashlight directly to your cranium with the adjustable strap and find the perfect brightness level to shine a light on the task at hand, all while keeping your hands involved in the action. This headlamp pumps in a high max light output all the way out to 85 meters, proving that a hands-free lantern can accomplish everything your typical torch could.

My favourite feature on this budget headlamp is the red light mode, which allows you to see what’s in front of you without attracting bugs , or read in bed without straining your eyes.

• Cheaper than a steak dinner
• Adjustable brightness levels
• Black Diamond brand is known for build quality
• Relatively low max light output at 350 lumens
• Burns through 3 AAA batteries in less than 4 hours of use on high output

This bad boy is an emergency situation special. Travellers who don’t plan on roaming around in the darkness may never need to break out their flashlight, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry while on the road.

It may be affordable, but it’s certainly not cheaply made. An entirely aluminium housing means your flashlight can spend years bouncing around the bottom of your bag and still shine. The Coast G22 weighs less than two ounces and only requires one battery, so you can slip it into your purse, keychain, or pocket to make sure you’ve always got a torch on hand. When it’s time to call upon your flashlight, a simple yet bright spot beam lights up to 50 meters ahead.

• Several different light output settings
• Lightweight enough to fit on every packing list
• Durable as many more expensive models
• Devoid of any special features
• Not suitable for night adventures outside

Bulky single-use batteries are slowly becoming a thing of the past, and the lithium-ion USB-C battery in this powerful torch say good riddance. Some rechargeable batteries lose their lustre after a few cycles, but the lifetime Fenix guarantee ensures this flashlight will keep the lights on for years to come.

The body of the flashlight comes with a battery indicator and low charge warning that will keep you on top of the PD36R recharge cycle, and the powerful beam sure doesn’t seem to miss the extra maximum capability of disposable batteries.

At over 1500 Lumens , this flashlight truly shines, and the impressive charge cycle will keep the lights on through any emergency situation or freedom camping adventure. 

• Flashlight ships with the complete kit; holster, lanyard, and charging cable
• The battery promises to work for 115 hours on eco mode
• The flashlight comes with a lifetime guarantee
• The tail is not free-standing
• Most expensive flashlight on our list

Do You Want to Travel FOREVER??

Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!’.

What exactly is a 3 in 1 flashlight you ask? Nitze Ize defines 3 in 1 as a flashlight, a lantern, and a safety light, all compacted into a twelve dollar light that’s small enough to fit into every suitcase. 

This is one of the cheapest flashlights on our list, and be prepared to get what you paid for. If you ordered it tomorrow and used it frequently, I wouldn’t expect it to be working next year. This budget flashlight’s lantern feature lets me look past that and slide it onto our list. 

It’s not perfect, but the Radiant is uniquely capable of lighting up the cookstove, playing host to card games, and working as an emergency beacon.  This one in particular makes an excellent gift for campers .

• Comes with an SOS beacon
• Also functions as a lamp with enough oomph to light up a card game
• You can use it to communicate in Morse Code
• Not built to last
• Three in one just means three different lightbulbs

I know what you’re thinking. No, A hand torch is not just a fancy way to say flashlight, its a functional blend of a flashlight and a headlamp. Nathan latched on an ergonomic elastic strap to this tilted flashlight to provide a new perspective. Anyone planning on logging some miles after dark or being active with their torch can use this extra strap as a safety net and loosen their grip for the long haul. 

The Zephyr Trail doesn’t just hold on tight, it also looks ahead. A 45-degree angle keeps the lantern’s eye on the ground without having to point your wrist downwards. This is one of the best flashlights in the business for lighting up life in motion. 

• The strobe light feature makes for a great bike light
• 2 AA batteries last for 9 hours even on high output
• Packs the special features that make the flashlight easy to hold on to
• Low maximum light output
• The entire flashlight is built around preventing the need to twist your wrist

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Solar energy is here to stay, and it’s more affordable than ever. Thanks to Mpowerd, it can now fit in the palm of your hand, light up our tent and charge your devices. This camping lantern puts out some serious lumens, all fueled by the power of the sun.

 It doesn’t get any simpler than the Luci Base. The solar lantern packs down small, and a few breathes will quickly expand the lantern and illuminate a backcountry kitchen. You can leave your lantern out in the sun to charge, or quickly recharge the lithium-ion battery with the wall charger.

The Luci Base is the closest thing we’ve got to artificial sunlight on the go, and it’s a great hands-free option totally capable of lighting up your campsite. 

You can read our full Mpowered Luci Base review here .

• Battery lasts for up to 50 hours of lighting
• Provides a USB charging port for small electronic devices
• Convenient clip hooks onto tent ceilings
• Takes 28 hours of direct sunlight to fully recharge
• Can only fully charge your phone once per battery cycle

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

No matter which path you choose to follow, these lanterns will light your way. From headlamps to hand torches, we’ve dissected the contenders and tossed away the pretenders to present our favourite flashlights of all styles. Any flashlight can merely adopt the dark, but the best flashlights for travel were born in the darkness, moulded in it.  

Now it’s up to you to put the right light in your hands. Each one of the torches on our lists will do something better than anyone else, but remember, each flashlight also has its faults. 

A classic handheld torch pumps out a powerful beam that generally works at a longer range and higher maximum output than most other styles, perfect for nocturnal exploration. If portability is your number one concern, you won’t find anything more efficient than the hands-free illumination of a headlamp, guaranteed to shine wherever you’re eyes are focused.

Maybe you don’t need much motion out of your torch. In that case, a lantern light will brighten up the largest area of any flashlight style, and you’ll easily be able to leave it on a picnic table or tent ceiling to light up enough space for activities. No one style is perfect, but there is no bad choice of the three!

The bottom line is this: regardless of your reason for travelling, leaving for your adventure without a quality light source is tiptoeing towards stupidity.

The best flashlights for your travel will help take you’re adventure further on good days and brighten up a tough situation on the bad ones, so make sure you pick a flashlight that will be ready to go when you need it the most.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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The PD36R from Fenix-store is very convenient to use and has 5 levels of light at max1600 lumens. It’s my favorite!

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Buying Guides

Last Updated: January 23, 2024

A Super Ultralight Backpacking Gear List for 2021

Backpacking light and looking for the best ultralight backpacking gear list possible? Here’s a super ultralight backpacking gear list that should prove useful in 2021. Enjoy!

Danny Newman

I hope you find value in my guide to the best ultralight backpacking gear list!

Heavy backpacks are a nightmare.

They’re uncomfortable, painful to carry, and can do actual damage too.

Surprising as it might sound, there were almost 5,500 backpack-related injuries treated in emergency rooms a few years ago in the United States.

Enter the rise of ultralight camping and minimalist backpacking.

Now, most travellers already know not to over-pack. Yet ultralight packing takes it one step further.

An ultralight backpacking list means the difference between a 30lb and a 9lb backpack! The name of the game is to shred every ounce of excess weight possible.

Are you interested in backpacking light and want a lightweight backpacking gear list to help?

I’ve put together a list of ultralight gear for anybody giving ultralight camping or minimalist backpacking a try!

Read on for the best ultralight backpacking gear list I could come up with.

Heads up, this post contains affiliate links.

The best ultralight gear will make all the difference on your next backpacking trip.

The Best Ultralight Backpacking Gear List

Ultralight backpacking takes some getting used to.

But keep in mind that an ultralight traveller needs a slightly different set of items to an ultralight hiker. Both are backpacking, just with different overall goals. Hence, the gear they require varies.

I’ve tried to be as comprehensive as possible with the following list. All told, it should cater to anyone’s ultralight requirements. However, be sure to pick and choose from the items to match your personal needs.

And finally, just a heads up that this post contains affiliate links. Let’s crack on…

Ultralight Backpack

Every backpacker needs a backpack- obviously!

An ultralight backpacking checklist should avoid all the bells and whistles (fancy straps, buckles, add-ons etc). They add weight and usually go unused anyway.

The simpler the better.

Likewise, rain covers are overrated. Use a pack liner for a cheaper and more effective way of doing the same thing.

Top pick: Osprey Exos 48L

At 43oz (1.2kg), the Osprey Exos is highly recommended. It packs a 5* rating online.

It’s a simple yet practical backpack that’ll suit the needs and requirements of any hiker or traveller. 48L means there’s plenty of room for all your stuff, while stopping you going overboard.

The ventilated frame means its comfortable to carry, and the front stretch mesh pocket is ideal for wet gear or anything you need to access easily. There’s also an internal hydration reservoir pocket and a trekking pole attachment.

The Osprey brand is known around the world for its quality materials, reasonable prices, and awesome warranty. I’ve used Osprey packs on numerous occasions and never been disappointed.

Osprey also offer a larger 58L Exos option too for anyone requiring slightly more space. Click here to check the price.

Additional Idea:

For a smaller, portable and fold up ultralight carry on, try the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack . This versatile little pack boasts high-quality materials, a bunch of great features and all for a reasonable price. It’s also incredible popular and well-rated online. Click here to check the price .

Heads up: you might also like this post about the best budget backpacks .

Top Ultralight Camping/Minimalist Backpacking Gear Tip:

To go as light as possible try getting a pack without a frame. That probably goes against all the advice you’ve ever had about backpack buying . After, no frame means less structural support.

But, in reality, that’s less of an issue when the overall packed weight (with food, water, fuel and so on) is unlikely to exceed 20lbs (9kgs).

Top Frameless Pack: G4Free Lightweight Backpack 40L

At 40L, this pack might not be big enough for some.

But it’s a great bet for anyone wanting something genuinely ultralight (it weighs in at 12oz/0.3kg), while maintaining a high level of quality and functioning.

It’s also an Amazon favourite and scores an impressive 4.4/5 rating. Oh, and it’s cheap as chips.

Click here to view more backpacks under 100 bucks .

Ultralight Camping Gear List #2:

Tents are a useful inclusion for all manner of reasons.

They offer ultimate flexibility: sleep wherever you want, and save on accommodation costs at the same time. For thru-hikers they’re essential. For travellers, they’re handy inclusions.

But tents are typically heavy. However, modern tech has brought the weight down massively. You can now find tents under 1lb all up (0.45kg). However, be prepared to pay high price for low weight.

Top Pick: Naturehike Cloud-Up Ultralight Tent

The Naturehike is well reviewed and rated online at 4.3/5 stars.

It’s a good all-rounder: inexpensive, small, lightweight (3.75lbs/1.7kgs), and easy to use. For two people it gets even lighter as you can split the items between you.

The tent is made of strong and durable materials that are suitable for most weather conditions. You will struggle to find an ultralight tent of better quality at a price point this low.

Lightest Option: Paria Outdoor Breeze Mesh Tent

The Paria mesh tent is incredibly lightweight. It’s 24oz (0.68kg)!

If weight loss is your primary objective, then go for this one. However, it keeps the weight down by requiring your trekking poles to assemble it.

Instead of typical tent poles you’d carry with you, your walking poles get put to work. However, they do provide lines that mean you can put it up between trees. No poles and no trees? You’re a little ‘stumped’.

You also need a tarp (see below) to protect it from the elements. In warm, dry climates it’ll be fine as is though. Don’t like it? No worries. There’s a lifetime warranty.

Another Option: Featherstone Outdoor Ultralight 2 Person Tent

This Featherstone tent, pictured to the left (or above, depending how you’re reading this!) is also well-worth a mention.

It weighs 6lbs all up (so not the lightest option), but comes with everything you need. And, with a 4.5/5 star rating, is the highest rated tent on this list.

Ultralight tents and sleeping bags offer ultimate freedom when it comes to finding a place to sleep on the road.

Ultralight Sleeping Bag

Sleeping bags are another vital inclusion for anyone considering long hikes.

Again, general travellers don’t necessarily need them (unless you’ll be camping all the time). Indeed, I don’t travel with one myself. That said, there have been many occasions when I’ve needed one!

Overall, I’d say sleeping bags are actually more important to a traveller than a tent. You can share someone else’s tent, but you might not be able to share their sleeping bag. In good weather, in safe countries, you can take your bag and simply sleep under the stars.

Top Pick: Kelty Tuck 22F Mummy Sleeping Bag

At just over 30oz (0.85kg) it’s one of the smallest and lightest on the market.

It’s also pretty cheap (at under $100), comes in two difference sizes, and packs a nice 4.3/5 star rating.

You don’t get the luxury of a down sleeping bag for that price, but the synthetic material is of a superior quality and packs down small. All in all it seems ideal as a backpacking sleeping bag.

There’s a thermal comfort hood, natural fit foot-box and it designed to allow all warm-sleepers to easily let out their feet in the night. Its anti-snag zipper, internal pocket and anti-draft zipper tube are further note-worthy features.

Ultralight Sleeping Pad/Roll Mat

A sleeping pad can make all the difference to getting a good night’s sleep.

If you’ve got a bag, and plan to sleep in a tent or on the ground, then definitely get a pad/mat to go with it. It’s crucial for heat-loss prevention during the night. And, frankly, to add a bit of comfort to an otherwise uncomfortable setup.

Try the: Sleepingo Ultralight Sleeping Pad

This is one of the highest rated and most popular sleeping pads online (4.8/5 stars).

It’s rare to find a product that’s been purchased so many times with such a high rating. You could understand why though. At under $40 this pad is a steal.

It weighs just 14.5oz (0.4kg) and folds up to the size of a small water bottle, with the stuff sack included in your purchase.

You simply can’t go wrong!

Ultralight Cooking Equipment

Campers need cooking equipment (unless you’re in a swanky camp site with a kitchen on site).

Hunger is my kryptonite. I get hangry incredibly easily! That’s why having cooking equipment on the road comes in helpful. There’s nothing like warm food in the belly to improve your mood.

FYI, anyone planning to sleep in hostels needn’t worry about including this sort of stuff.

Top Cooker: Jetboil MicroMo Camping Stove

Jetboils are awesome.

I can absolutely vouch for their superiority in the backpacking cookware department!

At 12oz (0.3kg), the MicroMo stove will be everything an ultralight backpacker needs.

With its own igniter switch, it boils water in around 2 minutes at half the fuel consumption of normal stoves. That saves valuable weight from the additional gas cannisters you’d have to carry otherwise.

It also comes with a handy stabiliser to keep things upright on rough ground, and a bottom cup that doubles as a bowl/measuring cup.

It’s rated well at 4.3/5 stars.

Ultralight Crockery

Again, having something to eat and drink out of isn’t always essential to backpackers, unless you’re doing a fair amount of hiking or camping.

Equally, if you decide to buy the Jetboil above, then you don’t need any additional bowl or mug. It’s an all-in-one deal. You cook and eat out of the same thing.

However, if you want a good mug to travel with, then try the TOAKS Titanium Camping Cup .

The mug’s well-priced, made from a durable material and well-recommended online. At 450ml you can easily use it as a bowl as well. The optional lid is a cool, practical addition too.

Oh and the TOAKS Titanium Spoon will mean you can eat what’s in there!

Best Backpacking Gear: Ultralight Water Bottle

Travellers and hikers alike need to drink enough fluid.

Beer doesn’t count. You need water. And having something to carry it in will be helpful at all times (buying plastic bottles is impractical and awful for the environment).

Top Pick: The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System

As a number 1 best seller on Amazon, you can guarantee that this product is highly effective and worth the price. Indeed, it’s 4.6/5 stars and has almost 5,000 reviews! And it’s only $20.

Carrying the filtration system means you can drink water as and when you find it, regardless of where you are. The nifty device weighs a miniscule 3oz (0.09kg) and means you aren’t transporting water-weight when not required. It clears out all the bugs and bacteria from the water sources you find.

Another Top Option: GRAYL Ultralight Water Purifier Bottle

For a more traditional-style lightweight water bottle try the GRAYL purifier.

It’s the same deal, just a different style and design.

Remove essentially 100% of bacteria from water with one push of a button. Carry water as you would normally, and/or refill from any water source you find.

Going ultralight backpacking means you travel in far greater comfort. There’s nothing more freeing than a light backpack!

Backpacking Ultralight Gear List:

Clothing (to be packed).

These clothes items won’t be required all the time, but they’re absolutely necessary to have in the pack.

Remember, layering up is key to success.

1. Waterproof Jacket

Every travellers needs a waterproof. There’s always the chance of being caught in a shower. Long distance hikers will vouch for that!

Top Pick: Marmot PreCip Men’s Waterproof

It comes with a 4.5/5 star rating, and lots of satisfied customers to boot.

The PreCip is 100% nylon, fully waterproof, 100% seam-taped, breathable, comes with an adjustable (stowaway) hood, chin guard, and (amazingly-named) ‘pit-zips’. It’s everything you need in a waterproof and weighs only 11oz (0.3kg).

2. Mid-Layer

Mid-layers are a warmer top for colder situations. They make all the difference in cooler climates and during the night. There are obviously masses of mid-layers to choose from.

Ideal options include:

• The Columbia Men’s Steens Mountain Soft Fleece Jacket
• The Columbia Women’s Benton Springs Fleece Jacket

Both are versatile, warm, multipurpose, and incredibly popular.

3. Down Jacket

Down jackets provide an added layer of warmth, with a degree of waterproofing.

They’re epic insulators that are lightweight and fold up small. It’s the ideal pack addition for any backpacker.

Top Pick: 32 Degrees Ultralight Packable jacket

Pictured to the left, this 32 degrees jacket even comes with its own stuff sack. That means you can cram it down with ease to fit into your backpack.

4. Base Layer

As you’d expect, a base layer is worn against the skin as a first line of defence against the elements.

In reality, you’ll probably want a couple of pairs (one to wear and another to pack). Merino wool is a fantastic material to go for. It’s soft, breathable, naturally heating AND cooling (depending on the weather), odor resistant, quick drying, non-itchy, and offer natural sun protection.

How about that for versatility?!

Blokes should check out the Minus33 merino Wool Chocorua . Ladies should look into the Woolx Merino wicking top . Both are good value, practical, and highly-rated. Pictured Below.

Ultralight Camping Clothing (To Be Worn)

Knowing which clothes to pack is often the hardest part of preparing for a trip- regardless of how you’re spending time on the road.

I could write an entire piece on the subject.

But the golden rule is “less is more.”

Keep that in mind and you won’t go far wrong. It’s especially apt for ultralight backpacking. Anyone doing it properly will take the absolute bare minimum.

Think a spare set of everything and that’s about it. Wear one, wash one, rinse (literally) and repeat.

For everyone else, think a few pairs of practical underwear, 3 to 4 all-purpose t-shirts, 1 (possibly 2) pairs of trousers (those are pants, if you’re American) and a sweater. Oh, and for shoes, try hiking shoes, flip-flops and (possibly) a pair for smarter occasions. Just make sure they’re all small and lightweight…

To get you started, here’s a popular traveller’s shoes that’s a great all-rounder:

The Merrel Men’s Trail Glove 4 .

They’re practical, great for the outdoors, exploring cities, lightweight, and relatively smart too.

Ultralight backpacking is better all round. Hopefully this list have provided all the ideas you need to get the right ultralight backpacking gear for your trip.

Ultralight First-Aid Kit

All backpackers will benefit from a first-aid kit.

Sometimes just having the basics can make all the difference in a bad situation. Wounds, aches, pains, stomach upsets and colds are all common while travelling. It’s helpful to have something to patch yourself up with.

Check out this handy guide on what to include.

Miscellaneous Ultralight Items for your Backpacking Checklist

These items won’t be necessary for everyone. But they may be essential for others. Check them out and decide if you need them.

Ultralight Trekking Poles

Hiking? You want and need trekking poles- especially for longer distances.

The Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber poles (pictured to the left) are some of the best on the market.

They’re inexpensive, immensely well-rated for their popularity (4.6/5 star), strong, small and lightweight (7.8oz/0.22kg).

Ultralight Computer

I need a computer when I travel (this blog wouldn’t exist if I didn’t…).

But you might not. Think hard about whether to include one. Frankly, they’re a hassle.

Expensive electronic equipment is rarely fun to travel with. You worry about losing or breaking it. And there’s always the chance of them getting stolen.

That said, they also come in handy- especially when you’re working on the road.

You can’t go wrong with an Apple Macbook Air .

They’re sleek, powerful and lightweight (2.8lbs/1.2kg). However, they’re not cheap. They come in at an ultra-expensive $1,000 or more.

Not got that kind of cash? Here’s a great list of the best computers for backpacking . Be sure to check that out for further options.

Ultralight Knife

I never travel without a knife.

And not for protection either! They’re just incredibly helpful.

You’d be surprised how often a knife is called for on the road. Unless you want a big ass machete they won’t take up much weight either.

You can’t go wrong with a classic multi-tool Swiss army knife (to the left). They’re great value for money, will last a lifetime, and help for far more than cutting things too!

Ultralight Head-Torch

You always need a torch on your travels.

Especially when you’re spending nights outdoors and in unfamiliar places.

A head torch is the best bet thanks to its practical function. It frees up your hands to get on with whatever you’re doing. Thankfully, most of them are pretty lightweight anyway.

This one (pictured to the left) will do the trick: the waterproof Cobiz 6000 LED Lumen.

Backpacker Gear Guide:

Alternative ultralight sleeping choices.

Want to cut weight even further?

These alternative sleeping options can make all the difference. They may be of particular interest to travellers (as opposed to hikers, though hikers might also find value in them).

These sleeping solutions are all versatile and multipurpose. Perhaps that makes it more justifiable to include them in your pack.

Ultralight Hammock

Want a full buying guide for the best hammocks out there? Click here .

I love having a hammock on my travels.

The idea of swinging gently in the breeze next to a beach persuades me to pack one every time.

They’re also handy places to spend the night. They aren’t as comfortable as a tent, for sure. But they’re lightweight and take up less space. Definitely get one with a mosquito/insect net attached though.

Here’s one that’ll do the job perfectly: the Everest Double Camping Hammock .

Ultralight Quilt

Don’t want a sleeping bag? Then a quilt is the next best thing.

You can use it as a rug to sit on, a blanket to keep warm, and a duvet to sleep in. Quilts are ideal for hammocks too.

This is the best I can find: The Outdoor Vitals Down TopQuilt .

Pictured to the left, it seems lovely and snug, weighs an impressive 30oz/0.85kg, and is pretty well-rated online.

Ultralight Tarpaulin

A hammock is great for lots of things.

But not for keeping you dry.

That’s where a waterproof tarpaulin comes into play. Set up your hammock below it to ensure protection from the elements.

This supercheap option will more than suffice: Lightweight Waterproof RipStop Tarp .

Enjoy this Backpacking Gear Guide

There you have it: the best ultralight backpacking gear list I can come up with.

Backpacking is always more enjoyable with a lighter pack on your back. That’s where ultralight backpacking comes into its own. But travelling light is a cross between an art and a science. It isn’t easy to get a bag down to a decent weight.

Hopefully, this post has given you some ideas on how to make it happen. The list above should keep your pack down to around 10-15lbs, max.

However, that still might be more than a true ultralight backpacker is willing to carry. Remember to pick and choose according to need. A 5-7lb backpack is definitely possible with the options above!

All that’s left is to get packing.

Now I’d love to hear from you. Did I miss anything out? Got any questions or ideas? Let me know in the comments!

And be sure to subscribe to the blog newsletter!

Join the community! I’ll keep you updated with what I’m up to, and you’ll be first to get more tips and tricks too.

15 Best tips to packing light: How to travel light

Wondering how to travel light? Check out these practical tips to packing light that will save time, money, and from chaotic experiences while traveling.

When I had just started traveling, I had a different definition of packing light. For my trip to Egypt that was going to last for 10 days, I packed items that a light packer could use for like 2 months.

The more I traveled, the more I learned how to pack light. I’ll admit I still pack a few things that I consider essential but others might not need but I’ve generally improved my packing techniques that I can now call myself a light packer.

Yeah, my friends can testify to that, because when we travel together for a couple of days, they are always suffering with their huge backpacks as I am just rolling with a small travel daypack (you can actually shop my favorite daypack from here ) and they wonder how I have everything I need.

But before we look at the tips to packing light, let’s look at some of the endless advantages of packing light for travel.

Advantages of packing light for travel

Other than just carrying a lightweight travel backpack, packing light comes with a lot of benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked.

• It is easy to use public transportation when you travel light. Instead of hiring a private taxi to accommodate your 5 suitcases, if you have just one suitcase or backpack, you can easily sit with it while using public transportation.
• There are minimal to zero chances of paying for extra baggage when you pack light. Actually, you’re less likely to exceed the required kgs of the airline if you pack light hence saving some money.
•  Fewer chances of losing your stuff. When you travel with so many things, you’re likely to forget somethings to wherever you travel to. But if you packed light, it would be easy to remember everything you packed in the first place so the chances of losing some of your stuff are less likely.
•  If you’re traveling by plane, packing light will help you spend less time at the airport during check-in. I mean whoever wants to spend unnecessary time at the airport check-in point because you carried so many things including some that you don’t need. Yes, you don’t need a lot of stuff, you just haven’t realized it yet.
•  Not giving a huge tip out of guilt to someone who helped you carry an overly heavy bag.

I could spend the entire day telling you why you should start packing and traveling light but since you came to this post to find out how to actually pack light, let’s get to it.

Related post: Best airport tips and tricks to make your travels easier

Tips to packing light

1. Use a lightweight travel backpack

The number one tip to packing light is to actually use a light travel backpack. There will be no point in packing light if the backpack you’re using is heavy itself.

The lightweight travel back I recommend is the Osprey backpack. You can buy it from here if you don’t have it yet

2. Use one sizeable backpack/ suitcase instead of many

Using one sizeable backpack for travel will help you pack light instead of using many small bags.

And by all means, if you get a big backpack, no question about that, you will fill it up. But since the ultimate goal is to pack light, get one sizeable backpack that will just fit all that you need.

This is commonly known as one bag travel and it is great when it comes to traveling light.

3. Pack only the necessities not what you might need.

Instead of packing all the unnecessary stuff, make some research about what you’ll need in that particular place.

There is so much information on the internet, so many packing lists for almost every country and city. Read them so that you know exactly what to pack.

If you’re planning to travel to Africa, here is a list of everything you’ll need before you go for your African safari or this Egypt packing list if you’re going to Egypt.

But if you’re just packing for a hostel stay, this packing list for a hostel , has everything you need to pack and what you should leave home before you go.

And if you’re traveling for 2 weeks, here is another post on how to pack for 2 weeks in just a carry-on.

But if you’re just going away for a weekend trip, here is the best packing list for a weekend getaway to help you pack only the essentials.

Related post:  Camping tips and hacks for beginners 

4. Use packing cubes.

This is by far one of the best smart packing tips and also the most efficient way to pack light for a trip. 

Using packing cubes will not only keep your backpack organized but will also help you dictate how and what to pack.

If you get yourself these packing cubes; they come in 4 pieces, which means everything you pack should be able to fit in the 4 packing cubes.

The best packing technique here would be to allocate each category of items to a specific packing cube.

For example, one for t-shirts/tops, one for bottoms and underwear and others like that.

Don’t forget to shop those amazing packing cubes from here . Alternatively, you can buy this set of 8 packing cubes.

5. Take advantage of the travel scales

There is no way you will know that you’ve packed light unless you actually know how much your luggage weighs.

So instead of waiting to reach the airport and find out how many kgs your luggage weighs (in which case it might be too late and you’ll need to pay for extra baggage), why not use a travel scale to find out.

You don’t have to buy the most expensive travel scale on the market, buy this relatively cheap travel scale and it will just do fine.

The other technique while packing for a trip would be to dictate the maximum weight your luggage should be.

As soon as the maximum weight is reached, that should be the end of your packing.

Or try to remove the unnecessary items you might have packed first to create room for the much-needed stuff.

This will help you pack light and eventually travel light on your highly anticipated trip.

Related post: Best tips for traveling on a budget

6. Don’t pack bulky items if there is a compressible substitute

We all know there are some essential travel items that can turn out to be bulky, so instead of opting for the bulky ones, why not go for the compressible options.

The best example here is an empty bottle- it is a travel essential item that you should carry but instead of packing this bulky water botter , why not buy this collapsible one that will save you plenty of space in your travel bag.

However, as you pack light, it doesn’t mean leaving behind the essential travel essentials. So here are some of the travel essentials you should pack.

Travel Essentials you should never leave home. –  A universal travel adapter : Since different countries use different adapters, I’d advise you to buy one universal travel adapter to cater for all regions. You can  buy one from here  if you don’t have it yet. –  A power Bank : One of the things you should never leave behind while traveling is the Powerbank! Phones have now become a great deal of our lives that we need to use them for so many important things. So take a power bank with you so that you don’t run out of battery.  This power bank   is small, light, and has the capability to charge your phone and other devices multiple times. – Microfibre travel towel – I always opt for  this microfibre travel towel  because it is super lightweight, easy to wash, and dries easily. –  First Aid kit : Regardless of where you’re traveling to, you’ll need to pack a First Aid kit for emergencies that might arise while traveling. Remember it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Just make sure that the one you pack has all the essentials and that it is small and light enough to fit in any kind of suitcase/ backpack.  This first aid kit   actually fits all the qualities mentioned above plus it is really cheap for what it offers. –  Collapsible water bottle : I always prefer carrying a water bottle while traveling so that I can just refill it when I run out of water. It also helps be a responsible traveler since you won’t have to use tones of disposable plastic bottles which are not great for our environment. Any water bottle can work but I prefer  this collapsible one  as it doesn’t take a lot of space in my bag.

7. Do not pack a hundred books to read while you travel.

If you’re all about reading while you travel, buying an E-reader will save tonnes of space in your backpack.

Books are heavy and take up a great deal of space yet you can still have your favorite books on an e-reader like an Amazon Kindle.

Save all that space and travel light by shopping an  Amazon Kindle from here .

8. Pack fewer shoes! 3 types of shoes should be enough.

Shoes are items that take up most of the space in a backpack and on top of that, they are heavy making the entire backpack heavier than it should be.

On my very first trip, I packed over 5 pairs of shoes (Yes I was a terrible packer and I still wonder why I carried all those shoes that I ended up not even wearing).

Now that I know better, I carry only 3 pairs and they are always enough and much needed.

I pack my favorite Nike sneakers for general traveling and trekking (they are also the ones I wear while flying so that they don’t take up any space in my backpack).

I pack these flip flops for just an evening when I am tired of the sneakers and want my feet to get some air.

Finally, I also pack showering slippers, I only pack them when I know that I will be sleeping at a hostel because I know they don’t provide any.

But if I am to stay at a hotel, I don’t bother packing them because in most cases, the hotels provide slippers and even if they don’t, I will most likely have a private shower so that shouldn’t be a problem.

But if you don’t have sandals, I recommend buying yourself a pair of from here .

Related post: Tips for staying in a hostel for the first time

9. Don’t pack your most heavy clothes, wear them instead

This is one of the most underlooked packing tips for traveling light that you should take into consideration.

Rather than packing the fancy heavy jacket that you insisted on taking, why not wear it on your flight.

To be honest, you might sweat a bit while at the airport, but as soon as you reach the plane, you won’t even realize it since the temperatures are much cooler inside.

This will leave you plenty of space in your travel bag for other essential items.

Related post:  Step by step guide to planning a trip

10. Pack clothes that can be recycled.

Yes, there is something called “recycling clothes” if you haven’t heard about it.

Instead of packing white jeans that you wear once and they get dirty immediately, why not carry these outdoor convertible pants , that you can wear even up to 3 times in a row and will still look ok (they can as well be converted into shorts btw).

If you’re a cleanliness junkie, you can still carry these exact pants but give them a space of 1 to 2 days without wearing them.

This means 2 or 3 of those pants will be enough for you, leaving you plenty of space in your suitcase/backpack. Shop the outdoor research pants on Amazon from here. 

11. Carry a microfibre travel towel instead of the normal cotton towel.

Microfibre travel towels are lightweight and weigh 10 times less than the ordinary cotton towels.

They not only dry fast when washed but are also lightweight – this will save you a great deal of space in your bag hence traveling light. This is the microfibre travel towel I recommend to pack instead of the “ordinary ones”

12. Pack light clothes that can easily be washed from anywhere.

While traveling, you’re likely to run out of clean clothes. So instead of carrying so many clothes because you don’t want to do laundry, why not carry clothes that can easily be washed and dry easily.

If you stay at hostels or travel in African countries, you’re likely to get laundry services at a really low price but if you choose to stay in a pricey hotel where laundry services literally cost an arm, you’re most likely better off doing your own laundry and that’s when packing easy to wash clothes can be to your advantage.

Related post:  Road trips games for adults

13. Cut down on the toiletries.

I agree toiletries are some of the essential things to pack while traveling but this doesn’t mean that you need all of them.

This is most common in women – we tend to overpack toiletries. So to make sure you just carry only the essential toiletries, why not buy a toiletries kit from here with everything you’ll need while traveling or get this sizeable TSA approved toilet bag to keep in your toiletries.

14. Cut down on the beauty cosmetics and accessories.

Who doesn’t want to take Instagram perfect photos with accessories to amplify the look while traveling?

With that, you might just end up taking your full makeup kit, the entire jewelry box, your mega nail polish box just to glam up while you travel.

But the amount of space they take up in your travel bag can be filled up with items you’ll actually need. So instead, pack a few cosmetics and accessories from each category.

15. Prepare your mind to be comfortable with less

If you’re used to having access to literally everything you need at a snap of your fingers, packing light starts with preparing your mind to be comfortable even when you don’t have everything you’re used too back at home.

If you learn that you won’t need all the designer bags and shoes you own to have an amazing trip, you’ll not pack them and this will eventually result in packing light.

If you use all these travel packing tips and tricks, you will be able to travel light for your upcoming trip.

More travel tips to help you plan your trip

• Things to do at the airport on a long layover
• Useful travel tips for first-time flyers
• Must-know tips for first-time flyers
• How to survive a long flight in economy
• Things to do before traveling abroad
• Things not to do when you travel
• Best backpacking tips for beginners
• Best hiking tips for beginners

* The adventurous feet is a proud member of the  Amazon Associate AND other affiliate programs. This means that if you purchase anything through this website, i might get a small commission without any additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting The adventurous feet*

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The 8 Best Camping Flashlights of 2024, Expert Tested

We spent hours in the dark trying out some of the brightest lights

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It doesn’t matter where you’re camping, what the weather is like, what time of year it is, or how long you’ll be out in the woods for. There’s one thing that’s inevitable: It’s going to get dark. And for that, you’ll need a good camping flashlight.

Whether for nighttime navigation around a campsite, a pre-sunrise hike, or even a chin spotlight during a spooky campfire story, flashlights come in handy for any task outside of daylight hours. Most camping areas have little to no light, especially if you’re backpacking out in uncharted terrain, so a reliable flashlight is essential. To help you find the right light for your needs, we headed outside to test some of the most popular flashlights and lanterns from brands like Fenix, Streamlight, and Olight. We analyzed a variety of factors to make our picks, including battery life, lumens, and durability.

From small budget-friendly options to the brightest rechargeable LED lights, these are the best camping flashlights for your next outdoor adventure.

The Best Camping Flashlights

• Best Camping Flashlight Overall: Streamlight ProTac 2.0
• Best Budget: Streamlight MicroStream
• Best Small: Olight Seeker 4 Pro
• Best Rechargeable: Fenix TK16 V2.0
• Best LED: Ledlenser P7R Core
• Best Large: MagLite ML300L
• Best Lantern: Ledlenser ML6 Camping Lantern
• Best Campsite Light: Goal Zero Torch

• TEN-TAP programming with three program selections
• USB-C rechargeable (cord included)
• Bright LED light with 2,000 lumens
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Heavier than your average flashlight

Because I naturally gravitate towards flashlights with white light, my best overall pick for camping is the Streamlight ProTac 2.0. This popular tactical flashlight has an impressive 2,000 lumens of LED technology—and it really shows. When I was testing the ProTac, it provided remarkable clarity and illuminated a large area of forest floor.

It has a fairly long runtime of up to 2.5 hours on the high setting, ensuring reliable performance during extended use. The rechargeable SL-B50 battery pack fully charges in 6 hours via a USB-C cord. I appreciate that you don’t need a specific separate charger. The TEN-TAP programmable feature allows for one-handed operation—I was able to effortlessly switch between momentary and constant on modes.

This flashlight goes beyond basic campsite use. Constructed of high-quality aluminum with an IP67 rating that makes it dust- and waterproof, it’s a dependable choice for almost any task, from hiking to fishing. You can use it rain or shine without worrying about water damage. For added peace of mind, Streamlight also offers customers a limited lifetime warranty to protect your purchase.

TL;DR: I chose the ProTac 2.0 as the best camping flashlight because of its high lumens and rugged design.

• Lumens : 2,000
• Power Source : Rechargeable battery
• Weight : 8.25 ounces
• Materials : Machined aircraft aluminum
• Waterproof : IP67-rated, dust-tight and waterproof

• Compact size for portability
• Impact- and water-resistant
• Great for all ages (kids included)
• Battery only lasts on high for 1.5 hours

The Streamlight MicroStream is a pocket-sized light you can take anywhere. At just 3.87 inches, it’s small and compact—perfect as an EDC flashlight. It’s powered by a rechargeable lithium battery and features a pocket clip that was specifically designed to attach to the brim of a ball cap for hands-free operation. The MicroStream produces 250 lumens, which isn’t a ton but it’s enough for most campsite needs.

As a parent, I found this to be a great addition to my kids camping gear. It hardly adds any weight or bulk to their packs and it was very easy for them to handle and operate.

Made of water-resistant aircraft aluminum with a scratch-resistant lens, this Streamlight flashlight is so durable and tough, you won’t have to worry about accidental drops or wet conditions. Even better, it costs just under $32, making it one of the most budget-friendly flashlights. Its performance far exceeds its price, in my opinion.

One potential downside: Due to the size of this micro flashlight, the battery is not very large. When I used it on high, it only lasted for about 1.5 hours, so be sure to bring a charging source. Priced just under $32 this light is a budget pick.

• Lumens : 250
• Weight : 2.08 ounces
• Waterproof : Water-resistant

• Compact ‎size
• Dual charging capabilities
• Different color light options, including cool and neutral white
• More expensive than others we reviewed

The Olight Seeker 4 Pro is a lightweight and compact flashlight perfect for backpacking. The flashlight conveniently stows in a holster that easily attaches to a backpack strap and doubles as a charging port. The Seeker 4 Pro takes high-performance LED flashlights to a whole new level with its 4,600 lumens output and an impressive throw distance of 260 meters. The holster use offers charging capabilities along with versatile storage and carrying options.

Setting the Seeker 4 Pro apart is its dual-charging flexibility. With support for Type-C charging through the holster or magnetic charging using the optional MCC3, it provides users with convenient and efficient charging options. Users can select from cool white and neutral white light options. For those seeking a high-performance flashlight with versatility and reliability, the Seeker 4 Pro stands out as a great choice.

• Lumens : 4600
• Power Source : rechargeable battery
• Weight : ‎1.28 pounds
• Waterproof : IPX8

• Extended battery runtime of over 43 hours
• Six run settings: Strobe, Eco, Low, Mid, High and Turbo
• Long beam distance of 415 yards
• Weather-resistant
• Pricier than other flashlights

The Fenix TK16 V2.0 flashlight really shines (pun intended) thanks to its powerful lithium-ion battery, which is why I awarded it the best rechargeable. The performance is incredible—it can run for over 43 hours on its lowest setting. It has six other settings, too, including an extra bright turbo option, which has up to 2 hours of battery life.

With an impressive temperature tolerance of -31 to 113 degrees F and dust- and waterproof exterior, you can use this flashlight in any weather conditions year-round, whether it’s the dead of winter or the heat of summer. It has a peak beam distance of 415 yards, so it’s great for camping along with emergency situations (like search and rescue missions), survival, and trail navigation while hiking. Plus, it weighs less than 4 ounces ounces—great for tossing in a backpacking backpack or day pack without adding a lot of weight.

• Lumens: 3100
• Weight : 3.95 ounces
• Waterproof : Rated IP68 waterproof

• Long 90-hour battery life
• Spot and flood modes
• Flex sealing technology protects your flashlight against dust and water
• Specific magnet charging system

The Ledlenser P7R Core delivers exceptional performance with 1400 lumens, illuminating everything I needed to see while I was at the campsite. The flashlight has seven settings: power, mid-power, low-power, boost, SOS, blink and strobe. It was very easy to switch modes, especially between spot and flood.

More than that, I really liked the feel of this flashlight. The P7R Core is one of the most lightweight flashlights I tested.

Powered by a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, this Ledlenser flashlight has a remarkable 90-hour battery life, providing long-lasting use between charges. The inclusion of Flex Sealing Technology makes it very durable, protecting it against dust and water with an IP68 rating. This is a light you can be rough with.

While the P7R Core excels in many aspects, its specific magnet charging system may be a potential drawback for users who prefer a more universal charging method like the USB-C. However, this is a minor inconvenience compared to the flashlight’s overall performance and functionality.

• Lumens : 1400
• Power Source : Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
• Weight : 7.1 ounces
• Waterproof : IP68

• Long beam throw of 558 yards
• Incredible runtime on eco setting
• Four programmable function sets: General, Outdoor, Law Enforcement, and Military
• Bulkier than others we tested

MagLite has a reputation for making robust military/law enforcement grade flashlights. Using their patented LED Heat Sink technology, the MagLite ML300L 4D has a beam throw range of 558 yards. On eco mode, you can get 18 days of continual use. That is plain wild.

Unlike most of the flashlights we tested, this one uses four D-Cell batteries. Most flashlights are rechargeable; however, that is not always practical when power sources may not be accessible. Using alkaline batteries may be a pro to some and con to others. It is worth noting that only with a battery change you will be back in action—there is no charging time.

This Maglite flashlight weighs 2 pounds including batteries, which makes it significantly heavier than others we tested. But that’s for good reason. This thing is a beast. It’s comprised of heavy-duty aluminum that sets the standard for durability.

One of my favorite features was how easy it was to use and how bright the light is. With a small 1/4-turn adjustment, the focus quickly goes from spot to flood. I’m a big believer in the brand now. MagLite definitely earns its place at best large for its iconic build and recognizable large design.

• Lumens : 1008
• Power Source : 4 D-Cell batteries
• Weight : 32 ounces with batteries
• Waterproof : water-resistant

• Lightweight and portable
• Can light a large area
• Serves as a power bank for other devices
• 7-year guarantee
• Heavier than most lights we tested

The Ledlenser ML6 lantern is my favorite camping lantern of all the ones I’ve tried. It uses patented micro prism technology to produce glare-free and efficient distribution of 750 lumens. I like the lantern-style light—it’s very versatile at the campsite, illuminating a large area for cooking dinner, starting a fire, or just kicking back.

In addition to providing a light source, the Ledlenser can serve as a power bank for other devices using a standard USB inlet. The lantern has a 4-hour run time when using the highest light setting and it will even let know when it needs to be charged.

Using smart light technology, you can dim the light using the plus or minus push buttons. The ML6 also has a red-light option. This is the warm light series producing a soft light. Though on the heavier side, when testing, I felt this to be very robust and durable. This lantern was the most user-friendly out of the lights tested. It was not much of a learning curve to change settings. Bonus: I loved that the lantern has an integrated magnet and hook for various attachment arrangements.

• Lumens : 750
• Weight : 9.9 ounces
• Waterproof : IP66 rating

• Built-in solar panel
• Doubles as a USB power bank
• Three powerful brightness settings
• Flood light does not cover the whole face of the torch

If you are looking for a hanging light for your campsite, the Goal Zero Torch is a solid option. The Torch produces yellow warm light, making it easy on the eyes and perfect for close quarters. This lantern has two light options: a forward-facing flood light and a spotlight on the end. Each light offers three settings: low, medium, and high.

In addition to the light capabilities the torch offers a power bank with a USB inlet, that will charge a phone, tablet up to 50% and or three cameras. I liked this for an in-tent option as well. In testing, the soft light was soothing and the unit itself allowed me to charge my devices. The only potential negative, in my opinion, is that the design could have allowed an increase to the floodlight size on the face.

However, the full-size built-in solar panel running the back of the Goal Zero Torch provides continual charging, which is awesome. And you get a 300 lumens spotlight and 300 lumens floodlight powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which can charge in 4 hours plugged into a wall outlet or 23 hours of full sun exposure to the solar panel.

This Goal Zero flashlight has metal hangers on both ends, which I used to hang the light in various fixed positions. When testing this light, I was not afraid of the tasks I was using it for with its robust construction. With a waterproof rating of IP67 it can withstand water hose sprays and momentary immersions in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This is a great all-purpose light for an outdoor camping adventure.

• Lumens : 500
• Power Source : Lithium-ion battery
• Weight : ‎12.8 ounces
• Waterproof : IP67

How We Picked the Best Camping Flashlights

Unless you’re going the really primitive route, flashlights are a necessity when camping. But there are so many options out there. Because it would be nearly impossible to test all of them, for the sake of this article, I narrowed it down to a handful of top contenders based on the following factors:

• Durability : Is this flashlight going to withstand the ruggedness of my outdoor use?
• Beam Range and Brightness: How far does the light shine? What is the maximum distance? Is it white or yellow light? How bright and powerful is the light itself?
• Battery Life : How long does the flashlight last on a single charge? Is it rechargeable? Will I be able to charge the light while camping or do I need to pack extra batteries?
• Weather Resistance : Will this flash be able to endure the elements? What is the waterproof rating?

What to Look For in a Camping Flashlight

Assess the level of brightness needed for your activities. Lower lumens (100-300) suffice for close quarters, while higher lumens (300-1000+) are ideal for broader illumination. Evaluate the beam distance and spread to determine how far and wide the flashlight can illuminate. This is essential for navigating trails or larger campsite areas.

It’s important to note that brighter isn’t always better. Your intended use can affect the ideal lumens for your flashlight. For instance, in close quarters like inside a tent, you do not want a high-powered white light. Instead, a soft yellow warm light with several settings may be best.

Battery Life and Type

A flashlight’s battery is one of its most important components. After all, you don’t want your light to die in the middle of the night when you’re trying to navigate back to camp. First, consider the type of batteries the flashlight requires. Some may use AA batteries, while others run on high-powered lithium-ion batteries. If you’re using a rechargeable flashlight, remember you’ll need some kind of power source to charge it, whether that’s a portable solar generator or power bank .

Pay attention to the battery life, as well. Longer battery life is crucial for extended camping trips or short weekend trips. Some flashlights have low settings or energy-efficient modes that help conserve power when you’re out in the wilderness.

Durability, Size, and Weight

As is the case with any camping gear , camping flashlights need to be tough enough to withstand even the most inclement outdoor conditions. They should be able to take a beating. Look for models with robust construction made of durable materials. Check the IP rating to determine if a light is fully waterproof or merely water-resistant. Some are also shock-resistant and/or dust-proof to ensure longevity in challenging environments.

Portability also matters when camping, especially if you’re backpacking or if you plan on hiking a lot. Opt for a compact and lightweight flashlight that fits easily into your gear without adding unnecessary bulk.

Q: How many lumens is a good flashlight for camping?

We reviewed flashlights with 250+ lumens. A good flashlight for camping typically ranges from 100 to 300 lumens for general tasks or tent lighting, while higher lumens of 300-1000+ may be preferred for more demanding outdoor activities or larger campsites. I typically prefer a flashlight with lumens on the higher side—there’s nothing worse then being out at night and straining to see.

Q: Are expensive flashlights worth it?

High-end flashlights often offer higher build quality, brightness, and durability. If you are an avid user investing in an expensive model may be worthwhile for enhanced performance and longevity. However, for casual or occasional use, mid-range and budget flashlights may provide sufficient functionality at affordable pricing.

Q: Is white or yellow light better for camping?

The best flashlight color comes down to personal preference. White light offers a clear and bright illumination. It mimics natural daylight, making it suitable for a variety of activities. Yellow light is less harsh on the eyes and may be preferred for times in close quarters. It offers a warm and cozy feel.

What is the Best Camping Flashlight?

Through hours of hands-on testing, we created a list of best camping flashlights that excel in functionality, durability, and overall user satisfaction. As technology advances, the light options and added features continue to increase. Our best overall pick—the Streamlight ProTac 2.0 —showcases that with the use of new LED technology that produces a powerful 2,100 lumens, programmable selections, and a rugged design.

Why Trust Us

For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.

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Best Solar Camping Lights on the Market: Keep Your Nights Bright

Electronics , Lighting | 0 comments

• Meet the solar-powered lights that are going to change your life

Are you planning for an overnight camping trip? If so, you better bring a light source with you. We review the 15 Best Solar Camping Lights for 2024, ranging from soft and hard-bodied collapsible lanterns to old-fashioned models.

Solar camping lights, like the popular BioLite Sunlight 100, provide a lightweight, outdoor illumination solution for backcountry camping, making them perfect for both backpacking enthusiasts and family campers.

Unlike some models, the BioLite Sunlight doesn’t fold or collapse, but it compensates with other notable features. For instance, it’s extremely durable, and waterproof, and offers an impressive 50 hours run time. 7 hours to charge.

Table of Contents

Soft-bodied collapsible solar lanterns, best solar camping light, best inflatable camping light, best compact camping light:, best value solar camping light:, hard-bodied solar lanterns, best convenient solar camp light:, best multi charge options solar lantern:, old-fashioned solar lanterns, choosing solar camping lights: features to look for, best solar lantern camping lights: mpowerd luci outdoor 2.0, need more advice on gear and footwear.

Other highly recommended solar camping lights include GoalZero 600 Lantern and MPOWERD Luci Inflatable Solar Lantern, each offering unique features such as waterproof and charge your phone. Understanding your specific needs for camp lighting can guide you in choosing the best solar camping light.

There are plenty of options in the market, ranging from classic propane lanterns, solar lanterns, to electric camping lights. If you are looking for more portable options , then check out our articles on the best headlamps for hiking and backpacking flashlights.

Nevertheless, you can’t charge a gas lantern in the wild. Here is where solar rechargeable lanterns come to the rescue. Moreover, you’ll never be out of light with them, whether you are setting up your camp kitchen later at night than expected, or making breakfast in the early morning. Plus, they’re more eco-friendly than propane lanterns.

Unquestionably, there are many solar lanterns to choose from. With this in mind, our comparison table is your at-a-glance guide to our review below.

Best Solar Lantern: MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 Solar Lantern

• Best for : Hikers and camping
• Weight (Ounces) : 4.4
• Unfolded dimensions (inches): 5 x 5 x 4.25
• Folded dimensions (inches) : 5 x 5 x 1
• Battery capacity (mAh): 10000
• Solar panel
• 10 Cool white LEDs
• IP67 Dust and water-resistant
• Four light modes: Low, medium, high, and flashing

The Luci Outdoor 2.0 might not look like a camping lantern at all. However, upon closer inspection, you will realize that it does everything you need, and more, without breaking the bank.

Besides, these mini solar camping lights takes almost no space, and it collapses down to 1 inch for better transportation. Also, the polyester construction reduces the weight to 4.4 ounces, which makes the Luci Outdoor 2.0 ideal for campers and hikers.

Yes, I know what you are thinking: A plastic, collapsible solar powered camping lantern doesn’t sound durable. But, you can put those thoughts to rest since the Luci Outdoor 2.0 can withstand up to 150 pounds of pressure.

Inside the backpacking lantern, you have 10 cool led lights that deliver up to 75 lumens. In addition, there is a small solar panel at the top of the lantern. Certainly, this is more than enough to light your immediate surroundings, but not for large areas.

According to MPOWERD, it takes up to 7 hours to completely charge 1000 mAh battery.  Additionally, a fully- charged battery yields up to 24 hours of nonstop operation.

• Extremely portable
• Decent autonomy
• Water-resistant
• Sturdy frame
• Rechargeable lantern with Pro model
• Delicate straps
• Won’t illuminate large areas
• No USB charging port

MPOWERD Luci Pro 2.0 Solar Light:

Mpowerd luci 2.0 solar collapsible lantern:, biolight sunlight 100.

• Built-in solar panel
• Three different light settings
• 100 lumen dimmable white lantern
• Hanging Clip and Kickstand to align with sunlight
• Fully charges in 7 hours

Get it on Amazon for

A compact powerhouse, the BioLite Sunlight offers a bright, clear light source that’s perfect for both backpacking and family camping trips. While it doesn’t fold or collapse, its robust design and remarkable battery life make it a reliable companion for all your adventures.

This nifty gadget brings a powerful punch of brightness to your campsite. Small but mighty, the BioLite Sunlight 100 offers a compact design without compromising on illumination – one of the features you’ll find particularly appealing. It’s a true testament to the saying ‘not all heroes wear capes’; in this case, not all heroes are towering, over-sized lanterns.

Solar Camping Solar Panel

Solar camping light is like the Swiss Army knife of portable lighting. It boasts a built-in solar panel, so you’re not fumbling around with batteries or cords, a much-appreciated feature when you’re in the backwoods and the nearest convenience store is miles away. An improvement to make: add a built-in power bank for the future. Additionally, while the BioLite Sunlight 100 is already quite compact, making it collapsible could elevate it to the peak of backpacker-friendly solar camping lights.

Its durability is quite impressive; it can take a knock or two without fuss, much like the trusty Boy Scouts we strive to emulate. Did I mention it’s waterproof? Because it is – rain, river splashes, or accidental drops into a creek, it’s all in a day’s work for the BioLite Sunlight 100.

• Bright and Versatile: With three different light settings – white, full color, and party mode – this little beacon is ready to adapt to your lighting needs, whether you’re poring over maps or sharing ghost stories.
• Compact and Lightweight: Perfect for the minimalist backpacker. It doesn’t add unwanted weight to your pack, yet it delivers on performance.
• Solar Powered: Never worry about packing extra batteries or finding an outlet. Simply let it soak up the sun’s energy during the day, and you’re good to go at night.
• Non-Collapsible: While its compactness is a plus, the inability to fold or collapse might be a snag for some outdoor enthusiasts who prefer ultra-portable gear.
• No Power Bank Feature: It would’ve been great if this device could also charge other electronics, but alas, this is not the case.

MPOWERD Luci Base All-in-One Portable Solar Camping Light

• Best for: Hikers and tent light source 
• Weight (Ounces) : 10
• Unfolded (inches) : 7 x 7 x 3
• Folded (inches) : 7 x 7 x 1
• Battery capacity (mAh): 2000
• Lumens : 360
• 31 warm white LEDs

Wait, this camping lantern again? Take a closer look.

While it looks like the Luci Outdoor Solar Camping Lights, this is rich in much-needed upgrades. Specifically, it offers a longer battery life, lasting up to 50 hours on a charge. Moreover, it includes a USB port too!

This rechargeable LED lantern is a must have for any adventure. We consider this one of the best camping lantern because it can run for 50 hours, so you wont have to worry about running out of light. Also, it can be hung from a backpack, tent and sit on a table during dinner.

The construction is quite the same as MPowerd Luci 2.0. A polyether frame, but this time, it has a matte finish. Similarly, there’s a tiny efficient solar panel at the top and two straps for portability.

According to MPOWERD, the solar panel takes around 28 hours to fully charge the battery. In contrast, charging by USB, takes 6 hours. With this in mind, charge the camping lantern before your trip, since it may take 3 days of full sun to recharge fully.

Portability

Just like before, this Luci Base camping lantern collapses to 1 inch and weighs around 10 ounces. With a 7×7 inch base, it is also bigger than the MPOWER Luci 2.0 solar inflatable light. Still, it remains portable enough for hikers or as a tent light source.

What’s more, it has 31 warm white LEDs, and the Luci Base delivers up to 360 lumens of power. In order to adjust the brightness, you can tap the power button at the top of the lantern. As long as you use the brighter settings, your battery life will deplete faster.

All in all, the MPowerd Luci Base versatility makes it a favorite, and can be used as a camping tent light for kids camping lanterns since its rechargeable.

• Impressive 50 hour battery life
• Solar panel and USB charging options
• Dustproof and waterproof
• 28 hours to recharge the solar panel
• Fragile straps
• Sometimes the USB port doesn’t recognize the cable

LuminAID Solar Inflatable Lantern

• Best for: Tent light source
• Weight (Ounces) : 5
• Unfolded (inches): 4.8 x 4.8 x 4.8
• Folded (inches): 4.8 x 4.8 x 1
• Battery capacity (mAh): 1000
• Charging options: Solar and micro USB

We bring yet another solar camping light. However, this time, we will be reviewing the LuminAID PackLite Nova. Thankfully this time, we get a reasonably decent adjustable handle.

The LuminAID construction looks like a box and folds down to 1 inch. You can leave it in your car, as an “in case you have an emergency” solar-powered lantern, or take it on your camping trip adventures.

The 1000 mAh battery offers up to 24 hours of operation in a low brightness setting. In order to get a complete charge, it takes about 10 hours under the sun. Compared to the 2 hours with charging with its micro USB fast charging port, it would be wise to charge this at home or in your car.

Next to the panel, you have the micro USB charging port, the on/off button, and a LED battery indicator. Additionally, you can adjust the brightness settings using the power switch.

Surprisingly, the micro USB does not charge phones. It only works for charging the camping lantern. However, you can upgrade to Max 2-in-1 or the Titan 2-in-1 .

Both offer phone charging capabilities, as well as higher lumens and longer battery life, but are also more expensive.

• Solar and micro USB charging options
• It offers a large light area for its size
• You can use the micro USB port to charge your phone
• Battery drains very fast when the brightness settings are on turbo mode
• The solar panel takes more time to charge the battery than advertised

Solight Design Outdoor Solar Light Source

• Best for: Campsite decoration
• Weight (Ounces): 2.6
• Unfolded (inches) : 4.3 x 4.3 x 4.3
• Folded (inches): 3.4 x 3.4 x 0.25
• Battery capacity (mAh) : 1000
• Number of LEDs : 10
• LED type: Multicolor

Now it is time for something more stylish. The Solight Merlin Helix is an ideal choice for those looking for a solar power lantern for backyard decoration.

To clarify, it has six light modes: Red, white, purple, blue, yellow, and green. In addition, it has both low and high brightness levels, that you can adjust as it gets darker.

The 1000 mAh battery has enough juice to keep the lamp running for 8 hours. Its solar panel, on the other hand, has a full charge time of 10 hours to power the lantern completely. So, it is not very reliable for emergencies. Nevertheless, the 10 LEDs emit a nice 90 lumen light that’s cozy enough for backyard decoration or outdoor night activities.

The Merlin Helix has a recyclable TPU plastic construction that collapses down to 0.5 inches! For example, you can keep several of these in your kitchen drawer and take them out for dinner parties under the night sky.

However, the low lumen rating and fragile body speak against Merlin Helix as a primary light source.

• Beautiful design
• Very portable
• Recyclable construction
• Not bright enough to use as a primary light source
• Long recharging time
• Short battery life

Goal Zero Crush Light Solar Lantern

• Best for: hikers
• Weight (Ounces): 3.2
• Unfolded (inches) : 5 x 5 x 3.9
• Folded (inches): 5 x 5 x 0.6
• Battery capacity (mAh): 500
• Number of LEDs : 1
• LED type : Warm white
• IPX4 waterproof

Small, easy to use, and enough juice to run for 35 hours, are the main advantages of Goal Zero Crush Light. Undoubtedly, it might not be able to light an entire campsite.

You’ll need to buy more powerful solar camping lights if that’s the goal.  However, it’s ideal for an emergency lamp or a camping lantern to light your path back to the camp.

As the name suggests, you can crush the lamp for better storage. It is relatively easy since the plastic body is flexible and already comes with a shape that favors the collapsing mechanism. This basically allows the the light comes from a single LED beneath the solar panel.

Additionally, can change the brightness settings using the power bottom. Despite the low power profile, it offers up to 35 hours of operation with a 6 lumens output. Although the lumens aren’t as bright, it is enough for emergency purposes.

You can use Goal Zero Crush Light’s built-in panel to charge the 500 mAh battery. However, it will take close to 20 hours to do it. Conversely, you can use the USB power input, which takes 2.5 hours to fully charge your camping light.

• Multiple light colors
• Both USB and solar charging options
• It has an IPX4 water resistance rating
• Lightweight
• It takes too long to charge the battery using the solar panel
• Low lumen output

Kizen LED Camping Lanterns

• Best for: short hikes
• Weight (Ounces): 6.4
• Unfolded (inches) : 3.4 x 3.4 x 4.7
• Folded (inches): 3.4 x 3.4 x 1.8
• Battery capacity (mAh): 800
• Lumens : 65

Let’s go back to the collapsible solar lanterns department and look at this product from Kizen. It has a 3.4 x 3.4 x 4.7 inches footprint that collapses down to 1.7 inches. Certainly, this can easily be tucked inside any pocket or hiking backpack.

Kizen LED Solar Camping Lights plastic frame houses a series of LEDs that produce up to 65 lumens at high brightness. Indeed, it’s pretty low. But keep in mind that this camping lantern retails for less than 20 bucks.

Battery life is nothing impressive either, given that, when fully charged, it only lasts about 15 minutes on the highest output. But you can increase the time up to 6 hours by sacrificing illumination.

Also, it takes 4 hours to charge this solar camping lights 800 mAh battery completely using the USB input. It takes much longer through the lamp’s solar panel top. Try your best to charge it before your trip.

You might be wondering, why would someone purchase this solar powered lantern? Well, it is a great tool to light your path back to the camp as the sun goes down. It can collapse and be used as a flashlight to find something in the dead of night. In short, it is an excellent secondary lamp to have around.

• Poor battery life
• Low brightness

HISVISION Solar Powered Lantern

• Best for : camping table light
• Weight (Ounces) : 5.7
• Unfolded (inches): 3.6 x 3.6 x 4
• Folded (inches): 3.6 x 3.6 x 2
• Lumens : 95
• Number of LEDs: 1
• LED type: White
• 3W flashlight

Small but surprisingly bright, the HISVISION is an affordable solar camping light for those looking for a tent light. It has four operating light modes, low, high, SOS, and flashlight.

You must first collapse the lantern before using it as a flashlight, of course. To clarify, there is a metal handle that flips up, for a carabiner to hook onto a tent pole or the loops of a backpack.

In order to use the HISVISION solar rechargeable lantern as a table or tent lights, you can pull it apart, and hang the lamp wherever you want. Not to mention, it’s an excellent way to make the most out of the 360 light-emitting radius. Despite not being bright, the HISVISION has more than enough light power for small areas like a camping tent or table.

The silicone lampshade protects the bulbs against splashes and is waterproof. Also, the HISVISION rechargeable LED lantern is durable and able to withstand the occasional fall.

Conversely, the location of the power button is one thing that we didn’t like. Even the slightest touch, will activate the solar camping lights. We recommend packing it in a separate pocket with nothing else.

• Very compact
• Bright for its size
• Flashlight and lantern combo
• Emergency power bank
• Low battery life
• White plastic housing is fragile and delicate
• No battery level indicator
• Sensitive power button. Turns on with the slightest touch

JMADENQ Solar Camping Lantern

• Best for: tent lights
• Weight (Pound): 1.4
• Unfolded (inches): 3.1 x 3.1 x 7.6
• Folded (inches): 3.1 x 3.1 x 4.8
• Lumens : 60
• Number of LEDs : 2
• LED type: Cold white

It’s time for a little treat for our value lovers. The JMADENQ has a conventional camping lantern construction. Constructed from plastic ABS housing, it feels sturdy and is lighter than it looks.

This camping lantern is especially useful because it comes with two sets of stainless steel handles, one at the top and the other on the side. The first one comes in handy for hanging the lamp on a tree branch, while the other allows you to wear the lantern as a flashlight.

Just collapse it, turn it on, and point the base to direct the beacon. In the middle, you’ll find the only button to turn the solar powered camping lantern on and off.

You can either charge the lamp through the solar panel or the USB port. It’s important to realize that this rechargeable led lantern takes around 10 hours using the sun and 3 hours by USB.

So, yes, it takes way less time if you use the USB port. The good news is that you can expect 6 hours of run time, which is plenty for most campers. In addition, you can use the 2000 mAh battery to charge your phone in the case of an emergency.

• Adequate brightness
• Plenty of running time
• You can use it to power your phone
• Easy to use
• Neither waterproof nor shockproof
• No overcharge protection
• Inefficient USB output

LE LED Solar Camping Lantern Rechargeable

• Best for : long camping trips
• Weight (Pound): 10.6
• Dimensions: 5.31 x 3.94 x 3.9
• Battery capacity (mAh): 2400
• Lumens: 2400
• Number of LEDs : 12
• LED type: Warm white
• Remote control
• IP45 rating

Convenient and reliable would be the two words to describe the LE LED Solar Rechargeable Lantern Light. Use the remote control to turn it on within 22 meters or 7 feet. In other words, if you forget to turn off the camping lantern once you’re bundled in your hammock, this remote comes in handy.

Furthermore, the 360 light is a great light source during emergencies like tornados, hurricanes, and similar situations.

According to LE LED, the lantern offers up to 12 hours of continuous operations in the lowest brightness setting. In contrast, the high brightness provides 6 hours of running time and the strobe SOS is 8 hours.

Bumping the brightness up will reduce battery life, of course. So, it all depends on your needs. The important thing is that it will remain lit during use.

The ABS plastic housing protects the LED bulbs that emit 5 light modes. Low, High, Soft, Strobe, and SOS to cover all your campsite needs. Without a doubt, the IP45 rating means it will stay powered on even in the rain and bad weather days. Furthermore, you can use the foldable sturdy hook in your hand or hooking it onto your tent or backpack.

You have two ways of charging these led solar lanterns. Firstly, is through the solar panel at the top. However, this takes too long, as expected. Secondly, charge by USB port, which is the fastest way.

We like to point out that once the LED camping lantern has an indicator power level, so you know when to charge.

• Good battery life
• Sturdy construction
• 360 lighting with 5 light modes
• Two charging methods
• Takes a long time to recharge by solar

TANSOREN Portable LED Camping Lantern

• Best for : camping and car auto repair
• Weight (Ounces): 24
• Unfolded (inches): 3.5 x 3.5 x 7.3
• Folded (inches): 3.5 x 3.5 x 4.9

The TANSOREN solar lantern is a reliable light source for camping, hiking, emergencies, or power outage with three charging methods.

It has a single LED bulb that emits 60 lumens of luminous flux. The folding handle slides upward for carrying or hanging, but also sits on a table. Additionally, you get two lanterns that to light different areas from your tent or at dusk walks back to the campsite.

The military-grade ABS plastic body collapses with ease and easily fits in any backpack, drawer, or shelf. Although TANSOREN claims that the lantern is water-resistant, there are no noticeable gaskets to prevent water from getting inside. So, keep it as far away from water as possible. 

According to the supplier, the lamp has enough juice to power the bulb for 8 continuous hours on low brightness. Since there are no buttons or switches, you adjust the brightness by pulling or collapsing the lantern.

You can either use the solar panel, three AA batteries, or the DC input to charge the lantern (DC charger included). Sadly, there is no way of telling when the battery is full because the charging LED doesn’t turn green. So you will have to play it by ear.

• Three charging methods
• Surprisingly efficient solar panel
• Pleasantly light
• Charging light doesn’t turn green
• Power bank is incompatible with iOS devices
• Quickly loses brightness

Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Solar Lantern

• Best for: Camping on stranded locations
• Weight (Pound ): 1.1
• Dimensions (inches): 4.5 x 5 x 6.5
• Battery capacity (mAh) : 5200
• Lumens: 600
• Number of LEDs: 2

This is technically cheating, as this camping lantern doesn’t have a built-in solar panel. Still, you can use any compatible solar panel to power the rechargeable 5200 mAh battery.

What do you do when you run out of power? In this instance, you can use the crank to keep the light shining. The last one is for emergencies only, of course. Otherwise, you will be cranking the handle the whole trip.

All the light source comes from two 3W warm LED bulbs. Chiefly, the massive battery has enough juice to keep the camping lights running for 2.5 hours on high brightness. Use the yellow knob to change the brightness settings and increase battery life by up to 180 hours!

The Lighthouse camping lantern has an ace in its sleeve. Namely, it serves as a portable power bank! For this reason, you will never run out of juice on your next camping trip.

• It serves as a power bank
• Multiple charging options
• LED lights turn on/off independently
• Accurate battery level indicator
• Collapsible legs and handles for more convenience 
• Battery drains very fast on high power
• The emergency light switch is very fragile

LETOUR LED Rechargeable Solar Lantern

• Best for : fishing and camping
• Weight (Ounces): 5.7
• Dimensions (inches): 3.5 x 3.5 x 4.7
• Battery capacity (mAh) : 2400
• Lumens : 600
• IPX45 dust and waterproof

With a huge, 24000 mAh battery, LeTour solar-powered camping lanterns offer 10 meters and 3 hours of 600 lumens output. If you want a camping lamp that can hang from a branch to light an area, or you can wear it to light your trail, this may fit the bill due to its ingenious handle design. 

Despite being small, it packs plenty of handy features. To begin with, it has a polysilicon solar panel, removable rechargeable batteries, a charging indicator, a micro USB charging port, and a USB power output for phones.

Additionally, it has a waterproof rating IPX45, which protects against rain.

The single bottom allows you to power up the solar lantern and change between the five lighting modes. These solar camping lights switch from low, medium, high, strobe, and together with SOS modes, you’re covered for any situation.

We hope you never have to use the SOS mode, but you will be prepared should an emergency situation arises.

The lamp automatically changes the brightness settings when it is running out of batteries. Thus, boosting battery life when you need it the most. And, we forgot to mention this, you get no one but two lanterns for around 20 bucks!

• Fantastic battery life for its size
• Very bright
• Batteries easily replaceable
• Power bank features don’t work that well.
• Inaccurate battery indicator
• It doesn’t collapse

AGPTEK Solar Camping Lantern

• Best for car camping and tent light source
• Weight (Pounds): 1.6
• Dimensions (inches): 4 x 4 x 10
• Lumens: 240
• Number of LEDs: 36
• Five charging options

If you like old fashion camping lamps, then make sure to check the AGPTEK solar lantern. It’s the only lamp with five charging methods: Solar, car adapter, AC adapter, hand crank, and 3 AA batteries. Altogether, there is no chance of running out of juice. And that’s its biggest perk.

The AGPTEK solar lantern doubles as a power bank for your phone. Still, the 5V/1A output is not the fastest. But something is better than nothing, right?

It takes around 7 hours to charge the camping lamp using sunlight. Still, the battery does drain quickly. We needed to use the hand crank more than we would have wanted, especially in super-bright mode.

That’s why we recommend using the lowest brightness settings. Besides, the 36 white LEDs give plenty of light to this profile. So, there is no point in using the other.

Despite looking sturdy, we feel that the plastic frame can’t cope with falls or hits. So, it might not be the best lantern for hikers, anglers, or anyone who moves a lot. The AGPTEK works best as a table lamp or camping lantern.

• Several charging options
• You can use it as a power bank
• Battery drains fast
• LEDs are prone to fall
• Delicate hand-crank

Best Lantern for Power Outage: FosPower Emergency Solar Lantern and Radio

• Best for: emergencies
• Weight (Ounces): 10.9
• Dimensions (inches): 6.2 x 2.9 x 2.1
• Number of LEDs : 4
• Three charging options
• IPX3 Water Resistant

A radio and light source are the top priorities during emergencies such as hurricanes, floods, or simply getting lost during a hiking trip at night. Here, the FosPower emergency lamp and radio have your back, in event that you need several ways to charge the solar lantern.

This is the first of the solar lanterns with a built-in AM/FM radio on this list thus far. Light comes from two places: A 1W flashlight at the front and a reading lamp with 4 LEDs in the middle of the device. Without a doubt, it’s enough to keep you and your loved one out of the dark.

Basically, you have four ways to power your devices with the FosPower solar lanterns. Firstly, the hand crank lever provides full battery power. Secondly, via the solar panel. Thirdly, the built-in power bank, is charged by USB. And lastly, using three AAA batteries.

We felt that the crank handle is small, and it takes lots of cranks to generate enough power for the lantern. But at least you have one. Even though it’s small, the solar panel and crank lever regenerates enough power to keep the radio, lights, and SOS alarm ready to go.

The FosPower has an IPX3 rating, which means that it can handle the occasional splash without dying. Another detail is the USB port at the back which allows you to charge your phone without interfering with the flashlight.

In short, the FosPower is one of the best solar lanterns for power outages that you can find.

• Emergency radio
• Three powering options
• Built-in 2000 mAh battery
• Can handle the occasional water splash
• The light source in the middle is in awkward position
• Flashlight & reading lights can’t be used independently of one another
• Very inefficient solar panel

Best Traditional Feel with Modern Features: Whetstone Solar Powered Camping Lantern

• Best for : camping and auto repair
• Weight (Ounces): 22.4
• Dimensions (inches): 10 x 4 x 5.25
• Lumens: 180
• Number of LEDs : 36
• Four charging options

With 36 cold LEDs and 180 lumens, the Whetstone solar lantern is our last contender today. It has a classic camping lamp design with a flat bottom so you can place it on the table. The solar panel is at the top beneath the handle with a built-in hook.

To point out, the solar panel takes around 7 hours to charge the lantern. But you can also use the AC adapter or hand crank to keep the light shining. Otherwise, you can rely on the three AAA batteries.

Together with the thick handle, these solar camping lights are ideal for walking with the lamp, while the hook comes in handy for hanging the lantern inside the tent.

It has a power button that allows you to turn the lantern on, off, and change the brightness settings. Furthermore, you can choose between low, great for tent lighting to medium and high, which are suitable for illuminating large areas.

• Plenty of charging options
• Has a beautiful design
• The power button is embedded deep in the body to avoid miss pushes
• Long-lasting battery
• Not compatible with iOS devices
• The hand crank is tiny and fragile

Lumens, battery capacity, waterproof rating, construction, and LED types are some of the features you need to look for when buying a solar camping lantern. They must carefully match your requirements to get the most out of your lantern.

So, yes. Choosing a suitable solar lantern takes some time.

But don’t worry. Indeed, you will find everything you need to know to make an educated decision. Altogether, we’ll cover battery life, charging options, portability, and much more!

Camping Lantern Brightness: A Question of Lumens

Shortly known as lm, lumens are the international unit of measurement for luminous flux. The more lumens, the more flux; thus, the higher the brightness gets, the farther the light travels.

One would think that the more lumens, the better, right? However, the lumens rating depends on the situation.

Decorative lights, for instance, should not exceed 10 lumens. You want dim lanterns, not a hot burning sun in your backyard. In contrast, if you’re going to light large areas, then seek something with 100 lumens, at least.

But don’t exaggerate either.  On the whole, a 600+ lumen light might be helpful on some occasions, like illuminating the whole camp. Overall, it can be too bright to use in small areas such as tents or camping tables.

In short, 600+ lumens solar camping lights are simply too bright and like looking straight at the sun.

Battery life depends on the brightness. Setting the brightness on high will drain the battery faster. Thankfully, you can adjust the brightness of most solar camping lights, especially those with a high lumen rating.

Battery Life and Capacity

As we said before, the battery life depends, among other things, on the brightness setting and battery capacity. We already discussed the first one, but what about the latter?

Battery capacity refers to how much mAh it can deliver. Think about two lamps. Both have the same brightness, but one has a 10000 mAh battery, while the other has a 25000 mAh battery.

The first one will turn off quicker than the latter. In other words, the second camping lantern offers more running time.

Here, going big is crucial. Find the camping lantern with the biggest battery and that you can pay for, of course.

Camping Solar Lanterns LEDs: Warm or Cold?

The majority of camping lanterns use white LEDs. Some might offer colored bulbs, but they are not of use for camping. However, they come in handy for decorative purposes.

Now, you might notice that some camping lantern boxes show “Warm” or “Cold” white LEDs. It has to do with the shade of white that the bulb creates.

Yes, it sounds weird, we know. But when it comes to white LEDs, there are three tones: Warm, natural, and cool. The first leans to the yellowish side of the visible scale, while the last on the bluish.

Now, this has nothing to do with brightness. Remember that this comes from the lumens we talked about before. The color of the LED lamp depends on the amount of Kelvin degrees it generates. Thus, the way we perceive light.

For example:

• Warm LEDs: Around 3000K
• Natural LEDs: Between 4000 to 5000K
• Cold LEDs: Over 5000K

Each shade has its uses. Warm is a good tent light source as it is more relaxing. In contrast, you want to use warm white for active areas such as around camping tables or while hiking. 

Charging Options

Yes, solar lanterns use the sun to generate power. We all can tell that from the title. But it should also support other forms of charging, for example, USB input ports or a DC socket.

Some even offer hand crank handles to generate power when there are no other means of charging. It is not the most efficient way to power your lantern. But at least you have it.

Now, let’s talk a little about solar panels. All solar camping lights have a small panel on top. But because it is so tiny, it is not meant to be the primary charging option. It is more like a backup method.

In other words, you should charge your lamp through the USB or DC socket, provided it has one, before your trip. Then, use the sun to keep the lantern charged. It’s also wise to bring a solar power bank to charge it.

Shock, Dust, and Waterproof Capabilities

Camping often involves getting wet, a lot of dirt, and the occasional fall. Hence, having a lantern that copes with this all is crucial. Otherwise, you will be in the market for a new one sooner than expected.

Check the IP rating to see what kind of protection the camping lantern has against intrusion and water. The first number after the P indicates dust protection, while the last number refers to waterproofing capabilities. Shortly, the higher the number is, the more protection . Check here if you want to know more about this.

Lighting Modes

You can easily swap among different lighting modes on most camping lanterns. For example, you can change the brightness from low to high.

Some lamps even offer different light colors as well as strobe and SOS modes. The last two are ideal in emergencies when creating a visible distress signal is crucial.

While it is not mandatory to have one with that feature, we highly recommend it.

Solar Camping Lantern Construction

Durability largely depends on how well built the lamp is. Most camping lanterns nowadays have plastic housing. While, plastic isn’t as strong as metal, it’s way lighter.

Thus, favoring portability.

How portable do you want your lamp to be? It’s an often-overlooked question that you have to ask yourself. Are you planning to stay most of the night time at camp?

If so, then an old-fashioned non-collapsible lantern might be the best choice. However, suppose you love hiking or plan on fishing before dawn. In that case, a collapsible solar lantern is a better deal for you.

The MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 is our undisputed champion today. Yes, there are cheaper solar-powered lanterns on this list.

But they are not of the same quality. Firstly, the price sits on the lower side. Secondly, the sturdy plastic frame and IP67 rating promise many years of operation, making it an ideal choice for campers, anglers, hikers, and pretty much everyone.

Only the collapsible solar camping light from LuminAid and the MPOWERD Luci Base have such a rating.

Additionally, the 10000 mAh battery is big enough for the average user. You can adjust the brightness to increase battery life in those moments when you need it the most.

On top of that, the Luci Outdoor 2.0 is among the most portable solar-powered lanterns on this list. MPowerd inflatable solar camping lights collapse down to 1 inch. Basically, you can virtually store it anywhere.

So, what are you waiting to get yours ?

In wrapping up, solar camping lights are a brilliant choice for anyone passionate about the outdoors and sustainability. Not only do they offer a reliable source of light in the backcountry, but they also contribute to a healthier planet by utilizing renewable energy.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual camper, incorporating solar lights into your gear collection is a smart move. Remember, the right lighting can make all the difference in your outdoor adventures, ensuring safety, convenience, and a touch of comfort under the stars.

Solar camping lights are not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective in the long run. They harness the power of the sun, reducing reliance on disposable batteries and saving you money over time.

With proper care, solar lights can last for several years. The LED bulbs themselves can last up to 10,000 hours, while the solar panels and batteries may need replacing after 2-3 years, depending on usage.

Yes, solar lights can charge on cloudy days, though the efficiency may be reduced. Most models are designed to collect as much sunlight as possible, even under overcast conditions.

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Best Camping Lanterns of 2024

When you’re camping, your lantern is your source of light, safety, and comfort. Great camping lanterns are bright with variable light output, offer long-lasting illumination, and are easy to use and reliable. They also come in all different shapes and sizes and with a broad array of capabilities.

We've identified the best camping lanterns based on extensive experience in the field, through chats with outdoor experts, and through lots of research and reading. From lanterns small enough to tuck away in a tent pocket to those powerful enough to light up a large campsite, one of these is sure to meet your needs.

Table of Contents

• Best Camping Lanterns
• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

Coleman Classic Recharge 800 Lumens LED Lantern  »

Three brightness settings

Doubles as power bank

Classic styling

IPX4 water-resistant, impact resistant

Slow to reach full charge

Cord storage compartment hard to open

The Coleman Classic Recharge 800 Lumens LED Lantern may look like an antique at a quick glance, but this is a thoroughly modern and very capable camping lantern with a bright 800-lumen maximum output. It also has a medium output setting of 300 lumens and a low setting of 100 lumens. The battery life is generous at four hours on high, 10 on medium, and 30 on low. The lantern can also be set to a flashing mode, which it can do for eight hours straight from a full charge.

It does take around three hours for this lantern to be fully powered up, and the included charging cable comes stored in a compartment that’s very hard to open if you have any grip strength issues. But you can store the cable elsewhere and just plan ahead in terms of charging. And using this lantern couldn't be easier; its single dial turns to each lighting more or to off, and it has a carabiner-style handle that can clip onto any loop in a tent or branch in a tree.

Nite Ize Radiant 400 LED Lantern  »

Great price point

Amazing battery life

Compact size

Requires 3 D-cell batteries

Modest max brightness

You can find plenty of lanterns that cost even less than the Nite Ize Radiant 400 LED Lantern, but the Radiant 400 offers the most bang for your buck at less than $30. You’ll get your money’s worth in part thanks to the amazing battery life; at its high output setting, the lantern will shine for 26 hours before going dark, and that nearly matches the low setting battery life of many rechargeable lanterns.

At its medium 170-lumen output, you’ll get an impressive 112 hours. And at the low 30-lumen setting, you will enjoy a stunning 795 hours of light, which is equivalent to 33 days of nonstop illumination. Granted, 30 lumens isn’t that bright — in fact, 400 lumens is rather dim for a max brightness — but it’s enough to see around in your tent or to light the trail ahead of you on a very dark night. And this lantern is compact enough that you could bring it along on a hike, though the batteries do add some weight to things.

Coleman Premium Dual Fuel Lantern  »

Works with two fuel types

Multiple brightness settings

Durable metal construction

Gets very hot

Involved ignition process

The Coleman Premium Dual Fuel Lantern is a throwback that will work well for years to come. This lantern burns either proprietary Coleman Liquid Fuel or regular unleaded gasoline, and it can cast out 700 lumens of light for seven hours with full tank. A great lantern for camping, it’s also a good choice as an emergency light, as it doesn't require electricity to be charged up. The lantern uses a dial to control its light output, and it can be set to burn quite brightly or quite dimly, offering more control than you get with most electric lanterns.

Initial setup can be laborious, and you have to use a funnel to fill the tank and a match to light the wick. But you'll get used to this process fast enough, and the comfort that comes with knowing you always have a light source as long as you have fuel helps mitigate those issues. This tough, reliable lantern can be used in all seasons and will stand up to weather with ease. And when it’s not in use (and is cool to the touch), you can store it in an included plastic carrying case to protect and preserve it.

Goal Zero Crush Light Solar Powered Lantern  »

Compact and lightweight

USB or solar charging

Easy to position solar panel

Low output at max

Does not hold charge well

The Goal Zero Crush Light Solar Powered Lantern flattens down to about the size of a slice of bread when it’s not in use, and at a mere 3.2 ounces, you can bring this little lantern anywhere you go. It’s a great choice for the thru-hiker or mountaineer carrying all their gear on their backs. It charges via a built-in solar panel, so make sure to clip it to your pack or set it out at your campsite daily, as the Crush Light doesn't hold a charge very well. But it's easy to collapse one wall and perfectly aim the panel at the sun for maximizing charging efficiency.

The 60-lumen maximum brightness won't light up a whole campsite, but it will illuminate your tent or your desk at home during a power outage. And given the low cost of this compact, portable lantern, you may as well keep one close at hand at home, in the car, and in with your camping gear. Water-resistant and durable, this little lantern is suitable for use in bad weather when needed. And when the sun isn’t shining, it can be charged via USB cable. Contributor Steven John always brings this little lantern on backpacking trips and considers it one of his favorite pieces of gear.

Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern  »

Charges via USB, crank, or solar

Reliable battery bank

Long battery life at low output

Short battery life at bright output

Some units fail within a year

Many camping lanterns on our list are rechargeable, but none offers as many charging options as the Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern. It can be powered via a USB cable (the fastest way to recharge), but it can also be paired with a sold-separately solar panel. Finally, it can be charged by turning a built-in hand crank, so you can power it up anywhere, any time, no matter the weather conditions. When fully charged, the Lighthouse 600 also serves as a power bank that can recharge a phone or other small device.

The Lighthouse 600 only has a 2.5-hour battery life on its bright setting, but its 180-hour battery life on low is quite impressive. Plus, this lantern can shine light at both 360-degrees and 180 degrees; in the latter configuration, the lantern puts out half as much light and lasts twice as long. When you just need a smaller area illuminated, this power-saving option is a great one to make use of.

Coast EAL22 1250 Lumen Emergency Light  »

IPX7 weather rating

Uses rechargeable battery or standard batteries

Red light options

Bright 1,250-lumen output

Heavier than most lanterns

Con (Min 2)

The Coast EAL22 1250 Lumen Emergency Light was designed primarily for use during emergencies like severe storms, so you can count on it to perform well when the conditions at camp are poor. With an IPX7 rating, this light can sit in the rain and keep on working, and it's impact-resistant enough to be blown off the table without so much as a flicker. And on its brightest 1,250-lumen setting, this lantern will light things up brilliantly.

The Coast EAL22 1250 Lumen Emergency Light also has a red light setting that helps preserve night vision. It can be operated with a rechargeable battery or with regular D-cell batteries. At its lowest light setting, this lantern can glow for up to 225 hours, so in the event of an emergency, you can count on it as a light source for plenty of time to regroup and wait for help or else to start helping yourself.

The Bottom Line

The Coleman Classic Recharge 800 Lumens LED Lantern is our pick for best camping lantern overall because it’s bright, reliable, and easy-to-use, and because it has a timeless look but uses modern technology. One of the other camping lanterns we featured may be a better fit for you based on a unique feature, its size and weight, brightness output, or budget concerns, so be sure to consider each lantern closely.

Things to Consider When Buying Camping Lanterns

Brightness Output: A lantern’s brightness is important, but make sure you’re thinking about it in the right way, says experienced outdoorsman Ryan Ariano. “Think about max brightness, [but] also about lower settings that give you the longest runtime.” Also look for lanterns with variable brightness outputs, as you will want significantly less light shining inside your tent at bedtime than you will as you cook dinner after sunset at your campsite table.

Battery Life and Power Source: “A lantern that lasts only a few hours before needing to be recharged or needing new batteries isn’t ideal when camping," says outdoorswoman Katie Barton. As a result, consider one that can last at least 15 hours on a charge. Also consider a lantern that can be charged in more than one way, such as with a USB cable, solar panel, or rechargeable battery. For use during emergencies, a lantern that burns fuel is a good choice, as you can run it even when there is no electricity available.

Durability and Weather Resistance: A camping lantern needs to survive a number of bumps and drops and should have at least moderate water resistance and dust-proofing. Check if a camping lantern you're considering has an Ingress Protection rating (often noted as an IP or IPX rating with numbers indicating the level of protection) and read up on the experiences of other users.

Weight and Portability: If you're car camping or cabin camping, your lantern’s size really doesn’t matter much, provided it’s bright enough for your needs. But if you'll be bringing your lantern on a multiday hike, then you very much need to focus on the lantern’s size and weight, as well as on any elements needed to power it, such as a solar panel, batteries, or fuel.

Lighting Modes: A camping lantern needs to have at least a high and low output mode, and ideally it will have multiple brightness options. It’s also a good idea to look for a lantern with different color modes. For example, red light won't substantially affect your night vision.

Additional Features : Many camping lanterns can double as charging devices, powering up a phone or camera. Some have easy built-in hanging hardware. Others can shine in myriad colors and patterns and add some fun to the campsite. These additional features are secondary to brightness and runtime, but they're worth considering.

How We Chose the Best Camping Lanterns

Brightness, battery life, durability, and special lighting modes are some of the key factors that make a good camping lantern. We factored in all of these and more when reviewing the best camping lanterns.

We also leaned heavily on personal experience; U.S. News & World Report contributor Steven John has been an avid camper for many years, and he has used lanterns from most of the brands featured here. John also spoke with several other outdoor experts, including outdoorswoman Kate Barton and accomplished mountaineer and writer Ryan Ariano.

Barton and Ariano offered specific camping lantern suggestions, as well as thoughts on what to look for when shopping for the right camping lantern for your needs. John weighed their input, his own experience, and information shared by various lantern brands against scores of reviews left by verified buyers. He then pared down the list to only the best available.

WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US

As noted, contributor Steven John has many years of experience camping, and none of his campsites have ever been without a lantern or two aglow. John also has more than a dozen years of experience as a commerce journalist, testing and reviewing all sorts of different products, services, and digital offerings. He regularly writes with U.S News & World Report and also for NY Magazine, The Daily Beast, Dad Gear Review, Business Insider, Architectural Digest, Forbes, and other media outlets.

Camping Lantern FAQs

Think both in terms of how much light you need and what conditions the lantern will face, then look for a camping lantern up to the job in both ways. Will you be illuminating a large, multi-tent campsite, or just the interior of your tent? Will the lantern be moved around and jostled frequently or will it stay in one spot? Will there be a potential for rain or snow? These logistical concerns should all inform your choice.

A camping lantern should help you see and be seen. A lantern that's bright enough to be seen from a distance can help campers find their way back to camp from the woods is always a good idea.

Always make sure a lantern has plenty of battery life to make it through an entire night. That means being diligent about charging your lantern (or filling it with fuel) before you depart from home. And of course there are basic fire safety considerations in play when you use a gas-burning lantern.

One way to gauge reliability is to note the warranty. A limited lifetime warranty is ample evidence that a camping lantern is well made and was properly tested. Also look through the reviews and ratings left by past customers, zeroing in on one- and two-star ratings and noting if breakage or failure are common complaints.

There is no perfect choice when it comes to a lantern’s power source, so look for lanterns that charge fast, have a long battery life, and ideally that can be charged up in more than one way. A lantern with solar and USB charging capabilities is a great choice, for example, as is one that can be powered by a rechargeable battery and by standard batteries. And if you go with a fuel-burning lantern, you can bring a surplus of fuel and have reliable light for hours or even days on end.

About Our Team

Steven John

Contributor

Jeff Kinney

Senior Editor

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

The Ultimate Checklist for Packing Light with Kids

This post may contain affiliate links where we earn from qualifying purchases. As an amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Find out more in our disclosure .

Yes, it’s true that you can pack light with kids and you don’t have to sacrifice your sanity to do it.  No, I’m not talking “I’m a crazy backpacker and I wear the same clothes for a month” light, I’m talking reasonable light .  You know, something real people on a real vacation can manage!

Whether you’re trying to avoid paying for baggage, trying to save space, or just want the freedom that comes from having less “stuff”, learning how to pack light and SMART will be a sanity saver on your next trip.

Recently, we spent almost a month in Europe and for the 6 of us (2 adults +4 kids), we only took 2 suitcases.  Can you imagine how nice that was?  Not having to haul 6+ suitcases into every apartment and hotel we stayed in.  Actually being able get through the airport easily carrying all our own things (we also brought a stroller and car seat for the baby).  I actually really enjoyed having less so that I could focus more on what mattered most – spending time with my family (not just being a pack animal to haul all their junk around).

So, here’s the list.  It’s short and simple, and that’s exactly what makes it great!  (Notes in blue are my suggestions.)  Here’s the printable version:  The Ultimate Checklist for Packing Light with Kids

When you’re packing clothing, make sure to take into account how bulky thing are and how fast they dry.  We are huge fans of quick dry/wicking t-shirts, nylon pants, zip-off trousers, wool mid layers and light and packable outerwear.  This will help you be prepared for any weather conditions and will be a lifesaver if you need to do some laundry in your hotel room.  We pack 3 changes of clothes, which means that if your trips is much longer than a weekend, you’ll need to either wear some things twice or do some laundry along the way (likely in a hotel sink).   3 tops – short or long sleeve depending on climate. 3 bottoms (pants, shorts or a combination – convertible pants are fantastic for this)  NO JEANS 4 pairs of underwear Packable wind/rain jacket 1 warm top for layering (synthetic or wool – we like these ones ) 1 pair of baselayer bottoms Swimsuit 3 pairs of socks preferably lightweight wool 2 pairs of shoes – one light sandal and one heavy duty waterproof sneaker or hiking shoe Hat 2 pairs pajamas

It’s really easy to get carried away by taking too many toys and other things to entertain your kids on the trip.  Although these things are fun, your kids can also have a great time just taking a few.  Always be cautious taking irreplaceable or incredibly special items as those are the ones that you’ll likely end up losing!  We also find that if you give kids a space limit (we only let them fill up this Eagle Creek quarter cube) .  Remember that once you get to your destination your goal is to get your kids excited about where they are, so try and limit the things that you take to keep them busy – keep them busy exploring instead!

• Coloring supplies (small pad of paper and crayons)
• Small bag of toys (no larger than 1 quart)
• Paperback books 3-5 small ones
• Water bottle
• Backpack (child sized so that they can carry all of their own things EVERY DAY)
• Snacks for the plane ride (buy all other snacks on arrival)

 When we decide what kind of hygeine items to take, we carry two types of things with us:  things we use every day, and things that we would reasonably use in a minor emergency.  Although it’s likely that you’ll find bandaids everywhere you go, do you really want to have to run to the store while Billy is on the ground screaming about his scraped knee.  Plan ahead and carry some basics with you!

• Powdered laundry detergent (premeasured and separated into one load Ziploc bags)
• Basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, brush, hair elastics, hand sanitizer, sunscreen)
• Basic first aid kit in a sandwich size ziploc (bandaids, childrens pain reliever, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, and anti-diarrhea medicine)

Unless you’re going to a third world country or an incredibly isolated island, remember that if you run into any problems, you can probably buy whatever you’re lacking on your trip.  Trust me, it’s better to have to take an unexpected trip to the store than to carry everything you own preparing for a “what if” situation. To keep things organized, we are convinced that packing cubes are a life-saver (we especially love the super light Pack-It ones from Eagle Creek ).  It keeps everything compact and organized so that instead of a suitcase explosion at each stop, you can actually find what you’re looking for.

 What are your families travel essentials???

Hi, I’m Jessica, a mom of 5 kids and married to my favorite adventure partner. I love to bike, ski, camp and hike. We've visited over 40 countries with our kids, but are equally happy on the road as we are exploring our home state of Utah.

20 Photos That Will Make You Want to Take Your Family to Petra, Jordan

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Best Travel Night Light Reviews in 2022

Nightlights are beneficial, both for kids and adults. They can illuminate fixtures, stairways, and potential obstacles to guarantee your safety while walking to the bathroom at night.

Also, they can illuminate a kid’s room to eliminate the kid’s fear of the dark and to ensure a mom’s safety while making late night visits.

Apart from using a nightlight at home, you could consider getting one that is best suited for traveling.

Such a nightlight should be portable , which means that it should have a battery power option, and feature a size and weight that will favor you while traveling.

Given the variety of nightlights available for you to choose from, getting the best travel nightlight is not easy.

To help you make the right decision, this guide consists of the best travel nightlights available on the market today. Read on:

In a hurry? There are the best we picked for you:

Small and Compact in Size, Cute Cloud Design: Droiee Night Light

Able to Set Regular Sleep-Wake Routine, With Soothing Sounds for Stressful Workers: Hatch Sleeping Light with Clock

With Dusk to Dawn Sensor for Automatic Illumination and Pleasing Light: Maz-Tek Plug in Nightlight

Benefits of Using a Night Light When Travelling

1. Better visibility of the surrounding

A travel nightlight can offer better visibility of the surroundings you are not accustomed to.

Come to think about it; In new places, you are likely to step on obstacles or trip over furniture and other items since you are not used to such environments.

To protect that from occurring, a nightlight can cast a soft glow that will let you view the surroundings without the fear of waking the people you are sharing the room.

2. Help children sleep

Babies are most likely to be insecure while sleeping in new environments. They could end up waking up traumatized or disturbed in the middle of the night.

To prevent that from happening, you could opt to get a travel nightlight.

Its dim illumination provides a sense of security by enabling kids to view the surroundings and be sure that they are sleeping in a safe place.

• Check out the best night lamps for kids afriad of dark

3. Assist with toilet trips

When traveling, you will need a nightlight to assist with toilet trips.

The reason behind this is that you do not want to wake the people you are sharing a room with, using the bright light of a flashlight.

To avoid that, the soft glow of a nightlight can make it possible to walk through new environments without the fear of hitting onto something or disrupting the sleep of the people you are sharing a room with.

Reviews of the best travel nightlights

Taotronics led nursery lamp – with long runtime.

Taking the lead in this review is TaoTronics LED Nursery Lamp. As one of the best choices for a travel nightlight, it features an IP65 waterproof design and a long-lasting battery.

Because of the waterproof design, you can carry it for outdoor activities, thus an excellent choice for hiking, family trips, adventures, and camping.

Also, the nightlight is compact and lightweight to enhance portability.

The nursery lamp derives its power from a battery that lasts up to 5 hours in the maximum brightness and up to 80 hours in the minimum brightness.

Kid-friendly nightlight

The Taotronics is an excellent choice for a nightlight for use in nurseries. It is best suited for use by kids, thanks to the thoughtful design that makes it your kid’s favorite source of illumination.

The nightlight is made of top-grade ABS and PC plastic. These materials are BPA-free to create an environment that is safe for the kids.

Better still, the nightlight comes with expression stickers. Using the 20 cute facial expressions, kids can bring in a sense of fun and creativity and turn the lamp into their favorite companion.

Easy to operate

Still, this nightlight is easy to use. It has easy touch control. The touch control is located on the top of the nightlight and designed in such a way that kids can easily learn to use it and play with it.

Kids can touch the top of the nightlight to dim the light’s brightness.

Also, they can touch the logo to adjust the light color. Double tapping the top can switch the nightlight on or off.

Finally, a physical button based on the bottom allows you to cycle through weak, strong, and SOS mode.

Energy-efficient LED bulbs

The Taotronics nightlight integrates energy-efficient LED bulbs. These bulbs deliver a uniform light that doesn’t flicker to protect your kid’s eyes.

The light’s color is adjustable from cool white to warm white, which means that you can create the ideal lighting for reading or cuddling a baby to sleep.

CHWARES Portable LED Night Light

The Chwares is a multi-functional LED nightlight. Whether you need a nightlight for traveling, camping, or one that will accompany you all night, it is one of the best choices.

The nightlight is made of flexible silicone materials. The silicone parts are soft to touch and washable for the kids’ safety.

Adding to that, the nightlight is portable and cute, thus an ideal choice for a nightlight that will bring you a warm feeling plus accompany you all night.

Adjustable lighting

Designed to cast an ideal light suitable for different occasions, Chwares Children Night Light offers an adjustable illumination.

It offers three modes of warm white light and seven color-changing light modes. You can use the nightlight to create a soft atmosphere to comfort kids to sleep.

Plus, you can set it to cast the light in seven colors to create a romantic atmosphere.

Sensitive control

Easy to operate, this nightlight has a sensitive tap control and an on/off button. Pressing the on/off button on the back of the lamp allows you to turn it on or off.

Also, you can press the sensitive tap control to change the light mode or light color.

Battery powered

Recommended as one of the best travel nightlights, this nightlight derives its power from a 1200mAH rechargeable battery.

The high-quality lithium battery takes 3-4 hours to recharge. After a full charge, you can use it for 12-15 hours depending on the lighting mode.

UNIFUN Night Light with 360 Degree Touch Panel – Easy to Use

Third, we have the Unifun Touch Lamp. The lamp comes in a package that contains a micro USB cable and user manual.

Also, there is a lithium polymer battery. The battery lasts up to 8hours on the minimum brightness and up to 4 hours on the maximum brightness.

Touch control panel

As the name suggests, this is a touch lamp nightlight. It features an easy touch control.

The touch-activated control requires you to touch it over three seconds so that you can turn the light on or off.

Additionally, the control allows you to customize the light color and brightness.

Adjustable brightness and light color

The Unifun Nightlight is an ideal choice for various events. It casts a light whose brightness is adjustable.

This means that you can customize the brightness level to low, medium, or high for comfortable illumination in different places.

Better, the nightlight adopts an Autocycle RGB color combination. Because of this, you can set a fixed (red, green, or blue) light color or set the light to cycle through different light colors.

Eye-friendly illumination

Finally, the Unifun nightlight features a 360° light panel. The panel delivers a uniform and delicate light.

This means that you do not have to worry about a harsh light that will wake the baby or affect his or her eyes.

SecurityMan Baby Night Light for Kids

The ideal nightlight, whether you need one for a bedside or baby’s room is the SecurityMan Baby Night.

When plugged in, it automatically wakes up after a power outage so that you will never have to switch it on manually.

The nightlight uses LED bulbs that stay cool to the touch for the user’s safety. Also, it includes easy-to-use controls for easy operation.

The SecurityMan nightlight is suitable for use in different environments. It has two light modes comprising a warm white color and cool white color.

These colors have an adjustable level of brightness, which makes the nightlight suitable for use in different settings.

Rechargeable nightlight

What’s more, this is a wireless nightlight. It derives its power from a rechargeable battery. The battery lasts up to 28 hours in the low power mode for reliable use day and night.

Besides that, the nightlight features a smart charging dock with an anti-skid base. You can plug it into any USB port to keep the nightlight charged.

Safe for children

If you need a travel nightlight that is safe for kids, I would recommend the SecurityMan Baby Night Light.

It features class-3 insulation to protect the user from shock. Better, the nightlight is IPX4 waterproof, thus safe for use in outdoor environments.

Designed to cast a light that isn’t harsh on the eyes, the nightlight is 100% suitable for use in nurseries.

Gladle Magnetic Bedside Night Light – With Timer Settings

This is a magnetic nightlight for kids. It is compact and lightweight for portability. The nightlight derives its power from a 2200mAh internal rechargeable battery.

On a full charge, the batteries can deliver up to 100 hours of use in the darkest light setting and up to 6 hours of use in the brightest light setting.

Adjustable light color and brightness

This nightlight offers three light modes. The options include 2700k warm light, 6500k cool light, and a 256RGB color spectrum.

Thus, you can customize the light color to suit your mood. In the warm light mode and cool light mode, you can adjust the brightness by long pressing the top.

Built-in magnet and timer

What’s more, the nightlight comes with a metal plate with back adhesive.

You can stick the nightlight to metal surfaces directly or use the back adhesive to attach it to non-metallic surfaces.

To enhance the lifetime of the batteries, the nightlight integrates a 1-hour timer.

You can tap the timer button so that you can set the nightlight to stay on for a set amount of time to save the batteries.

Safe and durable lighting source

Gladle Bedside Night Light is a safe and durable source of lighting. The nightlight is durable so that it can withstand child play.

Also, it is made of toy-grade ABS and BPA-free silicone, assuring you that it is non-toxic and safe for use by kids.

The nightlight delivers a soft alluring glow making it is safe to use in a nursery or kid’s bedroom.

Munchkin Light My Way Nightlight

The Light My Way Nightlight is perfect for adults and toddlers. It adopts a one-button control for easy operation.

The adorable owl nightlight can comfort toddlers during bedtime and provide reassurance following scary dreams.

Safe to use, the nightlight features a cuddly design while emitting a soft low illumination to protect your kid’s eyes.

Portable nightlight

The Munchkin nightlight is portable, thus an ideal choice for the best travel night light. It is compact and lightweight for portability.

Furthermore, the nightlight is 100% battery-operated to eliminate the need for having cords and charging stations near your toddler.

Automatic timer

If you need a travel nightlight with a long-lasting battery, I would recommend the Munchkin Light My Way Nightlight.

It has an automatic timer that enables the light to go off automatically within 20 minutes. Thus, the nightlight doesn’t consume unnecessary power for a long-lasting battery.

Mubarek Cute Dog Night Light

If you are looking for a travel nightlight that is easy to operate, Mubarek Night Light is an excellent option. It has an on/off button that makes it easy to switch on or put off.

Also, there is a sensitive touch control. The control is easy to press so that you can switch between a seven-color rotating mode and a standard warm light mode.

Soothing nightlight

Designed for use by kids, this is a soothing nightlight. It is super cute, thus an ideal gift for toddlers, babies, puppy lovers, and adults.

The nightlight uses LED light bulbs. Besides durability, these bulbs emit a non-flickering light that is safe on babies’ eyes.

Still, the eye-caring LEDs do not get hot to the touch, thus suitable for use in homes with kids and pets.

Lasting battery and a timer

Something else that makes the Mubarek Night Light for Kids an ideal choice for a travel nightlight is the long-lasting battery and timer.

The nightlight includes a built-in 1200mAh battery. The battery supports a portable usage of up to 15 hours after a full charge.

Better still, the nightlight has an automatic shutdown timer.

The timer makes it possible to customize the operation time for 30 minutes or 60 minutes so that the nightlight can go off after the depletion of that time to save the batteries.

All-night companion

This nightlight can function as an all-night companion. Its rechargeable battery supports more than 10 hours of use.

Furthermore, the cute nightlight features a cuddly and portable design to allow kids to carry it anywhere and play with it.

S. SELDORAUK LED Modern Wireless Tap Lights – Small Size

The best travel light for hiking or camping is S. Seldorauk LED Nursery Light. It features a handy size that allows you to take it along with other tools without weighing you down.

The nightlight derives its energy from a 500mAh polymer lithium battery for portability. The battery is USB rechargeable for reliability and convenience.

Dimmable nightlight

The S. Seldorauk is a dimmable nightlight. Whether you need a bright illumination for reading or a dim illumination that will allow you to wake up at night, it is one of the best choices.

It features a full-range step-less dimmer for easy adjustment of the brightness.

The nightlight saves the last brightness setting, which means that you don’t have to reset it after switching it on.

Energy-saving LEDs

This is an energy-saving nightlight. It uses LED bulbs that enable it to offer 2.5 hours to 3 hours of continuous lighting in the highest brightness setting.

In the normal brightness, the nightlight can last for up to 24hours.

Droiee Cloud Night Light for Grils – Appealing Look

The ultimate choice for a travel nightlight, whether you need one for a kid’s room, kitchen, restroom, or bedroom, is Droiee Night Light.

Easy to use, the nightlight has dual on/off controls. This means that kids can put it on or off without your help.

Soft illumination

Besides ease of use, the nightlight casts a smooth soft brightness. The soft illumination can brighten a room without waking them.

Also, the light doesn’t glare or flicker, which means that you do not have to worry about it hurting the baby’s eyes.

Multiple charging options

Designed for user convenience and reliable illumination, this nightlight has multiple charging options.

You can connect it to a USB cable for direct charging. Still, you can insert AAA batteries in case of a power outage or when you need a portable nightlight.

How to Choose the Best Travel Night Light? 

1. Dimensions of the nightlight

The best travel nightlight should be portable. Therefore, look for a compact nightlight.

Such a nightlight should feature dimensions that will fit into your luggage bag or backpack without straining you.

Moreover, it should be lightweight and designed in such a way that it will not add much weight to your luggage for convenience while traveling.

2. Power requirements

Nightlights are of two types: Battery-powered nightlights and plug-in nightlights.

When looking for the best travel nightlight, I would recommend that you opt for the battery-powered models.

Besides, you could get a plug-in nightlight but opt for one with a battery backup.

The reason I would recommend that is to ensure that you are sorted out should you be in a place without a power outlet.

Once you get a battery-powered model , be sure that the batteries can last for long.

Alternatively, get spare batteries to ensure that you will always be sorted out should the batteries run out.

3. Materials

Which materials is the travel nightlight made of? The best model must be made of durable and safe materials.

Therefore, if you are getting a nightlight that is made of plastics, look for one that doesn’t contain lead, latex, BPA, or phthalates.

Also, ensure that the nightlight highlights a solid build to assure you of long-lasting performance, without the fear of break downs or stopping to work.

4. Pet or child-friendliness

If your travel nightlight is for kids or homes with pets, I would recommend that you purchase a kid and pet-friendly nightlight.

In simple terms, get a nightlight with bulbs that remain cool to the touch to protect small hands from getting burnt.

Also, get a model that emits a glare-free night to protect the eyes from harm.

A nightlight that is made of shatterproof materials is also worth it, while it must not contain small parts likely to be swallowed by the kid or pet.

And, if the nightlight is for accompanying kids when sleeping, get a model that features plushy and soft materials to allow kids to cuddle with it.

• Check top comfortable night lights for baby !

5. Bulb type

Different nightlights use different types of bulbs. Some nightlights use LED bulbs, incandescent bulbs, CFLs, or halogen bulbs.

When looking for the best travel nightlight, I would recommend one that uses LEDs.

LEDs are long-lasting types of bulbs, which means that they can last for years without requiring you to spend lots of cash to replace them.

Additionally, LEDs emit an eye-friendly light to protect the eyes from harm.

Best of all, LEDs do not get hot after hours of illumination, which means that you can get them when looking for the best nightlight for homes with kids or pets.

6. Brightness level

The best travel nightlight should provide illumination with adjustable brightness.

After all, you do not want a nightlight that will provide a light that is too bright since this would affect your sleep.

Still, a nightlight that delivers a light that is too dim could provide insufficient illumination, which could make it difficult for you to see around.

Therefore, opt for a nightlight with adjustable brightness to let you customize the brightness to suit your needs.

There you have it; the best travel nightlights available on the market today.

For a peaceful night of sleep and to assure your kids that all is fine while spending a night in new places, I would recommend that you buy one of the reviewed products because of the affordable prices and for the best value for money.

The 9 Best Ultralight Camping Chairs

Keep your load light with one of these featherweight chairs—whether you’re backpacking or traveling to your campsite.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

That is why having one of the best ultralight camping chairs in your pack is a smart idea. Camping chairs keep you warm and dry by lifting you off the ground that may be cold and/or wet, plus a chair is much more forgiving on your back than if you're slouching against a tree trunk. For lots of campers and backpackers, those benefits alone are well-worth the (small) extra weight in their pack.

The best folding camping chairs also work for car camping , beach days , and sports games . While you may not be hiking to a tent, you’re likely to have your hands full and probably won’t want to carry a big, bulky chair with you. Here then, are the best ultralight camping chairs to give you lots of extra comfort for only a little extra weight, whether you’re at a remote backcountry campsite or just visiting a state park for a quick overnight trip.

Best Ultralight Camping Chairs

Best Overall

Big agnes skyline ul chair.

Best Splurge

Helinox chair zero.

Best Quick Set-Up

Best for Back Support

Rei co-op flexlite camp dreamer chair.

Best Budget

Trekology yizi lite chair.

Best for Cold Weather

Big agnes big six camp chair + insulated cover.

Best Stool-Style Camp Chair

Gci outdoors pack stool.

Best Convertible

Nemo moonlight reclining camp chair.

Best Big & Tall/Inclusive Size

Helinox chair zero l.

The Expert: I am a full-time travel writer and editor focusing on outdoor adventures. I spend my weekends skiing, hiking, mountain biking, or camping, all of which lend themselves well to using and testing various methods for staying comfortable when hanging out outdoors. I am familiar with nearly every outdoor brand on the market, from tried-and-true brands to new cottage brands. I frequently cover travel and outdoor gear for Popular Mechanics and have tested and reviewed products for publications like TripSavvy and INSIDER . As a writer, my work has appeared in Outside Magazine, AFAR, Playboy, Forbes, Fodors, TheKnot , and many more.

What to Look for in an Ultralight Camping Chair

If you want to backpack with your camp chair, you should prioritize weight above all else—comfort included. Even an ultralight chair with so-so comfort will be more comfortable than sitting directly on the ground. It may be fine to carry a chair in the sub-3-pound range for a one-night trip with a moderately difficult hike in. But if you’re doing a multi-day trip or a more challenging hike, you’ll surely want to keep it to below 2 pounds. Your best bets will be creative options (like the Crazy Creek or Therm-a-Rest chairs) that cut metal to save weight.

Most ultralight camping chairs with a fold-out frame will have a fabric bucket seat, sometimes with mesh segments. These are great in the summer to prevent butt sweat, but can be a little chilly in the winter. You can wrap a puffy jacket around the bottom to insulate the chair in a pinch.

If you’re hoping to be warmer by using a chair, you’ll want one with a foam seat and/or non-mesh materials. It’s also important to note that ultralight camping chairs have lower weight limits than standard camp chairs. A 200-pound maximum is common; 250 is rather generous. Unfortunately, ultralight materials like carbon don’t lend themselves to high weight limits, so be careful if you’re planning on pulling your dog into your lap.

Lighten Your Load With These: Ultralight Sleeping Pads • Ultralight Tents • Ultralight Backpacks

Packed Size and Shape

You might be surprised to find the packed size of your ultralight camping chair isn’t quite as important as the shape. Most fold into a narrow tube (like a smaller version of a rolled-up tent), so you can strap them to the side of your backpacking bag or slide them into a beach tote. Be certain to look at the packed shape of your chair of choice to make sure it won’t be cumbersome to carry or take up too much space in your bag—square-shaped items may take up more space in your bag or backpack than you’d think.

Carrying Case

Many, but not all, ultralight camping chairs come with a carrying case. Having a case isn’t essential, but it helps keep your chair clean and protects it from rips or other damage. A carrying case can also double as a pillow in a pinch if you’re camping, and prevent the legs and clips from getting hooked on other items.

How We Selected Ultralight Camping Chairs

Aside from first-hand testing of these products and other ones from the brands mentioned below, I relied on my backpacking and hiking experiences—including carrying packs that were way too heavy for me—as well as my familiarity with ultralight materials and fabrics. I looked at a long list of options on the market and then narrowed down my final selections based on user reviews, warranties, and technical specifications. Also, I had several friends across a variety of weights, heights, and ages chime in to ensure the feedback on comfort reflected a variety of experiences and body types.

The Skyline UL is not the lightest pick in this roundup, but for 95-percent of people, it's is a great choice. It’s also lower-priced than our Best Splurge, the Helinox Chair Zero, and has a deeper, wider, and flatter seat, which is a smidge more comfortable.

Also notable for the Big Agnes Skyline UL chair is its seat height. At 15 inches, it’s nearly twice as high as the Helinox Chair Zero which makes getting in and out of the Skyline easier, especially for taller people or those with knee or back problems.

Really, the only downside is the extra weight. But I'm the type of person to turn my socks inside out rather than bringing a second pair, because every ounce counts for me. But for most people, the few extra ounces between that and the Chair Zero will be negligible especially if you’re planning to use it for car camping or quick overnights, rather than multi-day treks.

There aren’t many brands making collapsible, ultralight camp chairs, but still, it counts for something when you see one particular product over and over again on lists of the best options.

The Helinox Chair Zero is a favorite for so many because it's surprisingly comfortable, even for male testers over 6 feet. It also has the right amount of flex to move without feeling like you’re going to tip over. It weighs an impressively low 1.1 pounds and packs up small enough to carry in a side pocket or under the lid/top section of your backpacking pack.

As with most backpacking gear, if you want it to be small, light, and high-quality, you’re going to pay for it. And that’s true with the Chair Zero, which will set you back $170 to $180 for the high-back version, or about $150 for the standard version.

Tall buyers may find the extra back support worth the splurge. For a less expensive alternative, consider our previously mentioned Best Overall pick, the Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair . It weighs a bit more at 1 pound, 11 ounces, and is an inch or two longer when packed thanks to a wider seat.

If you’re not into the idea of having yet another item to set up when you arrive at your campsite, opt for the very popular Cliq Camp Chair.

Setup is minimal, to say the least: Remove the strap and push the button—that’s it. Assembly takes around 5 seconds if you’re slow. It also folds up into one of the smallest packages of the chairs recommended, making it easy to carry in a backpack or large purse.

If you are trying to coordinate camping accessories, there is a range of colors to choose from including Graphite, Green, Ocean, Red, Sky, Silver, and more.

Many ultralight and foldable camp chairs have minimal back support. If you have back problems, as I sometimes do, the best way to make a camp chair more comfortable is to carry an inflatable low back pad and position your chair such that you can use a cooler or downed log as a footrest.

That said, a chair with a tall back and some kind of neck support will inherently be a bit more comfortable. There are lots of options for supportive chairs, but a solid pick is the REI Coop brand Flexlite Camp Dreamer Chair.

The 12.5-inch seat height is more manageable to get in and out of than with a lower chair where you're bending and squatting. Its wider seat accommodates people who need to frequently shift positions. It’s a bit heavy compared to smaller options, but you can leave the pillow at home to save a few ounces.

Most ultralight camp chairs have a similar design, so if you don’t need fancy features or care about brand names, opt for the sub-$50 YIZI Ultralight chair from Trekology.

It weighs just over 2.5 pounds, making this chair light enough to carry on backpacking trips, especially with its small folded dimensions. Just note that it cuts out most of the metal legs to save weight and space, so it sits very close to the ground. If you want a comparably priced chair with a higher back, here’s a similar option that weighs a bit more at 3 pounds.

Do a quick search on Amazon and you’ll find plenty of chairs with heating coils in the seat. Unfortunately, this type of chair tends to be heavy. And even if you do find one lighter than 4 pounds, you’ll also have to carry a high-capacity USB charger to plug it into, which will add at least another pound.

Once the battery pack runs out, the heating aspect of the chair is useless. That’s why a chair that relies on old-school insulation is usually best for cold-weather camping.

My choice is the combo of the Big Six Chair and insulated cover , which is $70 additional. The chair has a higher back than most to keep cold wind off your neck. With the seat 20-inches high—fairly tall among picks on this list— this chair is ideal for use in snow. “Feels like you're sitting inside a sleeping bag,” wrote one reviewer on the Big Agnes website.

The only minus is that the cover adds a bit of weight, but it’s still less than carrying a heavier chair and battery pack. And you can always use the cover in your sleeping bag for extra warmth, too.

Buyers who don’t like the feel or style of the low, slingback-style seating that is typical with most ultralight camp chairs may prefer the affordable Packseat Camping Stool instead.

While there’s no back support, it does sit higher and more upright than most chairs in our roundup here. As a result, it’s a more functional option for camp cooking or pulling up around a crowded picnic table. It also holds up to 250 pounds, making it a good option for taller buyers.

Many ultralight camping chairs are scarce on features to save weight, which means you don’t get too many perks. Enter the Nemo Moonlight Chair whose designers cleverly found a way to let this camp chair recline without adding extra weight: it has two pull-tab side buckles. Pull them up, and the back of the chair reclines.

While this is certainly useful for people who want more of a lounge feel, it’s also useful for campers who are more comfortable sitting upright, as pulling the tabs down creates a very upright seat.

Aside from weight, the only noticeable downside is the placement of the adjustment tabs, which sit in an area where your arms would otherwise be.

Helinox’s Chair Zero, our Best Splurge recommendation mentioned earlier, is one of the most popular foldable camping chairs on the market, so it’s not surprising that the brand built its first big-and-tall chair based on the Chair Zero’s design.

The Chair Zero L looks similar, but has thicker poles, slightly stronger connection points, and offers a taller seat height to make it usable for campers weighing up to 320 pounds.

The extra weight capacity comes at a cost, but a small one: it weighs 1.6 pounds as compared to the standard Chair Zero’s 1 pound, and it adds about an inch to the length and width when packed.

It’s still rather low to the ground, so keep in mind that it may be difficult to get on and off the chair gracefully. However, that’s the reality for almost everyone trying to get into any chair 8 inches off the ground.

Make Comfort the Key With Backpacking and Camping Chair Tips From Expert Suzie Dundas.

PM : How do you carry an ultralight chair?

SD: There’s no right or wrong way to carry a chair, but there are some general packing tips to keep in mind. If you’re organizing a backpack, you generally want your heaviest items to be closest to your back, so you’ll want to pack the chair in the middle of your bag (close to the backplate).

Alternatively, some larger ultralight chairs—especially those with a cylindrical shape—may work best strapped to the side of your bag. Most backpacking packs have large pockets on either side, so try to keep it balanced—if you add a 2-pound chair to one side, put a full water bottle on the other side.

Another way to carry a chair is to strap it horizontally to the top of your pack. Place it on top of the cinched section, using the top cap/gear pocket to strap it down.

PM : Are ultralight camping chairs as comfortable as folding camp chairs?

SD : In short, no. If you want your chair to be sub-3-pounds, you’re going to have to go without armrests, footrests, extra padding, or features like tech pockets. I’ve included a few alternates in the list above that are slightly more comfortable, but ultimately, it’s a sacrifice between comfort and convenience.

The most significant pain point, aside from not having armrests, is for tall users, who may find that the bucket-seat style doesn’t provide enough back support. They’re not uncomfortable, but they’re not going to be as relaxing as chilling in a reclining camp chair with pillows and seat padding.

PM : Do I need an ultralight camp chair if I’m not a serious backpacker?

SD: You don’t need one, but you may find it useful more often than you think. In addition to being low in weight, ultralight chairs also fold up quite small, at a fraction of the size of a regular collapsible camp chair.

That means you can carry them in tote bags and purses, or store them under the seat in your car without taking up any storage space. It also makes it easier to carry several at once if you’re with younger campers who aren’t always so good about carrying their own gear.

PM : Is there a version of one of these light camping chairs that’s a rocker or glider?

S.D .: Most ultralight camping chairs are unlikely to be rockers, since the apparatus for doing that adds bulk and weight. But since most camping chairs are made with strong but flexible aluminum, they have a bit more give than you’d expect.

If you don’t mind extra weight, there are a few camp chairs that have the ability to rock and glide. CGI Outdoors makes a rocker camp chair that folds up rather small (but still weighs in at 7.5 pounds), and Coleman makes a rocker that folds fairly flat, but still weighs more than 10 pounds. Nemo Equipment makes the very pricey but comfortable Stargazer Chair , with a swing-style seat made for, presumably, stargazing.

If you really want your camp chair to be a rocker, your best bet is likely a Helinox Chair as well as the brand’s rocker foot extension . Extensions are available for the brand’s Chair One, Chair One XL, Sunset Chair, and Chair Two, and each set weighs only 8 ounces.

Originally from the East Coast, Suzie Dundas is a Lake Tahoe-based freelance writer and editor who now splits her time between enjoying the outdoors and writing about them—she's the senior outdoor editor at Matador Network and a regular adventure and travel contributor at TripSavvy.com . She has written feature stories for publications like Outside Magazine , SkyLife Magazine , Playboy , Frommers, INSIDER, and more, and contributes couples travel and honeymoon content for TheKnot.com . Suzie co-authored Lonely Planet Sustainable Travel Guide and is the author of 2021's "Hiking Lake Tahoe." She has undergraduate degrees from the University of Maryland and an M.A. in media and political communication from George Washington University. Follow her on Instagram at @HikeUpYourSkirt or find more of her work at suziedundas.com . 

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9 Best Camping Cots of 2023: Sleep Solutions for Camping & Backpacking

Lightweight, comfy, and highly-packable, these cots make getting a good night's rest under the stars easy, without the noise and feel of an air pad

Graham Hiemstra

Image courtesy Helinox

Field Mag may receive a minor commission from purchases made via affiliate links.

Your primary option for outdoor sleeping is no longer a squeaky, uncomfortable air mattress that might deflate during the night, thanks to the modern camping cot . A far cry from the military surplus wood-and-canvas behemoths you may remember from summer camp, these innovative and lightweight air pad alternatives are engineered to help weary outdoor enthusiasts get a good night's sleep at the campsite, in the backcountry, even at home.

But don't be deceived; not all camping cots are created equal. A quick Google search for lightweight cots for camping or the best backpacking cot will deliver a host of impossibly cheap Amazon-only options, and though I haven't personally tested them all, we'd warn against trusting these knockoff designs even if they appear to be best sellers. As they say—if it seems too good to be true, it probably is (and many reviewers will confirm).

That said, I have spent plenty of nights testing a range of camping cots from the top, most reputable brands. And the following 9 camping bed options are ones we can vouch for—each with a unique, proven system of suspension designed to elevate sleepers above uneven ground, offer better back support, and allow more airflow underneath the body for more a comfortable night's sleep outdoors.

Pair one with a down quilt and maybe even a lightweight side table and a set of camping chairs to rethink your entire camping experience altogether. And when it’s the off-season for outdoor camping, these packable cots can turn your living room into a sleeping area with a quick-deploying guest bed. Sure beats a leaky airbed.

Things to Consider When Buying a Camping Cot

This is your number one consideration when purchasing a camping cot. Just like sleeping pads, cots come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and with other factors that impact comfort, too. If you move around in the night, consider a cot with a larger sleeping surface that will allow you to do so. Also, consider tension—if you've slept on a saggy hotel cot and felt its effects for days afterward, then you already know how important a factor this is.

Whether you're setting up camp right next to the car or hiking/biking/boating to your site, you'll be schlepping all your gear from garage to vehicle to tent and back, which makes a sleeping cot's weight an important factor to consider. More weight doesn't always equal comfort either—there are excellent lightweight camping cots out there.

Ease of Setup & Packability

If a cot is so difficult to setup and dismantle that it leads to frustration, chances are you won't use it as often. Good cots are easy to set up and take down, just like a hammock. Similarly, a cot's packability will affect not only the camp setup experience but also how and where you store it. Packability works in tandem with weight, too; you're more likely to bring a cot on more camping trips if it packs down small and is lightweight, thereby taking up less space in your car or bag and in the garage or closet back at home, too.

Accessories

Cots can be fairly basic, but some brands make a range of accessories to make them even more versatile than they already are. Helinox, for example, has a full range of cot accessories that includes leg extensions, headrests, and insulated covers for camping in a variety of places and conditions.

Field Mag's Top Picks:

Best overall design: helinox cot one convertible.

• Best Budget Cot: Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot

Best Ultralight Cot for Backpacking: Therm-a-Rest UltraLite Cot

• Best for Tall Campers: Helinox Cot One Convertible Long

Easiest Setup: ALPS Mountaineering Escalade Cot

Best sleeping surface: helinox cot max convertible, best upgrade for home & camp: snow peak high tension cot.

• Most Maximalist: REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3
• Best Classic Cot Design: Eureka Camp Cot

Honorable Mention: Disc-o-Bed is a clever, stackable, modular bunkbed design for home use and glamping outfits. Goofy name aside, by many accounts, it's a decent option for more semi-permanent camping situations.

The Best Camping Cots of 2023

Helinox hit the bullseye in designing the Cot One, which expertly balances all the features that make a good camping cot—we could've awarded it the most portable cot, just as well. A unique lever locking leg attachment system makes for easy setup and take-down and also provides enough tension to create the perfect sag-free sleeping surface. As-is, the Cot One elevates campers six inches off the ground, but cot leg extensions can be purchased to elevate your sleeping surface to 18” off the ground (a height better for accessibility as it’s easier to get onto and off). All this, and the thing still weighs in at just 4 lbs 14 oz and packs down into the included carrying bag to fit in a backpack. (For a similar yet lighter cot, check out the 2 lb 12 oz Helinox Lite Cot ).

Packed Dimensions: 21.5 x 6 inches Minimum Trail Weight: 5 lbs 2 oz Weight Capacity: 320 lbs Pros: Very easy setup, portable, sturdy and lightweight Cons: You get what you pay for

Price: $350 (+$99 for Leg Extensions)

Best All Around Deal: Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot

A favorite of many reviewers and by all accounts a reliable and convenient outdoor sleeping solution, the adjustable Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot is constructed with a durable steel frame that can support 300 pounds and people up to 6'6". The folding design isn't exactly compact, nor is it lightweight at 20 pounds, but neither metric really matter if you're camping near your car, in the backyard, or using the cot for house guests. What does matter is comfort and ease of use—and the Pack-Away provides both a solid night sleep and is easy to setup and take down. Plus the removable nightstand table with drink holder is pretty clever.

Packed Dimensions: 21.5 x 6 inches Minimum Trail Weight: 5 lbs 2 oz Weight Capacity: 320 lbs Pros: Easy to unfold, sturdy construction Cons: Lots of hinges for pinching hands

It doesn’t get much more OG than Seattle-based Therm-a-Rest. For decades the Cascade Designs brand has been outfitting record-breaking expeditions and car campers alike with the absolute highest quality sleep solutions beginning with their inflatable mattress pads. The UltraLite Cot is the latest and likely the lightest and smallest packing cot available. Available in Regular or Large sizes, it breaks down easily, can be set up without tools, and features reflective materials to help retain body heat.

At its lightest packable weight without the storage bag, the cot becomes backpacking friendly at around 2 lbs 10 oz (and that’s without leaving support poles at home, which would further lighten the load). While the standard packable weight lands around 3 lbs, this puppy has been our go-to for car camping for years, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. Space-wise, it hardly takes up more room than two one-liter water bottles put together. (For backpacking, the 12 oz NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad is hard to beat.)

Packed Dimensions: 16 x 4 inches Minimum Trail Weight: 2 lbs 10 oz Weight Capacity: 325 lbs Pros: Very lightweight, comfortable Cons: Setup takes quite a bit of effort

Price: $240 $132

Best Cot for Tall Campers: Helinox Cot One Convertible Long

Sleeping bags come in longer sizes for tall campers, so why not cots? Helinox took everything that makes the Cot One Convertible the perfect camping cot—like pressure-locking legs, a lightweight aluminum frame, and a high-tension sleeping surface—and put an extended platform on top that adds 7.5 inches for a full length of 82.5 inches. The extension means this cot is slightly heavier and packs down a little larger into its included carrying case, but it's still as light and packable as you'll get for a cot of comparable size. Plus, all Helinox products carry a 5-year warranty.

Packed Dimensions: 23 x 6 inches Minimum Trail Weight: 6 lbs 4 oz Weight Capacity: 320 lbs Pros: Lightweight even with long length, portable & durable Cons: Elevated pricetag

Price: $400

ALPS Mountaineering is one of those sleeper brands that doesn't have as much flash but commands high respect among outdoorists for making gear that simply works. The oversized Escalade fits into that category, providing a large, sturdy sleeping surface that sets up in a snap, no assembly required—just take it out of the carrying bag and unfold. Once deployed, an oversized aluminum and steel frame elevates campers well above the hard cold ground. This sleeping cot also includes a side pocket for extra organization inside your tent.

Packed Dimensions: 48 x 9 x 5 inches Minimum Trail Weight: 24 lbs Weight Capacity: 325 Pros: Hanging pocket for essentials, easy-use design Cons: Large when packed

Price: $170

To get a positively huge sleeping surface without sacrificing other features like weight, packability, and comfort, you can't beat the Cot Max Convertible by Helinox. Like the Cot One, the Max has a super-supportive, lightweight aluminum frame and legs that lock into place to create a comfy, high-tension sleeping surface. And like the Cot One Long, the Max has an extended, 82.5-inch bed to accommodate tall sleepers. But this model adds even more extending this cot's width out to 29.5 inches, nearly 10 inches more than some of the top sleeping pads for camping. Again, that XL sleeping surface comes with marginal increases in weight and packed size, but big gains in comfort.

Packed Dimensions: 22.5 x 7 inches Minimum Trail Weight: 6 lbs 8 oz Weight Capacity: 320 lbs Pros: Lightweight and packable, XL sleeping surface Cons: Premium price

Price: $480

This deluxe, minimalist cot from Japanese outdoor retailer Snow Peak hits all the right beats style-wise, and in terms of practicality; who says camp furniture has to look like camp furniture anyways? With durable but comfortable polyester 600D for the fabric and a collapsible stainless steel frame, the aluminum legs use innovative design to create tension where weight is placed heaviest on the fabric, ensuring maximum support and zero sagging. Best for camping at-home or glamping situations.

Packed Dimensions: 49 x 11 x 7.8 inches Minimum Trail Weight: 13.2 lbs Weight Capacity: 14 lbs 14 oz Pros: Aesthetic design, comfortable, includes storage bag Cons: Expensive, still large when packed down

Price: $460

Best Maximalist Foldable Cot: REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3

This REI brand folding camping cot goes above and beyond in including features like a padded, water-resistant polyester fabric sleeping surface and a back that raises and lowers like a poolside lounge chair, making it a cozy option for campers who want or need extra comfort features for a good night's rest. Basically a folding bed, this option has extra-wide feet too, which helps with stability on a range of surfaces. The downside to all this is that it weighs 20 pounds and folds rather than packs down, so we'd reserve this cot for car camping and sleepovers only.

Packed Dimensions: 33 x 32 x 8.5 inches Minimum Trail Weight: 20 lbs Weight Capacity: 300 lbs Pros: Comfort first, large sleeping area, very adjustable Cons: Heavy, overbuilt, more components to fail in time

Price: $199

Best Classic Camping Cot: Eureka Camp Cot

Trusted by everyone from alpinists to families, Eureka has been helping people discover the outdoors since the 1800s. While best known for their camping tents, their wide range of other camping gear is equally reliable. Their camp cot is great for weekend getaways and overnight camping, setting up without hassle in just a minute. The heavy-duty fabric includes a faux leather headrest for increased comfort, and the strengthened steel frame supports up to 300 pounds. There are cheaper camping cots out there—the Coleman Trailhead II cot is roughly $50—but they're heavy, bulky, and can even damage your tent.

Packed Dimensions: 37.5 x 5.5 x 5 inches Minimum Trail Weight: 14.8 lbs Weight Capacity: 300 lbs Pros: Compact, included carrying bag Cons: Feet may damage tent floor

Price: $150

Camping Cot FAQs:

Are cots good for camping.

Yes. Now if you’re wondering, what is the point of a camping cot? The answer is three-fold: A quality camping cot provides superior support over an air mattress (or the hard ground), elevates you off the ground to provide better insulation and keep creepy crawlies at bay, and supports your body after a long day in the outdoors in a familiar manner that allows for a better night sleep. In the summer, air circulation under the cot also helps cool you during the night.

Does a camp cot need a mattress?

Generally, no. A quality camping cot, like those listed above, are all designed to provide support and comfort all night long. That said, if you’re particularly sensitive or just like a plush sleeping situation, pairing a camp cot with a thin Z Lite foam pad or even memory foam mattress (if maximalist car camping) will go a long way. If not using a sleeping bag, I suggest using a thin top sheet as body barrier between you and the cot—especially useful for warm weather camping.

Do you need a sleeping bag for a camping cot?

This is up to you—personally, I like to use a quality camping quilt or outdoor blanket instead of a sleeping bag. The beauty of camping cot is that it’s more similar to your bed at home, so sleeping in a restrictive mummy bag doesn’t make sense. When car camping, I like to lay on a top sheet on top of the cot, and use a thin wool blanket or camp quilt, and a generously sized pillow. It’s the best sleep you’ll ever have outdoors. Trust me.

Read our guide to camping chairs to complete your base camp setup.

Published 06-06-2019

Updated 07-17-2023

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The Best Packable Travel Towels

By Ebony Roberts

We love a plush, thirsty bath towel , but a campsite or suitcase just isn’t the place for one—there, we want a quick-drying, packable travel towel.

After putting 20 such towels through 60 hours of testing—including an intense day of sand and surf at the beach—we’ve concluded the PackTowl Personal offers the best balance of drying time, packability, and odor resistance without compromising comfort and design.

A good option for nearly every towel-related scenario, it’s lightweight, extra-large, and supersoft, making it usable for both car camping and travel into the backcountry.

Everything we recommend

PackTowl Personal

The best packable camp towel.

Whether used for camping, hiking, traveling, or general outdoor adventuring, this towel is durable enough to handle extended abuse while remaining soft and comfortable.

Buying Options

With store pickup or REI membership (limited patterns)

(limited patterns)

Budget pick

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

An inexpensive towel that gets the job done.

Good-enough absorbency and drying time for those on a budget.

PackTowl Luxe

A plush, comfortable towel.

Good for car camping, day trips, and hanging at the beach, this towel is made of an incredibly soft fabric that also repels dirt.

Scoring well in nearly every performance category, the PackTowl Personal towel consistently surprised us with its ability to handle the elements. It has an antibacterial treatment to help prevent odor, the “body” size (25 by 54 inches) is large enough to wrap around most folks, and it feels soft against the skin. It’s made of a tear-resistant fabric and was the best towel we tested at absorbing water and repelling dirt. Better still, sand from the beach remained on the towel’s surface so it was easy to shake off, leaving the towel clean after multiple uses. Its drying time was faster than most of the towels we tested and it packs down to a small size in a zippered breathable pouch, making it convenient for travel or camping.

The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel was nearly identical in design to many of the pricier models and scored just as well in our field tests. The only downsides are that its size large is smaller than most other large towels we tested, and it has lighter-feeling fabric. It didn’t handle our day at the beach quite as well and took a little longer to dry, but otherwise it’s comparable in comfort and packability. And, because it’s treated with an antibacterial coating—something not standard on budget (or even some pricey) towels—it passed our smell test with a perfect score. At just a fraction of the price of our top choice, it’s a good pick if you’re the kind of person who goes camping a few times a year and needs something affordable that works well.

If packing your towel down into a tiny space isn’t a concern for you, the PackTowl Luxe is about as comfortable as a towel can get. Although it does take up a bit more room and takes significantly longer to dry, its “body” size has the same dimensions as our top pick but has a plusher feel against the skin. Unlike similar big and luxurious camp towels, it didn’t smell after being put away wet. It absorbed water off the skin without trapping in the dirt and sand, which left it surprisingly clean for a towel with such a high pile. As it was easy to shake off, we enjoyed having it as a wrap and beach blanket, too.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: packtowl personal, how the packtowl has held up, flaws but not dealbreakers, an inexpensive towel that works fine: rainleaf microfiber towel, a plush, comfortable towel: packtowl luxe, microfibers and the environment, the competition, care and maintenance.

We spoke with three experts to get their takes on what we should look for in a good towel. Mark Knight, a product designer currently with Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) , has designed a number of outdoor products, including packable towels, and gave us a breakdown on what he considers to be important when creating products like these.

We spoke via email with Georgia Newsome, owner and operator of Coastal Bliss Adventures , who has worked as a backpacking, camping, and canoeing guide for the past 15 years.

And we spoke with Craig Oliver, product manager for health and safety at MEC. He was able to tell us what’s important from a consumer perspective. In addition to these interviews, we read a number of online reviews, pored over camping and backpacking forums, researched microfiber fabrics, and then selected and tested the towels we think cover most activities to determine which one was best overall.

Why doesn’t a regular, everyday cotton towel cut it for most outdoor activities? Knight offered us five reasons your cotton towel isn’t ideal: it’s too big, too heavy, might get damaged or stained, doesn’t get washed at the same frequency it would at home, therefore causing it to smell, and lastly, it’s not always used in the same manner as it would be at home. He added, “As a travel towel, there is also the added functional requirement of being quick-dry. When traveling, you can move around a lot, and a packed wet towel generally means a stinky towel.”

Packable towels are usually made from microfiber , although a few of the ones we tested are made from other materials (which didn’t end up performing as well). These materials are typically a blend of polyester and polyamide, aka nylon, and depending on the blend will produce a towel that feels more suede-like and slick to one that feels more plush like your average cotton towel. There are also packable towels made of nanofabric, which is composed of tiny nanoscopic fibers woven together—think the width of a human hair (or even smaller)—to create a fabric that is incredibly lightweight and small. Though they do the trick, nanofiber towels tend to have a slicker surface, which means they don’t feel much like the towel you’re used to.

According to Oliver, the most popular camp towel size is roughly equivalent to a standard household bath towel—about 26 by 52 inches after washing. Some towels were slightly smaller or larger, but we tried to stay within what would seem like regulation size for most people.

All the experts we talked to shared the opinion that the type of towel you’ll want to purchase depends on the activity you’re using it for. For backpacking or kayaking trips, Newsome told us that “lightweight, small packability and quick drying are the most important factors.” For car camping or other adventures, where weight isn’t an issue, she opts for a larger microfiber towel, and one with an antimicrobial coating, “which means for those longer road trips and tours this towel stays fresh smelling.” Knight’s opinion aligned with Newsome’s: “Some of the lightest towels don’t feel that great against your skin, but the weight means you will actually bring it in your backpack when on a long hike. If you are traveling around the world, weight might not be your primary concern, but comfort will factor highly, as you will be using the towel each day—unless you are a soap dodger ! So, a softer, slightly heavier towel may be the way to go.”

Just as important as how much water a towel can absorb—in other words, how well it dries you—is how well the towel dries after you’re dry. “Nobody wants to put a wet towel into their backpack,” Oliver said.

After surveying online reviews, forums, and user ratings, and asking people what type of towel they preferred for their own outdoor activities, we narrowed our field to 19 packable towels, then threw in a standard cotton towel as a plush baseline. We then tested the towels using seven criteria: price, comfort, design, wicking, drying time, odor resistance, and packability.

We washed and dried all of the towels, giving them all an equal starting point, then we scored them in each category. We didn’t score weight or size, but we did make note of whether these features made a difference when comparing similar options.

Comfort: This was a tough one because of the people we asked, some preferred a more textured fabric and others liked the smooth feel of the microsuede towels. We asked individuals to feel each towel against their skin, asked for their comments, and then asked what their overall top picks were.

Design: Here, we looked at how well the towel is made, and whether there were any particular features—good or bad—that made drying off more or less of a pleasure. Key among them was fabric quality, stitching, and what kind of hanging loop—essential!—the towel came with. We also looked at texture, an important attribute for both water absorption and grabbing dirt and grime, rather than just pushing it around. A too-slick towel won’t do much of anything except leave your skin feeling yucky and wet.

Wicking: One of the most important tests we conducted was how well the towel could wick away water and leave the skin feeling dry. When we took our test towels to the beach, we wanted to see how they performed against sandy salt water and whether they were able to clean the skin in addition to drying it.

Drying time: To determine which towel dried the fastest, we applied the same amount of water to each towel and then timed how long it took for them to dry. But how much water to use, and how dry is dry, exactly? We used 4 ounces of water, a quantity we settled on after having multiple testers shower and weigh their towels before and after use. Once the person was dry enough to feel comfortable putting their clothes on, we called that “dry.” We did this a couple of times with each person and used a couple types of cotton towels to get a base number. The average amount of water people removed from their bodies after showering was a ½ cup, or about 225 milliliters. We hung our entire assortment of high-tech, portable towels on the same line and recorded the time it took to leave each one dry to the touch.

Odor resistance: Another important criterion is how the towel smells after multiple uses. “An antimicrobial finish helps with odor management and decreases the frequency you need to wash the towel,” Knight told us. A towel may be used a dozen times before it gets properly washed, and if a towel smells musty or dirty after a couple of uses, it probably is. Many of the towels advertise a protective antibacterial coating and we wanted to see if these coatings actually made a difference.

Our test involved taking the towels to the beach, soaking them in 16 ounces of ocean water, wringing out the excess water as best as we could, and then placing each towel in a sealed plastic bag for 48 hours. After that, we opened the bags and took a whiff. Though most remained odor-free (especially those coated with an antimicrobial treatment), we were taken aback by how seriously a few of them reeked.

Packability: As important as drying you—and drying out—are, the other key thing a camp towel has to do is pack small for travel. Some towels came with cases, some didn’t. Our focus was simply how tiny a towel could get.

Price: More expensive doesn’t really seem like a good thing when it comes to something like a packable travel towel, given that there’s such a variance in price and that most towels pretty much claim to do the same thing.

The PackTowl Personal is our top choice because it handled every test we put it through. It’s the perfect option for nearly any outdoor activity that requires a towel. It’s large and durable while still being comfortable and comes with an antimicrobial treatment, which means it won’t smell after multiple uses. Its snap loop for hanging was one of the easiest to use, and the towel packs down to a small size, making it easy to travel with. Its drying time was comparable with that of the fastest-drying towels we tested, and it didn’t absorb dirt or sand into its fabric, an essential feature if you’re taking a towel into the backcountry.

Made of a soft microsuede, this towel was consistently chosen as a top pick by those we asked to rate its comfort. It is soft and light, but still has a bit of texture, so it doesn’t feel slick against your skin the way a nanofiber towel like the Matador NanoDry Shower Towel does. The PackTowl seems built to last, with a nicely seamed edge that should hold up over time. On top of feeling soft, it dried our skin much more readily than the non-microfiber towels we tested, like the Coleman or Outlier. It even dried a bit more quickly than other microfiber products in our test group. We were impressed by how well it repelled sand and dirt from being absorbed into its fabric. The sand that did stick to the towel was easy to shake off—which wasn’t the case of some of the other models we tested that looked like dirty rags after just a short time at the beach.

In our drying-time test, the PackTowl dried much faster than most, with the exception of the linen towel and the Biospired Footprint, which beat the PackTowl’s dry time by 30 minutes. (The towels we tested dried in a range from 1 hour, 45 minutes to nearly 4 hours.) We noticed that the towels with an additional antimicrobial coating took a little longer to dry. We think the extra odor protection is worth the few extra minutes of drying time. As the PackTowl dried, some water initially beaded on the surface, but was then absorbed, compared with towels that still had visible water beads after almost an hour of drying. (Beads of water were a good indication of extended drying times.) Water also dispersed evenly through the towel rather than leaving wet spots, which likely contributed to its fast drying time. We dried the towels in overcast conditions, and noticed that at just over 1 hour, 30 minutes the PackTowl was only minimally damp, and could be packed back into its carrying case if you were in a rush to pack up and go.

We tested the PackTowl’s “body” size, which weighed 6.7 ounces, fairly average compared with the other suede-type towels, and measured 25 by 54 inches, just shy of being the same size as our standard bath towel, and larger than many of the towels in our testing pool.

Wirecutter staffers have owned this towel for multiple seasons and it continues to hold up, with no loose threads or unraveled seams after use.

We didn’t love the PackTowl’s pouch: it doesn’t attach easily to a backpack, and the zipper seemed flimsy. But the pouch is made of breathable fabric, so it won’t trap moisture the way a plastic bag or pouch might. Although the PackTowl is antimicrobial, it did have the slightest ocean water odor to it after our 48-hour smell test, which is not something we noticed in previous tests.

Costing about half the price of our top pick, the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is a great choice for those that don’t want to shell out almost $30 for a towel. A major bonus is that unlike most of the inexpensive towels we considered, this one actually comes with an antimicrobial treatment and passed the smell test after being sealed up wet for two days. It’s also comfortable, easy to dry off with, and just as packable as the PackTowl.

It didn’t dry quite as fast as our top pick and that may be due to the fact that some of the water beaded off and remained on the surface before being absorbed directly into the towel. The size we tested (L) is also slightly smaller than some of the pricier options but still big enough to wrap around the average person’s body.

Because it is so inexpensive, there’s the option of upgrading to the XL or XXL sizes for just a few bucks more and still have it come in well below price of most other towels. On top of that, it has a functional carrying pouch that is both breathable and easy to fasten onto a backpack so you can pack the towel damp and hang it to dry when it’s time to hit the road.

That said, though it did well drying our testers at the beach, it didn’t handle sand as well as our top pick, leaving a good amount behind on both their skin and the towel itself. If you’re a serious outdoor adventurer who’s going to be putting it to work against the elements, we recommend a towel that can handle gritty, sticky stuff a bit better.

If size and volume aren’t issues and you’re looking for something more soft and comfortable, the PackTowl Luxe performed the best of the plush cotton-like microfiber towels. Not only did it dry the quickest of these towels, it was good at removing sand from the skin and didn’t absorb dirt and mud into the fabric. It also didn’t have any odor after the smell test. A few of the other thicker towels we tested simply reeked—testers used the term “rotten fish”—after a couple days crunched into a ball, but not the Luxe.

If comfort is a primary concern, this towel feels much closer to cotton, avoiding the slick skin-feel common to many microsuedes and nanofibers. As we did with our pick, the PackTowl Personal, we tested the extra-large “Body” size. Also like our pick, at this size the Luxe is a few inches larger than the others we tested of the same type, measuring 25 by 54 inches, offering that extra little bit of coverage.

It does come with a carrying pouch, and though not as stylish or durable as the Sea to Summit Pocket Towel ’s silicone carrying case, it’s adequate for what it needs to do. We consider this towel a solid option for car camping and day trips, when taking up a little extra space won’t matter.

Although durable and light, there’s an environmental downside to microsynthetic fibers: Every time you wash that gear, small quantities of its fibers are shed, ending up in our waterways and oceans. (Here’s a study from the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management on the issue.) For more about the problem and some advice on combating it, see our article Your Laundry Sheds Harmful Microfibers. Here’s What You Can Do About It.

We tested a standard white bath towel—the Fieldcrest Luxury Solid Towel, which has since been discontinued—that was the same size as the majority of the towels we tested. It performed as expected: It was great at drying skin and was comfortable, but it didn’t pack down and had a bit of a funky smell after our odor test. Surprisingly, it didn’t take that much longer to dry than some of the plusher microfiber models we tested and actually outperformed a few of the towels that are marketed specifically for camping.

Biospired Footprint Towel: This had been our runner-up pick, but the size we tested has cycled in and out of stock. If you do happen to run across one, it’s still a good towel, though. We had also tested, and dismissed, the Biospired Endurance Camping & Fitness Towel and the Biospired Trek Pack Towel; for what it’s worth, those towels also tend to have stock problems.

Matador NanoDry Shower Towel : For backcountry campers and hikers that are concerned about weight, this is by far the lightest towel we tested (2.4 ounces). It performed well, but it is very thin and not as comfortable as the others. We decided it was too specialized to be best for most people.

Outlier Grid Linen Towel : Made of a natural linen fabric, this towel was the fastest-drying towel, and it performed well at the beach. But it doesn’t pack down very small, doesn’t come with a carrying case but rather a thick elastic band, and had a faint smell after our odor test. Those drawbacks made it hard to justify its high price.

Sunland Microfiber Towel  (currently unavailable): One of the least expensive microfiber towels, but no antimicrobial treatment and very average performance.

Sea to Summit DryLite Towel : One of the slowest to dry. Another note of caution, many online reviews have reported a problem with the cobalt blue dye running. We didn’t run into this problem, but we tested an orange towel, so it’s likely the issue is with only the darker-colored towels. Another drawback is that the carrying case comes with a Velcro closure, making it possible to snag the fabric when maneuvering the towel into and out of the case.

Shandali Yoga Travel Towel  (currently unavailable): Average performance, no carrying case, and though it does have a little loop for hanging to dry, most of the towels we tested had a loop with a snap, making them more versatile.

YogaRat SportLite Sport + Bath Towel  (currently unavailable): Though this towel did dry quite quickly and was resistant to odor during our 48-hour test, the lack of an antibacterial treatment gave us odor concerns for people taking it on longer trips. And with no carrying case and a snapless loop, this towel was a few steps below our top choices in convenience.

Sea to Summit Tek Towel : Sand stuck to the towel, leaving it quite dirty. Drying time was slow.

REI Co-op Multi Towel  (currently unavailable, but we're looking into a possible new version): Everything stuck to this towel: dryer lint, grass, sand, and dirt, and even though we tested a darker color, it looked dirty after our day at the beach. It also didn’t smell great after our odor test, and it took over four hours to dry.

Lightload Towel : Not really built to be used multiple times, this towel is made of an almost paperlike viscose material, and although very small, once unpackaged it can’t be squished down to its original size (although it does fit in a smaller Ziploc bag). It is incredibly large though, dried quickly, and would probably perform as an ad-hoc firestarter or outdoor survival tool (non-cleanliness-oriented usage scenarios suggested by the manufacturer). Whether being able to set the world on fire is a worthwhile trade-off with this towel’s lack of odor resistance—it was the worst performer in our stink trial—is something we hope we’ll never have to decide.

Coghlan’s Deluxe Camp Towel (currently unavailable): This is the classic outdoor towel that’s been around campsites for years. Some backcountry campers still prefer these towels because they’re small, lightweight, and cheap, but they didn’t perform as well as the microfiber towels that we tested. They dry very slowly, stink up easily, and don’t feel good against the skin.

Coleman Camp Towel  (currently unavailable): Similar in nearly every aspect to the Coghlan’s towel, just with slightly different dimensions—neither is big enough to really function as a full-body wrap—this model also had the drawbacks of rough fabric, odor retention, and delayed drying. (It appears to have been discontinued.)

Most packable towels are designed to repel dirt and bacteria, so they don’t need to be cleaned after every use. Excessive washing can also break down the fabric and any additional antimicrobial technology the towel might be treated with. So, wash only when dirty and don’t dry your towel on high heat unless absolutely necessary; way better to hang it when you can and let the air take care of it.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Nicholas J. Bruce, Niko L. Hartline, Stephanie N. Karba, Elizabeth O. Ruff, Shreya U. Sonar, and Patricia A. Holden, Microfiber Pollution and the Apparel Industry , Bren School of Environmental Science and Management , September 30, 2016

Mark Knight, product designer for Mountain Equipment Co-opand member of the Outdoor Industry Association , email interview , April 21, 2017

Georgia Newsome, owner and operator of Coastal Bliss Adventure and Kilimanjaro Bliss , email interview , March 31, 2017

Craig Oliver, product manager for health and safety at Mountain Equipment Co-op , phone interview , March 29, 2017

What Are The Coolest New Small Gear Companies? , Outside , January 15, 2016

Anne Trafton, Tiny particles may pose big risk , MIT News , April 8, 2014

Meet your guide

Ebony Roberts

Further reading

The Best Gear for Travel

by Wirecutter Staff

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

Essential Gear for Traveling Solo

by Ria Misra

Traveling solo is freeing but poses some unique challenges. Wirecutter’s picks help you travel comfortably and securely—and bring home great pictures too.

The Best Beach and Surf Gear: Towels, Totes, Coolers, and More

by Kit Dillon

After six years of relaxing in the sand and playing in the surf, we’ve chosen the best picks to help you enjoy a perfect beach day.

The Best Duffle Bags

After lugging 34 duffles through airports, to beaches, and on weekend trips, we chose seven bags that’ll carry what you need carried in a range of scenarios.

Is It Safe in Moscow?

Stanislav Solntsev / Getty Images

When you visit Moscow , Russia, you’re seeing one of the world’s largest, and most expensive, capital cities . While there is a history of violent crime against foreign journalists and aid personnel in Russia, a trip to Moscow is usually safe for mainstream travelers. Most tourists in Moscow only face potential issues with petty crime, though terrorism is also a concern. Visitors should stick to the principal tourist areas and abide by the local security advice.

Travel Advisories

• The U.S. Department of State urges travelers to avoid travel to Russia because of COVID-19 and to "exercise increased caution due to terrorism, harassment, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws."  
• Anyone exploring more of Russia should avoid "The North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus, due to terrorism, kidnapping,   and   risk of civil unrest." Also, travelers should stay away from "Crimea due to Russia’s occupation of the Ukrainian territory   and   abuses by its occupying authorities."  
• Canada states travelers should use a high degree of caution in Russia due to the threat of terrorism and crime.  

Is Moscow Dangerous?

The Moscow city center is typically safe. In general, the closer you are to the Kremlin , the better. Travelers mainly need to be aware of their surroundings and look out for petty crime. Be especially careful in tourist areas such as Arbat Street and crowded places like the Moscow Metro transit system. The suburbs are also generally fine, though it is advised to stay away from Maryino and Perovo districts.

Terrorism has occurred in the Moscow area, leading authorities to increase security measures. Be more careful at tourist and transportation hubs, places of worship, government buildings, schools, airports, crowds, open markets, and additional tourist sites.

Pickpockets and purse snatching happen often in Russia, perpetrated by groups of children and teenagers who distract tourists to get their wallets and credit cards. Beware of people asking you for help, who then trick you into their scheme. Don’t expect a backpack to be a safe bag bet; instead, invest in something that you can clutch close to your body or purchase a money belt . Always diversify, storing some money in a separate location so that if you are pickpocketed, you'll have cash elsewhere. Keep an eye out for thieves in public transportation, underground walkways, tourist spots, restaurants, hotel rooms and homes, restaurants, and markets.

Is Moscow Safe for Solo Travelers?

Large cities like Moscow in Russia are overall fairly safe if you are traveling alone, and the Moscow Metro public transit is a secure and easy way to get around. But it is still a good idea to follow basic precautions as in any destination. Avoid exploring alone at night, especially in bad areas. You may want to learn some basic Russian phrases or bring a dictionary, as many locals don't speak English. However, in case you need any help, there are tourist police that speak English. Also, exploring with other trusted travelers and locals or on professional tours is often a good way to feel safe.

Is Moscow Safe for Female Travelers?

Catcalling and street harassment are infrequent in Moscow and the rest of Russia and females traveling alone don't usually have problems. There are plenty of police officers on the streets as well. Still, it serves to stick to Moscow's well-lit, public areas, avoid solo night walks, and use your instincts. Women frequenting bars may take receive some friendly attention. Females can wear whatever they want, but those entering Orthodox churches will be required to cover up. Though women in Russia are independent, domestic violence and other inequality issues take place regularly.

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Russia is not known as a gay-friendly country. However, Moscow is one of the more welcoming cities with a blooming LGBTQ+ community and many friendly restaurants, bars, clubs, and other venues. Hate crimes in Russia have increased since the 2013 anti-gay propaganda law. Openly LGBTQ+ tourists in this conservative country may experience homophobic remarks, discrimination, or even violence, especially if traveling with a partner. Also, while women hold hands or hug publicly—whether romantically involved or not—men should avoid public displays of affection to prevent being insulted or other issues.

Safety Tips for BIPOC Travelers

Moscow  and other big cities in Russia have sizable populations of various cultures, so discrimination against BIPOC travelers is rarer than in other parts of the country where it can become dangerous. Some people living in Russia who are Black, Asian, Jewish, and from other backgrounds have experienced racial discrimination and violence. Tourists won't usually experience overt racism but may be the recipients of some stares. If anyone should bother you, be polite and resist being taunted into physically defending yourself.

Safety Tips for Travelers

Travelers should consider the following general tips when visiting:

• It's best not to drink the tap water. If you do, boil it before drinking, though showering is safe and the amount used to brush teeth is generally not harmful. Mineral water is widely drunk, especially at restaurants, and if you prefer not to have it carbonated ask for “ voda byez gaz” (water without gas).
• If you need emergency assistance in case of fire, terrorism, medical issues, or more, dial 112 in Russia for bilingual operators.
• Be judicious about taking photographs, especially of police or officials. This can potentially bring unwanted attention to yourself by members of law enforcement who won’t mind asking to see your passport. Also avoid snapping photos of official-looking buildings, such as embassies and government headquarters.
• Carry your passport in as secure a manner as possible. If you get stopped for any reason by the police, they can fine or arrest you if you don't have the document with you. Also, keep photocopies of your passport, the page on which your travel visa appears, and any other documents that relate to your stay in Russia.
• Use official taxis only and steer clear of illegal taxi companies, especially at night. Ask your hotel to call a reputable taxi company.

U.S. Department of State. " Russia Travel Advisory ." August 6, 2020.

Government of Canada. " Official Global Travel Advisories ." November 19, 2020.

Is It Safe in Peru?

Is It Safe in Guatemala?

Is It Safe in Rio de Janeiro?

Is It Safe in Barbados?

Is It Safe in Egypt?

Is It Safe in Sweden?

Is It Safe in Colombia?

Is It Safe in Jamaica?

Is It Safe in Germany?

Is It Safe in Iceland?

Is It Safe in Mexico?

2020 Travel Warnings for Countries in Africa

Is It Safe in Russia?

Is It Safe in Amsterdam?

Is It Safe in Thailand?

Is It Safe in Trujillo, Peru?

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These Are the Only 3 Outfits You Need to Pack for Any Trip, According to a Carry-on-only Traveler

This foolproof packing list actually doubles the amount of outfits in your suitcase.

• Best Accessories for Travel Outfits

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez

Before I became a travel journalist, I was a buyer in the fashion industry for over 15 years, working with brands such as Brooks Brothers, Michael Kors, and the former Liz Claiborne, so you can say that I have a keen eye for style, quality fabrics, and a good fit. These days, I put my former skills to work in a different way. On average, I travel twice a month and it’s not unusual for me to be zipping through the airport on any given day, so I pack light and maximize the outfits that I’m taking with me. 

At first, it wasn’t easy to streamline my packing lists for each destination; I was always stressed that I had left an essential top, pair of bottoms, jacket — you name it — at home. But, with the help of my former fashion buyer brain, I developed the ultimate travel capsule wardrobe , complete with three foolproof outfits that help me create dozens of looks (without needing to check a bag , I might add). Here are my favorite mix-and-match separates that suit any type of trip itinerary — both work and play — along with some must-have accessories that'll widen your wardrobe horizons. 

Duer LuxTwill Trucker Jacket 

Duer luxtwill high-rise trousers, minnow navy and dusty red stripe sweater.

I’ve been a huge fan of the Canadian clothing company Duer for several years now, and its LuxTwill Trucker Jacket and matching High-Rise Trousers are one of my favorite outfits to bring on work trips. Both the jacket and pants are made of 98 percent cotton and 2 percent elastane, so the pieces have a structured look while allowing for some stretch for comfort.

While it’s a great set, I also love to wear the jacket as a separate, over dresses, leggings, or jeans. And, to save suitcase space, I'll sport it on the plane. I've found that it's a versatile essential that’s great for work and play destinations. The trousers pair well with knits as well as button-front tops. I especially love pairing it with a slouchy novelty sweater like my favorite one from Minnow ; it's an excellent transition piece for spring that works with denim, pants, skirts and shorts and is constructed of a dreamy cotton-cashmere blend, making it super soft and comfortable. 

The timeless nautical pullover is also cozy, but not bulky and the dolman sleeves are fashionable and functional, allowing you to move freely when traveling. I own two of these sweaters and find myself bringing them on work trips and vacations because they match with nearly everything that I own.

To copy the look for less, pair this cropped jacket (on sale for $24) with these $40 high-waisted trousers and this nautical-inspired crewneck sweater that's currently $31 — all from Amazon. 

PrettyGarden Two-Piece Sleeveless Vest and Wide-Leg Pants Set

I’m in love with Amazon's two-piece sets because not only are they available at amazing price points, but they're super sleek and can be styled in so many ways. Here, the vest is drapey and offers a sophisticated and elegant look, although it also works well with denim; when I'm home, I like pairing it with my Everlane Super-Soft Relaxed Jeans for a laidback SoCal vibe, but when I'm on the go, it goes perfectly with the Duer LuxTwill High-Rise Trousers featured above (and I can layer the brand's LuxTwill Trucker Jacket on top or pair the PrettyGarden trousers with my Minnow sweater ). 

The bottoms are like palazzo pants and flare slightly, with a loose fit throughout. I like that they aren’t too tight, making them perfect for work meetings, long travel days, and itinerary-heavy days. They also have functioning pockets that are great for holding your essentials while on the move. The set comes in eight colors and sizes range from S to 2XL. Both pieces are machine washable; I’ve put them to the test in the wash several times and they come out looking just as good as new. A word of advice: Make sure you hang them to dry or lay them flat so they retain good shape.

For a more tailored look, you can get the set with a tighter-fitting cropped vest for $52. But, if this look is too business casual for your destination, I also pulled some stunning two-piece sets; check out the now-viral Anrabess Short-Sleeve Mockneck Sweater Set on sale for $40, the tropical getaway-ready Anrabess Linen Tank Top Matching Set that's currently $30, or the PrettyGarden Rib Knit Matching Set , which trades trousers for an elegant maxi skirt.  

Vuori’s Short-Sleeve Lux Crew Jumpsuit

Vuori makes my favorite activewear, so it’s no surprise that this super-flattering jumpsuit is on my list of favorite travel outfits. The jumpsuit's performance knit is so comfortable, especially in the summer when it feels good to wear loose-fitting clothing, but is also perfect for travel days, road trips, as well as lounging poolside (save room in your carry-on by using it as a swim cover-up). 

To make this outfit extra cool, slip the brand’s Halo Performance Hoodie over it when heading to a Pilates class or an early morning stroll. You can also wear it with a cropped jacket (like the Duer trucker jacket that I mentioned earlier) for a night out on the town. When the dress code calls for something cozier, I'll layer my Minnow sweater on top so it feels like I'm wearing a sweatshirt and sweatpants — even though the combo looks effortlessly chic.  

If you’re not a fan of onesies, don’t fret. Vuori's Villa Wide-Leg Pants can be paired with its Energy Top to serve a similar look. And, if you're looking for more budget-friendly jumpsuits, over at Amazon, you can get the Anrabess Short-Sleeve Crewneck Jumpsuit for $40. 

Travel + Leisure / Jean Chen Smith

Best Accessories for Travel Outfits 

Now, it's time to put the finishing touches on these travel outfits. Similarly, my go-to accessories can be mixed and matched to be styled with different looks, ensuring that everything in your suitcase is functional and will get plenty of use on your trip. Below, you'll find my favorite travel shoes and travel purses to tie your outfits together. 

Kizik Venice Slip-On Sneakers

A while back, I kept seeing these amazing hands-free slip-on shoes that you can put on and take off without having to bend down or fuss with laces. The Venice slip-ons are by far my favorites. They’re easy to slide right into, super lightweight, and hassle-free to pack. I love wearing them on long flights because they don’t feel constricting (plus, they make going through TSA security a breeze and I can easily slide out of them once I'm in my seat). And, when I'm at my destination, their cushy insoles and grippy rubber soles keep my feet comfy and supported when I'm on the move. 

They go with everything and really elevate any outfit. I'll pair them with my Duer set for more casual affairs and use them to make my PrettyGarden vest-trouser duo more playful after work meetings. And, of course, they're the long-lost soulmate for my Vuori jumpsuit , especially on travel days. 

Sapahn Jori Crossbody Bag

I used to be partial to labels and monogrammed bags, but I’m currently loving the Jori Crossbody for day-to-night use. During a recent trip to Santa Barbara, I found myself using it instead of my trusty Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag — which says a lot . Although it looks small, it actually fits everything that I need for a busy day on the go; I can store a small notebook, wallet, makeup compact, and smartphone in there without effort. 

The best feature of this bag is that you can switch out the straps to give it an entirely different look, making it transitional from work to play. There are two pockets inside for organizing smaller items like lipsticks or receipts. It comes in four colors, although the khaki hue is my favorite because it’s great for spring and it goes with everything — whether I'm dressed up in my PrettyGarden vest and wide-leg trousers , dressed down in my Duer LuxTwill Trucker Jacket and matching High-Rise Trousers , or out grabbing coffee in my Vuori jumpsuit .  

Amazon is filled with leather crossbody purses that are equal parts versatile, functional, and stylish — starting with the Gladdon Crossbody Bag (that's on sale for $16), the $13 FashionPuzzle Small Dome Chain Strap Crossbody Bag , and the Afkomst Crossbody Bag , which has a similar gold buckle detail in the center. For extra flair, I also spotted this on-sale Fossil crossbody that has a color-blocking print and a roomy build. 

Milmo 1813 Tote Bag

Milmo's 1813 isn’t just another tote bag, it’s a lifesaver for travel. I often use it as a personal item (paired with my Vuori jumpsuit ) when flying because of its versatility and roominess. I also love that it has a removable and washable interior liner that easily comes out with snap buttons; I don’t have to over-worry about spills and messes (the company also offers a two-year warranty on any defects outside of normal wear and tear). 

Its durable rope handles, which attach along the lower half of the bag, can hold up to 300 pounds, which is why it excels as a travel bag. As a tote, it's elegant, structured design is boardroom-ready (with my PrettyGarden two-piece set) , but it can also be worn as the perfect off-duty bag thanks to its convertible crossbody straps (I can sport it around town in the Vuori jumpsuit or Duer duo when I want to be hands-free). The exterior zip pockets allow for quick and easy access to your essentials while in line at the airport or a local eatery. It comes in four colors, but my choice is green.

Over at Amazon, you can replicate the look by adding the KouLi Buir Quilted Tote Bag ($40) or Missnine Laptop Tote Bag ($30) to your cart. But, if you want vast color options, I recommend the Wrangler Vintage Convertible Tote , which is available in 33 hues and is currently on sale for $49. 

Everlane Day Glove Flats

While I’m a huge fan of my Mansur Gavriel flats , I usually opt for Everlane's Day Gloves when I'm traveling because they’re just so comfortable and sleek. Praised for their buttery soft leather, the shoes mold to your feet for easy movement and endless support. I can take on a full day of walking wearing them. The rubber soles create a solid foundation and provide grippy traction on uneven and slick surfaces.

Made in an Italian factory, they come in 13 colors and sizes from 5 to 11, with the option for narrow or comfort width. I own several colors and rotate them when traveling. Plus, they hardly take up any room in my suitcase, which is always a win if you're a carry-on-only traveler, and can help spruce up professional outfits like the PrettyGarden vest and wide-leg pants , or make laidback styles like the Duer trucker jacket , matching pants , and Minnow sweater dressier.  

Their comfort is hard to match, but Amazon shoppers assure that the Trary Mary Jane Flats are another supportive option (and they're only $35). You can also get the Square-Toe Ankle Strap Ballet Flats , which are teacher-approved , from DreamPairs for $33. Knit flat fans can score the popular Frank Mully Pointed-Toe Flats for $36 thanks to a limited-time deal.

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Chiricahua National Monument celebrates 100 years with free tours, guided hikes

Chiricahua National Monument was established on April 18, 1924, by President Calvin Coolidge to protect the “Wonderland of Rocks” in southeastern Arizona that includes an 8-mile scenic drive and 17 miles of hiking trails.

Spanning over 12,025 acres in the Chiricahua Mountains southeast of Willcox, Chiricahua National Monument is celebrating its centennial with a slate of events Thursday through Saturday, April 18-20.

On Thursday there will be a commemoration ceremony; on Friday, a living history experience at Faraway Ranch; and on Saturday there will be a guided bird walk and a “Story Behind the Scenery: Geology Chiricahua Style” program.

Here’s what to know about Chiricahua National Monument's centennial celebration and how you can take part.

Arizona's 'Wonderland of Rocks': Chiricahua National Monument celebrates 100 years

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Chiricahua National Monument centennial tours, hike

Thursday, April 18: The commemoration ceremony is at 2 p.m. at Faraway Ranch, the former homestead in the monument. Local and national dignitaries will be in attendance. Music starts at 1:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. Faraway Ranch House and Stafford Cabin will be open for self-guided tours from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Friday, April 19: The living history event is 1-4 p.m. at Faraway Ranch. Staff in 1920s and '30s clothing will share what life was like in Bonita Canyon 100 years ago. Faraway Ranch House and Stafford Cabin will be open for self-guided tours from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 20: A guided bird walk is from 9-11 a.m. in the Bonita Creek Picnic Area. Visitors can observe birds, identifying them by sight, sound and habitat. Bring water, sun protection and binoculars. The 30-minute “Story Behind the Scenery: Geology Chiricahua Style” program will be presented on the hour from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Massai Point.

Chiricahua National Monument centennial shuttle and parking info

The visitor center will be open 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. during the centennial celebration. There will be no hiker shuttle service April 18 and 19.

On April 18 and 19, Massai Point, Echo Canyon and Sugarloaf parking lots will be open. Faraway Ranch parking lot will be closed with an exception for vehicles with a disability plate or placard.

Centennial event parking will be available just outside the park entrance. Free shuttles will stop at Faraway Ranch and the visitor center.

On April 20, all parking lots will be open. A hiker shuttle will be provided from Faraway Ranch to Echo Canyon parking lot on the hour from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and from Echo Canyon parking lot to Faraway Ranch on the half hour from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

On all three days, vehicles over 24 feet, trailers and horses are prohibited except for vehicles and trailers with a campground reservation.

Do you have to pay to get into Chiricahua National Monument?

No. Chiricahua National Monument is free to enter. There's a fee for camping in Bonito Canyon Campground.

What is the closest city to Chiricahua National Monument?

Chiricahua National Monument is 36 miles southeast of Willcox, Arizona. It has lodging, restaurants, wine tasting rooms, grocery shopping and other services.

Details: www.nps.gov/chir/centennial.htm .

A 4th Arizona national park? State officials want national park status for Chiricahua

Reach the reporter at   [email protected] . Follow   @dina_kaur  on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Support local journalism.   Subscribe to azcentral.com today .

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

Buying Tickets

• Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
• You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
• There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
• Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
• If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
• You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
• You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

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21 Things to Know Before You Go to Moscow

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