As the technology improves and more manufacturers jump into rechargeables, these versions are quickly becoming the norm for both experts and weekend warriors alike. Brightness is the most important metric, accounting for the majority of each lantern's overall score – each lantern underwent eight specific tests to assess the brightness score alone.

Luminoodle LED Rope Lights for Camping, Hiking, Safety

We rate each product based on how many features it has beyond the basics and whether they genuinely improve its overall quality.And speaking of bias lighting, the Luminoodle’s other color settings could serve as a nice bias light when your TV is off—although again, you’ll probably need to supply your own USB wall wart to make it work if your TV doesn’t have an always-on USB port. The strong, thin fabric of the bag diffuses the light allowing it to cast a powerful lantern-like glow.

Luminoodle Light strip remote not working. : r/hometheater Luminoodle Light strip remote not working. : r/hometheater

The Luminoodle Light Rope is definitely fun to use and I’m sure there are more effective uses for it, I just didn’t find it incredibly useful on this particular outing. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. The included nylon ripstop bag is incredibly useful, not only for holding the Light Rope, mounting ties, utility loop and battery pack but also for acting as a lantern when the Light Rope is powered and stuffed inside.

String lights are just one of the many ways that you can light up the night on your next camping adventure. The bug bit him hard and he’s been tinkering, building, deconstructing and generally creating gadgetry mayhem ever since. The Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini gives you the option to light up both sides of the lamp (left) or conserve battery by only illuminating half (right).

Luminoodle USB Switch and Dimmer - Female to Male On Off Luminoodle USB Switch and Dimmer - Female to Male On Off

Pair it with the Power Practical Pronto Basecamp 12V battery pack to make it a portable camping light. Using a standard size 16-ounce propane canister, the Coleman Deluxe Propane lasted three hours while turned up to its highest setting. It certainly isn't the brightest burner in our lineup, but it glows well enough to liven up things when night falls on a high wilderness camp. The immediate feature that sets Lifx apart from so much of its competition is that it does not require a hub. A model with an on/off switch and a handle is sufficient in most cases, but we appreciate those that offer a little more versatility and thoughtfulness.Also worth considering are the Black Diamond Zip or BioLite PowerLite Mini, both of which fit easily into almost any pocket and are competitively lightweight. Whether it is thru-hiking the PCT or Vermont's Long Trail or paddling down New Hampshire's Androscoggin River, he is grateful for the warm glow of a lantern on a cold, rainy night (and a little power boost for his phone). Many of the lanterns we tested – even small ones like Kizen Solar Collapsible – are able to charge a smartphone (or other small electronic devices).