The 10 Best Headlamps & Camping Lights of 2023
By: Jack Mace: Camp Buyer | June 27, 2023
Mankind has been innovating in the realm of outdoor lighting since the first came folks made fires to paint by. Since then, we’ve come a long way, but the basic principles remain. Reliable sources of light, especially when we’re sleeping outside, make us feel safer and make it easier to function. That’s never more true than on camping trips. A camping trip without lights is a scary, boring mess. Everyone goes to bed when the sun sets, and midnight bathroom breaks are terrifying. But, we’ve come a long way from the days of torches and candles being our only light sources. Now, with the best headlamps and best camping lights, it’s easy to keep things lit all evening long.
New This Year:
Instead of a one-size-fits-all, light a big fire to keep the wolves away approach, there are camping lights systems on this list for everyone. Looking for a simple headlamp? We’ve got you covered. Need something that integrates into your tent for a gentle glow that’s perfect for reading or posting photos to the ‘gram? We’ve got that too. So don’t worry about the dark on your next camp trip. Just bring the necessary camping gear and make the most of your evening in the woods.
This Year's Best Headlamps & Camping Lights:
BioLite Headlamp 330
You wanted a headlamp, not a 19th Century mining lamp, right? The BioLite Headlamp 330 will do the trick. This sleek little number is designed for 21st Century activities like running, climbing, backpacking, and rumaging around the attic looking for That Thing™. It has moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool and dry when you get a sweat on, and the nifty rechargeable battery means you can leave those heavy alkalines behind.
| Lumens | Power Source | Original Price |
| Up to 330 Lumens | USB Rechargeable Battery | $59.95 |
BioLite Headlamp 200
Light the path with your rechargeable, dimmable, and exceptionally portable BioLite Headlamp 200. Light, bright, and resistant to moisture, the BioLite Headlamp 200 tucks neatly away in your pack for quick illumination on demand with minimal weight.
| Lumens | Power Source | Original Price |
| Up to 200 Lumens | Micro USB | $44.95 |
Big Agnes mtnGLO™ Tent & Camp Lights
Even if you weren't ready to take the full dive into the Big Agnes mtnGLO™ legacy, doesn't mean you still can't enjoy all the perks. The Big Agnes mtnGLO™ Tent & Camp Lights is a versatile lighting system that works well as lights for your tent or a lantern that clips where you need it most.
| Lumens | Power Source | Original Price |
| Not listed | Three AAA Batteries Provide Power (Batteries Not Included) | $29.95 |
BioLite SunLight 100
The BioLite SunLight 100 is a portable camp light for illuminating picnic tables, shady areas, and brightening your day with a ton of versatile features. It can be charged using solar power thanks to its integrated solar panel, meaning the rechargeable battery pack can always be revved back up on a sunny day.
| Lumens | Power Source | Original Price |
| 100 Lumens | Micro USB Charge In | $19.95 |
BioLite SiteLight String
The BioLite SiteLight String is four bright lights in one easy, deployable package. You can daisy chain additional string lights to illuminate pathways, campsites, and more, and it can all be powered conveniently through a USB connector.
| Lumens | Power Source | Original Price |
| 150 Lumens | BioLite Lanterns or USB | $19.95 |
Coleman 1900 Collection 200 Lumen Lantern
Backyard camping trips and card games around the picnic table love the Coleman 1900 Collection 200 Lumen Lantern. A dimmable light and easily changeable AA batteries make this a staple in any outdoor adventure kit.
| Lumens | Power Source | Original Price |
| 200 Lumens | Dimmable light, 4 AA Batteries (Sold Separately) | $54.99 |
BioLite Headlamp 800 Pro
Whether it's your first rodeo or you're a seasoned camping veteran, the BioLite Headlamp 800 Pro has some epic features that we can all get behind. Starting off with it's 3D SlimFit construction that provides a super secure yet low-profile fit, a huge array of lighting mode options, and a "reserve" battery that can provide an additional 8 hours of runtime, the BioLite Headlamp 800 Pro puts most other head lamps to shame.
| Lumens | Power Source | Original Price |
| 800 Lumens | Micro USB | $99.95 |
BioLite Headlamp 750
The BioLite Headlamp 750 is the mother of all headlamps. With 750 lumens, this sleek, rechargeable headlamp turns nighttime into bright time. It has 8 modes and can be charged while worn for continuous light. You've spent your last excuse for not running in the dark or getting an early start to your ascent.
| Lumens | Power Source | Original Price |
| 750 Lumens | 3000 mAh Li-Ion Battery Recharges via Micro USB | $99.95 |
Coleman Solar 200 Lantern
Light up your campsite with the Coleman Solar 200 Lantern that's as eco-friendly as it is convenient. It folds flat for easy packing and has multi-colored light options to curate the vibe. Plus, it's super durable and water resistant so you don't have to worry about leaving it outside. With 200 lumens of brightness and a lasting charge, you'll be able to light up the night while keeping the bugs at bay.
| Lumens | Power Source | Original Price |
| 200 Lumens | Solar Powered – Charges in 10 hrs. of direct sun, faster with the included USB-A to USB-C cord, Rechargeable – 1200 mAh li-polymer rechargeable battery | $39.99 |
BioLite SolarHome 620+ System
Introducing the BioLite SolarHome 620+: the ultimate power station for all your off-grid needs! With its high-efficiency solar panel and powerful lithium battery, you'll never be left in the dark again. Charge your phone, power your lights, and even listen to tunes with the built-in FM radio. And with its compact and portable design, you can take the SolarHome 620+ with you wherever your adventures take you. Currently used in over 100,000 homes across western Kenya, the BioLite SolarHome 620+ is here to bring the luxuries of solar-powered light and electricity to your van, shed, off-grid cabin and beyond.
| Lumens | Power Source | Original Price |
| 120 Lumens | Solar Panel Port x1 (PV Module) | $199.95 |
Learn More With Our Other Camping Guides:
- Camping - What to Bring Camping & Checklist
- Sleeping Bags - How to Choose a Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Bags - How to Wash a Sleeping Bag
- Tents - How to Choose a Tent for Camping
- Stoves - How to Choose a Camping Stove
- Sleeping Pads - How to Choose a Sleeping Pad
- What to Pack for a Day Hike
Learn About Some of Our Favorite Gear:
- The Best Sleeping Bags
- The Best Sleeping Pads
- The Best Camping Tents
- The Best Backpacking Tents
- The Best Camping Stoves
- The Best Camping Hammocks
- The Best Camping Coffee Makers
- The Best Camping Chairs
- The Best Camping Water Filters & Water Purifiers
- The Best Camping Coolers
- The Best Camping Accessories
- The Best Camping Cookware
- The Best Headlamps & Camping Lights
- The Best Headlamps Camping Blankets
- The Best Daypacks
- The Best Duffel Bags
The Selection Process:
Our camp buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things camping stemming from years of experience in the outdoor industry in tandem with their countless hours out on the trail and hanging at the campsite. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Jack Mace
Hey there! My name is Jack Mace, and I am the camp buyer for evo. I grew up in Washington and spent most of my childhood summers on the water or in the mountains, which drove my passion for fun activities such as camping. I attended Western Washington University in Bellingham, which provides plenty of excellent camping locations, such as Larrabee State Park or Silver Lake. Then, I moved back to the Seattle area and worked as a sailing instructor for several years at my cousin’s rental shop on Lake Union before joining the evo family in 2012. At evo, I started on the customer service team and worked my way onto the merchandising team, which gave me the opportunity to integrate my passion and love for the outdoors into a career as the Camp Buyer. I still reside in the Seattle area with my wife, Katie, and two sons, Wes and Carter.