When the power goes out, the campsite goes dark or the worksite needs reliable light, the right lantern makes all the difference. Ace Hardware carries a selection of lantern lights to keep you prepared for whatever comes your way. Browse our full range of flashlights and lanterns and explore everything available across lighting and electrical to find the right fit for your needs.
Types of Lanterns
Lanterns come in several styles, each designed for a specific situation. Here are the most common types:
- Emergency lanterns:Built for power outages and unexpected situations, emergency lanterns prioritize long runtime, durable construction and features like SOS signaling modes and USB charging ports to keep devices powered when the grid goes down.
- Compact utility & work lanterns:Designed for task lighting in tight or low light spaces, these lanterns deliver bright, focused illumination and often include hands-free mounting options for worksites, garages and automotive projects.
- Traditional lanterns:Offering a classic aesthetic, traditional lanterns use candle, oil or fuel-based light sources enclosed in glass or metal, making them a popular choice for decorative outdoor use and rustic settings.
- Camping lanterns:Pop up camping lanterns collapse flat for easy packing and expand to deliver 360-degree ambient light at the campsite, making them a convenient and space saving choice for backpackers and car campers alike.
How to Choose the Right Lantern
The best outdoor lantern for your needs depends on how and where you plan to use it. Here are the key factors to consider.
- Brightness:Measured in lumens, brightness determines how much area a lantern can illuminate. Look for 200 to 400 lumens for general camping use and 600 to 1,000 lumens for full room coverage during emergencies.
- Runtime:Consider how long the lantern will need to run between charges or battery replacements. High brightness modes can last for 4 to 20 hours while low or eco modes can extend runtime to 60 hours or more.
- Battery type:Disposable batteries like AA or D cells are easy to replace anywhere, while rechargeable lanterns offer a more sustainable option. Hybrid models that accept both are a smart choice for extended off-grid use.
- Durability and weather resistance:Look for a water-resistant rating if you plan to use your lantern outdoors, and choose a model with impact resistant construction for rugged environments.
- Size and weight:Compact and lightweight LED camping lanterns are ideal for backpacking while larger, heavier models may be better suited for car camping or home emergency kits.
How Many Lumens Do You Need for a Power Outage?
For most households, a lantern in the 600 to 1,000 lumen range provides enough light to illuminate a full room comfortably. If you need lighting for a smaller space or want to extend battery life, 300 to 600 lumens is a practical and efficient choice. Look for a lantern with adjustable brightness settings so you can dial down the output when full power is not needed and get more time out of every charge or set of batteries.
Shop Lanterns Near You at Ace Hardware
Shopping online at Ace lets you browse our full selection of LED lanterns, compare features and runtime specs and order for fast shipping or free in-store pickup. Prefer to see your options in person before you decide? Shop lanterns near you at your local Ace Hardware, where our helpful staff can point you to the right lantern for your next camping trip, emergency kit or worksite.
Ace also carries a full range of portable lighting solutions beyond lanterns. Browse flashlights for on-the-go directional light, headlamps for hands-free task lighting and flashlight light bulbs to keep your existing gear ready to go.
